*Full Calendar Below
Elf an Aerial
Christmas Adventure
December 21
7:00 PM
New Year Party
December 31
2:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Noon Year’s Eve Party
December 31
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Looking for fun activities for the family in McHenry County, IL? Below is Northern Illinois Parents Event calendar which includes local events and festivals for children, adults, and families. Many of these events are free. So check out the calendar for things to do and start planning your week/weekend.
*Be sure to call the venue beforehand to make sure the activity is still scheduled. Northern Illinois Parents is not liable for any accidents, harm, or cancellations of events.
Pumpkin Train on October 19th, 20th, 26th, and 27th. Enjoy a ride to the pumpkin patch aboard Halloween-themed electric interurban trains. While at the patch, ask our farm hands to help you find the perfect pumpkin, and pose for pictures in our various colorful, life size cutouts, as well as an antique farm tractor and […]
R/C Car Charity Event: Benefiting Riddick’s Ride Open from 10:00 AM until dark, Competitions begin at Noon Entry Fee: $20: 50% of the entry fee goes to benefit Riddick’s Ride, a local charity supporting families of children with complex medical needs. 50% will be paid back to event winners! R/C Events Include:- Demo Derby- Hill […]
Join the Village of Fox Lake Police Department to celebrate Halloween. At the Halloween Howl, your family will get to meet members of the Fox Lake Police Department, enjoy treats, hot dogs, children’s activities, hot chocolate, and hay rides. This is a free event, and Halloween costumes are encouraged for both children and parents! If […]
Registration for the 2024-2025 Harvard Wrestling Club Season…. IS OPEN!! Our online registration is LIVE! Head to www.harvardwrestling.com to sign-up today! Our club is open to boys and girls ages 4-14 (in 8th grade this year). Practices will start the first week of November with tournament/competitions starting the first weekend of December! We will have […]
Halloween Themed Family Bingo. Bring the kids in costume for a night of Bingo and prizes. Make your reservation today! 815-338-2105 * Bring treats to share* Kids costume contest & Parade @ 7pm* Spooky prize table
Bring your children out for a memorable trick-or-treating experience at Safety Town, located at 1109 Crystal Lake Road. Come see family friendly monsters, ghosts, and ghouls along with local officers, Police Explorers, and community volunteers. Let your little goblin maneuver through the miniature safety town buildings collecting candy while visiting with the fun and friendly […]
Trick-or-Treat at businesses around Woodstock Square. Costume contest and prizes for scariest, funniest and most original in four age categories of 3 and under, 4-8, 9-13 and 14 and up.
Meet Leatherface & Enjoy a Double Feature. Extending Halloween all weekend here at the Outdoor! Brett Wagner, who played Leatherface, will be here for photo op and autographs! Then, settle in to watch Texas Chainsaw Massacre, followed by The Crazies! We will open at 5 PM. This is a unique way to celebrate the Halloween […]
Halloween Double Feature: Fall evening, Halloween weekend, and two movies that haven’t yet been seen on our screen here at the outdoor. Gothic Slayers followed by Extra Ordinary! Dress to impress in your best Halloween costume for chance to win cash prizes and more. A unique way to continue the Halloween Spirit! It’ll be just […]
2nd Annual Crafts & Vendor Fundraiser Event Local crafters & direct sales reps with displays of home decor, jewelry, art, apparel, candles, health & wellness items etc for your holiday shopping pleasure. Proceeds benefit Thanksgiving dinner at Moose for sailors from Great Lakes navy base, MooseHeart kids & local vets. Also Moose hosts a senior […]
Recycle your pumpkins in a fun way! Bring your pumpkins to Lions Park and compete with others to see which one wins the Pumpkin Roll or demolish your pumpkin in the Pumpkin Smash!
Grab your family and friends to form a team of 4 to compete against other puzzle enthusiasts. Complete a 500 piece puzzle with your team for a chance to win a prize for 1st, 2nd, 3rd places. Also, there will be a puzzle swap if you’d like to bring in a 300+ piece puzzle to […]
Harvest Time in 1858 Step back in time to the 1850’s at harvest time. Try your hand at corn shelling, grinding corn into flour, or making a corn husk or yarn doll. Witness harvest activities like the baking of bread in the wood-burning cookstove and grinding herbs for winter use. Tour the historic farmhouse to […]
Natural Wreath Making Impress your Thanksgiving guests with a handmade wreath created from natural materials found in our prairies and woodlands. Take a short guided hike to discover what the prairie looks like in the fall, and to collect materials (under staff supervision) to incorporate into your creation. Supplemental supplies will be provided and feel […]
Bopp’s Bar and Grill will be hosting family bingo night! This is NOT bar bingo. This is a simple 5 round, fun, kid friendly, bingo. A funny and simple prize will be given out to the winner each round. Starts at 6pm and estimating it will take about an hour to complete. Family Bingo Night! […]
Join us and enjoy storytime with Ms. Jenni. We will meet from 10:30 am – 11:00 am. Registration is required for this Algonquin Area Public Library District drop-in program. Register through the library.
