Winters in Chicago are notoriously cold, but the freezing temperatures are no match for families in search of wintertime fun. With so much to choose from, The Gardner School has made a winter bucket list full of recommendations for our favorite activities that preschoolers and their families can enjoy this winter.
Go Ice Skating at Millennium Park
The ice rink at Millennium Park is a great spot to lace up your skates and take in the breathtaking views of Chicago. Skating at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park is open daily from November through early March. Admission is free, but online reservation tickets are required. Free ice skating lessons are also offered each weekend from 8-9 a.m. (reservations required). Once skating season begins in November, visit this website to make reservations and plan your visit!
Visit Cold Weather Zoo Animals
The Lincoln Park Zoo is free and open every day of the year! First, watch the polar bears, penguins, and snow monkeys enjoy the colder climate. Then, warm up inside while visiting the animals that are moved indoors during winter. For an extra special holiday experience, ZooLights is a fun annual event filled with lights, food and drink, and fire pits to roast marshmallows. Enjoy the Light Maze and an illuminated Ferris Wheel to cap off the night!
Take a Trip to Lake Geneva
The scenic and fairly short drive to Lake Geneva (90 minutes from Chicago) makes it a popular getaway for many Chicago residents. During winter, Lake Geneva transforms into a winter wonderland, offering skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and other cold-weather activities. Winterfest is definitely the highlight of the season! This three-day snow sculpting competition brings in award-winning sculpting teams from across the country, and admission is free.
Head to the Theater
Chicago has a vibrant theater scene with several family-friendly venues that cater to audiences of all ages. The Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences in the suburb of Lincolnshire (about 40 minutes northwest of the city) and Chicago Children’s Theatre offer family-friendly performances. Of course, Broadway in Chicago is on our list. Keep an eye on their schedule for family-oriented performances that make their way to the city this winter.
Special Chicago Winter Events
There are quite a few wintertime traditions in Chicago that are fun events for families. Chicago’s Chinatown hosts an annual Lunar New Year Parade to celebrate the Chinese New Year. In February, the Chicago Auto Show is the largest auto show in the country, and this year marks the 116th edition! Watch as people run into Lake Michigan for the Polar Plunge in March, and enjoy the St. Patrick’s Day parade and festival when the Chicago River is dyed green!
Head Indoors to a Museum
Make plans to visit some of the city’s best museums with your children during the winter months. Check out the Museum of Science and Industry, get creative with play at the Chicago Children’s Museum at Navy Pier, or connect with history at the Chicago History Museum. Some of the museums offer free family days or discounted days, so be sure to check the museums’ websites for more information.
Hit the Slopes
For a weekend getaway or just an afternoon adventure, head to Alpine Hills in Rockford to enjoy some skiing, snowboarding, or tubing. The hours of operation may vary depending on weather conditions, so be sure to visit their website for the latest updates.
Sip Hot Cocoa
If you need to refuel after a day of exploring the city, there are plenty of spots to indulge in a cup of hot cocoa! One of our favorite places is Katherine Anne Confections, where you can pick from a variety of flavors and top it off with their homemade marshmallows. Known for creative and gourmet marshmallow products, XO Marshmallow has six different flavors of hot chocolate, including traditional, salted caramel, s’mores, and even lavender! Kristoffer’s Cafe & Bakery serves a variety of warm winter drinks that will warm any belly.
Adventurous Learning in Every Season
The Gardner School offers an engaging, hands-on curriculum for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Our caring teachers engage children’s curiosity while helping them build a strong educational foundation. To learn more about our preschool, contact us to set up a tour.