Get ready for a fun weekend in Chicago, Feb 7-8! We've got everything from a cool auto show and a family-friendly dance to a LEGO event and a chance to meet Pete the Cat. Something for every kid aged 3 to 14 is on the list!
See our top picks
Lunar New Year at Little Red School House Nature Center
Willow Springs
Free cultural celebration with crafts and performances near nature.
Chicago Auto Show
McCormick Place
The massive indoor car show is perfect for a full-day escape from the cold.
Meet Pete the Cat
Palatine Public Library
Free library fun with a popular book character, scavenger hunt, and crafts.
· February 7
4CHICAGO AUTO SHOW : Check out the biggest and best new cars, trucks, and concept vehicles! There are often cool interactive displays and test tracks that older kids and teens will totally dig. It's a huge indoor experience perfect for a chilly weekend.The largest car show in North America is only here this weekend and next, making it a must-see limited-run event.
MEET PETE THE CATFREE : Celebrate 'Take Your Child to the Library Day' with a fun scavenger hunt and craft activities. Best of all, you get a photo opportunity with the famous Pete the Cat himself!A rare chance for younger kids to meet a beloved book character at a free library event.
LITTLE PIECES, BIG PICTURE: FAMILY MOSAIC ART MAKING EXPERIENCE : Get creative making a family mosaic art piece together! This is a super hands-on activity where everyone contributes to one big piece of art. Perfect for families looking for a collaborative afternoon project.A focused, hands-on art workshop offering a unique, lasting family keepsake.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH TOURS WITH CHICAGO HISTORIAN DILLA : Take a guided tour through the DuSable Museum led by historian Dilla to explore significant Black history. This is a fantastic, enriching way to spend a Saturday morning learning about important local and national figures.A specialized, in-depth tour led by a historian during Black History Month offers unique insight.
· February 8
3RENAISSANCE PROJECT PRESENTS LEGO® CLUB: MEET DR. LEONIDAS BERRYFREE : This is a cool way to learn about Dr. Leonidas Berry's impact in Chicago by building model planes. It connects history with hands-on LEGO fun, perfect for elementary and middle schoolers.A unique, free, educational event that blends building/STEM with local Black history at a library.
LUNAR NEW YEAR AT LITTLE RED SCHOOL HOUSE NATURE CENTERFREE : Celebrate the Year of the Horse with festive activities, hands-on crafts, and lively performances focusing on Lunar New Year traditions. It's a great way to get out to a nature center for some seasonal fun.A wonderful, localized cultural celebration happening on a Sunday morning, blending culture with nature exploration.
VICTORIAN VALENTINES WORKSHOP : Take a step back in time and craft beautiful Victorian Valentines using fun materials like feathers and beads. This is a neat historical craft that feels special because the originals were treasured keepsakes.A charming, limited-run craft activity that connects creativity with history in a tangible way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Chicago this weekend?
This weekend (Feb 07-08) there are free events like the Lunar New Year Celebration at Little Red School House Nature Center on Sunday and meeting Pete the Cat at Palatine Public Library on Saturday.
Are there any hands-on art activities for kids this weekend?
Yes! On Saturday, February 7th, you can join the Little Pieces, Big Picture: Family Mosaic Art Making Experience in Bronzeville, or on Sunday, February 8th, you can make Victorian Valentines in Wheaton.
What's a great indoor event for teens (10-14) this weekend?
The huge Chicago Auto Show at McCormick Place is running all weekend and features the newest vehicles and interactive displays perfect for that age group.