Learn how to make everyones favorite drink this year! All aboard! Lastly, you can expect to see some sun during your stay, but anyone visiting Chicago in winter should prepare for extensive cloud cover. Your email address will not be published. When it comes to Chicago winter activities, Chicagos splendid holiday events simply have to make the list! Despite the gray skies and floating ice chunks, the harbor of Lake Michigan in which Navy Pier sits is surprisingly beautiful and serene in the winter! Bring the kids for a night they'll never forget. Make your way to BomboBar for a salted caramel bomboloni and rotating hot chocolate. Thanks for joining us! I know it sounds strange to go hang out at a furniture store, but stick with me. I should know I wrote a book about it. Make sure to check in throughout the seasonyou never know what unique treat youll find! Prost! This is by far the most enjoyable and innovative museum we have ever visited and its exhibits kept us entertained for hours in terms of all things Chicago. Download the app to get started. The Chicago Field Museum features millions of specimens that showcase art, archaeology, science, and history. Come hungry and enjoy the Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich, Smash Burger, loaded Fries, or the belly-warming chicken pot pie! With frigid wind and freezing temps, locals frequently wonder why they live in a place where it hurts to breathe. 2 Chicago public schools are closed for the 2021-2022 school year winter break from December 20, 2021 to December 31, 2021, so there are at least two weeks of fun to be had with the kids.. Another fun option is to join the Polar Plunge, an icy dip into Lake Michigan to raise money for Special Olympics. 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. Be aware that the cold weather can vary massively across a single week though, so traveling and touring in layers is a must. 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. 15 Fun Things to Do in Chicago in the Winter with Kids When you get a bit chilled, head inside and tour the greenhouses. There are also light shows one hour before puck drop, food and beverage options (sweet treats and holiday beer huts), and the Dasher Bar. Here are some fun family games to try over video chat. Help the Chicago Food Bank provide meals to those in need by donating items or volunteering time at one of their various locations. Wear a scarf, a hat, and gloves. Pick footwear that you can easily clean or you dont care about getting dirty. Additional planning tip: If youre looking to warm up indoors, grab a bit to eat, AND have some fun, head across the street from Millenium Park to the Chicago Athletic Hotel. Check out our Winter Fun Guide featuring the best seasonal indoor and outdoor activities through out Chicagoland and beyond. If you plan on visiting The Field & the Shedd, along with other Chicago museums and attractions, you should definitely look into a combined attraction discount from CityPass. 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. Downtown Chicago has this amazing underground tunnel system called the Pedway. 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. Take a day-trip to the Christkindlmarket. Wall to wall trampolines, foam pits, and dodgeball let the kids exhaust all of their pent up energy. Chicago is a wonderful city with endless opportunities for entertainment and recreation. Illinois residents are in luck because winter is the time for many Chicago museum free days. Address: 2001 N. Clark St. Chicago, IL 60614. Participating museums can be found here: Bank of America: Museums on Us. In fact, though our whole family absolutely loves our Chicago summer itinerary, we find that visiting Chicago in winter is just as spectacular. This definitely looks like something fun to check out! Four fun (and cheap!) Things to Do with Chicago Kids During Winter Break You'll be surrounded by breathtaking winter views of Chicago, including bustling Michigan Avenue, the downtown skyline, and The Bean dusted in snow. 10 Essential Winter Activities That Should Be On Every Chicago Winter 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. ), Winterland at Gallagher Way (Classic outdoor ice skating rink located at Wrigley Field that offers skating, curling, and ice bumper cars; typically only open from the end of November through the end of February. 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. Use code: CHIBUCKETLIST20 for $20 off your next Chicago car rental with Avail. Heres some more ideas for indoor play spaces. 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. Dont miss out on a chance to ride the Centennial Wheel in its climate-controlled gondolas that makes for an especially comfortable winter ride. The links on this page are Amazon affiliate links. This year, the iconic market is coming to two new locations in Wrigleyville and Aurora, along with the usual location in Daley Plaza. Where: Impact Field: 9850 Balmoral Ave. in Rosemont, IL 60018For more information on Sparkle Light Festival. The Chicago Park District also has ice skating rinks around the citys neighborhoods. And if you want to compare different insurance options, use Travel Insurance Master to find the best policy for your group. And more layers. November 25, 2015 Chicago offers a variety of free, fun activities to do during your semester break. 