Learn how to make your own wooden toys. The wood being used comes from a non-native, invasive plant called European Buckthorn. Learn about this invasive plant and why we work so hard to remove it from our natural areas.

Polar Adventure Days  | Chicago

FREE

Families can enjoy winter activities and meet live animals. Activities may include ice carving demonstrations, live animals such as birds of prey, Siberian huskies, live entertainment from the Old Town School of Folk Music, arts and crafts table, and free snowshoe rental if weather conditions allow. First 500 visitors receive a Polar Adventure Day mug filled with hot chocolate.  Dress for the outdoors. Call to confirm scheduled activities.

Enjoy a visit with Santa, make a craft or two and enjoy cookies, punch and coffee. Photos with Santa available for a small fee. Plus free zoo admission.

20,000 twinkling lights and hand-decorated trees transform Cosley Zoo into a fairy tale winter wonderland.Visit the animals and purchase a cup of hot chocolate, your tree, wreath, and holiday gifts.

Families can visit the Family Pavilion Stage for a professional photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

A lightly narrated 2-hour tour showcasing the best of Chicago's holiday lights and sights. Passengers see views of the Magnificent Mile, State Street & Macy's Holiday Windows, the John Hancock Plaza tree, Navy Pier's Winter Wonderfest, Buckingham Fountain and have time to hop off at the Zoo Lights at Lincoln Park Zoo and the Christkindlmarket.

Spirit of Chicago Santa Lunch Cruise  | Chicago

Mingle with Santa Claus, enjoy a lunch buffet, live performances by the staff and interactive DJ entertainment for dancing. Board at 12:30 p.m.; cruise 1:15-3:15 p.m. Reservations can be made by calling (866) 273-2649 or visiting www.spiritofchicago.com.

See a toy so amazing, so unbelievable, it has the power to transform into anything you want it to be. Enter a world where imagination rules, and ordinary becomes extraordinary.

Build a snow fort, throw snowballs, dress up a snowman and ice skate - all inside.
The brand new "ice" rink has more space to skate in your socks.

A new traveling exhibit created by Children's Museum of Pittsburgh that links familiar childhood objects to a process of manufacturing that combines people, ideas and technology. Inspired by the factory tour segments from Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, the exhibit offers hands-on activities using real factory tools and machines to create objects including crayons, a baseball bat and a matchbox car, just to name a few.