Have an action-packed night of dinner, dancing and superhero fun! Dinner is a pasta bar, meatballs, salad, fruit and cookies. This is for ages 3-12. $75 per mother/son pair and $25 for each additional son. Registration required through Woodstock Recreation.
The Woodstock Winter Farmers Market has a new location! Visit your favorite local farmer’s market vendors at All Season Orchard. Enjoy the expanded market with room for even more vendors, live music, and family fun!
Huntley Winter Farmers Market Winter Season: The indoor farmers markets take place on the second Saturday of the month during the winter. They are located inside the American Legion ( 11712 Coral Street) during November and December. They then move inside Huntley Municipal Complex (10987 Main Street) from January to April. We’re open from 9:00am-1:00pm.
Winter Farmers Market at the Dole Free Admission, Free Ample Parking, ATM Onsite, 50+ Vendors
Functional Fitness Hiking Let’s focus on fitness! Join us on a guided fitness hike with a professional coach that incorporates functional fitness movements along the way. This class is great for those wanting to work out and get fit in the outdoors. Emphasis is placed on proper technique, pacing, and fueling the body during the […]
Letterboxing Go on an adventure through nature as we follow a story-like scavenger hunt! Individually or as a group you will set off to follow the clues that are along the trail. Meet at the shelter by 2pm to have a chance to work through all the clues! Letterboxing is a fun and recreational way […]
Try the Free Lacrosse Clinic Now’s your time to try this awesome sport! Sign up today with the QR Code or link here: https://docs.google.com/…/1W96m7NPgLZBQpYDe9Iy7…/edit…
Leafy Dreams Mobile Unleash your creativity and craft a stunning mobile with yarn, leaves, pinecones, beads, and dried flowers. Transform natural elements into a whimsical decoration that brings a touch of nature’s beauty into your home. For ages 5-8 with an adult Registration is required Please register through McHenry County Conservation District Resident – Free / […]
GriefShare: Surviving the Holidays Wondering how you will survive the weeks surrounding Thanksgiving and Christmas? Are you dreading these holidays, knowing that everything has changed and that happy memories from past years can’t be recreated?Surviving the Holidays seminar is especially for people who are grieving a loved one’s death.For more info or to register, visit springbrook.org/holidayhope
Monthly Grief Support Group: A grief support group that provides a safe place where grieving people can come, listen, and share their stories. We meet on the second Thursday of every month.
LMNOP is held the 3rd Friday of each month at 9:30am. Language Music N’ Our Peeps (LMNOP) is an interactive and engaging program designed to guide parents and young children through learning basic sign language and other forms of communication while using music and language-based activities. Recommended for ages pre-natal to 36 months. To learn […]
Discovery Days: Wild Canines Enjoy a morning of fun, educational activities focused on our special theme of the day. Games, lessons, and other hands-on experiences help participants explore our conservation areas. This is an outdoor program. Program content is appropriate for ages 2-6. For ages 2-6 with an adult Registration is required Please register through McHenry […]
Parent’s Night Out – Urban Air 3rd Friday of Every Month, 6 PM – 9 PM Drop the kids off for a fun-filled evening while you enjoy some well-deserved time off! Your child will experience the ultimate adventure with wall-to-wall trampolines, obstacle courses, and more! Our friendly and professional staff will ensure a safe and […]
The Woodstock Winter Farmers Market has a new location! Visit your favorite local farmer’s market vendors at All Season Orchard. Enjoy the expanded market with room for even more vendors, live music, and family fun!
Holiday Open House and Storytime with Mrs. Claus You’re invited to The Holiday Open House! Browse 20+ Holiday themed areas to make your home shimmer and shine! Stop in with the family and friends for unique photo opportunities and specials! (Senior, Military, and First Responder Discounts offered all weekend) Bring the kids at 10am for […]
Winter Farmers Market at the Dole Free Admission, Free Ample Parking, ATM Onsite, 50+ Vendors
Christmas Stocking Workshop on Nov. 17th from 12 – 3 PM. Join us for a fun and creative afternoon where you can make a unique keepsake. Choose from a variety of handmade stockings and decorate it with embellishments or paint a design using Chalk Couture or fabric markers.$20, Cost is per stocking and seating is […]
Bopp’s Bar and Grill will be hosting family bingo night! This is NOT bar bingo. This is a simple 5 round, fun, kid friendly, bingo. A funny and simple prize will be given out to the winner each round. Starts at 6pm and estimating it will take about an hour to complete. Family Bingo Night! […]
Try the Free Lacrosse Clinic Now’s your time to try this awesome sport! Sign up today with the QR Code or link here: https://docs.google.com/…/1W96m7NPgLZBQpYDe9Iy7…/edit…
Christmas Tree Bucket Workshop. Create your own faux Christmas tree bucket, perfect for gifting or decorating! All supplies are provided. Limited spots, RSVP & pay $40/person to secure your spot!
