Best Winter Activities with Kids in Chicago

Being in the big city is an adventure at any age. But, when you’re a kid it’s like pure magic. A few months ago I shared with you all the wonderful warm-weather things Chicago has to offer you and the kids in your life, in my post Best Things to do with Kids in Chicago. As we step into winter, the options certainly change, but they definitely don’t lessen. Part of the big city magic is that there are endless things to do, at any age, year round. There is so much to see and explore in Chicago for kids of any age, or even adults who are simply kids at heart! It’s time to bundle up and get exploring winter in Chicago and feel the magic of the big city.

Navy Pier’s Light Up The Lake: A must see for any visitor to Chicago, or even resident, is Navy Pier. With stunning views of the city and a central location, it’s a tourist hub, but also a great spot to have a good meal (they have so many options) and a fun spot to fully immerse yourself in the fun of winter through Light Up The Lake. This event, held from November 26 through January 2, offers something for everyone in your group. From ice skating to carnival rides, blow up slides to cookie decorating, even a beer garden, there is bound to be something to make you and your kids happy. There are stunning Christmas decorations, and as you can imagine from the name, lots and lots of lights!
Broadway in Chicago: It’s great to expose kids to theater at a young age! I have the best memories of going to traveling Broadway shows with my mom as a kid. It was so special to get dressed up, sit in the theater and listen to the live music and just be in awe of what was happening on stage. It’s a great way to teach lasting lessons to kids (most shows have great lessons), spend quality time together and have a cozy winter night in a beautiful theater. This year, Broadway in Chicago is hosting a couple shows that are great for the little ones in your life, like Frozen and Hairspray.
Ice Skating: Sure, there are ice rinks you can skate indoors at year round, but the real winter magic of skating is when it’s outdoors. And what better place to do that than right in the heart of the beautiful city of Chicago. Luckily, you have lots of options for skating in the city! Downtown, you have a classic rink in Millennium Park at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, a skating ribbon in Maggie Daley Park, and north of downtown, nestled adjacent to Wrigley Field is Gallagher Way. If you have your own skates, you’re in luck, most places offer free skating to those who bring their own. For the littles ones in your party, you can usually rent walkers to help them get their wobbly little legs moving on the ice.
Museums Galore: Chicago has world class museums, for everything and everyone! When looking at museums to please the kids, and the kids at heart, I highly recommend the hands on experiences you will get at the Museum of Science & Industry. This museum is fun from the moment you walk through the doors. Not only will you learn a lot, you’ll have a blast as you do! Another classic is the Chicago Children’s Museum. While this one is geared towards younger kids, it will bring joy to the adults in the group too, when you see those big smiles on the kids faces. For those really dreary winter days, take a trip to the sea at the Shedd Aquarium. It’s warm, smells of salt air and transports you to life down under. See more recommendations for museums for kids in Chicago here.
Eat, Shop, Repeat: Chicago is known as a foodie’s haven and it’s no different for the kids. We have so many cuisine options and so many venues that are decorated to the nines and really made to transport you and your little ones during your meal. You can enjoy colorful creations at Sugar Factory, sweet treats at JoJo’s Shake Bar, drinks (Shirley Temples too) and beats at Hard Rock Cafe, and deep dish pizza at Giordano’s. If you venture to Water Tower Place you can shop for favorites at the American Girl Store, the Lego store and the Unicorn store.
Dr. Seuss Experience: While you are at Water Tower Place, stop by the Dr. Seuss Experience (open until January 31, 2022) to step into a sensory spectacle through nine Dr. Seuss books. This experience is an imaginative and interactive immersion into the wonderful world of Dr. Seuss.