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). XOXO, Visiting the skydeck in Chicago is definitely on my to-do list! Whether youre with friends, on a date, or treating yourself to a solo night out, youre going to have an amazing time! If your kids like hockey, check out a Chicago Wolves game. Rally the crew and cheer on the Blackhawks as they tear up the ice during Home for the Holidays. Where: Whiskey Business: 1367 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622For more information on Boozy Holiday Igloo. 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. Minnesota Bucket List | 13 Absolute Best Things To Do There! Tickets include admission to all bars and free breakfast buffets, gift cards to use on the crawl, drink specials, giveaways, and more! The perfect place to do so is at the Willis Tower Skydeck. Spend a day at Wrigley Field during Gallagher Way Winterland! We have tips for all stages of trip planning, from how to prevent jet lag before flying to how to find the best spots when you arrive at your destination. This free event features multiple themed holiday activities including ice carving demonstrations, carolers, and a synchronized music and light show. Where: 800 West Superior St., Chicago, IL 60642For more information on AIRE Ancient Baths. Love spending time outside in winter? 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! Some of the best places for escaping the solitude of your home and finding other like minded parents are indoor playgrounds. Ask how we can add diversity to your supply chain. One of the Chicago History Museums most beloved exhibits is Imagining Chicago: The Dioramas. Want to make Chicago your home base for some Midwestern adventures? Visiting at any time of the year is a once in a life experience, however, visiting during the holiday season is even more spectacular! 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. Yes, Chicago gets frigid in the winterbut that doesnt mean you need to kiss patio dining goodbye until spring! 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. From holiday treats to shopping, to so much more, theres something here for everyone! This indoor attraction is perfect for tweens, teens, and adults who love NBCs The Office sitcom series. There are lots of amazing things to do in Chicagoland during the winter. If you cant make it to a movie theater, there are still plenty of new family movies and shows streaming this month. You dont have to wait until your kids are more grown up or you have a ton of money saved to start traveling. From November to March, the Maggie Daley Ice Skating Ribbon . Chicago is a year-round citywhich means the fun doesnt stop when the weather gets colder. It's become SUCH a staple here in Chicago and I've never met a person who didn't go gaga for it. Looking for fun activities? Bring the kids for interactive activities, trains, a maze, and more, or gather the friend group and wander the illuminated villages with an adult drink in hand. Being suspended over the city in this way is both terrifying and amazing at the same time! Location: 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603, USA 22 Best Things To Do In Chicago: The City With A Magnetic Charm Where: Storyville: 712 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654For more information on Magic Shows at Storyville. Visiting at any time of the year is a once in a life experience, however, visiting during the holiday season is even more spectacular! Oh, and psstwe LOVE Chicago so much that weve written several other guides to help you plan your trip! Learn to make two holiday-themed cocktails, then sip on them as you decorate freshly-baked cookies with colorful frosting and decorative toppings.The space will be decked out in tinsel, trimmings, ornaments, and more, allowing you to immerse yourself in the holiday magic! Just when festive holiday happenings come to a close, we have to gear up for winter break. *Before leaving, be sure to check ourTravel Resources Pageto find exclusive travel discounts and to book hotels, rental cars, and guided tours. The most popular is the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink. *, Your email address will not be published. This is the best way to see the Chicago skyline at night! Chicago Parent, as a Zoe Communications Group company, is certified as a Womens Business Enterprise by the Womens Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), the nations largest third-party certifier of businesses owned and operated by women. Find Ideas for Break Here Winter Break Camps Are Still Enrolling! Indiana Dunes National Park. Maggie Daley Ice Skating Ribbon. Our team is happy to answer any questions you might have, so dont ever hesitate to send us a note. As one of the best things to do during winter in Chicago, get your and your group tickets to a Blackhawks game, dress up in the fan colors of red and black and get ready to have a blast cheering on the home team! Many park districts have their own indoor and outdoor rinks as well. One of the most instagrammable spots in the city! 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. Along with including the citys most exciting year-round offerings, well share our detailed packing list to keep you shielded from Chicagos winter weather. You can check out Santas workshop, ice skate on the field, shop Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville, and enjoy all of the rides and attractions the special event has to offer. Where:Daley Plaza: 50 W Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602Wrigleyville: Gallagher Way, 3635 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613Aurora: RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway, Aurora, IL 60505For more information on Christkindlmarket. How to Plan the Best Kid-Friendly All-Inclusive Vacation, The Ultimate Guide for International Travel with Kids, 8 Unexpected Benefits of Traveling With Kids, 4. