Chicago Maritime Festival  | Chicago

The festival features a taste of almost every aspect of life on or near the water in Chicago through seminars, workshops, and concerts on topics including maritime history, shipwreck diving, battles at sea, water safety, weather forecasting, model ships, commercial shipping, canoes and kayaks, maritime music, marine art, and much more. Activities for younger sailors include model boat building, songs for younger sailors, and "How to be an Underwater Detective."

International Kennel Club Cluster of Dog Shows  | Chicago

One of the largest all-breed benched dog shows in the country that draws the top dogs from across the United States and Canada to compete for prizes and the coveted title of "Best in Show." Plus dog fashion shows, meet the breeds, pet the dogs and Kid Zone.

More than 150 exhibitors showcase the latest trends for second homes. The show also includes free family fun, giveaways, interactive features, contests and how-to seminars.

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

Docents help children and others learn through interactive displays and games in the showrooms. New topics every month. September: "Traveling Seeds"; October: "Cone Bearing Plants"; November: "Fruits, The Seasonal Food Harvest"; December: "Eggs and the Conservatory Critters"; January: "Urban Wildlife"; February: "Chocolate"; March topic: "Survival in the Jungle"; April: "Carnivorous Plants"; May: "Water Works."

Discuss the methods and tools of tree tapping, as well as collection and making of maple syrup. Pre-registration required. Please dress for the weather.

Nature-related activities, including thematic stories, art projects, self-guided activities and hot chocolate. Visitors should dress for the weather.

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.