When it comes to household chores, you’ve got plenty of tasks to go around. More importantly, when kids are required to pitch in and help with age-appropriate chores, they’ll learn how to cooperate, gain a sense of independence and feel a sense of accomplishment. If you’re wondering what exactly to put on your chore chart for kids, we’ve broken it down by age, from toddlers up to tweens. From picking up toys to helping with dinner, here is our ultimate chore list for kids.
Age-Appropriate Chores for Ages 2-3
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Pick up the toys.Ask your toddler to help clean up when playtime is over, instead of doing it at the end of the day when you’d rather be watching Netflix instead of cleaning up DUPLO blocks.
Wipe up small spills. This is an easy one and is especially important if they are the ones that made the mess. Don't make a big deal, just let them know they need to clean up after themselves.
Put shoes away. A toddler can easily put his shoes away, especially if there's a special bin or shelf for footwear.
Put dirty clothes in the hamper. Show your little one where clothes go before he chooses his own drop spot.
Match socks. An easy way to let someone else worry about why there's always one sock missing.
Throw away trash. Kids can start putting trash in its proper place at an early age.
Pick up sticks in the yard. What's more fun than collecting sticks?
Sort the groceries. Preschool-aged kids can help you put away things like cereal, snacks, canned goods, and other things that aren't too heavy or breakable.
Chore List for Kids Ages 4-5
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All of the chores listed above.
Put away clean utensils. It’s the little things!
Brush their own teeth. This is an easy self-care chore that any preschooler can tackle.
Fold washcloths or napkins. Something small and square is the perfect first item to have your pre-k kid learn how to fold.
Make their own bed. This is a tough one because busy school mornings can get in the way. Weekends are wide open, however, and there’s nothing like a made bed to give your home a clean, fresh feeling.
Collect the mail. This one doesn't even feel like a chore.
Bring their belongings in from the car. Whether it's their toys or backpack, four-and five-year-olds are old enough to make sure everything gets inside at the end of the day.
Help prep a basic meal. If kids with knives don't sound like a good idea, there are plenty of other things they can do. Think: gather ingredients, measure spices, crack and whisk eggs, grate some cheese, flip pancakes, and more.
Wipe down surfaces. Kids this age are perfectly capable of spraying, wiping, and cleaning down a surface. Especially if they are the ones that made the mess in the first place.
Take control of their school gear. Stop gathering your kids’ stuff every night or morning. These early years are the right time to set up good work habits.
Water the plants. This is a great chore to help develop organizational skills. Have your kid schedule a once-a-week date with a watering can on the calendar.
Help carry in groceries. Unless you're using the multiple trips to and from the car as your cardio for the day.
Set and clear the table. You prepared the meal, so your kids should help to set and clear the plates. Simple as that.
Put away laundry. Imagine a place where the laundry gets put away instead of collecting dust in a basket somewhere. It can be a reality, we promise!
Feed pets. Your grade-school-aged kid loves the dog, the chickens, and the family turtle. Well, no time like the present to teach him how to take care of something smaller than he is.
Chore List for Kids Ages 8-10
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All of the chores listed above.
Basic home maintenance. At around 10, kids can begin to do small tasks around the house that helps with upkeep like putting in new lightbulbs, changing batteries, and hanging small pictures.
Load and unload the dishwasher. Most days, after unloading, the thing fills right back up and needs to be unloaded again. Your early tween is an ideal candidate for helping out with this daily task.
Help with recycling and garbage. Older kids can sort recyclables, empty wastebaskets, and help pull trash cans in from the road. It’s also a good way for them to learn about consumption and to see where waste goes.
Vacuum the rugs. The best part about handing off this task is that your kids will have to keep their rooms picked up in order to fulfill their duty.
Dust shelves, blinds, and furniture. A Swiffer duster makes this chore a breeze.
Clean the mirrors in the bathrooms. Older kids are strong enough, and usually tall enough to reach the top of the mirror by now. Pass the Windex.
Move clothes from the washer to the dryer. Most kids ages eight and up are tall enough (and old enough) to start helping with the laundry. If there are items you don't want in the dryer or if you like to use a certain heat setting, be sure to show the kids the ropes in advance.
Walk the dog. Take pet care to the next level by asking your tween to take on giving Fido his daily workout.
Help with grocery shopping. Give your big kid his own list at the store, and arrange to meet up at the checkout. You'll cut your shopping time in half!
Vacuum out the car. She's already tackled vacuuming the living room and her bedroom. Add on the family car once a month or every other week.
Babysit for siblings or relatives in small increments. Whether it's to take charge at a social or family gathering or leave your tween in charge for 30 minutes while you run a quick errand, this is a good age to test the waters for child care.
