Family Friendly Thanksgiving Things to Do in Illinois and Wisconsin
Thanksgiving is usually centered around food, family and figuring out how many different ways we can use the leftovers. But the long weekend is also a really good excuse to get everyone out of the house and make a few memories together.
Whether your family wants to see a parade, walk through millions of lights, explore a holiday market or escape somewhere with an indoor waterpark, Illinois and Wisconsin have plenty happening around Thanksgiving.
Here are some of the best family friendly things to add to your Thanksgiving weekend plans in 2026.
Family Friendly Thanksgiving Activities in Illinois
1. Watch the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade
Chicago, Illinois
The Chicago Thanksgiving Parade is one of the best ways to start Thanksgiving morning. State Street fills with enormous balloons, colorful floats, marching bands, dancers and performers from around the country.
The 2026 parade takes place on Thursday, November 26, from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. It travels north on State Street from Ida B. Wells Drive to Randolph Street.
The parade is free, but getting there early is important if you want a good viewing spot. Bring warm drinks, dress everyone in layers and prepare for at least one person to complain about the cold before the first balloon appears.
Chicago Thanksgiving Parade information
2. Visit Christkindlmarket in Wrigleyville
Chicago, Illinois
If your family wants to leave the house after Thanksgiving dinner, Christkindlmarket in Wrigleyville will actually be open on Thanksgiving Day from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.
You can wander through the market, shop for ornaments and gifts, drink hot chocolate and try German treats like pretzels, potato pancakes and strudel. The Wrigleyville location also feels a little easier to navigate with children than the busiest downtown location.
It is free to enter, although you will probably end up buying at least one snack and one cute souvenir mug.
The 2026 Wrigleyville market runs from November 20 through December 31.
Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville
3. Explore Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
Chicago, Illinois
The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry becomes especially beautiful during the holidays. Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light features more than 50 trees decorated by cultural organizations representing traditions from around the world.
There are also displays celebrating Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali and other seasonal celebrations. Simulated snow falls near the four story Grand Tree every 30 minutes, which is always fun for children and still surprisingly magical for adults.
The exhibit runs from November 7, 2026, through January 3, 2027. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving Day, but it has extended hours from Friday, November 27, through Monday, November 30.
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
4. Walk Through Illumination at The Morton Arboretum
Lisle, Illinois
Illumination turns the trees at The Morton Arboretum into an enormous outdoor light experience. The trail includes glowing trees, music, interactive displays and plenty of beautiful family photo opportunities.
The 2026 experience will also include four new installations and the Pine Whistle Railroad, a model train traveling through an indoor woodland display.
Illumination runs from November 14, 2026, through January 2, 2027. Tickets are timed, so reserving your preferred evening early is a good idea.
Illumination at The Morton Arboretum
5. Experience Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden
Glencoe, Illinois
Lightscape is another beautiful option for families who want to walk off Thanksgiving dinner while surrounded by glowing installations.
The trail takes visitors through illuminated gardens filled with music, color and large art displays. There are usually seasonal drinks and treats available along the route too.
This is a good choice for families with older children and teens who may have outgrown pictures with Santa but still enjoy an immersive holiday experience.
Ticket prices vary by date and demand, so purchasing early will usually give you more options and a better price.
Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden
6. See ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
Chicago, Illinois
ZooLights is one of Chicago’s classic holiday traditions. Lincoln Park Zoo fills the grounds with colorful lights, music, displays and seasonal activities.
The 2026 event runs from November 20 through January 3, 2027, from 4:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. on scheduled nights.
Because the event is outdoors, this is another situation where cute but impractical shoes should stay home. Dress warmly and give yourself time to walk around without rushing.
7. Visit Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo
Brookfield, Illinois
Brookfield Zoo’s Holiday Magic features lights throughout the zoo, illuminated animal displays and seasonal entertainment.
The first round of 2026 dates includes November 21 through November 25 and November 27 through November 29. It is closed on Thanksgiving Day, but it works perfectly as a Thanksgiving Eve or weekend outing.
The event runs from 3 p.m. until 9 p.m. Tickets start at $29.95, and zoo members receive admission benefits.
Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo
8. Take a Thanksgiving Weekend Road Trip to the East Peoria Festival of Lights
East Peoria, Illinois
If your family loves huge light displays, the East Peoria Festival of Lights is worth the drive.
The annual festival includes elaborate illuminated floats and displays that families can enjoy from the comfort of the car. This makes it especially useful when the weather is freezing or someone in the family has already decided that they are done walking.
The 2026 festival runs from November 21 through January 3, 2027.
