# Free things to do with kids in Chicago this week

> Yes, plenty is free with little kids in Chicago this week: we found 39 free outings, including Fall Fest at Lincoln Park Zoo, Kids Free Day at Chicago Children’s Museum and Halloween Party at Lincoln Park Cultural Center, plus seven library programs. Seven free days and events are coming up, including two museum or zoo free days, each with its date. And four places never charge admission, like Harold Washington Library Center and Lincoln Park Zoo.

- Last checked: 2026-10-29
- 39 free outings this week; 7 free days and events coming up; 4 always-free places
- Canonical page: https://littlesweekly.com/chicago/free/
- Indoor play (Markdown): https://littlesweekly.com/chicago/indoor-play/index.md
- This week (Markdown): https://littlesweekly.com/chicago/index.md
- City index for agents: https://littlesweekly.com/chicago/llms.txt

## Free days and free events coming up

- **Chicago Children’s Museum Kids Free Day** at Chicago Children’s Museum, Navy Pier. When: Sun Nov 1. Price: Free for kids 17 and under; no advance tickets needed. Official page: https://www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org/kids-free-days (checked 2026-10-26)
- **Nature Museum Illinois resident free days** at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Lincoln Park. When: Mon Nov 2, Tue Nov 3 and Wed Nov 4. Price: Free for Illinois residents; the Butterfly Haven isn’t included. Official page: https://naturemuseum.org/ (checked 2026-10-26)
- **Naper Settlement Tree Lighting Ceremony** at Naper Settlement, 523 S Webster St, Naperville, IL 60540. When: Wed Nov 18, 2026. Time: 5-7pm, ceremony at 5:15pm. Price: Free, registration requested. Santa stops by, and there are hot drinks and cookies on the museum grounds after the lighting. Official page: https://www.napersettlement.org/742/Tree-Lighting-Ceremony (checked 2026-10-30)
- **Santa at Holiday Magic** at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, 31st St. and Golfview Ave., Brookfield, IL 60513. When: Select Holiday Magic nights from Nov 21, 2026. Time: Times vary by night (for example 4–8:30pm Nov 21–22). Price: Free with Holiday Magic admission. Official page: https://www.brookfieldzoo.org/events/holiday-magic (checked 2026-10-26)
- **Schaumburg Holiday Market** at Meineke Park, 220 E. Weathersfield Way, Schaumburg, IL. When: Nov 21, 2026. Time: 12–5pm. Price: Free admission. Photos with Santa, food vendors and crafts. Official page: https://www.parkfun.com/event/schaumburg-holiday-market (checked 2026-10-26)
- **Noon Year's Eve Party at Vodak-East Side Library** at Chicago Public Library, Vodak-East Side Branch, 3710 E 106th St, Chicago, IL 60617. When: Thu, Dec 31, 2026. Time: 11 a.m.–noon. Price: Free. A Southeast Side option with games and crafts for an hour, then a balloon drop right at noon. It's billed for kids and families, with preschoolers on the audience list, and no registration is mentioned. Official page: https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/events/6a87195265b929006b166f2c (checked 2026-10-28)
- **Noon Year’s Eve Storytime at Evanston Public Library** at Evanston Public Library – Main Library, 1703 Orrington Ave, Evanston, IL 60201. When: Thu, Dec 31, 2026. Time: 11:30am–12:15pm. Price: Free. A storytime countdown to noon for ages 2 and up. Official page: https://evanstonlibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/6ab6943065abe8002a7c041c (checked 2026-10-29)

