Who said January was one long, dark haul? We’ve got ice sculpting, dog-sledding and pigeon theater and a plenty of ways to celebrate snow. Without further ado, our 10 not-to-miss January events.
See more January calendar events
Snowshoes and snowfests, dog-sledding and pigeon theater and a real-life “Night at the Museum.”
Celebrate the season with indoor and outdoor activities at this annual family event.
Explore Northerly Island and come face-to-face with live animals, engage in winter activities, and create nature-inspired crafts. Events take place both outdoors and inside of the Visitor Center. Tour the Northerly Island Natural Area; see Siberian huskies, wolves and other live animals; encounter birds of prey from Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation; explore the island on snowshoes (if there’s snow); enjoy a treat and sip hot cocoa. Dec. 10; Jan. 21; Feb. 25.
Visit Costa Rica with Discovery Center as we explore volcanoes, tromp through the rain forest, swim through a tropical reef, and sample the local cuisine of this Central American gem.
Teams of artists from around the country and the world gather starting Feb. 4 to create sculpting masterpieces out of 10 ft. blocks of man-made snow. Other winter-themed activities for kids and families, including The Snowboard Experience, snow games and snow painting. Sculptures will be available for viewing Feb. 6-7, during the day and night with special nighttime illumination. The colorful lighting display begins at dusk. From 11 a.m.-1 p.m. both days, enjoy a visit from Shedd Aquarium’s Magellanic Penguins. Guests can see the penguins from up close and can also ask the trainers questions about the penguins, their habitat and more.
Enjoy a performance by Intonation Music Workshop then join thecrew on stage to sing, dance or play an instrument. Stop by thepopular “ice” rink in Snow Much Fun for an evening skate
in your socks!
Enjoy a performance, then, take to the stage to sing,dance or play a musical instrument.
This original production presents the history of the Civil Rights Movement and the complex issues of prejudice and equality in a way that children from preschool through elementary school will be able to comprehend.
Common materials and everyday objects – such as wires,tubes, boxes and fabric – spring to life as fantasticalcharacters.
It’s your chance to spend a night at the museum. Spendyour evening enjoying workshop activities like games from aroundthe world or live insects from your own backyard.
Spend the night at The Field Museum – Sue the T. rex is having a special, puppetry-filled sleepover! Bring the family for puppet shows, activities and self-guided tours. Then spread your sleeping bag amidst some of the most popular exhibitions.
Enjoy a free night on the ice at Community Park with music,cocoa, games and skating. Check www.palatineparks.org for weatherinfo.
Gather the most talented snowman builders in your family and enterthis winter contest. All snowmen must be green-friendly-built outof biodegradable or natural materials.
Build a snowman out of biodegradable and natural items to win.Fill out an entry form at the main office.