10 Reasons Indy Families Should Attend the 2025 Chicago Toy & Game Fair (a.k.a. Wishlist Weekend!)

Every year, our family kicks off the holiday season with one of our favorite adventures, a road trip to Chicago for the Chicago Toy & Game Fair! What started as a fun little outing when my oldest was a baby has turned into one of our longest-running family traditions. Over the years, my kids have gone from napping in strollers between booths to running ahead, testing every game, and chatting up the inventors who created them.

If you’re looking for a fun fall weekend that feels like the holidays came early, this is it. Here’s why Indy families should definitely make the trip to this year’s Wishlist Weekend at the Chicago Toy & Game Fair, happening November 8–9, 2025, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois.

1. It’s pure hands-on fun!

The Chicago Toy & Game Fair is one giant play space. Forget “look, don’t touch,” kids can actually play with everything! Build, test, launch, race, and roll through hundreds of booths packed with new toys and games.

2. Kids get to meet real toy inventors!

This is my kids’ favorite part, chatting with the inventors who dreamed up their favorite games. They’ll explain how the idea came to life and even play alongside you. It’s a little bit magical to see kids realize that every toy starts as someone’s wild idea.

3. The Young Inventor Challenge is seriously inspiring.

Each year, creative kids from all over pitch their own toy and game ideas to real industry pros. It’s like Shark Tank for kids, and it’s incredible to watch. My kids always leave bursting with ideas of their own.

4. The BIG stuff is amazing!

Over the years, we’ve seen oversized versions of popular board games and other “wow” moments that make the kids’ jaws drop.

5. There are sweet little play spots too.

In between the big activations, there are quieter corners where kids can slow down, train tables, block play, puzzles, or simple games that let them reset before the next round of excitement.

6. Game tournaments = instant memories!

Jump into a family game competition or tournament and let everyone’s playful side shine. There’s something extra fun about friendly competition when you’re laughing your way through a new game together.

7. Sensory-friendly hour = stress-free start.

Families with children who prefer a quieter setting will love the Super Power Sensory Hour (Saturday & Sunday from 9–10 a.m.). Fewer crowds, lower noise, and plenty of space to explore, a thoughtful addition that makes the fair even more inclusive.

8. It’s basically the ultimate holiday wishlist builder!

This is Wishlist Weekend! Kids can see and play with this year’s hottest holiday toys before anyone else. It’s a dream come true for little gift planners (and a big help for parents who’d rather buy toys they know will actually get played with).

9. There’s so much happening all weekend.

Saturday starts with the 10 a.m. ribbon cutting, then the Toy of the Year Awards reveal at 11:30 a.m., and the Young Inventor Challenge awards at 2 p.m. Expect mascots, photo ops, and tons of surprises around every corner.

10. It’s the perfect fall getaway from Indy!

Rosemont is just a short drive from Indianapolis, with great hotels, restaurants, and easy parking. Make it a full weekend, grab dinner, explore the city, and soak up all the excitement of the season. Plus, it’s just a quick hop over to Chicago, so you can see all of the holiday magic of the big city in one trip.

Our family has been going to this event on and off for 16 years, and it never gets old. It’s one of those rare experiences that’s just as fun for parents as it is for kids. We come home with new favorite games, fun stories, and a little extra sparkle of holiday magic.

So pack up the car, grab your wishlists, and head to Chicago for the 2025 Toy & Game Fair!

Tickets are available on Eventbrite ($12 adults / $6 kids), and you can find all the details on the ChiTAG website. Here’s a CHITAG promo code for 50% off tickets: indywithkids