There are many fun activities that take place in the Chicago area during the winter season.  Besides the average sledding, ice skating, and playing in the snow winter activities, there are so many more options for winter fun outside the regular events.

Some of the activities around the area might be getting a little boring, though, so here are a few ideas of what to do if you are tired of doing the same activities.

Zoolights:

Winter at Lincoln Park Zoo is full of different seasonal and holiday activities throughout December.  There are photos with Santa, holiday crafts, animal encounters, rides on the AT&T Endangered Species Carousel, and rides on the lionel train adventure for children.  There is also 3D displays, musical light shows, holiday gift shopping, live ice carvings, ice skating, family nights, and the whole zoo is lit with special holiday lights for everyone of all ages to enjoy.  On top of all of this, there is free admission to the zoo the whole time Zoolights is taking place.  Don’t miss this annual winter event at Lincoln Park Zoo.

Even though this event takes place in the city, the many perks of attending this month long event is enough to make anyone want to go to the Lincoln Park Zoo for this holiday special.

McCormick Tribune Ice Skating Rink:

If you are looking for a place to fill an open day with family and friends, McCormick Tribune Plaza has a special offer at Millennium Park during the winter season.  The free ice skating rink is open for everyone if it is cold enough to ice skate and the weather is not too bad that day.  In addition to ice skating, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events hosts winter workouts and free skating lessons one hour before the park opens on Fridays through Sundays.  Besides all this there are speed skating demos, Noodle Hockey, and ice dance demos on December 21 through December 31, although it will not be open on December 25, one hour before the rink opens.  

Raging Buffalo Snowboard Park:

Raging Buffalo Snowboard Park is a “snowboard exclusive” snowboard park that is designed for snowboarders, although it is open to skiers as well.  The snowboard park is not open as of November 29 due to weather, but as soon as weather permits the park to make its own snow, the slopes will be open for everyone to enjoy.  Because the park makes its own snow, it is “stock piled to build fun features for shredders,” according to ragingbuffalo.com.

Wilmot:

Wilmot is one of the ski/snowboard hills in the area to go for a ski day.  If you decide one day that you are in the mood to ski or snowboard, the slopes are open even in the Midwest at Wilmot.  If skiing or snowboarding is not your thing, there are hills for snow tubing as well. These hills are open to people of all ages at any time during the winter.  You will never be bored in the snow again.

Frozemont:

Frozemont is a “suburban destination for big city dining, entertainment, nightlife, and family fun,” according to rosemont.com.  In this winter wonderland, there is international cuisine, live music, comedy, state-of-the-art films, bowling, and an NHL size ice rink.  The Frozemont park is in Rosemont near Chicago.  With all these events, you will not even notice you are in the middle of the Midwest.