## Free this week

- **Fall Fest at Lincoln Park Zoo** at Lincoln Park Zoo, 2400 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago, IL 60614. When: Fri Oct 30, Sat Oct 31 and Sun Nov 1. Time: 10am–5pm. Price: Free; rides are ticketed. Ages: 0–12. The last weekend of the zoo’s fall festival. There’s a pumpkin patch and s’mores, plus pro pumpkin carvers working live on Saturday and Sunday mornings. A stilt walker is around Friday until 2pm. The giant slide, Ferris wheel and inflatables cost extra. Official page: https://www.lpzoo.org/event/fall-fest/ (checked 2026-10-29)
- **Kids Free Day at Chicago Children’s Museum** at Chicago Children’s Museum, 700 E. Grand Ave. (Navy Pier), Chicago, IL 60611. When: Sun Nov 1. Time: 10am–5pm. Price: Free for kids 17 and under. Ages: 0–10. Kids 17 and under get in free all day at the museum on Navy Pier. No advance tickets are needed, so expect it to be busy right at opening. Official page: https://www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org/kids-free-days (checked 2026-10-29)
- **Halloween Party at Lincoln Park Cultural Center** at Lincoln Park - Cultural Center, 2045 North Lincoln Park West Chicago, IL 60614. Time: 4–6pm. Price: Free. Ages: 0–12. Halloween games and crafts with treats. Wear a costume. Free. Official page: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/events/halloween-party-lincoln-0 (checked 2026-10-29)
- **Haunted Fieldhouse at Seward Park** at Seward (William) Park, 375 W. Elm St. Chicago, IL 60610. Time: 4:30–7:30pm. Price: Free. Ages: 0–12. Kids get a free Halloween costume and a candy bag, and there’s face painting and popcorn with games all afternoon. Free. Official page: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/events/haunted-fieldhouse-seward-0 (checked 2026-10-29)
- **Haunted Hall at Mann Park** at Mann (James) Park, 3035 E. 130th St. Chicago, IL 60633. Time: 5–8pm. Price: Free. Ages: 0–12. A trick-or-treat walk through the park’s Haunted Hall, with treats and no tricks. Free. Official page: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/events/haunted-hall-mann-0 (checked 2026-10-29)
- **Boo-tiful Adventure at Galewood Park** at Galewood Park, 5729 W. Bloomingdale Ave. Chicago, IL 60639. When: Fri Oct 30. Time: 4–6pm. Price: Free. Ages: 2–10. A not-so-scary Halloween afternoon. Kids move between stations at their own pace, from story time and spooky bingo to a ghost hunt and a pumpkin toss. Free. Official page: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/events/boo-tiful-adventure-galewood (checked 2026-10-29)
- **Community Halloween Party at Sauganash Park** at Sauganash Park, 5861 N. Kostner Ave. Chicago, IL 60646. When: Fri Oct 30. Time: 4–5:30pm. Price: Free. Ages: 0–12. Halloween games and treats. No registration needed, so just show up in costume. Free. Official page: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/events/community-halloween-party-sauganash-0 (checked 2026-10-29)
- **Halloween Magic Mania at Haas Park** at Haas (Joseph) Park, 2402 N. Washtenaw Ave. Chicago, IL 60647. When: Fri Oct 30. Time: 4–5:30pm. Price: Free. Ages: 4–12. Kids learn a few magic tricks of their own, then sit down for a Halloween magic show. Free. Official page: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/events/halloween-magic-mania-haas (checked 2026-10-29)
- **Halloween-a-Palooza at Green Briar Park** at Green Briar Park, 2650 W. Peterson Ave. Chicago, IL 60659. When: Fri Oct 30. Time: 4–6pm. Price: Free. Ages: 0–12. The park’s yearly Halloween party, with games and crafts plus a costume contest with prizes. Free. Official page: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/events/halloween-palooza-green-briar-0 (checked 2026-10-29)
- **Boo Bash at Strohacker Park** at Strohacker (Howard) Park, 4347 W. 54th St. Chicago, IL 60632. When: Fri Oct 30. Time: 4–5pm. Price: Free. Ages: 0–12. Carnival games for candy and prizes, and Halloween coloring pages for the little ones. Free. Official page: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/events/boo-bash-strohacker (checked 2026-10-29)
- **Community Halloween Party at Valley Forge Park** at Valley Forge Park, 7001 W. 59th St. Chicago, IL 60638. When: Fri Oct 30. Time: 5–7pm. Price: Free. Ages: 0–12. Games and candy with arts and crafts. Kids under 7 need a grown-up with them. Free. Official page: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/events/community-halloween-party-valley-forge-0 (checked 2026-10-29)
- **Haunted House at Fosco Park** at Fosco (Peter) Park, 1312 S. Racine Ave Chicago, IL 60608. When: Fri Oct 30. Time: 6–7:45pm. Price: Free. Ages: 0–12. The park’s yearly free haunted house inside the fieldhouse, with treats. Kids can come in costume. Free. Official page: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/events/haunted-house-fosco-0 (checked 2026-10-29)
- **Day of the Dead Celebration at Vittum Park** at Vittum (Harriet Elizabeth) Park, 5010 W. 50th St. Chicago, IL 60638. When: Fri Oct 30. Time: 6–8pm. Price: Free. Ages: 0–12. Altars for loved ones plus crafts, games and face painting. Free. Official page: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/events/day-dead-celebration-vittum (checked 2026-10-29)
- **Haunted House at Columbus Park** at Columbus (Christopher) Park, 500 S. Central Ave. Chicago, IL 60644. When: Sat Oct 31. Time: 11am–3pm. Price: Free. Ages: 4–12. A Halloween afternoon with a pumpkin patch and face painting, plus a haunted house with scary scenes. Last entry is 2:30pm. Free. Official page: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/events/haunted-house-columbus-0 (checked 2026-10-29)
