17 Fantastic Winter Activities in Chicago (2023) - All-American Atlas Please check out ourdisclosure policyfor more details. The festivities take place inside Navy Pier's Festival Hall, where kids can visit Santa and enjoy holiday activities. Kids love skating at the Maggie Daley ice ribbon! The famed Art Institute of Chicago houses over a quarter of a million works of art that represent more than 5,000 years of human expression. 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. 2. Whether you're naughty or nice, it's time to get into the holiday spirit at this iconic Chicago event. The beautiful lions out front wear festive wreaths during the holiday season! Whether youre making cookies for Santa or want to enjoy something sweet with the family, these holiday cookies wont disappoint. Have I gone mad? Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blogs author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Check out JoJo's immersive dining experience for good times and seasonal fare. Whether youre a culinary enthusiast or a foodie newbie, spend winter in Chicago enjoying a Chicago hot dog, Chicago-style deep dish pizza, an Italian Beef sandwich, fried chicken, or Garrett Popcorn! Footer image photo credit to Flytographer. Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the oldest and largest free zoos in the country. Though its not possible to mention everything there is to do in Chicago during winter, weve handpicked a selection of must-do activities that you shouldnt miss out on while youre in the Windy City! Visiting at any time of the year is a once in a life experience, however, visiting during the holiday season is even more spectacular! If your family knows they want to stay in a vacation rental, we recommend looking at VRBO and Plum Guide. For rental car agencies, try Rentalcars.com. Know where youre going. Many park districts have their own indoor and outdoor rinks as well. Things to Do in Chicago on a Budget Get Out and Enjoy the Snow Can't-Miss Winter Events Illinois comes alive each winter with snowy festivals and plenty of chances to hear, taste and see all the state has to offer in the chillier months. From November to March, the Maggie Daley Ice Skating Ribbon . If youre visiting a city with multiple attractions, be sure to check out a discount pass, such as CityPASS or Go City. Thats what I call the perfect day out with kids! We regularly used companies like Viator and GetYourGuide to book tours when we travel. Where: Millennium Hall: 11 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60602For more information on DIY Christmas Cookie Decorating & Cocktails. 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. Special holiday displays (Neapolitan Crche), festive decor, and choir performances add an extra festive touch during the season. After coming home from college finals you'll need a massive amount of sleep paired with daily naps to get your body back to normal. Location: 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603, USA 22 Best Things To Do In Chicago: The City With A Magnetic Charm Use winter as an excuse to explore the ins and outs of the best Chicago museumsseveral of which offer free days in the sleepier months of January, February and Marchtreat yourself to a spa. 50 fun things to do this winter in Chicago! Maggie Daley Ice Skating Ribbon. Take your car to the cinema this season to get your fill of holiday favorites like Elf and the Chicago classic, Home Alone. Pick footwear that you can easily clean or you dont care about getting dirty. Though we did not get a chance to visit these places, this may be something youre interested in. Every November, Daley Plaza turns into an authentic German market, complete with pretzels, bratwurst, cuckoo clocks, gluhwein, and the Christkindl herself. Though its a beautiful city year-round, Chicago winter weather can catch you off guard if you dont pack and prepare adequately. Lastly, you can expect to see some sun during your stay, but anyone visiting Chicago in winter should prepare for extensive cloud cover. 43 Cozy Things to do in Chicago in the Winter (a Local's Guide) Winter in Chicago is the best time traipse through shimmering holiday lights with a mug of hot mulled wine, glide around one of the city's many outdoor ice rinks, or cozy up in a museum cafe. Here are some top tips for visiting Chicago in winter. Where to turn on little brains this year. Get there early to snag a good viewing spot! Theres no more perfect outing for family fun or a romantic date night out! For something different, try bocce ball at Pinstripes, a unique bocce, bowling, and dining venue. Not when its the Centennial Wheel, one of the many attractions at Navy Pier. Volunteering is one of the most rewarding and vital things you can do during the holidays. Where: Wristband pick-up: TBAFor more information on TBOX. Address: 2001 N. Clark St. Chicago, IL 60614. If you end up loving Chicago (most people do), you can always return when the weather is warmer for Chicago