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Eight Things To Do in the City and Western Suburbs: Jan. 9 to 11, 2026
New year, fresh plans. Bundle up and make the most of a winter weekend near you.
Go on a Walk & Talk: Evening Owl Prowl.
A simple winter outing turns into a literary stroll with this outdoor story trail featuring The Snowy Day. Pages from the beloved children's book are posted along the path, encouraging families to read as they walk. After the loop, pick up a craft and activity bag to continue the story-inspired fun at home.
Date: Jan. 9
Time: 5 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Thatcher Woods, 8030 Chicago Ave., River Forest
More Info: fpdcc.com
Turn unwanted gifts into game night at White Elephant Bingo.
This bingo night adds a playful post-holiday twist by putting those well-intentioned but unwanted gifts back into circulationThe format blends classic bingo with white elephant rules, making the evening more about strategy and surprise than numbers alone. Come prepared to part with a gift and see where it lands by the end of the night.
Date: Jan. 9
Time: 7.–8:45 p.m.
Cost: Free with Registration
Location: La Grange Public Library, 10 W. Cossitt Ave., La Grange
More Info: lplibrary.org
Take a tour at Snapshots in Time: 250 Years of Elmhurst History.
This lecture traces 250 years of Elmhurst history in 25-year increments, offering a broad look at how the area has evolved over time. Presented by Elmhurst History Museum Executive Director Dave Oberg, the talk spans Indigenous history, the arrival of the railroad, periods of rapid growth, and modern development.
Date: Jan. 11
Time: 1 p.m.
Cost: $8
Location: Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst
More Info: exploreelmhurst.com
Roll the dice at Board Game Bash.
Gotham Gaming's monthly Board Game Bash offers a casual, drop-in way to spend an evening around the table. Bring your own games or choose from a library of more than 75 options, ranging from quick party games to longer strategy-based favorites.
Date: Jan. 10
Time: 7–10 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St.
More Info: eventbrite.com
Let your imagination run wild at Myths and Legends.
MCA's Myths and Legends event invites families to explore folklore, fantasy, and storytelling through hands-on artmaking. Inspired by artists Firelei Báez and Yoko Ono, the program encourages young visitors to invent characters, worlds, and myths of their own.
Date: Jan. 10
Time: 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, 220 E. Chicago Ave.
More Info: visit.mcachicago.org
Meet the makers at Handmade Market.
This recurring market brings together Chicago-area makers selling jewelry, textiles, paper goods, accessories, and more. The emphasis is on small-batch, affordable handmade items, with many vendors creating or demonstrating their work on site. Designed to foster direct connections between shoppers and artists, Handmade Market highlights sustainable practices and supports emerging designers.
Date: Jan. 10
Time: 12–4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave.
More Info: handmadechicago.com
Spend a day at Winter Wonder Fest.
This winter celebration brings skating, games, and seasonal activities together for a family-focused day outdoors.Skate alongside festive characters, try ice bocce, and warm up with complimentary snacks. Sled-assisted skating options make the rink accessible for participants of all abilities, allowing everyone to take part.
Date: Jan. 11
Time: 3–6 p.m.
Cost: Free with Registration
Location: Warren Park, 6601 N. Western Ave.
More Info: chicagoparkdistrict.com
Birding meets bonfire at Winter Waterfowl Watch.
Winter birding takes center stage at this lakefront event hosted by the Chicago Ornithological Society and the Chicago Park District. Rolling bird walks throughout the morning help visitors spot seasonal waterfowl, from loons to mergansers, while telescope stations offer closer looks at harbor birds. Educational sessions, kids' art activities, and a bonfire with marshmallow roasting round out the experience.
Date: Jan. 10
Time: 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Cost: Free with Registration
Location: Northerly Island Visitor Center, 1521 S. Linn White Dr.
More Info: chicagobirder.org
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