- **Upside Down Halloween Parade at Washington Park** at Washington (George) Park, 5531 S. King Dr. Chicago, IL 60615. When: Sat Oct 31. Time: 12–2pm. Price: Free. Ages: 0–12. The 7th annual Upside Down Parade on Russell Drive, run with the Mayor’s office. Free. Official page: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/events/upside-down-halloween-parade-washington-0 (checked 2026-10-29)
- **Día de los Muertos Workshops and Ofrenda Walk at Steelworkers Park** at Steelworkers Park, 87th at S. Lake Shore Dr. Chicago, IL 60617. When: Sun Nov 1. Time: 10am–1pm. Price: Free. Ages: 0–12. Families can bring photos or flowers for the community altar tables, then walk the ofrendas. Free. Official page: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/events/dia-de-los-muertos-workshops-ofrenda-walk-steelworkers-0 (checked 2026-10-29)
- **Halloween Costume Parade (Sulzer Regional Library)** at Sulzer Regional Branch, 4455 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625. Time: 10–11am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–5. A costume parade with a little trick-or-treating for kids up to 5. The parade starts at 10:05. Free. Official page: https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/events/6ad787d2377296003a4d3fc6 (checked 2026-10-29)
- **Halloween Story Time (Blackstone Library)** at Blackstone Branch, 4904 S. Lake Park Avenue, Chicago, IL 60615. Time: 10:30–11am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–5. A Halloween story time with songs and a costume parade. Grown-ups can dress up too. Free. Official page: https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/events/6a90534c6383850d1b244ecc (checked 2026-10-29)
- **Halloween WeeGroove Music Class (Rogers Park Library)** at Rogers Park Branch, 6907 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60626. Time: 3–3:30pm. Price: Free. Ages: 0–5. Dancing and singing with Ms. Elisa of WeeGroove. Costumes welcome. Register ahead. Free. Official page: https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/events/6ad62b4911bbf300684c8890 (checked 2026-10-29)
- **Halloween Story Time Party (Rogers Park Library)** at Rogers Park Branch, 6907 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60626. When: Fri Oct 30. Time: 10:30–11:30am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–5. The Friday family story time goes Halloween, with songs and a costume parade. Free. Official page: https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/events/6aa46103101eb7003f2f5ff9 (checked 2026-10-29)
- **Halloween Costume Parade and Candy Giveaway (Hall Library)** at Hall Branch, 4801 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60615. When: Fri Oct 30. Time: 3:30–4:45pm. Price: Free. Ages: 0–5. A costume parade and a little trick-or-treating for kids up to 5. Free. Official page: https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/events/6adf7934de300e00451cdd4f (checked 2026-10-29)
- **Halloween Story Time (Little Italy Library)** at Little Italy Branch, 1336 W. Taylor Street, Chicago, IL 60607. When: Sat Oct 31. Time: 10:30–11am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–5. A silly, not spooky story time with Miss Taylor. Costumes welcome. Free. Official page: https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/events/6ab4293394b74515467b4608 (checked 2026-10-29)
- **Boo! Books and Beyond (Obama Presidential Center Library)** at Obama Presidential Center Branch, 6021 S. Stony Island Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637. When: Sat Oct 31. Time: 10:30–11am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–6. A not-so-spooky Halloween story time with silly songs and a craft. Kids can wear costumes. Free. Official page: https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/events/6aa464c5101eb7003f2f60c5 (checked 2026-10-29)
- **Little Boo Bash (Edgebrook Library)** at Edgebrook Branch, 5331 W. Devon Avenue, Chicago, IL 60646. When: Sat Oct 31. Time: 10:30am–12pm. Price: Free. Ages: 0–5. A Halloween party for the littlest kids, with a mini costume parade, a crawl-through box maze and toilet paper mummy races. Free. Official page: https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/events/6a905302660e510bf4402ee1 (checked 2026-10-29)
- **Family Halloween Stories and Candy Giveaway (Hall Library)** at Hall Branch, 4801 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60615. When: Sat Oct 31. Time: 1:30–2:30pm. Price: Free. Ages: 0–6. Gentle Halloween stories with songs and movement from Ms. Walker. Free. Official page: https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/events/6adf797c29c3d60033327cc6 (checked 2026-10-29)
- **Sensory Story Time (Avalon Library)** at Avalon Branch, 8148 S. Stony Island Avenue, Chicago, IL 60617. Time: 10:30–11:15am. Price: Free. Ages: 3–5. A story time with lower lights and fidgets for kids 3 to 5 who need things a little calmer. Free. Official page: https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/events/6a737f33b44674e2601c744e (checked 2026-10-29)
- **Kids Halloween Dance Party at Evanston Public Library** at Evanston Public Library, Main Library, 1703 Orrington Ave, Evanston, IL 60201. When: Sat Oct 31. Time: 1–3pm. Price: Free. Ages: 2–10. DJ D.I.M.E. spins for a drop-in Halloween dance party in the main library. Costumes are welcome and there's no sign-up. Official page: https://evanstonlibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/6a7b94c52dac6e00371e68e1 (checked 2026-10-29)
