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Don’t rely on luck to catch fish! Learn basic fishing skills to help make your family outings successful and fun. All ages; under 18 with an adult. $5 per person ages 5 and up; under 5 free. Register online or at 630-933-7248. More Information and Registration >
Enjoy the Last Days of Summer at the Cantigny Car Show South Parking Lot | September 17 | 9:00 am–3:00 pm Enjoy our annual auto show featuring a variety of vintage cars, entertainment, and food trucks. Participant choice voting “Best of Show” award Best paint and engine awards DJ music by “Carousel Sound” Live concert by The Beaux Band Multiple Food Trucks Event admission provides access to the Car Show and the Jewelry and Accessories Show. Purchase Tickets > More Information >
It’s wine with a little bit of wild! September 21 | 5:00-7:30 pm | Cosley Zoo Enjoy an evening at Cosley Zoo while sampling a selection of more than 50 wines. Spend an evening wine tasting at Cosley Zoo listening to live entertainment, enjoying appetizers, mingling with the animals and entering to win fantastic raffle prizes. Cost: $50/person Get Tickets > All event proceeds benefit Cosley Zoo. Must be 21+ with a valid ID to attend. The event will be held rain or shine. No refunds.
October 1–31 | Daily 9:00 am–5:00 pm | Cosley Zoo Enjoying the beautiful fall colors at Cosley Zoo is a must-do for autumn! Come see the animals and take in the thousands of pumpkins scattered on the zoo’s lawn. Children’s rides are also available for an additional fee. Purchase apples, gourds, cider, cornstalks, various sizes of straw bales, and don't forget your pumpkins! Check out the fall merchandise in the Wild Side Gift Shop, too! Proceeds from your purchases benefit Cosley Zoo. Regular admission rates apply. Browse More Information >
Friday, Oct. 13: 4:00–11:00 pm | Saturday, Oct. 14: 10:00 am–11:00 pm | Sunday, Oct. 15: 10:00 am–4:00 pm Parade Field For the first time, our fall festival will be an entire weekend! The fun begins Friday night, October 13, from 4:00–11:00 pm featuring German-style food and beer, with live music under a big tent on the Cantigny parade field! Hang out in the tent or cozy up on the Adirondacks around a firepit or play lawn games outside of the tent. We’ll do it again on Saturday night after a fun day featuring 100 craft vendors, hayrides, petting zoo, inflatables,...
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1:00–3:00 pm | SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1:00–3:00 pm Enjoy a 30-minute ride while learning about a forest preserve’s heritage and natural areas. Rides begin at 1, 1:45, and 2:30 p.m., and tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis starting at noon the day of the ride. All ages; under 13 with an adult. $5 per person ages 5 and up; under 5 free. No registration. Questions? Call 630-668-6012 for Danada (including calls for private group rides). Find Out More Information >
McCormick House and Gardens: Lights and Music The inaugural Christmas at Cantigny celebrates the new McCormick House and brings Christmas lights, music, and family fun to the gardens and grounds. The renovated McCormick House will be open to the public for the first time since 2020, with the first floor lavishly decorated for the holidays. Cantigny’s holiday light show offers a magical experience. Walk a guided path through the gardens and be captivated by lighting that enhances traditional holiday decorations. Immerse yourself in the festive spirit and don’t miss the chance to admire the hundreds of famous Cantigny poinsettias on...
November 24–December 30 | 9:00 am-9:00 pm (lights come on at 3:00 pm) | Cosley Zoo Take a stroll through the winter wonderland at the Cosley Zoo, featuring 20,000+ twinkling lights and a herd of whimsical lighted animal figures. The Festival of Lights and Tree Sale begins the day after Thanksgiving (11/24/2023) and continues through December 30. A winter visit to Cosley Zoo has become a favorite family tradition. Cosley Zoo is transformed into a winter wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights, an amazing selection of Christmas trees, wreaths and greenery, hot chocolate, and a unique assortment of holiday gifts...
Winter Fun: Ice Skating at Cantigny Park—Get 1/2 off on Monday, February 19th! Enjoy a scenic outdoor skate at our new rink on the Parade Field. Admission to the rink is $7; spectator access is free. Skates are available for rent for $3. Rink access and skate rental are available on-site. All skaters must fill out a participation waiver in order to enter the rink. Waivers must be filled out on the day of attendance, including return visits. Outside food and drink is prohibited. Parade Field Parking: $5 per car Rink admission: $7 per person Skate rentals: $3 per pair...
Easter Fun in Cantigny Park Sunday, March 24 | 10:00 am–4:00 pm | Parking: $5 per car Cantigny’s annual Easter Egg Hunt returns! Stop by for some colorful family fun. The egg hunt is an “open house” event—come whenever you wish. Eggs will be available in the allée throughout the day and replenished periodically. Just bring your own basket or bag. Details: Each child may redeem five (5) eggs for a prize. Take the eggs to the prize redemption area located near the Tank Park and restrooms. One prize per child. If your child collects more than five we suggest...