Rake leaves. Before you can mow the grass, the leaves need to be raked. Tweens can handle this, plus it's a great way to keep them outside and off tablets.
Change their own bedsheets (and keep the bed made). This is a chore that only takes a few minutes, but it's a game changer when it comes to feeling like you're on top of the mess.
We’ve got glow-in-the-dark science worthy of any home laboratory
Calling all mad—we mean mom—scientists (and daring dads, too)! Try these six glow-in-the-dark science experiments for kids after the sun goes down: we promise they will light up your night. For more projects, check out our ultimate list of science experiments for kids.
If you're looking for a fast fix on fun, snap a few glow sticks and affix them to the spokes of a bike. When it gets dark, turn the kiddos loose on their wheels and enjoy an eerily dazzling light display. If you want to up the creativity quotient, try rearranging the glow sticks to make new patterns. Just remember to attach them well, as they have a way of taking flight!
The Science Lesson: Sensory Memory Riddle us this: Why do the three or four glow sticks you affixed to the bike spokes give the appearance of one solid line while the wheels are spinning? It's not because you're seeing the trailing lights from the glow stick. You are experiencing something known as iconic memory, which is sensory memory—or the shortest-term memory you have—that allows your mind to store an image for the few moments your brain needs to process what it has seen.
Glowing, Smoking, Bubbles
Add a little dry ice to bubble solution and the contents of an activated glow stick and get ready to rock the glow-in-the-dark scene in your neighborhood. Owlcation whipped up an awesome glow-in-the-dark science experiment to create glowing bubbles, and The Maker Mom thought to add dry ice to the same experiment here. The bubbles are out of this world—they glow and rise from the smoke. Naturally, we recommend an adult to handle the dry ice (skin contact can burn) and supervise this experiment.
The Science Lesson: Sublimation When a substance passes directly from a solid phase to a gas phase without ever becoming a liquid, it sublimates. Dry ice sublimates to gas, and the bubbles encapsulate the gas. Activated liquid from the glow stick adds to the excitement and is an example of a chemiluminescent, or a light that is produced as an energy byproduct when a chemical reaction takes place.
For all you gore-lovers, this experiment by Little Bins for Little Hands is low on trickery and high on thrills. We used it for our inspiration, then added a little glow stick juice to the mix. Why convert pumpkin guts into a slimy putty when you can convert them into a slimy, glowing putty? Using nothing more than the contents of a glow stick, glue, and starch, you'll have a perfectly putrid pumpkin concoction in no time.
The Science Behind the Spooky: Polymers and Non-Newtonian Fluid The white glue that's used as a base in this pumpkin slime is a polymer or a large chain of molecules made up of smaller units that repeat themselves. Liquid starch changes the structure of the glue's molecular chain, making it thicker, and turning it into a non-newtonian fluid. A non-Newtonian fluid is neither a true liquid nor a true solid. You can pick it up like a solid; however, it will begin to flow like a liquid (especially when heated) and will also take the shape of its container.
With all the options for making something glow by using the contents of a glow stick out there, we loved finding Fun at Home with Kids' recipe for glowing water that uses nothing but ground-up vitamin B-50 and a black light. And since it's not sticky and non-toxic, this makes the perfect lure for getting your bitty bats into the bathtub after a full day of haunting.
The Science Lesson: Phosphors versus Chemiluminescence Vitamin B-50 is a phosphor, or a member of a group of substances that radiate visible light after being energized by a light source, such as the UV radiation from a black light. This particular glow is different from the light created by chemiluminescence—that is, the light is emitted as a product of a chemical reaction—which you find in a glow stick.
We all know that oil and water just don't mix. But what happens when you make them glow, add kids, dim the lights, and fill their brains with words like "density" and "polarity"? Magic. That's right—Pure. Magic. We love the tutorial over at Growing a Jeweled Rose, and the best part about it is how you can turn your oil and water experiment into a DIY lava lamp when you're through.
The Science Lesson: Density and Polarity An object's density—or how tightly packed together its molecules or atoms are—is a predictor of whether it will float or sink. Water molecules are more dense than oil molecules, and will always sink below oil. Additionally, water and oil have different polarities—or charges. Since water has both a negative and a positive charge, water molecules will attract other water molecules.
If you're really looking for some nighttime fun, you can't go wrong with this glowing sidewalk chalk. and then have them look out their windows before bedtime. This is a great one for National Night Out in August. Johanna at My Crazy Blessed Life inspired us to make our own glow-in-the-dark chalk, and we followed her recommendation to soak the chalk for two days before kicking up the fun factor with a black light.