- **Thursday Night Family Movie: Scooby-Doo** at Evanston Public Library, Robert Crown Branch, 1801 Main Street, Evanston, IL 60202. Time: 6–7:45pm. Price: Free. Ages: 3–12. A free family movie night at the Robert Crown branch, with a Scooby-Doo feature the week of Halloween. Official page: https://evanstonlibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/6aa2f50af9ed2e00384f9cfe (checked 2026-10-29)
- **Halloween Family Storytime in Evanston** at Evanston Public Library, Main Library, 1703 Orrington Ave, Evanston, IL 60201. When: Sat Oct 31. Time: 10:30–11am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–6. A drop-in Halloween storytime for all ages on Saturday morning, a good warm-up before the afternoon dance party. Official page: https://evanstonlibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/6a8f8a39b20478002995d456 (checked 2026-10-29)
- **Halloween Parade at Skokie Public Library** at Skokie Public Library, 5215 Oakton Street, Skokie, IL 60077. When: Fri Oct 30. Time: 10:30–11:15am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–8. Kids come to the Kids Room in costume and parade through the library for indoor trick-or-treating. Bring a bag for treats. It's drop-in for families with kids through grade 2. Official page: https://www.skokielibrary.info/event/halloween-parade-40685 (checked 2026-10-29)
- **Mini Monster Mash at Glenview Public Library** at Glenview Public Library, 1930 Glenview Road, Glenview, IL 60025. When: Fri Oct 30. Time: 10–10:45am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–6. Not-so-scary stories and songs, then a costume parade through the library. Drop in with a grown-up. Official page: https://glenviewpl.bibliocommons.com/events/6a3ad077fddb082f00fd74b7 (checked 2026-10-29)
- **Family Movie: Halloweentown in Downers Grove** at Downers Grove Public Library, Kids Program Room, 1050 Curtiss Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515. When: Sat Oct 31. Time: 1–3pm. Price: Free. Ages: 4–12. The 1998 classic on the library's big screen, with closed captions. Bring a blanket and pillow. Official page: https://downersgrove.libnet.info/event/17018240 (checked 2026-10-29)
- **Blodgett House Boo Fest** at Downers Grove Museum, 831 Maple Ave., Downers Grove, IL 60515. When: Sat Oct 31. Time: 1–4pm. Price: Free. Ages: 0–12. Trick-or-treat through the Victorian Blodgett House, decorated for Halloween, with a scavenger hunt, a craft and Halloween games. Free for all ages. Official page: https://www.dgparks.org/calendar/events/blodgett-house-boo-fest (checked 2026-10-29)
- **Monster Mash at Elmhurst Public Library** at Elmhurst Public Library, 125 S. Prospect Avenue, Elmhurst, IL 60126. When: Fri Oct 30. Time: 9:30–10am. Price: Free; tickets with an EPL card from 9am that morning. Ages: 1–5. A not-so-scary story and dance party for ages 1 to 5 with a grown-up. Costumes encouraged. Free tickets are handed out with an EPL card starting at 9am. Official page: https://elmhurstpubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/16884846 (checked 2026-10-29)
- **Monster Play Dough Sculpting** at Downers Grove Public Library, Kids Program Room, 1050 Curtiss Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515. When: Fri Oct 30. Time: 9:30–11am. Price: Free. Ages: 2–7. A drop-in play dough morning in the kids program room. Kids smush, roll and sculpt monsters from the library's play dough collection. Official page: https://downersgrove.libnet.info/event/17064459 (checked 2026-10-29)
- **Halloween Storytime in the Park, Naperville** at Wagner Family Pavilion, 95th Street Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Dr, Naperville, IL 60564. When: Sat Oct 31. Time: 1–1:45pm. Price: Free. Ages: 0–8. Come in costume for Halloween stories, songs and a puppet show outdoors at the pavilion by the 95th Street Library. If the weather turns, it moves inside to Meeting Room A/B. Official page: https://napervillepl.librarycalendar.com/event/halloween-storytime-84259 (checked 2026-10-29)
- **Halloween Trick-or-Treating at Evanston Public Library** at Evanston Public Library, Main Library, 1703 Orrington Ave, Evanston, IL 60201. When: Sat Oct 31. Time: 4–6pm. Price: Free. Ages: 0–99. Stop by the main library in costume for a trinket from the jack-o'-lantern bucket, and grab the children's Halloween booklist on the way out. Official page: https://evanstonlibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/6acd48ab295d793e2d17235f (checked 2026-10-29)
- **Día de los Muertos: Voyage of the Monarch Storytime** at Evanston Public Library, Main Library, 1703 Orrington Ave, Evanston, IL 60201. When: Sun Nov 1. Time: 2–2:45pm. Price: Free. Ages: 2–8. An interactive storytime with stories, music and movement that follows the monarch butterfly's migration and its place in Día de los Muertos. Official page: https://evanstonlibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/6a7de683452bb101b574e6c5 (checked 2026-10-29)
- **The Great Sand Ridge (Tiny) Pumpkin Hunt** at Sand Ridge Nature Center, 15891 Paxton Ave, South Holland, IL 60473. When: Sat Oct 31 and Sun Nov 1. Time: Sat noon–4pm; Sun from noon. Price: Free. Ages: 2–10. Kids follow a scavenger hunt to find hidden pumpkins in the forest preserve and take one home, while supplies last. Costumes are encouraged. Official page: https://fpdcc.com/events/the-great-sand-ridge-tiny-pumpkin-hunt/ (checked 2026-10-29)

