Let’s celebrate the incredible women in Chicago’s history who have shaped our city.
Mark your calendars for International Women’s Day: Monday, March 8! Now an annual celebration, the first International Women’s Day was held in 1909 in honor of the garment worker’s strike in New York, where women protested against unacceptable working conditions. Progressive-minded, powerhouse women of Chicago have long been shaping local policy and the unique culture of our city, sometimes in ways that have proliferated across the country. Read on to hear how Chicago women have impacted our city’s history and share these inspirational women with your kids!
Born in the Lakeview neighborhood, absolute legend, Jane Bryne became the first female elected to the office of Mayor in the US in 1979, at a time when Chicago was the 2nd largest city in the country.
Things to Do: Jane Byrne only served one term, but in that short time she spearheaded and originated many of the activities we enjoy today. She helped to create what is now the Taste of Chicago, lead the revival of Navy Pier to become a popular tourist attraction and was the first mayor to march in the Gay Pride Parade. Look ahead to a well-spent summer in Chicago enjoying the activities laid out for us and supported by our first female mayor.
A Potawatomi woman named Kittahawa was the first-known permanent settler in Chicago, arriving around 1790. Married to Haitian-born immigrant Jean Baptiste Point DuSable, Kittahawa's strong relationships with Native American groups was integral in the success of the family's trading post. Their home and trading post, which was once a flourishing trading hub between Europeans and Native Americans, is commemorated by Pioneer Court at 401 N. Michigan Ave.
Things to do: Visit Pioneer Court at 401 N. Michigan to see where the Kittahawa's family home and trading post originally stood. Also, Field Museum is home to more than 300 Potawatomi artifacts and they began a 3-year renovation project in 2018 to create a more meaningful Native North American Hall.
Maggie Daley was the wife of Chicago's longest-serving mayor, Mayor Richard M. Daley, who held the position for 22 years. Well known for dodging the spotlight, but staying highly involved, she started the successful After School Matters. The non-profit provides high school teens with after-school and summer opportunities in the arts, leadership, sports and STEM fields. In her honor, Chicago created Maggie Daley Park, one of the coolest urban parks in the country with both lake and city views, mini-golf, a climbing wall, skating ribbon, green space and climbing structures.
Things to do: Winter, spring, summer or fall, visit Maggie Daley Park. The skating ribbon is perfect for newbies because of the railing that lines the path. During warm weather months, it's a hub of activity with golfing, a massive park and a climbing wall. Learn more about After School Matters, how to get involved or participate in their programming, via their website.
How lucky are we that Oprah chose Chicago to host her now-iconic Oprah Winfrey show? She has amassed a beautifully positive legacy that will transcend generations, and any kid would be lucky to carry her name. But, boy, are those some big stilettos to fill.
Things to do: Although Oprah is no longer in Chicago, her former personal chef, Art Smith, opened a farm-to-table oasis in Gold Coast named after her former Indiana Property, Blue Door Farm. Blue Door Kitchen & Garden lets the seasons dictate the menu and dedicates itself to cultivating strong relationships with responsible, sustainable purveyors. Kids will devour Chef Art Smith's famous fried chicken.
The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 destroyed over 17,000 buildings and 3.3 square miles and many locals like to hold on to the utterly tall tale that it was caused by Catherine O'Leary's cow knocking over a lantern in her barn. It's fun to speculate, but we'll never know the real cause of the fire and Catherine O'Leary and her framed cow are forever cemented in our history.
Things to do: Help from all around the world came in to support the 100,000 people left homeless by the famous fire, including the United Kingdom. Their generous donation spurred the establishment of our beloved Chicago Public Library. Up until that time, paid membership libraries were the common practice. Whenever you visit the library, think of Catherine and her infamous cow.
When you're bopping around town, reference this great Smithsonian Magazine article that documents places you can still see remnants of the Great Chicago Fire.