The Science Lesson: Absorption and Properties of Salt Chalk is a salt, and salts are all distinguished by their property to absorb water. So when you let a stick of chalk soak in glowing water overnight, it will not only absorb water but also the phosphorescent properties of the glowing agent in the water.
Costco’s exit greeters will even draw a happy face on your receipt if you’ve got kids in tow
Here’s something you’ve probably wondered at least once or twice: why does Costco check receipts? You just spent the last four hours shopping for bulk for all your bulk good needs and now that your cart is full and you’ve paid your due, the smiling exit greeter gives your receipt the once over. What’s the deal?
So it might seem like the Costco exit greeter and receipt checker is trying to catch you shoplifting. But that really isn’t so. Imagine trying to “sneak” a case of ramen noodles out. Not so easy, right?
Instead, the exit greeter’s job is to actually save you money. They’re not looking at the receipt to make sure the gallon of ketchup filling your cart is actually listed on your receipt. Instead, they’re looking for duplicate charges, promotions the cashier may not have caught, or other similar errors. They’re also looking for products that you purchased but may not have received by way of a mis-scanned item or items held at checkout. In fact, Costco has been providing this service since they opened their first store in Seattle in 1983.
A recent Reddit thread illustrates this point completely. After one Reddit user asked, “How much is caught at the exit receipt check?” another responded, “I sometimes get the $100 for $80 gift cards and they always ask if I remembered those, since you have to go to the lock-up to pick up the gift cards after you pay.”
Before you give the exit greeter that sideways, “Hey, what are you really searching for?” look, remember—they’re here to help.
LA has some of the best museums and botanical gardens in the world but here’s a little secret that most people don’t know—with a little planning, most of these world-class culture centers are accessible to us for free. Yep, you read that right—free to you and me, not just those under three. Check out the full list below and get ready to plan a year-full of free art, exhibits, exploration, and more.
Travel Town Museum: Open every day except Wed. (and Christmas Day), this always free-to-visit, outdoor train museum is a must for even non-rail fans. Fair warning: It does cost $3-$3.50 to ride the 16″ gauge miniature train (well worth it) so keep that in mind when your trainspotter sees kids chugging along the tracks, enjoying the ride. PS: Here are the best places to take your train-loving kid in LA.
Parking: Free.
FIDM Museum & Galleries: Founded in 1969, this always free museum collects, preserves, and interprets fashion objects and support materials with outstanding design merit. Recently closed due to the pandemic, FIDM is re-opening its doors Mar. 15—No advance tickets or reservations required. Open Tue.-Sun.
Parking: Parking is available for $5 (cash) in the lot located underneath the FIDM building; entrance is on 9th Street just before Grand Ave.
The Wende Museum: An art museum, historical archive of the Cold War, and center for creative community engagement that explores and inspires change, this gem is located in Culver City and is open Fri., Sat. and Sun.
Parking: Free parking is available in the city lots adjacent to the museum.
Fowler Museum at UCLA: Also known locally as just "The Fowler" this museum explores global arts and cultures with an emphasis on Africa, Asia, the Pacific, and the Indigenous Americas—from both the past and present. Open Wed.-Sun.
Parking: Pay-by-Plate parking is available near the museum, one-hour is $3, 1.5 hours is $4, and two hours is $6 with a maximum of $14 for the whole day.
The Broad Museum of Contemporary Art: Giant teacups, massive balloon animals, Alice in Wonderland-esque splashes of color and the Infinity Room will convince any kiddo that contemporary art is where it’s at.
Tickets:Advanced online reservations are required. Tickets are released on the last Wed. of each month at 10 a.m. for admission the following month.
Parking: Parking is available under the museum and cost $17 for 3 hours with museum validation, $5 for each additional 15 minutes, with a $27 daily maximum. There is a $17 flat rate after 5 p.m. on weeknights and all day on weekends. Bike parking is free and located on the P1 level.
California Science Center: Explore over 150 interactive exhibits including Ecosystems–a free permanent gallery featuring live animals, seven immersive exhibits, and a 188,000 gallon kelp tank. There is no room for boredom when you visit this California institution.
Tickets:Advanced, online reservations can be made but come with a $3, per person, service fee. Day of reservations can also be made on-site at the box office with no service fee, but availability and your preferred entry time are not guaranteed for in-person reservations.
Parking: Parking is available in Exposition Park and cost: $15. You can also take the Metro Expo Line to Expo Park/USC Station.
Cayton Children's Museum: Located in Downtown Santa Monica just blocks from the Pacific Ocean, the Cayton Children’s Museum offers 21,000 square feet of discovery-based exhibits and immersive play.
