Best outdoor events in Chicago this winter

"Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet shall keep them from making their appointed rounds." That's one thing Chicagoans have in common with the U.S. Postal Service, anyway. We won't let a little winter weather keep us inside, and our fair city obliges with a packed lineup of events.

Polar Adventure DaysFREE

Northerly Island | Chicago
January 19, Noon-4 p.m.

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.

Snow Days ChicagoFREE

Navy Pier | Chicago
January 25 - January 27 (Sunday,Friday,Saturday) , Call or visit website for schedule

It's a headache for rush hour commuters and a strain on budgets, but snow in the city is still worth celebrating. At Snow Days Chicago, watch teams of professionals create some pretty incredible snow sculptures. This year, the event moves from Grant Park to Navy Pier.

Illinois Snow Sculpting CompetitionFREE

Sinnissippi Park | Rockford
January 16 - January 19 (Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday) , Sunrise-11 p.m.

Watch snow-sculpting teams form "frozen art" from giant blocks of snow. Abstract shapes and whimsical figures take shape under the skilled hands of state teams and high school teams. Walk or drive the one-mile route through the park to see sculptures.