It’s November in Chicago and that means that there are a TON of family friendly things to do. From plays, to the circus, to leaf watching, to plays. Everything is up for grabs, and the city is at one of the best points in the year. I LOVE fall in the city, as it gives way to the holidays, and all sort of celebrations. Given that my inbox has been full of invitations to events in the Chicagoland area, here are some of the best things to do in Chicago this November.
Another Snowy Day with Beatrix Potter & Friends
Chicago Children’s Theater – Nov 5-20 Ruth Page Center for the Arts – $25
Running a little under and hour and geared towards children 2-6, this is a perfect play to take in on a Saturday or Sunday morning before heading out to brunch. With mechanical suitcase sculptures with pulls and levers that children can turn and crank after the show, it’s sure to be a hit. I enjoyed the one man band – a violin, mandolin, and toy piano – and the fact that this is a no-shush theater. I always feel that if children are in a child friendly place, they should be free to exclaim and ooh and aah over things. This is the perfect arena for that. Access Weekend will be November 12-13 and will include performances for guests that are deaf or hard of hearing, blind or with low vision, and a sensory friendly performance for children on the autism spectrum or with Down Syndrome. I’ve always love the inclusiveness of the Chicago Children’s Theater, and can’t wait until they move into their new space in February!
There are only three actors, and three different plays. The cast comes out and interacts with the audience right before and then sweeps them into a charming morning of 4D puppetry and audience interaction. Very well worth the morning out! Use code “GOCUBSGO” to save up to 50% on select performances
Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus
Allstate Arena and The United Center – Ticket Prices Vary
Always exciting and now elephant free, the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus presents a story led extravaganza with mixed medium of ice and carpet. We attended opening night, and the excitement was palpable for sure. As a 36 year old I’m secure in saying that my heart beats out of my chest whenever I see stunts being performed high in the air with no safety net. It makes me nervous, but I’m always impressed at the sheer talent of it all. Great for people of all ages, and a great way to spend a morning, afternoon or evening with your family. Make sure to stop for some of Chicago’s famous pizza or Portillo’s after a show! You won’t regret it.
Morton Arboretum Illumination
Morton Arboretum – November 18-January Adults $18-$22 Children $12-$14
I first visited the Morton Arboretum when the Ladybug turned 5 years old, and learned about the Illuminations exhibit while we were there. With lights that interact with music, your voice and touch (hug a tree, and it will light up!) it’s a completely magical experience for young and old. Given the mild temps that we’re having in Chicago lately, you might even be able to not freeze with the opening! Let’s face it, the holidays in the Chicago area can’t be beat, and it’s because of places like the Morton Arboretum!
Frogs: A Chorus in Color
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum – Adults $9 Children $6 Children Under 3 – Free
I just posted on the blog about the new exhibit that opened this weekend at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. We could easily spend an entire day here, and have done so. It’s one of our favorite spots in the city, and worth every penny of membership that we pay.
103rd Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Millennium Park – November 18th – Free
The 103rd Tree Lighting Ceremony is presented by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and sponsored in part by the 93.9 MYfm, Chicago Transit Authority. The lights adorning the Christmas tree are donated and placed on the tree by IBEW Local 134.
Admission to the Tree Lighting Ceremony and all other holiday activities in Millennium Park is free.
Chicago’s 103rd Christmas Tree was donated by Scholla Family of Wauconda, Illinois, their 69 foot Norway Spruce was selected out of 120 submissions received by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. Bill Scholla, who nominated the tree, grew up on the North side of Chicago and now lives in Wauconda with his wife Margie. The Scholla family will join Santa Claus and other guests to light the tree at the annual ceremony.