Chicagoland has so many great winter-themed activities, including ice skating, skiing, sledding, snow tubing, ice fishing and more.
Lace-up your boots, zip up your coat and get your hat, gloves and scarf on before heading out to these fun winter-themed events. Most have kid-friendly activities, ice sculptures on view and hot chocolate to keep you warm while you’re there.
Looking for more winter fun, check out the family-friendly events listed in our calendar.
City
Polar Adventure Day at Big Marsh Park
Jan. 20, Feb. 17, 2024
- Address: 11555 S. Stony Island Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
There will be tons of winter activities including birds of prey, nature art activity, storytelling, guided winter hike, hot cocoa and more.
Family Fun Fest at Harold Washington Library Center
Jan. 21, 2024
- Address: 400 S. State St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Families with kids ages 13 and under can enjoy winter play activities, music, art and more. Registration is required.
Winter Wonderland at Rauner Family YMCA
Jan. 26, 2024
- Address: 2700 S. Western Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Hosted by Aetna Better Health of Illinois, this pop-up event offers a place for attendees to get access to free flu vaccinations and blood pressure checks while enjoying photo opportunities, face painting, a live DJ, refreshments and more.
Winter Wonderland at Eat to Live Urban Farm
Jan. 27, 2024
- Address: 609 E. 67th St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Hosted by Aetna Better Health of Illinois, this pop-up event offers a place for attendees to get access to free flu vaccinations and blood pressure checks while enjoying photo opportunities, face painting, a live DJ, refreshments and more.
North/Northwest Suburbs
Frosty Fest at Viking Park
Jan. 6, 2024
- Address: 4374 Old Grand Ave., Gurnee
- Cost: Free
Come out to the winter wonderland in Viking Park for outdoor sleigh rides, crafts, games, bumper cars and more.
Winterfest at Century Park Pavilion
Jan. 13, 2024
- Address: 1400 Indianwood Drive, Vernon Hills
- Cost: Free
Families can enjoy winter activities for all ages at Century Park Arboretum. Toast s’mores over the fire, watch the sled dog team and more.
Winter Bash at Wood Dale Park District
Jan. 14, 2024
- Address: 111 Foster Ave., Wood Dale
- Cost: Free
Families can enjoy this indoor/outdoor event with entertainment, activities, hot cocoa, meet and greet with the dogs and mushers from Free Siberian Rescue and more.
Winter Chilly Fest at Emily Oaks Nature Center
Feb. 17-18, 2024
- Address: 4650 Brummel St., Skokie
- Cost: Admissions without Chili Dinner: $8/person; Admissions with Chili Dinner: 17/adult, $13/child under 10
Families can enjoy some winter fun and a cozy indoor chili dinner. There will also be snowshoeing, hayrides, ice skating, campfire with roasted marshmallows and more.
South Suburbs
Ice & Lights Fest in Downtown Lemont
Jan. 21, 2024
- Address: Downtown Lemont
- Cost: Free
Enjoy Lemont’s 4th Annual Ice & Lights Fest with live reindeer, live ice carving, marshmallow roasting and more.
Western Suburbs
Ice Festival Downtown Downers Grove
Feb. 2-4, 2024
- Address: Downtown Downers Grove area
- Cost: Free
Enjoy nearly 60 pre-carved ice sculptures that will line the streets of Downtown Downers Grove. There will also be live carving demonstrations on Saturday and Sunday. Many of the local stores and businesses will offer deals and discounts to event goers.
Ice-A-Palooza at Central Athletic Complex Ice Rinks
Feb. 3, 2024
- Address: 500 S. Naperville Road, Wheaton
- Cost: Free
This outdoor event features ice skating, character visits, food truck, entertainment and more.
Winter Fest at Sunset Knoll Recreation Center
Feb. 3, 2024
- Address: 820 S. Finley Road, Lombard
- Cost: Free
Enjoy an indoor/outdoor winter fest with crafts, games, hot chocolate, ice carving, dog sledding, visits from special guests and more.
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