Free Winter Break Events in the Chicago Suburbs

In T-minus three days, kids in our area will be running out of the schools ready for some much anticipated time off. Our challenge as parents is always how to keep them occupied! Fortunately, I have been able to round up some free ideas for fun over the next couple of weeks:

Winter Walk-ins at the Raupp Museum in Buffalo Grove 1:00PM-3:30PM December 22, 23, 24, 26, 29, 30, 31 and January 2, try your hands at a new craft and take a spin around the museum, free admission (donations appreciated), schedule:

December 22 Pinecone bird feeder
December 23 Snowflake suncatcher
December 24 Felt heart project
December 26 Greeting card collage frame
December 29 Make butter
December 30 Squawking Chicken
December 31 New Year’s Horn
January 2 Scrapbook

Storybox for Kids, Ela Area Public Library, December 22, 10AM-10:45AM, Chicago Improv Productions will present an improvised theatre production based on audience suggestions, no registration necessary, free!

Hanukkah Happenings, Old Orchard, Skokie, December 23 10:00AM-9:00PM, crafts, light a menorah, complimentary donuts and beverages, free!

Ultimate Challenge, Indian Trails Public Library, Prospect Heights, December 23, 1:00PM-2:00PM, trivia challenge for kids grades 1-5, limit 30, tickets handed out 30 minutes prior, free!

Family Story Time, Barnes & Noble Schaumburg, December 23&30, 10:30AM, Free!

Bingo for Kids, Indian Trails Public Library, Prospect Heights, December 26, 1:00PM-2:00PM, bingo for kids grades 1-5, limit 50, tickets handed out 30 minutes prior, free!

New Year's Physical Challenge, Indian Trails Public Library, Prospect Heights, December 29, 1:00PM-2:00PM, fun physical challenges for kids grades K-5, limit 100, tickets handed out 30 minutes prior, free!

Super Simple Gigantic 3-D Snowflake Program, AHML use scissors and paper to make a gigantic snowflake, December 30, 2:00PM-3:00PM, ages 8-12, free, register, card NOT required.

50 Years of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Party, Palatine Public Library,  December 30, 3:00PM-4:00PM, refreshments, activities, prizes, free but need to sign up!

Lego Club, AHML, January 2, 10:30AM-11:30AM, make models to display in Kid's World, free, drop in.

Frozemont--free ice skating in Rosemont, $8 charge for skate rentals, there is also tubing for a charge (if it isn't too warm)

Elmhurst Art Museum---free admission on Fridays!

Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art in Elmhurst--free admission on Fridays! Check out an amazing collection of gems, rocks, minerals and creations made from them.

Join KidsSkateFree to get free passes for kids to skate at Orbit Skate Center in Palatine during designated times.