Happy Valentine's Day weekend! This February 14th and 15th, Chicago is offering everything from massive car shows and Disney ice skating to free zoo admission and fun local crafts. Here are the best spots to take the family this weekend!
See our top picks
Family Day: Heartstrings
Museum of Contemporary Art
Free entry for kids under 12 with interactive art projects on Saturday morning.
Chicago Auto Show
McCormick Place
Explore the massive indoor exhibition of the newest cars and concept vehicles.
Little Miss Ann Valentine's Day concert at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
A short, upbeat concert perfect for singing and dancing toddlers on Saturday morning.
· February 14
10: America's largest auto exhibition is on this weekend, letting kids check out the latest vehicles, concept cars, and interactive displays. It's a huge indoor activity perfect for the whole family.This is one of the biggest events in Chicago running this weekend, featuring brand new cars and cool tech.
DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS JUMP IN! : Bring the kids to see Mickey, Minnie, and Disney princesses glide across the ice in this high-energy show. It features thrilling stunts and familiar songs based on favorite Disney stories.This is one of the few weekend-long, dedicated entertainment spectacles happening right now, perfect for guaranteed fun.
: A great opportunity for older kids to meet Black artists, scientists, and engineers. They offer hands-on activities and live demonstrations centered around various professions.It offers educational inspiration tailored specifically for elementary students through teens on Saturday.
FREE : Enjoy free admission to the MCA for family day, where you can connect with contemporary art through interactive events. Today's focus is likely Valentine's themed based on the name.It’s a free, high-quality indoor art experience focused specifically on kids under 12.
LITTLE MISS ANN VALENTINE'S DAY CONCERT AT PEGGY NOTEBAERT NATURE MUSEUM : Take your littlest ones to a short, upbeat concert perfect for Valentine's Day. Kids can sing, jump, and dance along to the music.This is a perfect Saturday morning event designed specifically for toddlers and preschoolers.
: Check out this cool, large-scale model train display set up inside the Firefly Pavilion. Kids can walk right through the miniature world built close to their own scale.Model trains are a huge hit with kids, and this is a unique, themed experience available both days.
WE LOVE MINECRAFTFREE : If your kids love Minecraft, head out to St. Charles for a special library program dedicated to the game. Be sure to check the time slots to get them in!Tapping into a massive kid trend—Minecraft—at a local library on Saturday morning.
FREE : Inspired by ceramics and sculpture, families will get hands-on making 3-D art objects using air-dry clay. This is a great, non-messy craft for a Saturday morning.It’s a free Saturday art activity focused on hands-on creation at a major university museum.
GALENTINE'S TEATIME AT AMERICAN GIRL CHICAGO : If you have an American Girl fan, this Galentine's themed teatime on Valentine's Day itself is a special way to celebrate. Reservations are definitely required for this popular spot.It’s perfectly themed for Valentine's Day Saturday at a hugely popular destination for many young girls.
2026 SEOL, LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION AT THE KOREAN CULTURAL CENTER OF CHICAGOFREE : Celebrate Seol (Lunar New Year) with a fun, family-friendly event themed around K-Pop Demon Hunters. A great way to experience culture in the suburbs on Saturday afternoon.It's a unique cultural celebration happening right on Valentine's Day.
· February 15
4BROOKFIELD ZOO FREE ADMISSION DAYFREE : Take advantage of free admission to the Brookfield Zoo this Sunday! Even in February, there's plenty to see, and it's a great way to get fresh air without paying entry fees.Free admission to a major Chicago attraction is a huge win for families, and it falls on Sunday.
GANGNAM MARKET'S LUNAR NEW YEAR WEEKEND CELEBRATIONFREE : Celebrate the Lunar New Year at this huge Asian-American supermarket and food hall. Enjoy the energetic atmosphere and performances happening twice daily on Sunday.It connects to the broader Lunar New Year celebrations happening across the city and offers food samples.
FREE : Get some last-minute Olympic spirit with winter-themed games, activities, and hot chocolate at this free Sunday afternoon event. It's low-key fun in the suburbs.A free, family-friendly, low-pressure activity in the suburbs on Sunday afternoon.
: Head out to Schaumburg for a festival designed to beat the winter blues! Expect nature activities perfect for a late Sunday afternoon outdoors.It’s a specific festival focused on winter fun happening on Sunday.
Also On· anytime this weekend
1FREE : It’s the third Sunday of the month, meaning free admission to the American Writers Museum! This is a great indoor spot to explore literature, even if your kids aren't avid readers yet.Free admission on Sunday to an engaging museum that is often overlooked.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Chicago this weekend?
This weekend (Feb 14-15) there are several free options: Family Day: Heartstrings at the Museum of Contemporary Art on Saturday, the Lunar New Year Celebration at Gangnam Market on Sunday, the Wilmette Winter Games on Sunday, and free admission to the American Writers Museum on Sunday.
Are there any events specifically for toddlers this Saturday?
Yes, look into the Little Miss Ann Valentine's Day concert at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum Saturday morning, which is designed for toddlers and preschoolers.
What's happening on Sunday that's family-friendly?
Sunday (Feb 15) highlights include free admission to Brookfield Zoo, the Wilmette Winter Games, the Lunar New Year Celebration at Gangnam Market, and the Cabin Fever Festival in Schaumburg.
