Teams of artists from around the country and the world gather to create sculpting masterpieces out of 10 ft. blocks of man-made snow.  Other activites include dog sled racing demonstrations and a snowboard rail jam competition.

Strictly Sail Chicago is the largest indoor sailboat show in the U.S. and is the winter destination to find the best deals on new sailboats, gear and accessories, plus educational seminars. The Kid's Yacht Club is where junior sailors can play with remote control sailboats,  learn the ropes aboard a sailing simulator, enjoy crafting toy sailboats, or meet Skipper, the sailing dolphin.

A guided glimpse into the world of outdoor play will depend on the day. Possibilities include snowman and snow fort building with natural materials or garden scavenger hunt for natural objects

Search for gnomes in the Children's Garden using your best "I Spy" skills. Checklist provided.

Interactive story time and fun crafts indoors before heading out on the grounds for a winter walk. Themes change each week. Wednesdays and Fridays.

This show celebrates the winter season in the Japanese tradition. The Three Friends of Winter is a silhouette bonsai show, featuring trees that are in their dormant phase, which highlights their branch structure. Each bonsai is exhibited in an artistic setting with an accent object such as suiseki, incense burner, statuary, or pottery. Includes family activities on Saturday and Sunday, such as creating scrolls, storytelling and a suminagashi demonstration.

Build a snowman out of biodegradable and natural items to win. Fill out an entry form at the main office.

With small solar lights to guide their way, hikers, skiers and snowshoers can traverse the 1.3-mile fitness trail at Old School Forest Preserve in Libertyville or the 1.65-mile hilly section of the Millennium Trail adjacent to the winter Sports Area at Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda. Starting Sunday, Nov. 4, the trails and adjacent parking lots will remain open until 9 .m. daily until March 9.

Feature the black bear and its adaptations for survival in the forest. Crawl into the bear's den, compare your senses to that of the black bear, feel his fur, come face to face with a black bear mount and more.

If you're looking for an alternative to skating at Millennium Park this winter, look up. Way up-94 stories, to be exact. Touted as the World's Highest Ice Skating Rink, the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center gives ice skaters a bird's-eye view of the city and the lake.

At 20 feet by 45 feet, the rink is probably too small to be your solo destination of the day, but paired with a trip to see the view from the Hancock, it's a nice way for kids to burn off energy while parents enjoy the great view. And because it's synthetic ice, skaters stay warm and don't get wet.

The rink is scheduled to be open for skating from 9 a.m.-11 p.m. through April 18. A 25-minute skate session costs $6 (in addition to the cost to get into the Hancock Observatory). You can bring your own skates or rent some there for a dollar.