outdoor activities (such as the river cruises) you can enjoy year round. Kids Are A Trip is a registered trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark office. Do they love basketball? Definitely plan for a stop at Water Tower Place, an upscale 8 floor shopping center located at 835 N. Michigan Ave. Take your car to the cinema this season to get your fill of holiday favorites like. This definitely looks like something fun to check out! Millennium Park is the epicenter of fun in Chicago as this is where youll find Cloud Gate (The Bean), Crown Fountain, Maggie Daley Park, and the unique BP Pedestrian Bridge. The iconic ice rink in Millennium Park is a bucket-list spot to take a spin on your skates. Your email address will not be published. Where: Millennium Park: 201 E. Randolph St. Chicago, IL 60601For more information on Millennium Park Christmas Tree Lighting. 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. 2 days of Chicago Family Fun for Every Season | Choose Chicago And when you need a break from finding gifts for your fam, there are endless dining and entertainment options to choose from, too. 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. Most rinks are open mid-November through March, weather permitting. Address: N. Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL 60610. And more layers. Restaurants like I|O Godfrey, Barcocina, and LondonHouse offer clear, heated igloos to keep you warm while you take in the gorgeous snow, lights, and maybe a cozy cocktail or two. Skip suede; forget leather. In the winter, the Chicago Pedway becomes its own destination, including shops and restaurants. Unwind and be taken on a journey of sensations. #tttparty. Grab a car and head to Rosemont to see millions of sparkling lights and custom 3D holiday features, slide down an ice tube slide, grab mouth-watering food and drink, and much, much more at Sparkle Light Festival this year. For ten days, you can check out the newest vehicles. TikTok - Make Your Day In Millennium Park, right on Michigan Avenue, youll be skating next to Cloud Gate and steps away from the Art Institute of Chicago with Chicagos Cultural Mile as your backdrop. Where: Impact Field: 9850 Balmoral Ave. in Rosemont, IL 60018For more information on Sparkle Light Festival. Youll still find hundreds of visitors snapping family photos and selfies next to The Bean (quite possibly dusted with beautiful snow! See the ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo. Visitors can see aquatic and amphibian life from all over the world. It connects several businesses, including Macys, the Thompson Center, multiple CTA and Metra stations, and the Chicago Cultural Center. The restaurant in Restoration Hardware is STUNNING. 22 Best Things to do in Chicago in Winter - The Local Tourist Day 1 Morning Head to Pier Park at Navy Pier for breakfast on the go and old-school thrill rides. In terms of miscellaneous items, you may need the following: *Read here if youre interested in finding more Midwest winter weekend getaway ideas that are perfect for families! Whether its your first game or youre a longtime fan, an evening spent watching the Blackhawks is always a good time. In the greater Chicagoland area there is Great Wolf Lodgein Gurnee and The Water Works, a stand alone indoor water park in Schaumburg. 8. Located on the shore of Lake Michigan in Midwest USA, Chicago, Illinois is a glorious city with a population of 3 million people. In addition, be sure to check out the Magnificent Mile Holiday Lights Festival, which takes place every November. These interactive experiences set up a 'museum' of sorts that showcases an imaginative and immersive look into popular TV shows, storybooks, and other interesting topics. We head downtown to have lunch and see the celebration. Take a day-trip to the Christkindlmarket. Go ice skating. 40 Best Things to Do in Chicago - Travel + Leisure If you travel frequently, consider investing in a Priority Pass for airport lounge access. The Boozy Holiday Igloo is a light-up oversized heated igloo on the rooftop of Whiskey Business in Wicker Park. Chicago may get cold in the winter, but the joy of ice skating almost makes you forget about the freezing temperatures. hbspt.forms.create({ What started as a bar crawl at 12 bars (Twelve Bars of Christmas, aka TBOX) is now the worlds largest, longest-running, and most spectacular holiday bar crawl taking place at tons of bars in the Wrigleyville neighborhood! Shoes with tread. Skating is free and you can rent skates. Tickets include admission to all bars and free breakfast buffets, gift cards to use on the crawl, drink specials, giveaways, and more! There are also kiddie train rides, a gift market, Merry Main Street presented by Brachs, and a holiday beer garden. This is our favorite travel souvenir. Chicago locals know the Millennium Park Christmas Tree gives the Rockefeller Plaza one a run for its money! *Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. This upscale restaurant located in