Parking: Parking is available in Structures 7 and 8, owned and operated by the City of Santa Monica, which are immediately adjacent to Santa Monica Place. The first 90 minutes are free, with a fee after that.
The Getty Center: The J. Paul Getty Trust is the world's largest cultural and philanthropic organization dedicated to the visual arts, you can discover art from ancient Greece and Italy, Europe from the Middle Ages to the early 1900s, and global photography from its invention to now. Closed Mon., it is by far one of our favorite places to hang in LA, both inside with artwork or outside in the garden.
Parking: Parking is $20 per car but the good news is, you can get same-day parking at both the Getty Center and the Getty Villa Museum (also free admission) for one fee. To do so, make reservations for both sites on the same date. (Please note that driving between the Center and the Villa usually takes 20–45 minutes, depending on traffic.) At the first site you visit, go to the Museum Information Desk and ask for a coupon for same-day parking at the other site. After staff verify your reservation, you will receive a coupon. Not valid on Mon. & Tue.
Museum of Modern Art (MOCA): Established in 1979, this artist-founded museum in Los Angeles with two distinct venues—MOCA Grand Avenue and The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA—is dedicated to collecting and exhibiting contemporary art. Housing one of the most compelling collections of contemporary art in the world, comprising roughly 7000 objects, MOCA is continually showcases ground-breaking, historically-significant exhibitions.
Tickets: Advance ticket reservations are required. Tickets are released every two weeks on Tues. at noon.
Parking: Parking rates vary by location, both locations are accessible via the Metro.
LA Museums with Free Admission Days
Skirball Cultural Center: There are so many innovative exhibitions on display throughout the center, the kids; however, will no doubt gravitate toward Noah's Ark, a completely unique and award-winning installment featuring a floor-to-ceiling wooden ark where little dreamers can imagine themselves inside the pages of a storybook. Taking up an 8,000 square foot gallery, this exhibit is filled with art, puppets and whimsical animals encouraging kids to play, climb and build.
Parking: During normal business hours, parking is free and open to Skirball visitors only. At this time, visitors must park in the Skirball’s North Parking garage, located underground on the north end of the Skirball's main driveway.
Kidspace Children's Museum: As one of the crown jewels in the hearts and minds of many little locals, this favorite spot in Pasadena inspires little ones to channel their inner scientist by exploring the Galvin Physics Forest, climb to new heights in the Arroyo Adventure, watch caterpillar chrysalises take shape at the Nature Exchange, and create to their heart's content in the Imagination Workshop. Be still our beating butterfly wings!
Free Museum Days: Admission is free on the first Fri. of every month. Advance reservations are required and are released two weeks prior to the date of visit.
Parking: Free parking is available in Rose Bowl Lot I near the Jackie Robinson Baseball Field and the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center.
Natural History Museum: Antarctic dinosaurs? Rare and priceless gemstones? More mammals on display than you can shake a tail at? Yes please! Kids (and parents for that matter) will beg to visit to the Natural History Museum. From Dinosaur Hall and the hands-on Discovery Center to the African Mammal Dioramas and Nature Gardens outside, this museum is sure to peak your bitty botanists interest and then some. If all this interactive learning has your brood a little hangry, stop by the NHMLA Grill which offers plenty of kid-friendly dishes to please even the pickiest palette.
Free Museum Days: L.A. County residents receive free Museum Admission 3-5 p.m. Mon. through Fri. Closed the first Tues. of every month (plus Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day). Additional tickets must be purchased to see special exhibitions, Butterfly and Spider Pavilion, 3D Theater, and other special ticketed experiences.
Parking: $15 flat rate in the NHM Car Park, located on Bill Robertson Lane, just south of Exposition Blvd. You can also take the LA Metro Expo Line to visit—the closest stations to NHM are the Expo/USC and Expo/Vermont stations.
La Brea Tar Pits Museum: Make no bones about it, the La Brea Tar Pits Museum is one of the most unique and exciting places to visit for paleontologists of all ages! There’s so much for elementary excavators to see and explore. Kiddos can check out over one million ice age fossils from 650 different species and they’ll really dig the Fossil Lab where they get to watch real live paleontologists clean, study and prep fossils for exhibit. After your visit, the grounds around the Tar Pits outside are a perfect place to picnic (and maybe even roll down the giant hill once or twice).
Free Museum Days: L.A. County residents receive free Museum Admission 3-5 p.m. Mon. through Fri. Additional tickets must be purchased for the 3D Theater.
