Illinois has a variety of exciting attractions, a rich culture, and seasonal celebrations. You will find many options for things to do in Illinois for all ages – from city festivals to outdoor adventures. If you’re looking for things to do in Illinois that will create lifelong memories, many cities across the state host special events throughout the entire year. For example, Chicago has concerts, festivals on the street, and boat/river activities. If you want something more intimate, you can visit smaller towns where there are farmers’ markets and heritage festivals. Whether you are looking for events that will be occurring this weekend, things to do in Illinois can be found at many of the events listed here, including live music, food trucks, interactive workshops, and family fun. For families exploring places to visit, especially those looking at communities with the best public elementary schools in Illinois, there are plenty of seasonal events and kid-friendly activities to enjoy.
🌟 Interesting Facts about Illinois 🌟
Fame about Chicago: Chicago is the biggest city in Illinois and is known for its skyscrapers and deep-dish pizza.
Capital City: Springfield is the capital of Illinois and was also the home of Abraham Lincoln.
Route 66: The historic Route 66 starts in Illinois.
World’s first blood bank: Chicago had the world’s first blood bank in 1937.
Agricultural Powerhouse: Illinois is one of the top states in the US for growing corn and soybeans.
Starved Rock State Park: It is known for its waterfalls and canyons.
Skydeck Thrill: “The Ledge” is a glass balcony on the Willis Tower in Chicago.
Largest City vs Capital: Chicago is much bigger than Springfield, which is the capital.
Population: Illinois has a population of over 12 million people.
🎉December 2025 Events in Illinois
1. Italian New Year’s Eve Family/Kid Party 2025
The 2025 New Year’s Eve Italian Family/Kid Party is a great way for families to enjoy games, music, and yummy Italian foods together. This party allows the whole family (both kids and parents) to do fun, hands-on activities in a safe, family-friendly things to do in Illinois with kids while counting down to the New Year.
Location: O2 Fitness and Nutrition,12609 S Kroll Drive, Alsip, IL 60803 United States
Fees:$29.58
Date and Time: Dec 31, 4:00 PM PST
2. Moonpreneur In-person Robotics Workshop For Kids – (Ages 7–14)
If you are searching for things to do in Illinois near you, Moonpreneour is hosting a wonderful learning opportunity for kids in Michigan who are interested in Robotics, AI, Coding, IoT, and Game Development. These in-person instructor-led sessions blend creativity with real-world STEM skills — a perfect complement to school academics, especially for parents exploring the best elementary schools in Illinois and seeking enriching after-school programs.
It blends fun with future-ready skills like problem-solving, coding, and robotics — no prior experience needed.
- Fees: Free
Date and Time: Year-round sessions + December special workshops
3. Kids, Guns, and Safety By Personal Best Firearms Training Inc.
Kids, Guns, & Safety is a four-hour training event for families that teaches both parents and children how to safely handle guns at home, using live examples and hands-on drills. This is open to parents, guardians, and families of all skill levels. Families who want to promote gun safety and prevent accidental shootings by being trained in a safe, controlled environment can participate in this educational workshop. If you are searching for what things to do in Illinois this weekend, this is a perfect destination for you.
Location: Personal Best Firearms Training Inc, 3N390 Ponderosa Drive, Saint Charles, IL 60175 United States
Fees: From $85.00
Date and Time: Dec 20, 1 pm-5 pm
📞 (630) 248-0660🌐 www.pbftraining.com
4. Holiday Family Music Class By Rachel Sarah Thomas
Miss Ray from BabyTooth Music is hosting a Christmas holiday music event that is sure to be a fun time with plenty of holiday music to enjoy and participate in with dancing, singing, and lots of other fun activities. This is another one of the best things to do in Illinois with kids, and it’s geared toward children ages three and under, along with their caregivers. Families will be able to enjoy singing lively Christmas songs, playing games with movement, and creating holiday memories safely and comfortably.
Location: Highwood Recreation Center, 432 Green Bay Road, Highwood, IL 60040 United States
Fees: Free
Date and Time: Dec 18,11:30 AM CST
5. Parents’ Night Out
You must attend this Parents’ Night Out event, where kids will have fun playing games, participating in exciting activities, making new friends, eating snacks, etc., all while under supervision in a safe and kid-friendly environment, so their parents can recharge and relax after a long week. For families looking for all the fun things to do in Illinois with their children, this is a welcoming event for every family. There are two-and-a-half hours of fun, in-person, and we welcome an optional donation of $5 per child to help defray the costs of this event.
