A Little Time and a Keyboard: Free & Almost Free Events for Winter Break {Keeping the Kids Busy!}

Free & Almost Free Events for Winter Break {Keeping the Kids Busy!}

Thursday, December 19, 2013




Tomorrow afternoon, the school doors will fly open and the children will come sailing out on a wave of excitement! In preparation for two weeks off, I have found some free **or super low cost** events to keep the munchkins busy. Let us know if you have any more to add!

Arlington Heights Memorial Library:

December 30th: Lights! Camera! Action! from 1:00PM-2PM for kids ages 7-10. Kids will use role playing, pantomime and more to put together a skit. Must register.

January 2 Boredom Busters: Discover from 10:30AM-12:00PM. Drop in event. Bust boredom with science activities.

Barrington Area Library
January 3rd: The Melikin Puppets: Fractured Fairy Tales will be at the Garlands of Barrington from 10:30AM-11:30AM. Three classic stories-Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Chicken Little, and The Tale of Two Bad Mice- get a makeover in this Melikin Puppets production. There is no registration required for this free event--admission is first come, first served based on availability.


Barrington Language Stars 

December 27 Mandarin Playdate from 9:30AM-11:00AM at the Language Stars in Barrington. Free!

Cosley Zoo

Enjoy the Cosley Zoo  Festival of Lights in Wheaton daily 3PM-9PM through December 30. Twinkling light displays will sparkle throughout zoo. There will also be a tree sale through December 24. Purchase special holiday gifts in the gift store. Admission is free. The zoo is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day. We have been to this event before and have found it perfect for the really little ones!  

Crabtree Nature Center

December 29 Animal Tracks from 1:00PM-2:00PM. Learn how to identify animals by the signs they leave. Make a track to bring home with you!

Elk Grove Village Historical Museum

December 27, 28 & January 3, 4 Cookies and Cocoa from 2:30PM-5:30PM. Tour the museum and enjoy complimentary hot cocoa. For $1, decorate 2 cookies. Admission is free.

Indian Trails Public Library {Wheeling}

December 23 Hodge Podge Crafts: Make crafts from left over art supplies from 1:30PM-3:30PM. This is a drop in event for kids ages 3-12. Under 6 must be accompanied by adult.

December 26 Animal Quest from 1:00PM-1:45PM. Get up close and personal with a variety of animals. Limit 100 tickets that are handed out 30 minutes prior to event.

December 30 Jump Up! Family Musical Interactive Show from 11:00AM-11:45AM. Ages 2-8. This event will have everyone moving!

Lizzardo Museum of Lapidary Art

Admission to the Lizzardo Museum in Elmhurst on Fridays is free. The museum is open 10AM-5PM.
The museum houses gems, carved stone, rocks and minerals and more treasures  
Raupp Museum in Buffalo Grove

December 23-January 3 {closed December 25 and January 1} Winter Walk-ins--visit the museum and try something new each day 1:00PM-3:30PM! Here is the schedule of free activities:

December 23 Make your own soup mix
December 24 Clothespin Reindeer
December 26 Pinecone Bird Feeder
December 27 Make a beaded snowflake
December 30 Make your own hot chocolate mix
December 31 New Year’s party horn
January 2 Make a snow globe
January 3 Weave a bookmark

We love, love, love the Raupp Museum! They also normally have a scavenger hunt that kids will love!

~~~If you know of any other free events in the area, leave a comment below!~~

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