Parking: For $15, you can park in the museum's parking lot, located at the corner of Curson Ave. and 6th St., directly behind the museum. Enter from the western side of Curson Avenue.
The Autry Museum of the American West: Saddle up your lil cowpokes for a free taste of the American West at the Autry Museum on the second Tues. of every month. During your visit, youngins will learn about everything from Native American history and culture to the California gold rush and westward expansion. For the more hands-on buckaroos, they can create their own Western shows with props and costumes, pose for precious photo ops on a pretend horse, take part in themed scavenger hunts and wander through the expansive outdoor garden. Got a hungry pack? Round up your posse for some vittles at the Crossroads West Café where the kids menu will surely satisfy!
Descanso Gardens: Free admission on the third Tues. of each month and are released, online, the first day of each month (unless it falls on a weekend, then they'll be released that following Mon.). Check out our guide on what to do and see at Descanso Gardens.
LA Aboretum: Free tickets are available for the third Tue. of each month. Limited and timed, tickets must be reserved in advance online and are released on the first of each month unless the first falls on a weekend, in this case, tickets are released on the first Mon. of the month at 9:00 a.m.. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking is free.
South Coast Botanic Garden: The third Tues. of each month is free to all visitors. Tickets are required and can be reserved online.
Conejo Valley Botanic Garden: This always free-to-enter 33-acres garden in Thousand Oaks has sweeping vistas, fifteen unique, hillside specialty gardens and hiking trails.
Any new parent who has spent hours agonizing over the rhythms of their newborn’s behaviors and needs will appreciate Pampers’ baby monitoring system to help track a baby’s schedule.
Lumi by Pampers uses a tracker attached to a baby’s diaper to collect data on sleep and wet diapers, in order to give parents a better understanding of their little one’s routine. The system uses a 1080p wide-angle HD video monitor and activity sensors which can be attached to specially-designed diapers. The sensors track wet diapers and sleep patterns, then store the data in the Lumi app.
Parents can also add feeding schedules and important milestones in the app as well, to develop a more detailed picture of what their baby’s routine looks like. The sensor will only work with Lumi by Pampers diapers, which are available in sizes newborn through four and cost nearly the same as regular diapers.
You can purchase the smart sensor that attaches to Lumi diapers for $30, as well as the complete Smart Baby Monitor that has night vision and humidity tracking for $166. If you’d like extra help in the sleep department, you can head to the Lumi website and sign up for a sleep plan that offers guidance on getting your little into sweet dreams.
In honor of the big day, children’s hospitals all over the country are holding Valentine Drives where anyone can send a free digital valentine to a patient. Each hospital has its own designs––many of which are designed by patients––and are such an easy way to brighten up a patient’s day!
St. Jude’s Research Hospital
You can do a quick Google search for local hospitals in your area, or you can reference any of these hospitals listed below that are already participating with their own Valentine Drive.
Sending a valentine is easy: you need to use your desktop computer, phone or tablet to access the hospital’s page. Then just fill out the e-card with your info and a sweet message before pressing send. Some hospitals even have pre-written messages if you’re at a loss for words to make the process even more simple.
12/28 UPDATED Editor’s Note: Check with each theater prior to booking to familiarize yourself with their COVID-related policies. Some require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test prior to entry and all require masks regardless of vaccination status. Some shows are canceling due to COVID-related complications, so be sure to check before heading to your show.
Here’s an idea for the holidays in Chicago . . . yes, it really is time to plan for them. Start loading up the calendar with shows that fill your heart with holiday spirit. Catching a play, ballet or musical performance is an unforgettable experience for kids—and this season’s Christmas shows in Chicago are real memory creators. Start a new family tradition and check out our picks for the top kid-friendly holiday shows and plays in and around Chicago.
DUE TO COVID-RELATED COMPLICATIONS, THE POLAR EXPRESS HAS CANCELLED ALL REMAINING RIDES.
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is a magical re-creation of the classic children’s story led by a cast of talented actors on board a real train. Have your golden tickets ready for the Conductor! Passengers are served hot chocolate and Walkers Shortbread by dancing chefs, enjoy a reading of the classic book by Chris Van Allsburg, and receive the First Gift of Christmas after Santa boards the train to greet families. Performers engage passengers in caroling and fun holiday activities on the heartwarming trip back to the station.
Dec. 3-Jan. 1; Chicago Union Station, 225 S. Canal St., Loop; More details.
Magic Immersive
From the innovators behind Immersive Van Gogh, comes an exhilarating magic experience just in time to ignite the holiday season. Lighthouse Immersive and the famed British illusionist Jamie Allan invite audiences into a world of intrigue, mystery and wonder with Magic Immersive. Consisting of a series of rooms, stages and interactive displays, Magic Immersive transports visitors to different eras in time, revealing the evolution of magic acts throughout history and the secrets of the world's greatest magic performers.
