If you’re planning a trip to Chicago this winter season, you may not be seeing a lot of snow – news outlets are reporting that the upcoming months should be wet and warmer than previous years. That’s not stopping the city from embracing winter, however; there’s still ice skating, polar adventure days, and much more winter fun to be had. Here are some ideas for where to visit this winter in Chicago:
Ice Skating
With the warmer temperatures predicted for this winter, it’s never too cold outside to enjoy some ice skating. Millennium Park, located near the city’s Lake Michigan shoreline, is hosting free ice skating through March (weather permitting). The Park sees more than 100,000 skaters annually, and offers rental skates for only $10.
Or how about taking your ice skating to the next level? Try out Skating in the Sky at the John Hancock Observatory to skate 1000 feet above street level! The Observatory’s rink is 900 square feet, and allows visitors 25 minute skating sessions and rental skates for only $1. Skating sessions are $5 on top of observatory admission, which is included in our Go Chicago Card.
Maybe you'll meet these Siberian huskies at one of the Polar Adventure days!
Polar Adventure Days
There’s a whole batch of free events going on during Northerly Island’s Polar Adventure Days, including meet and greets with Siberian huskies, ice sculpture creations, storytelling, live music, and more. In its sixth year, the Adventure Days are perfect for the entire family and are generally a big hit in the Chicago area. Head over to the Island on either January 21st or February 18th to experience some winter fun, and if there’s at least 3 inches of snow, try out some snowshoes!
If you’ll miss the Polar Adventure Days, there’s still fun to be had on Northerly Island; it’s also home to the Adler Planetarium, where you can visit Chicago’s oldest planetarium and learn more about space exploration. Their newest permanent exhibition is called Planet Explorers, and lets your younger children pilot a rocket, explore the environment of Planet X, and see what it’s like to live in space on a shuttle.
Free Museum Days
Throughout the year, there are around 15 different museums in the Chicago area that offer free admission days. Many of these museums require you to be an Illinois resident in order to receive the discount, but here’s a quick look at who doesn’t:
- Chicago Children’s Museum on Navy Pier: Free for all visitors every Thurs 5-8 and free for children 15 and under the first Sunday of each month
- Loyola University Museum of Art: Free for all visitors every Tuesday year round
- Swedish American Museum: Free for all visitors the second Tuesday of every month
- Clarke House Museum: Free guided tours (limited to 12 guests), first come first served
- Glessner House Museum: Free guided tours (limited to 12 guests), first come first served
- Charnley-Persky House: Free guided tours are offered every Wed at noon
If you’re not visiting on a free admission day, or would like a little additional variety in your museum choice, the Go Chicago Card will get you admission into these additional Chicago Museums:
- Children’s;
- History;
- Kohl’s Children;
- Contemporary Art;
- Notebaert Nature;
- and Field Museums.
A great alternative attraction when the weather is just too cold to stay outside!
For even more Chicago attractions and deals, check out the Go Chicago Card or Go Chicago Select Passes.
