Check out this Chicago events calendar to find performances during your Chicago winter vacation. Compressing your trip into a mere few days may feel like a challenge, but its possible to see the best of Chicago in winter in just three days. Whats your favorite thing to do in Chicago during the winter? inspired by the ancient traditions of wellness and relaxation. Another event not to miss is ChicagosChicago St. Patricks Day Parade. If you click on the links and make a purchase, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. 15 Fun Things to Do in Chicago in the Winter with Kids Chicago has an incredible theater scene and if you are looking to treat your children to something special, try Broadway in Chicago. Organized as the Chicago Historical Society in 1856, today the organizations collections include approximately 22 million specimens. Comfy boots that you dont mind getting dirty. You dont have to wait until your kids are more grown up or you have a ton of money saved to start traveling. Absent such consent, users of this website, including any third parties accessing the website through automated systems, are prohibited from using any of the content on the website for Artificial Intelligence Purposes. Thats what I call the perfect day out with kids! Experience a universe of sparkle, music, food, and celebration, at Amaze Light Festival in Oak Park. You can find discounted fares using sites like Momondo or Skyscanner. Stop by to enjoy traditional dragon and lion dancing teams, colorful floats, marching bands, and marching groups! The former teacher in me loves their tours. If youre looking for indoor winter activities in Chicago, be sure to visit the Willis Tower. Visit Thursday nights for free admission (5-8pm for Illinois residents). Things to Do in Illinois This Winter Eating venues here include Shake Shack, Brown Bag Seafood Co., DoRite Donuts, and our favorite, Tortazo (Modern Mexican flavors, fountain Margaritas, and top-notch customer service!). Unwind and be taken on a journey of sensationsinspired by the ancient traditions of wellness and relaxation. Where: 19111 Oak Park Ave, Tinley Park, IL 60477For more information on Amaze Light Festival. With families spending more time at home this year, a two-week break from school can still be a bit overwhelming. Head to Water Tower Placewhere you will find the American Girl and Lego stores, restaurants, and shopping galore. The owner of this website does not consent to the content on this website being used or downloaded by any third parties for the purposes of developing, training or operating artificial intelligence or other machine learning systems (Artificial Intelligence Purposes), except as authorized by the owner in writing (including written electronic communication). The best part is you can bring all of your favorite snacks and wear your pajamas! Rewatch some of your favorite family films like Toy Story or Moana. Whether you're naughty or nice, it's time to get into the holiday spirit at this iconic Chicago event. If you want to keep an eye on discount fares, we suggest signing up for Going, a daily newsletter with flight sales around the world. Not only do they offer an escape from the chilly weather, they also entertain and educate. Once your kids have their fill of food and toys, head across the street to the Hersheystore and/or Ghirardellistore to sample some sweets. Both have great communication and a large variety of activities that work for all ages. Winter is an ideal time to visit Chicagos world-class museums. Download our app to stay updated on the latest experiences around you! There is no shortage of indoors things to do in Chicago from museums, great restaurants, tall buildings, shopping, theater, comedy clubs and more! Honestly? Illinois residents are in luck because winter is the time for many Chicago museum free days. Learn how to make everyones favorite drink this year! If your family knows they want to stay in a vacation rental, we recommend looking at VRBO and Plum Guide. Bonus free skating lessons are offered weekend mornings. Some great places to try out the ice include: Millennium Park, the Maggie Daley Ice Skating Ribbon, or the Rosemont ice rink. Lace up some skates Photo by Abel Arciniega On winter days, lace up your skates and hit one of the city's charming ice skating rinks. If youre looking for things to do in the winter and youve never been to an NHL game, youre missing out! Day 1 Morning Head to Pier Park at Navy Pier for breakfast on the go and old-school thrill rides. You can even dine outside on a rooftop. Love spending time outside in winter? Ifyou are looking for something with a smaller financial investment, there are several great childrens theater companies, including: Emerald City Theatre, The Marriott Theater for Young Audiences, and the Chicago Childrens Theatre. Know your route ahead of time. Things to do Suburbs The Forge: Lemont Quarries adventure park doesn't let winter weather stop it from welcoming guests to a 300-acre outdoor space just 20 miles from downtown Chicago.. Millennium Park: 201 E. Randolph St. Chicago, IL 60601, Electric Garden: 324 S Racine Ave, Chicago, IL 60607, Christkindlmarket is back for 2022! Winter Break Camps Are Still Enrolling! Find Ideas for Break Here - Kidlist Oh, and psstwe LOVE Chicago so much that weve written several other guides to help you plan your trip! This post may contain affiliate links, view our disclosure policy. The winding ribbon of ice curves