Dec. 3-Jan. 2; Museum of Broadcast Communications, 360 N State St, Loop; More details.
The Elf On the Shelf: A Christmas Musical
The ‘Elf on the Shelf’ pops into homes and sets the scene for mischief every holiday season. This year, catch him on stage in The Elf on the Shelf: The Musical, a show that transports audiences to the North Pole to learn the story behind the magically mischievous elf.
Dec. 19; Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont; More details.
Joffrey Ballet's The Nutcracker
Joffrey Ballet
The Joffrey Ballet's performance of The Nutcracker is a beloved holiday tradition for many families, and thankfully, Christopher Wheeldon's reimagined classic returns to the IRL stage for the 2021 holidays. Follow young Marie and the Nutcracker Prince on a Christmas Eve journey through the 1893 World's Fair, a dazzling spectacle of sights, sounds and enchantment. This annual holiday tradition celebrates both the magic of the season and the rich cultural heritage of Chicago.
Dec. 4-26; Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Dr., Loop; More details.
Songs of the Season with Chicago Children's Choir
This decades-old annual tradition returns to celebrate the many ways people commemorate the holidays through a mix of timeless seasonal favorites from cultures around the world. In celebration of the Choir’s 65th anniversary, there will be a special alumni reunion with performances by CCC’s world-renowned Voice of Chicago ensemble, the Hyde Park Neighborhood Choir, and a consortium of Choir alums.
Dec. 18; Epiphany Center for the Arts, 201 S. Ashland Ave., Hyde Park; More details.
Cirque du Soleil invites families to the Chicago Theatre, where a world of delight and whimsy awaits families looking for a bit of over-the-top holiday fun. ‘Twas the Night Before… is Cirque du Soleil's first-ever Christmas show, offering a new take on the classic children's poem. The show highlights the wonders of sharing and friendship with an international cast of characters that thrill with every daring move.
Nov. 26-Dec. 5; Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Loop; More details.
Hershel And The Hanukkah Goblins
Strawdog Theatre Company at Rivendell Theatre presents a Hanukkah show for all ages. When a traveling troupe of actors comes to town only to find no one celebrating Hanukkah, they try to figure out a way to save the Hanukkah spirit STAT. In this adaptation of the Caldecott Honor-winning book, Strawdog Theater Company, one of Chicago's oldest ensemble theater companies, brings the cherished story to life with music, puppets, and a heavy dose of theater magic.
Nov. 20-Dec. 12.; Rivendell Theatre, 5779 N. Ridge Rd., Edgewater; More details.
Art Deco Nutcracker
Studebaker Theatre
Set in 1920s America, Alexei Kremnev's The Art Deco Nutcracker is an upbeat yet traditional take on the much-loved holiday favorite and guaranteed entertainment for all. This year's production features award-winning rhythmic dangers, stunning set designs and added scenes and characters. Familiar favorites The Sugar Plum Fairy, Mother Ginger and the Nutcracker Prince will all be on stage to tell the tale.
Dec. 4, The Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport, Lakeview; Event details.
The Snow Queen
Chicago's acclaimed House Theatre kicks off its 2021-22 season with a brand-new adaptation of Hans Christian Anderson's winter tale, The Snow Queen. Written by Artistic Director Lanise Antoine Shelley, the show also features magic by Dennis Watkins and puppets by Jesse Mooney-Bullock. At the center of the show is a strong-willed heroine who seeks to heal the Earth and make amends for the pain she has woven into her icy kingdom.
Nov. 12-Jan. 2; 1543 W. Division St., West Town; More details.
A Christmas Carol
Goodman Theatre
12/28 - DUE TO COVID-RELATED COMPLICATIONS, THE REMAINING SHOWS HAVE BEEN CANCELED.
The Goodman Theatre's production of the holiday classic serves up a heavy dose of cheer to enliven even the grouchiest of Scrooges. There is something about this timeless story, combined with the world-class actors of The Goodman, that keeps the "bah-humbugs" away. 2021 marks the Goodman's 44th annual production of this timeless tale of kindness and compassion.
Nov. 20-Dec. 31; Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn, Loop; More details.
Holiday Highlights Performance by Tempel Lipizzans
Bundle up and join Tempel Lipizzans for festive holiday spirit in their sprawling indoor arena. Enjoy four segments all set to classical music including The Solo, The Airs Above the Ground, The Long Rein, and The Quadrille. Whether you're looking for something festive to do with the family or unique gift ideas, an afternoon with Tempel Lipizzans is the perfect option.
