From one food-filled holiday (Halloween) to the next (Thanksgiving), November provides plenty to experience — and not all of it is food-related, believe it or not. Check out our top picks for family fun during the month.
Thanks to Dick’s House of Sport for presenting our list of the top family friendly things to do in November in C-U.
Halloween Candy Buy Back at All Smiles Family Dentistry, Nov. 1-15
All Smiles will pay $1 per pound of candy to the child donating it (up to 5 pounds). Of course, there are plenty of things you can do with all that extra candy. We have some ideas.
Champaign Park District Youth Theatre Presents: Willy Wonka Jr., Nov. 2-4
The wonderful adventures of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory hit the stage at the Virginia Theatre in Champaign. The crew of kids will perform multiple shows over the three-day span.
Prairie Gardens Totally Christmas Open House, Nov. 3-5
While you shop and enjoy free food and refreshments, your kids can participate in free ornament-making crafts, write letters to Santa and vote for their favorite kids-themed decorated Christmas tree for a chance to win a $300 toy gift card at Prairie Gardens.
Genome Day, Nov. 4
Join the Institute for Genomic Biology for a fun day of hands-on science at Champaign Public Library. Talk with scientists and explore exhibits and activities that will cover topics including the environment, energy use and production, health and fundamental research at the institute. Free.
Illini women’s basketball vs. Morehead State, Nov. 7
Excitement abounds for the Illini women, who return every major piece from last year’s NCAA tournament team and begin the season tonight as the nation’s 23rd-ranked team. Game time is 6 p.m. at State Farm Center.
Hot Chocolate and Holiday Movie Weekend at Harvest Moon, Nov. 17-18, 24-25
Make plans to head out to Harvest Moon Drive-In in Gibson City for their Hot Chocolate and Holiday Movie nights. This weekend features The Grinch and Elf.
Join the Urbana Park District for a Thanksgiving morning tradition. It’s a one-mile run/walk in Crystal Lake Park, a great excuse to spend the rest of the day replenishing the calories that you burned off in the morning. Free!
Winter Nights at Prairie Farm, Nov. 24
A festive holiday lights setting will light up Prairie Farm in Champaign starting on this night and continuing every Thursday through Saturday until Dec. 31. Enjoy holiday lights and sip on hot cocoa (available for purchase).
Santa makes his way through downtown Champaign in this annual event that gets everyone in the holiday spirit. The parade begins at 6 p.m. but visits with Santa begin at 3 p.m.
Christie Clinic Presents Twinkling Lights and Hot Cocoa, Nov. 26
Join Christie Clinic and chambanamoms for a special evening of lights, family-friendly fun, and free cocoa at Prairie Farm (2202 W. Kirby Ave, Champaign) from 5-6:30 p.m. Prairie Farm will be lighting up the farm this holiday season and we are so excited to be a part of the fun!