Chicagos Little Italy neighborhood features a spectacular menu, a romantic setting, and impeccable service. Bundle up and see why youll want to explore Chicago in winter. Note: This is available for one-time use only and may not be combined with any other offers or promotions. Use code: CHIBUCKETLIST20 for $20 off your next Chicago car rental with Avail. All photos are property of Kids Are A Trip, Inc., unless otherwise noted. April 11, 2023 by Theresa Goodrich Chicago in winter gets a bad rap, but it's a truly magical time to visit the Windy City. The best part is you can bring all of your favorite snacks and wear your pajamas! Stay warm during break with some tasty hot chocolate. Here, youll find The Game Room (restaurant, bar, built-in bocce bay, billiards, shuffleboard, chess, and checkers tables), as well as TopGolf Swing Suites that can be rented by the hour. As the holidays approach, so does the promise of glorious and well-deserved free time. These glass-paneled boxes give you a clear view all the way to the street. Where: 19111 Oak Park Ave, Tinley Park, IL 60477For more information on Amaze Light Festival. Youll get an incredible view from two-hundred feet in the air over Lake Michigan in these climate-controlled cars. Magnificent Mile has a classic metropolitan buzz and is especially festive during the winter as its trees are lit up with thousands of twinkling white lights. Reserve your skate rentals online. Even though events like the Christkindlmarket, holiday light displays, and live music are seasonal, its worth planning a trip to Chicago in December if youre craving extra holiday spirit. Yes, Chicago gets frigid in the winterbut that doesnt mean you need to kiss patio dining goodbye until spring! Chicagos world-class cultural attractions and amazing architecture are the standouts of this great city. From ice skating at the Chicago Wolves Ice Rink in Parkway Bank Park, to a visit with Santa while getting all your shopping done at the Fashion Outlets of Chicago, there's no escaping the holiday feels. Everybody wins! When it comes to Chicago winter activities, Chicagos splendid holiday events simply have to make the list! They have photographers around the world and weve used them on four separate occasions. Will you be planning a visit during this time of year? 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! This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. Wall to wall trampolines, foam pits, and dodgeball let the kids exhaust all of their pent up energy. The Best Winter Day Trips Near Chicago for Kids - Mommy Poppins Thank you for your support! Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kirsten Maxwell and Kids Are A Trip, Inc. with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Where: 337 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601For more information on ice skating at the Maggie Daley Ribbon. Come hungry and enjoy the Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich, Smash Burger, loaded Fries, or the belly-warming chicken pot pie! They do a good job of keeping both clear, especially downtown, but you dont want to take a chance by wearing those oh-so-cute shoes that have no tread. From Broadway in Chicago to the renowned Goodman and Steppenwolf Theatres, to black box storefronts that dot the citys neighborhoods, theres a type of performance for every taste. Older kids might enjoy heading to one of the Chicago Escape Rooms for a fun day out. 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!). There is no shortage of indoors things to do in Chicago from museums, great restaurants, tall buildings, shopping, theater, comedy clubs and more! This post may contain affiliate links, view our disclosure policy. Help the Chicago Food Bank provide meals to those in need by donating items or volunteering time at one of their various locations. Plan out your winter break! Bring the kids for a night they'll never forget. Chicago is of course home to the Blackhawks and the Bulls, but there are also other sports teams to entertain your children that costa lot less money, but are equally asfun. Address: 1500 W. Taylor St. Chicago, IL 60607. Another museum hotspot is the Museum Campus located in the South Loop of Chicago. 10+ Family Winter Fun Activities in Chicago - desmoinesparent.com I should know I wrote a book about it. Willis Tower. While the Dr. Seuss Experience was most suited for families with young children, we absolutely loved our time at The Office Experience. Lace up your skates and take a spin around these outdoor skating rinks. Ice skating in the heart of a bustling city is a quintessential winter activity and some of the best ice skating rinks are in downtown Chicago. We regularly use Expedia.com and Hotels.com to find lodging when we travel. 