KinderBots Robotics is for ages 4-6 Children will begin to explore the world of robotics as they build simple models that teach the fundamentals of robotic design. Whether learning about sensors while building drills and magic wands or discovering ways that gears and pulleys create movement while building helicopters or robotic dogs, your child is […]
Downtown McHenry Holiday Walk is a 3-day event, below is a list of activities for the weekend: November 22nd: 4:30 – 7:30 pm, Living Windows & Cocoa Crawl. McHenry’s downtown stores come to life with magical scenes of the season in the store windows. Purchase a mug for the Cocoa Crawl to receive samples of […]
Christmas Movies at the Outdoor Theatre Two great takes on The Grinch! Animated from 2018 and an all time performance from Jim Carey will be on the big screen here at the outdoor. Keep in mind your ENTIRE CARLOAD gets in for just $15. For more details and FAQ go to goldenagecinemas.com
The Woodstock Winter Farmers Market has a new location! Visit your favorite local farmer’s market vendors at All Season Orchard. Enjoy the expanded market with room for even more vendors, live music, and family fun!
The Leggee Holiday Craft Fair sponsored by the Leggee Elementary PTA had over 150 crafters and vendors last year, and the event keeps getting bigger and better each year! This is such a great show, attended by over 1,400 people last year. There is absolutely something for everyone. All proceeds from this event will benefit […]
Holiday Bazaar **ALL CRAFTS AND BAKED GOODS ARE 100% DONATED BY PARISH MEMBERS** Get ready for a festive day filled with holiday cheer at our annual HALO Holiday Bazaar! Explore a delightful selection of delicious treats, including homemade jams, cookies, pies, and so much more. Discover unique handcrafted gifts and stunning jewelry that are perfect […]
Winter Farmers Market at the Dole Free Admission, Free Ample Parking, ATM Onsite, 50+ Vendors
Thanksgiving Story Time $15, cash only Register in the Crystal Lake Gymnastics office or email lexi@clgtc.com
Family Nature Bingo and Trivia Get ready to use your nature knowledge to win ultimate bragging rights and a unique gift for your family during this game night! One family gift will be given out during trivia, with smaller prizes for the bingo portion for individuals. It will sure be an eventful evening with family, […]
Bring your family and friends to the 18th Annual Hertz Trout Valley Turkey Trot. Kick start your Thanksgiving with a run, walk or stroll around the grounds of Trout Valley. Create memories and make room for dinner. Packet Pickup & Registration @ 7:30am / Kids @ 8:30am / 5k @ 9:00am
Henry’s Thanksgiving Day Hustle 5K & 1/2 Mile Kids Dash Presented by Kopf Running: Kopf Running presents the 12th Annual Henry’s Hustle 5K benefiting the Muscular Dystrophy Association in honor of our friend, Henry Betts! This year’s race will be held on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at 8:15am. We are collecting monetary donations for the […]
Happy Holiday Railway Embark on a magical 40 minute train ride through the winter countryside with Santa Claus himself! Enjoy a 40-minute train ride for the whole family See and visit with Santa Claus on the train Treats and hot chocolate will be served An animated light show and holiday song presentation entertain you during […]
Mistletoe & Martinis – A Festive Christmas Market, an enchanting collaboration of holiday cheer, festive drinks, and unique shopping! Start your adventure by Filling the Jeep with Joy! Jeeps on the Run will be parked in front to collect unwrapped toys for their Toys for Tots drive! Bring the kids to make a FREE Gingerbread […]
Cocoa, Carols & Christmas Tales Indulge in the warmth and sweetness of the season with us before the magical Lighting of the Square! Join in for an evening of cozy holiday cheer, complete with heartwarming stories, carols to ring in the season, and a special Create Your Own Hot Chocolate Bar where you can add […]
Lighting of the Square 2024 Celebrate the start of the holiday season in downtown Woodstock, Illinois, the Friday after Thanksgiving. Watch as tens of thousands of white lights illuminate the Square with this treasured tradition! Woodstock, voted one of the TODAY show’s “Merriest Main Streets” in the country in 2022, ushers in the magic of […]
Come out in your PJs and treat the whole family to a magical morning with Santa! The morning will be filled with a yummy breakfast, a festive hot cocoa bar, cookie decorating, and an ornament craft. Santa, the guest of honor, will also make an appearance to take pictures with all the kids. Don’t forget […]
Small Business Saturday Vendor Fair SHOP LOCAL all in one place inside and warm! Support local crafters/artists and complete your holiday shopping. Not only will there be plenty of shopping and good food but we also will have everyone’s favorite Mr. Mean to take photos with and grow your heart one size larger with holiday […]
Holiday Market – McHenry Riverwalk Join us for some holiday cheer & shopping at the McHenry Riverwalk District. Shop at our 10 tiny shops & market vendors in Miller Point Park, eat at a food truck & enjoy entertainment in the gazebo. 11/30 theme is Around the World* Food Truck is Da Local Boy from […]