East Peoria Festival of Lights
Family Friendly Thanksgiving Activities in Wisconsin
9. See the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Downtown Milwaukee glows with more than half a million lights during the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival.
Families can explore decorated parks, stroll along Wisconsin Avenue and stop for dinner or hot chocolate downtown. The lights are spread across several areas, including Cathedral Square Park, Pere Marquette Park and Zeidler Union Square.
The 2026 festival runs from November 19 through January 1, 2027, so everything will already be glowing by Thanksgiving weekend.
Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival
10. Celebrate Different Cultures at the Holiday Folk Fair International
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
The Holiday Folk Fair International is perfect for families who want something festive without immediately jumping into Christmas lights.
The three day event celebrates cultures from around the world through music, dance, traditional clothing, crafts and food. It is educational without feeling like a school field trip, and it gives children a chance to experience traditions they may not see every day.
The 2026 festival takes place from Friday, November 20, through Sunday, November 22, just before Thanksgiving week.
Holiday Folk Fair International
11. Visit Wild Lights at the Milwaukee County Zoo
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Wild Lights transforms the Milwaukee County Zoo into an illuminated winter wonderland with animal themed displays and hundreds of thousands of sparkling lights.
Families can walk through the zoo after dark, enjoy seasonal snacks and take pictures among the displays. Some seasons also include designated drive through evenings, which are helpful for families with very young children or anyone who would rather stay warm in the car.
The complete 2026 calendar has not yet been released, so confirm the Thanksgiving weekend schedule before traveling.
Wild Lights at the Milwaukee County Zoo
12. Spend Thanksgiving Weekend at an Indoor Waterpark
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
If your ideal Thanksgiving weekend involves staying somewhere warm while the children wear themselves out, Wisconsin Dells is probably the answer.
Resorts such as Kalahari, Wilderness and Great Wolf Lodge offer indoor waterparks, restaurants, arcades and family activities without requiring you to spend the weekend driving from place to place.
Some resorts offer Thanksgiving meals or holiday packages, making this a fun option for families that want to skip cooking altogether. Prices usually climb for the long weekend, so booking early matters.
Plan a Wisconsin Dells Thanksgiving trip
13. Attend the Opening Night of Rotary Holiday Lights
La Crosse, Wisconsin
Rotary Holiday Lights fills Riverside Park with more than three million lights.
Opening night is Friday, November 27, and includes a parade at 5 p.m., followed by an opening ceremony and fireworks. Santa and some of his reindeer will also appear in the park through December 23.
Families can drive, walk or take a carriage ride through the display. Admission is free, although donations of money or food are encouraged.
The display runs nightly from November 27 through December 31.
Rotary Holiday Lights in La Crosse
14. Watch the Tomah Holiday Parade and Visit the Light Display
Tomah, Wisconsin
Tomah starts its holiday season on Friday, November 27, with a parade through downtown.
The parade begins at 7 p.m. Afterward, families can head to Winnebago Park for the opening night of the Tomah Holiday Lights display. The lights remain open nightly through December 31.
This is a sweet small town option for families who prefer community traditions over massive crowds and expensive admission.
15. Walk Through Rotary Lights in Beaver Dam
Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Swan Park becomes a colorful holiday display when Rotary Lights returns for its tenth season.
The display opens on Friday, November 27, and continues through January 4, 2027. Families can enjoy thousands of lights and detailed decorations throughout the park.
It is a simple, affordable addition to Thanksgiving weekend, especially for families traveling between Madison, Milwaukee and central Wisconsin.
Rotary Holiday Lights in Beaver Dam
16. Experience Miracle at Big Rock
St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin
Miracle at Big Rock is one of the largest experiences on this list, featuring more than 17 million lights along a mile long trail.
Families can choose between driving and walking nights. The event also includes food trucks, local vendors, sledding, s’mores and fireworks on select nights.
It opens on Friday, November 27, and runs through January 2, 2027. Admission generally ranges from $10 to $25.
This one is farther from Chicago, but it could be worth adding to a Thanksgiving road trip through northern Wisconsin or the Twin Cities area.
Before You Make Thanksgiving Weekend Plans
Thanksgiving schedules can be a little unusual. Some attractions are open on Thanksgiving Day, while others close for the holiday and reopen on Friday.
Always check the official event calendar before leaving home, especially if you are driving across state lines. Buying timed tickets early can also save you from explaining to a disappointed car full of people why the event is sold out.
Whether your family wants a big Chicago parade, an indoor waterpark weekend or a quiet drive through thousands of lights, there are plenty of ways to make Thanksgiving feel like more than one very large meal.
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