The holiday season is a special time of year for children. It presents opportunities to spend quality time together with family and friends, making magical memories that will last a lifetime. From holiday festivals and light displays to ice skating and sledding, there is so much to see and do, even when the weather gets chilly. To help you plan a memorable winter, we’ve compiled a bucket list full of winter activities for families in suburban Chicago.
Riverwalk Sled Hill at Rotary Park
There are numerous parks to choose from for the ultimate sledding experience, and Riverwalk Sled Hill is specifically designated for sledding! Located on the Naperville Riverwalk, this hill offers great sledding for the whole family. When the snowfall reaches two to three inches, bundle up and grab the sled or saucer to enjoy this classic winter activity. Then, head home for the best part: hot chocolate with marshmallows!
Christkindlmarket
This German-style outdoor market is a popular holiday tradition and admission is free! Take a stroll with your family through holiday villages while checking out some unique vendors from around the world. There are three Christkindlmarket locations: Chicago at Daley Plaza and Aurora at RiverEdge Park.
Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo
Celebrating its 42nd year, the annual Holiday Magic event features over two million LED lights! Enjoy the massive LED animal sculptures, a 41-foot-tall tree, and a 600-foot-long tunnel that’s beautifully lit with thousands of lights all synchronized to music. Indoor venues are open as well, so you can head inside to warm up and enjoy a seasonal treat!
Ice Skating
There is something so nostalgic about ice skating, and it’s an excellent way for preschoolers to develop coordination, balance, and gross motor skills! Outdoor rinks operate in Wilmette, including Gillson Park and Mallinckrodt Park. Indoor ice skating is also available year-round at Centennial Ice Rinks. The Chicago Wolves Ice Rink in Rosemont’s entertainment district typically opens at the end of November and is free.
Museums and Science Centers
Several family friendly museums and science centers that offer interactive exhibits and activities make for great indoor winter destinations. DuPage Children’s Museum in Naperville features three floors of fun, hands-on exhibits as well as engaging STEM programs.
Designed to nurture a love for learning, Kohl Children’s Museum in Glenview is full of wonderful interactive exhibits and is perfect for children from birth to eight years old. A few other favorites include the Discovery Museum in Rockford and the Fox River Trolley Museum in South Elgin (be sure to check out the seasonal Polar Express ride).
Visit Themed Restaurants
Get your lunch or dinner delivered on a train at The Junction Diner. This cute diner in downtown Forest Park also has a large interactive model train table, games, and a photo booth to keep your children entertained. Pilot Pete’s in Schaumburg is next to the municipal airport, so you can watch planes take off and land while enjoying a bite to eat.
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
For an unforgettable holiday light display, head to The Morton Arboretum. From November 18 through January 6, you can explore 50 acres of the Arboretum’s immersive light installations, highlighting the beauty of trees in winter. Toast marshmallows by the fire for s’mores, or enjoy other seasonal treats and holiday shopping during this annual event.
The Exploritorium
When the weather is too harsh for outdoor play, head to The Exploritorium in Skokie. Let your children explore two-and-a-half stories of tubes and tunnels, climb a wall, and discover the water play area with a water vortex. There’s even a designated toddler zone and so much more! Take a look at the events calendar to see all of the planned holiday festivities.
Adventurous Learning in Every Season
The Gardner School of Chicago offers an engaging, hands-on curriculum for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Our caring teachers help our students build a strong educational, emotional, and relational foundation. To learn more, contact us to set up a tour.