Location: First Free Church Chicago, 5255 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60640 United States
Fees: Free
Date and Time: Dec 19 · 6:00 PM CST
6. Character Storytime at Time Out Market: Frozen’s Elsa & Olaf
Elsa and Olaf’s Character Storytime will be an unforgettable event at Time Out Market Chicago on December 20, 2025. Families and Frozen fans of all ages are welcome to join us for this fun event with stories, songs, and interactive activities to experience together as a family. This will be one of the most exciting things to do in Illinois with kids.
Location: Time Out Market Chicago, 916 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607 United States
Fees: Free
Date and Time: Dec 20 · 11:00 AM CST
7. Mommy + Me Christmas Cookie Decorating Class
This Christmas Cookie Decorating Class with Mommy & Me is the most festive, hands-on experience for kids of all ages to decorate holiday cookies with their parents. It is the perfect holiday event for children aged 3 and up, where families will enjoy a fun afternoon decorating cookies, drinking festive beverages, and making memories together. All parents will be able to attend free of charge, and each child will decorate five cookies to take home with them.
Location: 9 W Main St, 9 West Main Street, Albion, IL 62806 United States
Fees: $44.52
Date and Time: Dec 22 · 5:30 PM CST
8. Breakfast with Santa
Breakfast with Santa is a fun holiday event that takes place each year at Gateway Conference Centre. Families enjoy a festive breakfast with Santa Claus and have the opportunity to get their photo taken with him. Children of all ages and parents can participate in holiday-themed activities and other seasonal events at the event. It is one of the best holiday events to attend for families and children during the holiday season in Illinois!
Location: Gateway Convention Center,1 Gateway Drive, Collinsville, IL 62234 United States
Fees: $0 – $28.52
Date and Time: Dec 20 · 8:00 AM CST
9. Noon Year’s Eve 2025
Artifact Events is hosting Noon Year’s Eve 2025, a family-friendly daytime New Year’s celebration in Chicago. From 11 AM – 2 PM CST, families will have an opportunity to dance to music, play games, and celebrate with a noon balloon drop. Families looking for fun and festive activities to participate in during the holiday season will find this a wonderful way to celebrate with each other!
Location: Artifact Events,4325 North Ravenswood Avenue, Chicago, IL 60613 United States
Fees: From $13.82
Date and Time: Dec 31, 11:00 AM CST
10. At the Museum – Family Story Time: Cyclops in Central Park
Family Story Time: Cyclops in Central Park at the National Hellenic Museum is a reading & crafting event for kids! Kids can read the Cyclops story while creating a craft based on it. Family Story Time is open to children (2-12) with their caregivers and is a great way for families to learn together while enjoying an educational experience.
Location: National Hellenic Museum, 333 South Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60661 United States
Fees: Free
Date and Time: Dec 26 · 11:00 AM CST
🌿 Year-Round Activities in Illinois
Urban attractions
- Millennium Park: Check out “The Bean,” skate in the winter, splash at Crown Fountain in the summer, and go to concerts.
- Museums: Visit the Field Museum, the Museum of Science and Industry, or the Art Institute.
- Views: The Skydeck Chicago – Willis Tower has great views of the whole city.
- Shopping and eating: Walk along the Magnificent Mile.
- River & Lake: Take a walk along the Lakefront Trail, rent hot tub boats, or check out the Chicago River.
Nature & Outdoors
- Lincoln Park Zoo: It’s free for all ages, all year round.
- Starved Rock State Park: It has canyons, waterfalls, hiking, and birdwatching all year long.
- Matthiessen State Park: It has hiking, canyons, and waterfalls nearby.
History & Small Towns
- Springfield: Visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield.
- Galena: It is a historic town with things to do all year round, from skiing and sledding in the winter to summer fun.
Why Illinois Is a Great Place for Entertainment
The diversity and availability of entertainment opportunities make Illinois one of the best places to go for fun and excitement. From vibrant cultural hubs to peaceful suburban neighborhoods—many of which are home to more than one elementary school in Illinois—the state offers something for everyone. The numerous entertainment options are organized with families in mind and have access to big city and small town locations. New and exciting experiences await in Illinois to help keep your visit engaging and memorable.
Whether you want to experience culture, adventure, food, or relaxation, Illinois has many ways to provide an entertaining and lasting memory. By staying informed about current and future events and attractions, you will be able to enjoy an experience each and every time you visit Illinois.
Conclusion
There are many exciting outdoor adventure opportunities, cultural festivals, and family attractions available in Illinois every year. No matter if you are looking for things to do in Illinois this weekend, activities, or simply looking for something new to try, you will find many interesting and exciting things to do, new events, and attractions that provide you with unlimited ways to enjoy and make lifetime memories!
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