Dec. 4 & Dec. 11; The Tempel Lipizzans, 17000 W Wadsworth Rd, Old Mill Creek; More details.
It's a Wonderful Life
American Blues Theater
George Bailey can't see the light at the end of the tunnel: Only a miracle—or an angel from above —can save him from despair. Featuring original music and classic holiday carols, this critically acclaimed holiday favorite showcases the Frank Capra classic in a 1940s radio broadcast tradition. Tweens and teens will enjoy the interactive nature of the show.
Nov. 26-Dec. 31; Victory Gardens Theater; 2433 N. Lincoln Ave., Lincoln Park, More details.
Home Alone in Concert
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Home Alone quickly earned its place as an iconic holiday movie that's a go-to favorite for families across the globe. We all fell in love with 8-year-old Kevin McCallister as he worked to defend his suburban Chicago home against two bungling thieves. Now, members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra will perform John William's charming and delightful score from this comedy classic. Hilarious and heart-warming, Home Alone is holiday fun for the entire family!
Nov. 26-28; Chicago Symphony Orchestra; 220 S. Michigan Ave., Loop; More details.
Cinderella
Calling all Princesses and Princes, Kings and Queens from across Chicagoland: You’re invited to a grand ball at Aurora's Art Deco Paramount Theatre. Cinderella, the classic musical from the genius minds of Rodgers and Hammerstein, is an enchanting story that makes for a fairy-tale of a family holiday theater date. The theatre's historic Grand Gallery will be decked out for the season with a giant two-story, fully-decorated Christmas tree and all the regal trimmings, too.
Nov. 10-Jan. 9; Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora; More details.
That's Weird, Grandma: Comes Home for the Holidays
PlayMakers Laboratory
PlayMakers Laboratory is welcoming back live audiences with That's Weird, Grandma: Comes Home for the Holidays. That's Weird Grandma features adaptations written during PlayMakers Laboratory's creative writing residencies in Chicago elementary schools. PML's talented actors, comedians and musicians bring the stories to life as raucous sketches, songs and movement pieces.
Dec. 10-Dec. 19; Neo-Futurist Theater, 5153 N. Ashland Ave, Andersonville; More details.
A Recipe for Disaster by Rick Bayless
Not necessarily a holiday show, but still a fun way to squeeze in a fun date night during the shopping season.
Conceived by Rick Bayless and Windy City Playhouse's artistic team, A Recipe for Disaster is a live experience that combines immersive theater, food and farce. Guests are invited inside the restaurant to join in for "influencer night." The actors will not touch or talk to the audience directly, allowing you to feel like a fly on the wall as the hilarity unfolds around you. Admission includes 6 bite-sized tastings by Chef Rick Bayless, one cocktail sampling from Lanie Bayless and two wine pairings.
Shows through Dec. 31; Petterino's, 150 N. Dearborn St., Loop; More details.
The Beatrix Potter Holiday Tea Party
Chicago Children's Theatre
Settle in for tea with woodland friends Jeremy Fisher, Simpkin the Cat, Peter Rabbit, and Tom Kitten! This interactive trunk and puppet show, complete with original music and delightful storytellers, is made for little ones ages 2-6 and their families. Post-show, kids are invited onstage to play with the puppets and take pictures before indulging in a festive spread of chocolate milk and cookies in the theater's lobby.
Nov. 20-Dec. 24; The Station, 100 S. Racine St., West Loop; More details.
A Black Ensemble Holiday Spectacular
Music-loving families will enjoy the holiday classics performed by members of the acclaimed Black Ensemble Theater in this cabaret-style spectacular. Soak in all your favorite holiday tunes in a potpourri of musical genres, including jazz, gospel, pop, rock, soul, and blues, in a show that guarantees 'to lift your spirits and soothe your soul.'
Dec. 11-19; Black Ensemble Theatre, 4450 N. Clark St., Uptown; More details.
The Nutcracker on Art on theMART
Art on theMART
An animated digital display of The Joffrey Ballet’s The Nutcracker will be shown as part of Art on theMART, the largest digital art projection in the world. The presentation is set to the music of Tchaikovsky’s beloved score and runs nightly on theMART’s 2.5-acre river-façade.
Nov. 25-Dec. 30; Merchandise Mart, 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza, River North; More details.
Dickens' Hat
When a pair of thieves steal Charles Dickens' hat from a tiny Victorian boutique, a young shop clerk and her friend set off to reclaim it, reminding everyone along the way that "Beneath our hats, we are all the same." Filled with original music and 'a host of colorful characters, constables and carolers' is an upbeat holiday show for the whole fam.
