Just before the holiday shopping season kicks into gear, the Chicago Toy and Game Fair will be exhibiting some of the most enriching and fun playthings on earth. The 17th annual edition of this popular event will span the weekend of Nov. 23 t the Navy Pier Festival Halls. You can expect giveaways, live entertainment, contests, interactive exhibitions, and game testing sessions throughout the day. Other highlights on this year's schedule include a baby and toddler playspace for the littlest kids in attendance, and a beer garden stocked with board games for adults. Older kids will also enjoy the Young Inventor Challenge, which will recognize the creative, scientific, and engineering skills of Chicago area school kids, and afford a few lucky inventors the opportunity to connect with influential professionals within the toy and game industry. 

Tickets run from $7 to $15, with free admission available to scouts, educators, librarians, first responders, and military.