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. Do you think of Chicago as a summer only destination? Weve already written a full guide on what to wear in Chicago (which you should check out! The winding ribbon of ice curves up and down around a 40-foot climbing wall with the city's stunning skyline in the backdrop. This holiday season gift yourself and your loved ones a moment of relaxation at AIRE Ancient Baths. Where: 24th Street and Wentworth Avenue, Chicago, ILFor more information on the Lunar New Year celebration. The Museum Campus is home to 3 of the citys leading institutions, all within walking distance of one another. Not only will it keep you from getting the cold (or something worse) from that person next to you in line for gluhwein, masks also warm your face. The zoo is open 365 days a year, which means that its even open in Chicago in the winter. One of Chicago's best winter-time activities, the Maggie Daley ice rinks offers an "alpine in the city" experience skating down a quarter-mile rink in the heart of Chicago. Overcast days are much more common than bright ones in these parts, so manage your expectations accordingly! The Chicago Field Museum features millions of specimens that showcase art, archaeology, science, and history. Before your visit to Chicago, be sure to check what Public Health Orders are in place regarding face coverings and vaccination status in public places. Its nice to have a space where you can relax before your flight. In winter? Make your way to BomboBar for a salted caramel bomboloni and rotating hot chocolate. Where: West Loop Window: 832 W Randolph, Chicago IL, 60607For more information on BomboBar. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Kids Are A Trip 2023. Besides, everyone knows hot chocolate tastes better while walking down snow-covered streets! And dont miss the Chicago St. Patricks Day Paradeat McCormick Place. Rally the crew and cheer on the Blackhawks as they tear up the ice during Home for the Holidays. Kids and adults alike will not be disappointed with the variety of choices available. Where: 4100 W Ann Lurie Pl, Chicago, IL 60632 Context Travel is another option and they offer more educational-based activities. Home to Sue, the most complete fossil, The Field Museum is tops on my list of must-dos in the city. Check out this year's ultimate winter bucket list, presented by Avail. As locals know, it is important to have plenty of activities at your disposal to entertain the kids on snow days, cold days, and good old school holidays. It doesnt see as much snow as cities like Buffalo or Cleveland, but youll still be met with up to 10 inches of snowfall each year. Take a break from shopping in the cold, brisk Chicago air to tour this incredible museum! The program celebrates and showcases contemporary architecture in Chicago, and it aims to spark an interest in the next generation of architects and designers. There are galleries devoted to art from countries all over the world as well as to different mediums. In the winter, that means embracing the snow, but also knowing when to get out of the house for indoor fun that lets kids stretch their legs (or bounce off energy). Check out Chicagos Theater in Chicago website to find venues, performances, running dates, and showtimes. A Ferris Wheel? From holiday treats to shopping, to so much more, theres something here for everyone! Some great places to try out the ice include: Millennium Park, the Maggie Daley Ice Skating Ribbon, or the Rosemont ice rink. They were unveiled in 1932 and theyre still around. Snacks, coffee, and hot cocoa available for purchase. Most of you have probably heard about Chicagos famous Field Museum. With frigid wind and freezing temps, locals frequently wonder why they live in a place where it hurts to breathe. Luckily, Chicago has plenty for your family to explore including ice skating rinks, special museum activities and plenty of free fun. Promo code is valid through 12/31. Things to Do with Chicago Kids During Winter Break - Chicago Parent Add fun this winter break with some of these adventuresome and unique opportunities that can only be done right here in Chicago. If you liked our list of things to do in Chicago in the winter, as well as our itinerary for visiting Chicago in winter, here are our related posts to help plan your trip: Our Complete 3-Day Chicago Family Vacation Guide. This year, the iconic market is coming to two new locations in Wrigleyville and Aurora, along with the usual location in Daley Plaza. Fewer crowds, discounted hotels and attractions, and a laid-back appeal are just some benefits of visiting over the winter season. 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. Santa Claus is coming to town! Where: Storyville: 712 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654For more information on Magic Shows at Storyville. Get tickets to Skydeck Chicago. Things to do in Chicago with Teens and Kids during Winter Endless stretches of binge watching Netflix, sleeping until noon, eating mass amounts of . Heres a quick run-down on what I call the Big Five Chicago Museums: Adler Planetarium museum is the oldest planetarium in the U.S. and features three full-size theaters and several interactive exhibits.