Have you seen all the downtown attractions, been to the main museums last year, or just plain not interested in the crowds. Check out all the winter fun you can have all over the city!
THE RINK AT THE PARK
With historic Wrigley Field as a backdrop, The Rink is at the center of Winterland at the Park. The park also has it’s own Christkindle Market, similar to downtown. Where you can grab all your goodies like hot apple cider, hot chocolate, baked cheeses, roasted nuts, toffee, pastries and more. If you are interested they also have holiday gifts such as hand-crafted jewelry, knit sweaters, hats and scarves, locally-sourced soaps and candles and other traditional European goods.
The Rink welcomes all skill levels to skate at the Park this winter. Guests can skate the 8,000 sq. ft. ice rink that is illuminated by festive twinkle lights and outlined with striking glass dasher boards.
Admission Fees
- $5 admission for 13 and up
- Free admission for 12 and younger
Skate Rental Fees
- $10 skate rentals
National Museum of Mexican Art
The National Museum of Mexican Art, is a wonderful place to immerse yourself in the richness of Mexican art and culture right here in Chicago. Whatever your background, you’ll connect to this museum on a very personal level.
They showcase 3,000 years of creativity from both sides of the border, connecting museum visitors to the diversity of Mexican culture.
Find them in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood, the museum is always free. Then wander around the neighborhood to check out all the public art and grab some delecious food!
Ultimate Ninjas
This cool place was inspired by the hit television show American Ninja Warrior on NBC. Ultimate Ninjas offers a wide variety of obstacle courses for kids of every age and skill level. They have an agility course, swinging ropes, monkey bars, quintuple steps, climbing and warped walls among other exciting obstacles for kids to try, practice and master. You will also find a large gym area for basketball, soccer, floor hockey and space to RUN! They have winter camps and open gym time.
Easel Art Studio
Open Art
Open Art is an exciting way to spend one-on-one time with your kids in a non-class structured environment. They have Creativity Stations to help your child explore a variety of art mediums. All projects can be taken home to share with family and loved ones. Please note that your child can not be dropped off for Open Art.
$15 per child
WINTER: (Nov 6-Dec 30)
Fridays: 12:30-3:00
WINTER II: (Jan 1-Feb 24)
Fridays: 12:30-3:00
Dusable Museum
Dusable Museum’s is a great neighborhood museum to visit. It’s mission is to promote understanding and inspire appreciation of the achievements, contributions, and experiences of African Americans through history, culture and art. Tuesdays are free days and the Tuesday after Christmas they will be having a big Kwanzaa Celebration for all to come to. If you do not celebrate yourself this is a great way to share other cultures with your children.
Polar Adventure Days
Explore Northerly Island and come face-to-face with live animals, engage in winter activities, and create nature-inspired crafts. See the full list of activities below. Dress for the weather as events take place both outdoors and inside the visitor center.
(Take note this is only open December 16, 2017 *January 20, 2018 *February 24, 2018 from Noon to 4 p.m.)
Take part in the following activities at Polar Adventure Days:
- Tour the new Northerly Island Natural Area during winter
- See Siberian huskies, wolves, and other live animals
- Encounter birds of prey from Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation
- Explore the island on snowshoes (if there’s snow)
- Make nature-inspired winter crafts
- Sip hot cocoa while strolling across the prairie
- Enjoy a treat at the CLIF Kid Healthy Snack Station
*Language used from each business or organization’s website.
