Just because winter is here doesn’t mean you have to stay cooped up in your house. In fact, there’s plenty of activities to do in the winter that will keep you busy. Here are some winter fun ideas in Chicago.
Art Institute of Chicago Special Holiday Events
Visiting the Art Institute of Chicago will open your eyes to a variety of special holiday-theme performances and events:
- Open Lecture: The Neopolitan Creche
- Holiday Choir Concerts
- 36th Annual Holiday Treasure Hunt & Tea Party (Hosted December 10th, 10:45 AM until 2:30 PM)
- Get Crafty and Build a Gingerbread House (On December 16th between 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM, and other times to come.)
- Member Lecture: Holiday Thorne Rooms
- Holiday Small Plates at the Museum Cafe (Every Thursday evening in December. Reservations encouraged)
Brookfield Zoo – Experience the Holiday Magic of 2020
Visit Chicagoland’s longest and largest running lights festival, the Polar Lights Show during its 36th year. Additional holiday highlights include: Dolphins in Action, photo opps with animals, Wild Encounters, Singing to the animals, Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
How to get in: You can obtain Brookfield Zoo tickets as they are included with the Go Chicago Card, as well as holiday events and activities, are all included with admission, unless specified otherwise.
Ice Skating at McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, Chicago in Winter
Step out on the ice and have a blast with a view of the Chicago skyline. This ice skating rink is a holiday favorite for several locals. Due to convenience and being able to find, this area is the place to be during the cold, winter months. If skating with a crowd isn’t something you jump for joy about, the skating rink is open throughout March, so there will be time to skate in peace after the New Year.
Be sure to check online for more information and specified hours. The rink is free but if you need to rent skates, rentals are available for around $10.
Lincoln Park Zoo and Zoo Light Festive Fun
Head to the Lincoln Park Zoo for some family tradition and festive fun in Chicago. Between the fun seasonal activities and bright illuminations, your Christmas spirit will for sure blossom. Whether you want to take the kids, or just stroll around with some adults, it’s the ideal place for anyone. Admission to the Lincoln Park Zoo is free.
Polar Adventure Days
Mainly for kids, Polar Adventure Days boast tons of fun such as meeting and greeting Siberian huskies, live music, storytelling, and ice sculpture creations. This is the 13th year for Adventure Days and it’s the perfect spot for some winter fun in the Chicago area. Once you’re done, you can explore nearby attractions, including the Adler Planetarium, where your children can learn about space exploration. Admission to the Polar Adventure Days is free and Adler Planetarium tickets come included with your Go Chicago Card.
What type of winter, snowy fun will your family have this year? Share and spread your ideas to spread Christmas spirit with us and our readers.
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