Ida B. Wells was an African-American wife, mother, investigative journalist, educator and early leader in the Civil Rights Movement, having been freed by the Emancipation Proclamation during the Civil War at the age of 16. She was arguably one of the most famous black women during her time, working to combat prejudice and fight for the equality of African-American women. She started the Negro Fellowship League, which helped find housing, jobs and provided a social and political outlet for black people in Chicago. Her work to educate black women on their voting rights helped to elect the first black alderman in the city, Jessie De Priest in 1951.
Things to do: Due to the profound impacts Ida had on the Chicago community, the city voted to rename Congress Parkway to Ida B. Wells Dr., in 2018. It runs from the Jane Byrne Interchange, where it insects the Kennedy, Dan Ryan and Eisenhower expressways, and ends at Columbus Drive in Grand Park.
Incorporate Ida B. Wells: Let the Truth Be Toldby Walter D. Myers into family reading time and celebrate the legacy of this remarkable Chicagoan.
Chicagoan Gwendolyn Brooks has the honor of being the first black author to win the Pulitzer Prize in 1950. She was Poet Laureate of Illinois, 1968-2000, and poetry consultant to the Library of Congress.
Things to do: You can see Gwendolyn Brook's typewriter on display in the Tools of the Trade exhibit at the American Writers Museum located on Michigan Ave. Read A Song for Gwendolyn Brooks by Alice Faye Duncan, which celebrates the life and voice of the celebrated poet.
Mary Bartelme was the first female judge in Illinois and she devoted her life to reforming the treatment of women and children in the state court system. Her career began as a Chicago Public School teacher before she worked to become one of the city's first female lawyers. Three years after being admitted to the Illinois Bar, she was appointed Public Guardian of Cook County and established America's first juvenile court system. She donated her own home in Chicago to establish Mary's Club, a group home dedicated to teaching young girls important life skills.
Things to do: Visit Mary Bartelme Park in West Loop. They 2.71-acre park features a fountain plaza, a children's play area, a sunken dog park, an open lawn area, a viewing hill and enclosed seating area. Five stainless steel gates at the park's northwest entry act as a gateway to the park and emit a fine mist of vaporized water. A perfect cool-down opportunity for families on hot summer days.
Jeanne Gang forever changed the second-to-none Chicago skyline with her design of Aqua Tower, currently the largest building in the world designed by a woman. This Chicago native also designed the beautiful Nature Boardwalk in Lincoln Park, the Writers Theatre and the new Solstice on the Park in Hyde Park.
Things to do: Take a drive by Aqua tower at 225 N. Columbus Dr. to see Jeanne Gang's creation. The 82-story building is home to a hotel, offices, apartments, condos and one of Chicago's most expansive green roofs. Take the kids to Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago for indoor camping. They'll love the new toy and coloring book they receive, eating sweet treats and sleeping in their very own tent in the room. The third-floor terrace offers s'mores by a fire pit to add to the camping experience.
Margaret Burroughs was a visual artist, writer, poet, educator and arts organizer who co-founded the DuSable Museum of African American History with her husband in 1961and helped to establish the South Side Community Art Center. The DuSable Museum of African American History is one of the first museums in the country dedicated to black history and culture.
Things to do: The Southside Community Arts Center is hosting From the Center, a retrospective of works created by Faheem Majeed over the last 20 years. As the former Executive Director and Curator, Majeed's works are especially attuned to the history and legacy of this 80-year-old arts institution. Visit the DuSable Museum of African American History in person when they reopen and in the meantime, check out their list of virtual events.
In 1931, Jane Addams became the first female American to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. She founded Chicago Hull House, one of America's most famous settlement houses, and is recognized as the founder of social work as a profession in the United States. She was also co-founder for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). At Hull House, she established a kindergarten for children of working mothers, created the first public playground and public gymnasium and worked on social reform issues including juvenile courts, immigrant issues, women's rights, public health & safety and child labor reform.
Things to do: Until they're ready to reopen, virtually visit the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum, which serves as a memorial to social reformer Jane Addams. The Museum utilizes two of the original house buildings: The Hull Home and the Resident's Dining Hall, which has seen some of the world's most prominent thinkers, artists and activists. Its vibrant programming makes connections between the influential residents who once called Hull House home and present-day social issues.