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I help families plan fun & fulfilling family vacations by sharing our exact itineraries and best things to do lists to popular US vacation spots. Holiday Break in Chicago: 25 Things to Do Between Christmas and - MSN Celebrating Fall with a Pumpkin Patch Visit and Pumpkin Roundup! Parking lots open up a few hours before the game, and you can even hire Tailgater Concierge to set up your pre-game celebration. You can find our Privacy Policyhere. 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. It's a must for your winter bucket list. Ive also heard great things about Dan Ryan Woodsand Villa Oliviasledding hills, and we have even traveled up to Wilmotand Sunburst Winter Sports Park in Wisconsin to enjoy their snow tubing hills. Help the Chicago Food Bank provide meals to those in need by donating items or volunteering time at one of their various locations. Most of you have probably heard about Chicagos famous Field Museum. (Chicago in December weather is the most pleasant of the three.). Snow and ice means salt, and salt does a number on shoes. With an average temperature of 26.4 degrees and the dreaded wind chill, visiting Chicago in winter requires a little more preparation, and lots and lots of layers. Try the Cheese Ravioli or Chicken Parmesan. For just $15, you can watch comedians like Maurice Shaw, Natasha Pearl Hansen, Felonious Munk, and many, many more! 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. Not only do they offer an escape from the chilly weather, they also entertain and educate. Ice Skating. Their skating ribbon is twice as long as a regular rink, but if you need a break, there are places to exit in the middle so you can get a cup of hot chocolate. This outdoor stadium is located in the South Loop near the Museum Campus. We connect families with the best local resources, advice, stories, things to do with kids and much more. Its a great way to experience another cultures traditions and get out of the house. Another event not to miss is ChicagosChicago St. Patricks Day Parade. The winding ribbon of ice curves up and down around a 40-foot climbing wall with the city's stunning skyline in the backdrop. Bring the whole family to see floats, marching bands, giant balloons, and performances by local legends. Theres a reason these are some of Chicagos most popular tourist attractions. Check out these great Chicago indoor attractions so you can escape that winter weather. Youll still find hundreds of visitors snapping family photos and selfies next to The Bean (quite possibly dusted with beautiful snow! Things to Do in Chicago with Kids During Winter Break - MSN All photos are property of Kids Are A Trip, Inc., unless otherwise noted. The city unfurls all its finery, with decorated storefronts, streets draped with thousands and millions of lights, ice skating and festivals and a real, live holiday evergreen tree culled from a locals land and towering over Michigan Avenue. 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. These glass-paneled boxes give you a clear view all the way to the street. 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. Wells Drive to Randolph, 24th Street and Wentworth Avenue, Chicago, IL, 19111 Oak Park Ave, Tinley Park, IL 60477, Storyville: 712 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654, Laugh Factory, 3175 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657, 228 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60654, USA, Impact Field: 9850 Balmoral Ave. in Rosemont, IL 60018, The drive-in theaters of the past are making a comeback! Check out these road trips from Chicago. On the bottom 5-levels of the building is a brand new trendy shopping and dining area called Catalog. Nobody wants to pull up Google maps in the middle of a January gale, because thats exactly when your phone will freeze while youre standing there freezing. 17 Fantastic Winter Activities in Chicago (2023) - All-American Atlas Unfortunately, many tourists never consider Chicago to be a winter vacation destination due to the frequent snow storms and frigid temperatures. A la carte food and beverages are available for additional purchase at the restaurant. Mike ODonnell and Edd Fairman star in Magic @ Lulu's at Storyville, and theyre sure to create a mystical experience you wont soon forget. Add fun this winter break with some of these adventuresome and unique opportunities that can only be done right here in Chicago. Where: State Street, From Ida B. The largest auto show in North America takes place every February at McCormick Place. Photo credit: Maggie Daley Park Facebook Page. Our favorite things to do on Magnificent Mile include visiting the 360 Chicago Observation Deck, going to The Disney Store, Dylans Candy Bar, and American Girl Place, as well as admiring the spectacular architecture. The 109th tree lighting at Millennium Park will take place on November 18 following a special event, but you can stop by anytime through January 8 to see its thousands of gorgeous lights! Check out JoJo's immersive dining experience for good times and seasonal fare. TheMagnificent Mile Lights Festivaltakes place the weekend before Thanksgiving and features live concerts and special offers at Michigan Avenue shops. The Shedd Aquarium is one of the most popular museums in Chicago. Orchids and banana plants will have you feeling downright