We will all be looking for ways to get out of the house this winter in Chicago! So we have put together a list to help you find fun things to do this winter with your family during the winter months.
Know of an attraction or have a favorite winter activity in Chicago you don't see listed here? Let us know at sarayaniga@macaronikid.com!
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Outdoor winter fun in Chicago
Fresh air is good for the soul — not to mention it helps to get the wiggles out of the kids. Here are some fun outdoor activities in Chicago you can enjoy this winter:
Ice Skating at Maggie Daley Park
Skating Ribbon
Details: Skating is open seven days a week until March 9 (weather permitting). Reservations for a 2-hr skating time can be made online and prices vary depending on day of the week. Skate rentals are available (child size 8 up through adult size 15) or you can bring your own skates. Skating is FREE for those who have their own skates Monday - Thursday (any session) and Friday - Sunday (11am session only).
More information: https://maggiedaleypark.com/things-to-do-see/skating-ribbon/ or contact skating@maggiedaleypark.com
Polar Adventure Days - FREE
Big Marsh Park 11555 S Stony Island Ave, Chicago 60617
Details: Sip hot cocoa, participate in interactive nature activities, husky sledding, live music and more! Two days only - January 20 and February 17 from 12pm to 3pm; all ages welcome. Parking is available for $3 per car (cash only).
More information: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/events/polar-adventure-days
Skating at McCormick Tribune Ice Rink
Millennium Park
Details: Skating is open daily 11:00AM to 10:30PM and is always free if you bring your own skates. Ice Skates and Skate Aides are available for rental ($10/skate aide and $16-20/ice skates). Also available are free ice skating lessons on weekends. Check the website for reservations and more details.
More information: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/millennium_park10.html
Sledding Hills
Cricket Hill at 4500 N Lake Shore Drive
Details: Located at the north end of Lincoln Park, this relatively steep, four-sided hill offers incredible views of Lake Michigan near Montrose Beach.
- Soldier Field at 1410 S Museum Campus Drive
Details: No snow? No problem! Head to the 220-foot sledding hill at the north end of the stadium’s south parking lot, where man-made snow is provided, so you can keep sledding into March.
- Dan Ryan Woods at 83rd & Western Ave
Details: Part of the Forest Preserves of Cook County, the Dan Ryan Woods has the biggest sledding hills around. You can even see the skyline on a clear day! (Note: some bring snowboards to these hills because of the size)
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Indoor winter fun in Chicago
Sometimes you want, no NEED, to get out of the house, but the weather outside is not ideal! Here are some ideas on indoor fun in Chicago this winter:
Chicago Public Library
Across the City
Details: The CPL has long been a favorite destination, especially when the temperatures drop! Visit your local branch for familiar fun or check out a new location. Harold Washington Library in the South Loop has been a favorite for over a decade with our kids and has all sorts of fun—beyond books—for all ages!
More information: Find a list of locations HERE as well as take a look at different activities and events the CPL offers
Play Street Museum
Roosevelt Collection Shops (F124) at 1119 S Delano Ct East, Chicago, 60605
Details: This brand new play space just opened in January 2025 and offers more than just an indoor space to play! They have taken the traditional children's museum model of play and elevated it for Chicago families. You can reserve a 2-hr play session online, or also book the space for a private play group, field trip etc.
More information: You can find more information, sign the waiver and book a session online HERE
Pop In Art - Bubbles Academy (Gold Coast)
Shops at 900 N Michigan Ave, FL 6, Chicago 60611
Details: Bubbles Academy has been a treasure for Chicago families for many years, offering classes, special events and preschool at their 3 locations. One of my favorite things about the Gold Coast locations is that not only do they offer a great line up of classes there, but they have Pop In Art sessions from 12p to 5p every day (except Sundays) for just $10. The projects are always rotating and fun for a variety of ages (up to 2nd or 3rd grade suggested).
More information: You can just "pop in" so no need to register in advance, but you can visit their online calendar to see what other classes are happening, or see what the art theme/project is for that day. You can also check out what is happening at their flagship Elston, or new Highland Park locations as well!
SPF Chicago
2121 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, 60614
Details: Many know SPF as Lincoln Park's newest spot for indoor pickleball, but SPF is so much more! They have a cafe, bar, indoor lawn for games & playing, and plenty of tables with classic board and table games like foosball or air hockey - just come in, enjoy a warm beverage or snack from the cafe, and hang out! No pickleball playing required. Also tucked off to the side is their MultiBall Room which is a great spot for families & friends to burn off some winter energy playing interactive video games that require running, jumping, kicking and throwing. The MultiBall room is about $35 for an hour with up to four active players, but it can hold more people for sure! SPF is also a very short walk from Clover Park (2210 N Southport Ave) if you wanted an indoor/outdoor outing.
More information: As SPF enters their second year in Chicago they have camps, clinics and open play for pickleball players of all ages and special events throughout the year. To learn more check out www.playspf.com
Visit a Museum
Details: One of the perks in living in a major city like Chicago is the access to fun, educational museums that are always bringing new exhibits, or offering top notch play spaces for kids & families to explore. Plus, many offer FREE ADMISSION days for Ilinois Residents, or you can use your library card to reserve a Digital Museum Pass for 18 different museums and zoos.
More information: Check out the Macaroni KID Chicago calendar for upcoming FREE ADMISSION days at top museums such as The Art Institute, DuSable, The Field, MSI, Adler Planetarium or Shedd Aquarium
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