up and down around a 40-foot climbing wall with the city's stunning skyline in the backdrop. Where: 127 W Huron St, Chicago, IL 60654For more information on I|O Godfreys rooftop igloos. Check out these great Chicago indoor attractions so you can escape that winter weather. As the holidays approach, so does the promise of glorious and well-deserved free time. Theres nothing like the hush of a snow-covered garden, especially when its Chicago Botanic Garden. Weve put together the ultimate winter bucket list, presented by Avail car sharing, so you dont miss out on the best events, activities, and attractions the city has to offer! Plus, all of the shops and delicious dining venues throughout the pier remain open, as does Chicagos famous Ferris wheel, the Centennial Wheel! Book a unique experience that includes thermal baths, at different temperatures and relaxing massage rituals to celebrate this holiday, in the most tranquil place in Chicago. 33 Best Things to Do on Anna Maria Island, Girls Weekend in Austin TX: Best Things To Do + Itinerary, 33 Best Things to Do in Destin with Kids While on Vacation, Maggie Daley Ice Skating Ribbon (A curvy ice-skating path that is twice the length of a lap around a traditional skating rink; located in Millenium Park near Maggie Daley Park. Where: Storyville: 712 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654For more information on Magic Shows at Storyville. Also, take your time while strolling on Magnificent Mile as there are dozens of opportunities to admire unique Christmas lights and Christmas decorations outside, and in the store windows. Stepping into the Holly Jolly Holiday Bar will bring a little bit of the magic back. Your email address will not be published. ), as well as touring the Art Institute of Chicago and marveling at the Chicago Christmas Tree. Find Ideas for Break Here Winter Break Camps Are Still Enrolling! If youre visiting Chicago during winter, be sure to check out the several theaters located throughout Chicago in which guests can watch Broadway-caliber musicals and shows. Also, try out the latest food trend hot chocolate bombs! Ellie, Thanks for the tip! Trampoline parks are all the rage when the kids are out of school. Strolling around Zoo Lights is the perfect holiday and date night activity: strolling around with a hot chocolate in hand while taking in the wonder of all the dazzling lights is really one of the best things to do in the city in December. Weve put together the ultimate winter bucket list, presented by, 7719 Ryan Road, Harvard, IL 60033 (Ben's flagship farm), State Street, From Ida B. Go to Navy Pier | Ride the Centennial Wheel. Get tickets to 360 Chicago. Pioneer Court is the epicenter of all the fun, with family-friendly and themed activities, including a holiday market. Here are some of our favoritefamily hotels in Chicagowhen spending 3 days in Chicago during the winter (or anytime, really!). Stroll through the exhibit houses and marvel at giraffes, penguins, gorillas, lions, and any of the other myriad animals that call the zoo home. One fun winter festival in Chicago is the Lunar New Year Parade in Chinatown. Not only that, but youll also have an opportunity to stand and take photos on The Ledge, which is a glass balcony that extends four feet outside the walls of the building. Help the Chicago Food Bank provide meals to those in need by donating items or volunteering time at one of their various locations. The perfect place to do so is at the Willis Tower Skydeck. Another museum hotspot is the Museum Campus located in the South Loop of Chicago. Not only are there commanding views of Lake Michigan and Chicagos towering skyscrapers, including Willis Tower, you can also look down, down, down when you ride Tilt, a glass wall that tilts away from the building. Get there early to snag a good viewing spot! Whether you glide along the iconic Millennium Park McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in the shadow of The Bean or opt for the winding loop at the Maggie Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon, ice skating at least once during the Chicago winter season is a must. Whether youre making cookies for Santa or want to enjoy something sweet with the family, these holiday cookies wont disappoint. Stay warm during break with some tasty hot chocolate. And more layers. Dont miss out on a chance to ride the Centennial Wheel in its climate-controlled gondolas that makes for an especially comfortable winter ride. Theres so much to do, from writing letters to Santa with the kiddos to enjoying a festive cocktail. December 8, 2022 Winter Indoor Places to Go Outdoor Places to Go Family fun in the Midwest is all about embracing the seasons. This definitely looks like something fun to check out! TikTok - trends start here. Be in the know. One of the few city ice rinks you will find offering free admission (your only cost will be skate rentals, unless you own a pair). Maggie Daley Ice Skating Ribbon. What to Wear in Chicago: A Visitors Guide for Every Season! Photo credits: Field Museum, Skydeck at Willis Tower. Chicago is a perfect city for museum hopping in the winter. The most popular is the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink. Heres a list of the best places to go ice skating in Chicago: Additional planning tip: Going ice skating tops our list as one of the best things to do in Chicago at night! Along with an action-packed hockey game, you can enjoy the decorated atrium with festive photo ops in front of the giant Christmas tree, Happy Holidays sign, and Ornament Wall. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. Whether you are a local looking for new interesting activities this winter, or a tourist planning a winter getaway, you are bound to find a few ideas for winter fun on my list. Dont miss these outdoor winter activities to do with kids! Promo code is valid through 12/31. As a Chicago area resident since 2001, thirteen of those years in the Windy City itself, I can verify that the winter season in northern Illinois can be a bit testy. This is the best way to see the Chicago skyline at night! The Willis Tower is the third tallest building in the Western hemisphere. 1. The drive-in theaters of the past are making a comeback! 21 Awesome Things to Do in Dublin with Teenagers. The zoo is lit up with over two million lights, and strands drape every tree in the park. The scenic rink at Millennium Park offers panoramic views of Cloud Gate (aka "The Bean") and the surrounding city skyline dusted in snow. If youre going somewhere fancy, either valet or change shoes when you get to your destination. Our favorites include:Museum of Science and Industry,The Field Museum, The Art Institute, Kohl Childrens Museum, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, and the Childrens Museum at Navy Pier. Layers, layers, layers. BEST Things to Do in Chicago in the Winter (From a Local!) Visitors can expect to see Chicago winter temperatures with daily highs of 30 to 38F, with lows plummeting to 22F. Take to the ice and absorb Chicago's striking architecture from a different . Sports fans can head to Soldier Field and cheer or boo the Chicago Bears. Kick off the holiday season with a Chicago traditionthe Thanksgiving Parade! There are still a few things to do at home or around town to help cure your kids boredom. The Chicago Blackhawks is the local NHL hockey team that plays at Chicagos United Center ice arena. See some of the most up-and-coming names in comedy at this iconic club. The Museum of Science and Industry should make anyones short list of things to do in Chicago. While we will miss seeing some family members this holiday season, you can still connect with them virtually. Want to make Chicago your home base for some Midwestern adventures? Also if you have a Bank of America Credit or Debit Card you can use it to gain free entrance to over 150 museums the first weekend of every month. In fact, I actually prefer the winter months due to the quieter atmosphere and abundance of tranquil dreary, snowy days. If you wear the right clothing, outdoor ice skating is actually quite fun. Christkindlmarket is back for 2022! Make Every Day An Adventure with Bucket Listers! Another fun option is to join the Polar Plunge, an icy dip into Lake Michigan to raise money for Special Olympics. Make your way to BomboBar for a salted caramel bomboloni and rotating hot chocolate. When it comes to Chicago winter activities, Chicagos splendid holiday events simply have to make the list! Traditionally robed in gold and white, she would distribute gifts to children like Santa Claus, even delivering the gifts on December 24 while the kids are still sleeping. Dont miss it! We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. We tend to use Hertz simply for the quality of service. With the state of travel these days, its important to have some type of travel insurance to cover any unforeseen accidents, illnesses, threats, or cancellations. Step into a Winter Wonderland and rock around the 17-ft. Christmas tree to your favorite holiday tunes, or cozy up with a Biggie Hot Chocolate and friends in one of JoJos private igloos.The festive (and heated) patio setting is the perfect place to escape the cold and enjoy JoJos decadent milkshakes, holiday cocktails, and delicious diner fare. The largest auto show in North America takes place every February at McCormick Place. 10 Things To Do In Chicago Over Winter Break - The Odyssey Online Take a break from shopping in the cold, brisk Chicago air to tour this incredible museum! More than just a static showroom, there are also indoor test tracks so you can how those cars move. Though Im not familiar with sledding in Chicago, one of the best things to do during winter in Chicago is to go ice skating! 2023, Travel With A Plan. Chinese New Year falls on January 22 this year, but the big celebration in Chicagos Chinatown will take place on Sunday, January 29. Youll still find hundreds of visitors snapping family photos and selfies next to The Bean (quite possibly dusted with beautiful snow! One of the most popular things to do during Chicago winters is to tailgate before the game. Endless stretches of binge watching Netflix, sleeping until noon, eating mass amounts of . Where: 228 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60654, USAFor more information on Espresso Martini Workshop. If you are a parent looking for unique travel inspiration, youve come to the right place. And when you need a break from finding gifts for your fam, there are endless dining and entertainment options to choose from, too. Sleep sleep sleep!!! Chicago has a multitude of seasonal ice skating rinks that pop up around the city during its winter months offering fun and enjoyment to both locals and visitors alike. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Chicago in the winter with kids. I think they doth protest too much. . 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