tropical. This post may contain affiliate links, view our disclosure policy. Every November, Daley Plaza turns into an authentic German market, complete with pretzels, bratwurst, cuckoo clocks, gluhwein, and the Christkindl herself. Santa Claus is coming to town! Sleep sleep sleep!!! Chicago has a plethora of tree farms outside the city if you're into making a short day trip to cut down your own tree. This wonderful place is open year-round and is considered one of the most beautiful botanical conservatories in the country. They recently opened Brooklyn Boulders in Chicago. We tend to use Hertz simply for the quality of service. Plus, all of the shops and delicious dining venues throughout the pier remain open, as does Chicagos famous Ferris wheel, the Centennial Wheel! Our newsletter is sent out quarterly to provide things to do for each season! You are missing out big time if a winter vacation has never crossed your mind! Explore the Mag Mile this holiday for shopping, lights, and holiday cheer! Explore Winter Activities Five Places to Stay Winter Getaways in Southern Illinois There are galleries devoted to art from countries all over the world as well as to different mediums. 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. For an alpine twist on your Chicago ice skating, head to Maggie Daley Park. This weekly event will add just that! ), Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier (Indoor ice skating rink located at Navy Pier that is typically only open from the end of November through January 2nd. Honestly? One of the best things to do in Chicago this winter is to visit one of Downtown Chicagos pop-up experiences. Skating is free and you can rent skates. Seek Out a Pop-Up Experience. Some great places to try out the ice include: Millennium Park, the Maggie Daley Ice Skating Ribbon, or the Rosemont ice rink. If youre going somewhere fancy, either valet or change shoes when you get to your destination. There are so many awesome attractions at Navy Pier Chicago, and most of them are open year-round! Entirely inside, the festival offers several activities and the hall is filled with Christmas decorations like candy canes, Christmas trees, and lights galore. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. 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. Visit The Art Institute The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the world's best art museums. Here are some of our favoritefamily hotels in Chicagowhen spending 3 days in Chicago during the winter (or anytime, really!). ), as well as touring the Art Institute of Chicago and marveling at the Chicago Christmas Tree. Chicago winters are a magical time of the year. 10+ Family Winter Fun Activities in Chicago - desmoinesparent.com In winter? 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. The restaurant in Restoration Hardware is STUNNING. Stroll through the exhibit houses and marvel at giraffes, penguins, gorillas, lions, and any of the other myriad animals that call the zoo home. The rinks stay open late and are illuminated with colorful lights once darkness fills the sky. More than just a static showroom, there are also indoor test tracks so you can how those cars move. One of the most popular things to do during Chicago winters is to tailgate before the game. 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. things to do in Chicago over winter break. 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! Where: Millennium Park: 201 E. Randolph St. Chicago, IL 60601For more information on Millennium Park Christmas Tree Lighting. Chicago Winter Fun Guide | Mommy Poppins - Things To Do in Chicago with Cold weather is easy to handle, as long as you dress for it, and if youre touring Chicago in winter, layers are key. Great prices for a city rink! 3. Where: 7719 Ryan Road, Harvard, IL 60033 (Ben's flagship farm)For more information on Bens Christmas Tree Farm. Address: 1400 S. Lakeshore Drive Chicago, IL 60605. The Exploritorium in Skokie has a play ground, dress up area,and climbing wall. Heres exactly how we scheduled our 3-day Chicago itinerary in winter despite the Chicago snow and cold: If youre a garden and landscape lover, another option is to visit the Chicago Botanic Garden or Garfield Park Conservatory which are both open year-round. If youre looking for things to do in December in Chicago, be sure to check the Choose Chicago website to see if Chicagos holiday events match up with your visit during the holiday season. Free packing list printable when you subscribe for the latest travel updates! . On an interesting side note, this charming restaurant was Frank Sinatras favorite: imagine that! Millennium Park: 201 E. Randolph St. Chicago, IL 60601, Electric Garden: 324 S Racine Ave, Chicago, IL 60607, Christkindlmarket is back for 2022! With a little planning and a lot of love, lifelong family vacation memories can be made at all ages, stages and places both near and far. Chicago in winter gets a bad rap. Its at no extra cost to you and helps keep TLT free. And dont miss the Chicago St. Patricks Day Paradeat McCormick Place. Take advantage of this festive display of over 2 million lights, held annually each year at Chicagos beautiful Lincoln Park Zoo. 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. These free admission days vary by museum and usually begin in January. The sidewalks are always promptly cleared of snow during the winter so that visitors and locals can continue to explore the Mile between browsing its indoor shops.
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