Nov. 26-Jan. 2. North Shore Center for Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie; More details.
Hyde Park School of Dance brings together fans of ballet, modern and hip hop with the return of live performances in its annual presentation of Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker.
Dec. 10-12; Mandel Hall on the University of Chicago, 1131 E. 57th St., Hyde Park; More details.
Becoming Santa Clause
Chicago Opera Theater, producer of contemporary and re-imagined opera, is premiering family friendly Becoming Santa Claus. During the 90-minute performance, a bratty elf Prince learns the meaning of family, love and the true spirit of gift-giving.
Dec. 11, 17 & 19; Studebaker Theatre, 410 S. Michigan Ave., Loop; More details.
Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical
The Young People's Theatre of Chicago
The Young People's Theatre of Chicago is hosting their inaugural production of Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical. Knuffle Bunny tells the tale of a beleaguered dad who accidentally leaves his toddler's favorite stuffed bunny at the laundromat. In his best-selling book, Mo Willems explores the loving and complex bond between parent and child while celebrating the complexity of family life in the big city.
Dec. 2-19; The Greenhouse Theater Center, 2557 N. Lincoln Ave., Lincoln Park; More details.
Merry, Merry Chicago
Listen to the celebrated songs of the season performed by the best musicians in the city: the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Arrangements both new and cherished will have you humming and singing along. Be ready for a visit from the man in red, too!
Dec. 17-Dec. 23; Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave., Loop; More details.
If you’re like us and believe that marshmallows are the best part of kid’s cereals, you’ll love this news. Lucky Charms Just Magical Marshmallows is back! For a limited time, you can buy packs of the puffy treats at local retailers, cereal not included.
Lucky Charms says they’re great for snacking, baking or simply adding a few more mallows to your breakfast bowl. Inside each pouch you’ll find hearts, stars and horseshoes, clovers and blue moons, unicorns, rainbows and tasty red balloons. They’re selling for around $4 at retailers and already listed for much more than that on the secondary market.
The pouches come in eight collectible designs with one of the magical marshmallows starring in each. And while they’re not exactly a health food, they are gluten free! See if you can snag a pouch near you before they disappear!
Believe it or not, we’re over halfway to Christmas! And if you’re mentally starting to prepare in advance, Igloo Books just launched three awesome advent calendars that your kids will love. The Disney calendar, the Disney Princess calendar and the Marvel Super Heroes calendar each feature 24 books and they’re available to pre-order now.
When you’re ready to unveil for the holiday season, you’ll open a large fold-out wallet that contains two dozen paperback storybooks featuring beloved characters. Each book is wrapped in a recyclable paper sleeve and stored in a number pocket. The Disney Advent Calendar features stories from both Disney and Pixar. Disney Princess and Marvel have a collection of stories from each franchise.
Previous versions of the calendar boast more than 1,700 five-star reviews on Amazon. The reading age is listed at three years and up so the whole family can get in on the fun. The calendars are retailing online for $25.49, so a little more than one dollar per story for a whole month of fun.
Last year the Disney Advent Calendar reached #1 on Amazon’s Christmas Books list in Fall 2020, so you’ll want to preorder soon! And if you need a few more ideas for advent calendar fun, may we suggest the Harry Potter version?
Do your kids dream of eating pancakes with a penguin? Or breakfast burritos with a brown bear? Nutella is partnering with zoos across the country for a “Breakfast With Animals” series and it could be coming to a city near you this summer!
Ten zoos will be participating in the event, which begins with a special breakfast featuring Nutella, followed by private chats with zookeepers at various animal habitats. Most zoos will also feature animal ambassadors at the breakfasts, so you’ll be able to interact during the meal and learn what specific creatures eat to start the day!
The following locations will offer tickets to purchase:
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden (June 19, July 17, 31 and August 7, 28)
Hogle Zoo, Salt Lake City, UT (June 26 and July 10)
Oklahoma City Zoo (July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 and August 7, 14, 21, 28)
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, Columbia, SC (July 17 and August 14)
Memphis Zoo (July 17 and August 14)
Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park (July 17 and August 14)
Nashville Zoo at Grassmere (July 24 and August 21)
Pittsburgh Zoo (July 25 and August 8)
Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago IL (August 21 and September 25)
Phoenix Zoo (September 25 and 26)
Nutella is committed to bringing families together and wants to facilitate more family time and memories together with the creation of this event. And we all know hazelnut spread is a hit with kids at any breakfast! Visit the listed zoo’s individual websites to get tickets and learn more about their specific events. But don’t move like a tortoise because they’re sure to sell out!
