Families looking for ways to get outside during Chicago’s colder months can bundle up for Polar Adventure Day 2026, a free winter event hosted by the Chicago Park District at two city parks in January and February.
The first event is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, at Northerly Island Park, with a second date planned for 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, at Big Marsh Park on the city’s Southeast Side. Both events run until 3 p.m., are open to all ages and do not require registration.
According to the Chicago Park District, Polar Adventure Day is designed to introduce families to Chicago’s parks and natural areas during the winter, when fewer people typically visit outdoor spaces.
Inside the January Polar Adventure Day at Northerly Island
At Northerly Island, families can expect a mix of outdoor and indoor activities spread across the park. Planned programming includes husky sled dog demonstrations, nature-themed arts and crafts, live demonstrations and opportunities for children to explore and play in a winter setting, according to the Chicago Park District.
Bonfires and hot cocoa stations are planned to give families a place to warm up throughout the day. Activities are set up so families can move at their own pace rather than follow a fixed schedule.
Planning a winter visit to Northerly Island Park
Northerly Island Park sits just south of the Museum Campus along Lake Michigan. Its open paths and lakefront location offer wide views but can also be windier than other city parks, especially in January.
Parents planning to attend may want to dress children in layers and bring hats, gloves and waterproof boots. The Chicago Park District advises families to check for weather updates and any lakefront trail alerts before heading out, as winter conditions can affect access and travel times.
Restrooms and warming spaces are available on site. Parents of younger children may want to plan regular breaks to avoid long stretches outdoors, particularly during colder or windier periods.
Another chance in February at Big Marsh Park
Families who cannot attend the January event will have another opportunity on Saturday, Feb. 21, when Polar Adventure Day moves to Big Marsh Park. The event will again run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Big Marsh Park, located on the Southeast Side, offers a different landscape than Northerly Island. The park includes wide trails, wetlands and open natural areas that allow families to spread out and explore.
The Chicago Park District says programming at Big Marsh will be similar to the January event, with winter-focused activities and demonstrations centered on outdoor learning and exploration.
Parents familiar with Big Marsh note that winter conditions can vary across the park, with some trails becoming muddy or icy depending on recent weather. Sturdy footwear is recommended.
How Polar Adventure Day fits into Chicago Park District programming
Polar Adventure Day is part of the Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Parks initiative, which supports free cultural, environmental and arts programming across city parks throughout the year.
According to the park district, the initiative is meant to keep parks active gathering places in every season, including winter.
There is no registration required for Polar Adventure Day, and families can arrive and leave at any point during the event window. The Chicago Park District recommends checking its website closer to each date for weather-related updates or schedule changes. As with many winter events, some activities may be adjusted or moved indoors depending on conditions on the day of the event.
