Find out why and how some animals sleep through this time of year while others brave the challenging conditions of the season. Dress for a hike to spot any of the ones that choose not to snooze.

Learn more about local wildlife and how they live through hands-on activities and some outdoor time to develop our skills. Dress for a hike.

This program takes a look at how animals walk as a clue to identifying their tracks, then moves outside to search for tracks and prints. Dress for the weather with winter footgear. Registration requested.

Hundreds of objects and documents from the exclusive private collection, together with a rare collection of first editions of his most famous works, tell the story of how Charles Dickens and his characters became enduring cultural icons. Interactive and multi-media displays and personal effects take visitors through a chronological tour of the life, literature and legacy of Dickens. View his personal traveling inkwell, take a ride in an early century carriage, and learn about the memorable characters, stories and themes of his famous tales through games, time period puzzles and Dickens' own personal Facebook page.

A special extra exhibit which encompasses the classic Dickens tale A Christmas Carol. Stroll through a mid-1800s street to learn how Dickens influenced the look and feel of the holiday season, and view a private collection of vintage cards and calendars.

Local fishing experts reveal the tips and tricks of ice fishing through free instruction and live demonstrations. Kids enjoy games and activities or roasting marshmallows and a live DJ plays music and announce prizes. Food and hot beverages available to purchase.

Interactive learning centers include a barn slide, apple orchard and chicken coop. Maggie, a life-sized fiberglass milking cow sponsored by Golden Oaks Farm in Wauconda, will be the focus of the new exhibit. Maggie is over five feet tall and features a working udder that recirculates the water that children "milk."