Chicago:
Lakeshore’s Free Crafts for Kids
Location: Lakeshore Learning 2255 W. 95th St. Chicago, IL 60643
Website: https://www.lakeshorelearning.com/stores/locator/chicago/029/
Date/Time: 1/25, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
At this free event, enjoy building a race car craft with your children!
Polar Adventure Day
Location: Northerly Island 1400 S. Linn White Drive, Chicago, Illinois
Website: chicagoparkdistrict.com/events/polar-adventure-days
Date/Time: 1/25, 12:00-4:00 p.m.
At this free event (with $3 parking), you can explore Northerly Island, make crafts, and see live animals including Siberian Huskies and wolves. If there’s snow, enjoy using snowshoes, and enjoy a winter treat as well.
Field Museum Sensory Saturday
Location: Field Museum 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr. Chicago, IL 60605
Website: https://www.chicagoautismnetwork.org/calendar/sensory-saturday
Date/Time: 1/25, 9:00-10:00 a.m.
It’s a free event with advance registration for families with young children, and activities include hands-on learning with sensory tools.
Northwest Indiana:
LaPorte Winterfest (Various events)
Location: Various locations
Website: https://panoramanow.com/events/laporte-winterfest/
Date/Time: 1/24-1/26, various events/times
Check out the website for multiple free family events, including ice sculpture demonstrations, family game night, breakfast with the birds, and making snow angels with the community!
Family Mug Night
Location: Busy Bees Pottery & Arts Studio, 2204 Southlake Mall, Merrillville, IN 46410
Website: https://app.getoccasion.com/xp/xNcSkLPB
Date/Time: 1/24, 7:00 p.m.
Paint a family mug together or everyone in the family can make one. Admission is free, but mug costs vary. Make sure you reserve your spot!
Learn to Draw Mickey & Minnie
Location: The Disney Store, Merrillville
Date/Time: 1/25, 3:00 p.m.
Families and children ages 3 and up can come together to learn to draw Mickey & Minnie!
Power Paws for Kids
Location: St. John Branch, Lake County Library, 9450 Wicker Ave., St. John, IN 46373
Website: https://www.lcplin.org/event/3643536
Date/Time: 1/25, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Families and children can read to certified therapy dogs, but make sure you register ahead.
Indianapolis:
Lakeshore’s Free Crafts for Kids
Location: Lakeshore Learning 1300 E. 86th St.Indianapolis, IN 46240
Website: https://www.lakeshorelearning.com/stores/locator/indianapolis/066/
Date/Time: 1/25, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
At this free event, enjoy building a race car craft with your children!
Owl Prowl Weekend
Location: Holliday Park, 6363 Spring Mill Road Indianapolis, IN 46260
Website:
apm.activecommunities.com/indyparks/Activity_Search/special-event-owl-prowl-weekend-holliday-park/16218
Dates/Times: 1/24-1/26, various times
Check out the website for various free events you can do with the family, including owl crafts, live animals, and a morning bird hike.
Lansing:
Family Activity Fair
Location: Williamston Community Pool & Fitness Center, 3939 Vanneter Road, Williamston, Michigan 48895
Website: facebook.com/events/2503242033225367/
Date/Time: 1/25, 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
It’s a free event for the whole family, where you can enjoy food, games, and activities while exploring what local organizations offer in the community. Donations of underwear, socks, and toiletries are being collected for kids in need in Ingham County.
PBS Kids Day at WKAR
Location: WKAR Studio A, Communication Arts & Sciences Building, 404 Wilson Road, on the Michigan State campus (parking 1149 Red Cedar Road, East Lansing, MI 48824)
Website: https://www.wkar.org/post/pbs-kids-day-wkar-2020#stream/0
Date/Time: 1/25, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Enjoy this free event with many activities for kids like taking a photo with Clifford, enjoying a “green screen experience” as a meteorologist, and learning about STEM careers. A sensory-friendly room is also available.
Statehood Day Celebration
Location: Michigan History Museum, 702 W Kalamazoo St, Lansing, MI 48915
Website: facebook.com/events/3035285349832237/
Date/Time: 1/25, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
This free celebration commemorates the individuals who were a part of Michigan’s statehood, and you can enjoy demonstrations involving wool and also churning butter. Other activities include visiting with the Kings 8th British Regiment and learning about tinsmithing.