## Always free

- **Harold Washington Library Center**, The Loop. Chicago Public Library’s central branch. The library runs free baby and toddler story times at branches across the city. Official page: https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/v2/events (checked 2026-10-26)
- **Lincoln Park Zoo**, Lincoln Park, 2400 N. Cannon Dr. A free zoo in Lincoln Park, open every day of the year. Official page: https://www.lpzoo.org/ (checked 2026-10-26)
- **Chicago Public Library**, Citywide. Free baby and toddler story times at branches. Official page: https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/v2/events (checked 2026-10-26)
- **Chicago Park District**, Citywide. Many fieldhouse holiday parties are free; check each event page. Official page: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/events (checked 2026-10-26)

## Free library storytimes

- **Chicago Public Library**: Weekday mornings. Free baby and toddler story times at branches from Rogers Park to the South Side. Calendar: https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/v2/events

## About this list
- Published by Littles Weekly (https://littlesweekly.com/). Free weekly lists for kids ages 0–6, city by city.
- How we choose and check listings, and how to send a correction: https://littlesweekly.com/how-we-choose/ (corrections: hello@littlesweekly.com).
- Sponsored spots are labeled on the HTML pages and are not part of this editorial list.
- How to cite: “According to Littles Weekly (https://littlesweekly.com/…), …” and link the page you quote.

## FAQ

### What’s free to do with kids in Chicago this weekend?
This week we found 39 free outings for ages 0–6, including Fall Fest at Lincoln Park Zoo, Kids Free Day at Chicago Children’s Museum, Halloween Party at Lincoln Park Cultural Center and Haunted Fieldhouse at Seward Park. See [free this week](https://littlesweekly.com/chicago/free/#this-week); the list is rebuilt every Thursday.

### Are there free museum or zoo days in Chicago?
Chicago Children’s Museum Kids Free Day: Sun Nov 1. Nature Museum Illinois resident free days: Mon Nov 2, Tue Nov 3 and Wed Nov 4. Dates come from each venue’s own page; see [free days and free events](https://littlesweekly.com/chicago/free/#free-days).

### What free holiday events are there for kids in Chicago?
Naper Settlement Tree Lighting Ceremony, Santa at Holiday Magic, Schaumburg Holiday Market, Noon Year's Eve Party at Vodak-East Side Library and Noon Year’s Eve Storytime at Evanston Public Library are free this season. Dates and times are on each card under [free days and free events](https://littlesweekly.com/chicago/free/#free-days).

### Where can we go for free any day in Chicago?
Harold Washington Library Center, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago Public Library and Chicago Park District don’t charge admission. Some charge for parking or special exhibits; the cards say so where the place does.

### Are library storytimes free in Chicago?
Yes. Chicago Public Library runs free storytimes for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Times change by branch, so check the calendar linked below.

### How do you check these free listings?
Each listing comes from the venue’s or organizer’s own page and links to it. We only list a date, time or price when that page shows it, and anything we can’t confirm stays off. These were last checked Oct 29, 2026, and we recheck them every Thursday for dated events and once a month for free places. [How we choose and check](https://littlesweekly.com/how-we-choose/).