Skip the airport security lines and make your next family vacation a super suite staycation at hotels with everything from indoor pools to bikes for borrowing.
It hardly seems possible, but winter is fading behind us and spring is knocking at the door. Work a quick staycation into your family agenda and get ready to discover a new home away from home—luckily you won’t need to go far to find it. With amazing amenities, like requesting a gaming console delivered to your room or days spent lazing by the pool, you’ll be lucky if you can get your kids to check out of these hotels. Read through our picks for Chicago’s kid-centric hotel amenities that would make even Eloise go green with envy and be a tourist in your own city.
Why we love them: Family-focused complimentary amenities galore!
Kimpton Hotels is now offering complimentary children's kick scooters as an extension of the brand's popular bike loaning amenity. The Kimpton X Micro Kickboard scooters sport a custom design and color scheme and are available in two sizes for ages 2-5 and 5-12. Along with the kid-loved modes of transportation, the hotel also has a hand-picked selection of children's books, they're dog-friendly, yoga mats can be found in every room and they host a complimentary social hour every evening (5 p.m.-6 p.m.).
Located just a few steps away on Chicago's Riverwalk, you're located minutes from all of Chicago's best family destinations, from boat tours to Museum Campus.
Hotel Monaco invites you to bring your pet along and even offers fun amenities for your furry friends like plush beds and complimentary bags to use on potty-break walks. In addition, they feature complimentary bike rentals and host a nightly wine hour from 5 p.m.-6 p.m. that you can opt to take to have served in your room. As a bonus, they sell everyone's favorite Jeni's Ice Cream by the pint.
Why we love them: All the comforts and coziness of home in close proximity to Lincoln Park Zoo, Fullerton Beach & oodles of restaurants and shops.
Founded by travel enthusiasts, The Neighborhood in Lincoln Park offers a well-equipped, well-designed basecamp for staycationers. The apartment-style property features 14 stylish suites with stocked kitchens, washers/dryers, and a thoughtfully curated collection of art and accessories. Floorplans include 1-3 bedroom options, as well as a coach house.
Why we love them: Fabulous Riverwalk location and the indoor heated pool.
This pet-friendly hotel is a perfect home base for a family staycation, as it's steps away from Michigan Ave., the Riverwalk, Millennium Park, Navy Pier, and the Mag Mile. (Keep your eyes to the skies for Navy Pier's Wednesday and Saturday evening fireworks, end of May to Labor Day weekend!)
Pack the swimsuits and goggles because kids will be making a bee-line for the indoor heated pool!
301 E. North Water St., Near North Side; Online: marriott.com
Why we love them: Because we love the Cubs! Also, the architecture is stunning and the activities and energy in the area are rather special.
This relative Chicago newcomer will quickly become a favorite for Cubs fans, as it sits directly across from the iconic Wrigley Field and Gallagher Way, Wrigleyville's exciting town square. Visit during baseball season to soak up the energy that radiates in and around the stadium or plan your staycation around Gallagher Way's packed social calendar that includes outdoor movie nights, ice skating and Santa's workshop during the holidays, seasonal parties and more. This whole area has undergone a transformation every Chicagoan, suburbanite or urbanite, should see.
Why we love them: Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel is located in the world's second-largest building designed by a woman, Chicagoan Jeanne Gang—the first largest building is Gang's The St. Regis Chicago, opening this May.
It's easy to explore our city's rich culture from Radisson Blue Aqua Hotel as it's located within minutes from Mag Mile, Millennium Park, Grant Park and Navy Pier. Kids will love the indoor and outdoor pools, outdoor running track, fire pit, and full-size basketball court, while the parents can head to the steam and sauna rooms. The Lakeshore East Park is also located just behind the hotel.
Why we love them: Ice cream man who makes in-room sundaes, dedicated play space & 50-foot indoor pool
The kid game is strong with this one. Once kids check in using a special step stool to fill out their registration (name, age, and a promise to have fun), they enter the Sammy the Skyscraper passport program. During their stay, kids complete an activity in each outlet (spa, restaurant, and bell desk) to receive a stamp, which earns them free ice cream. You can also schedule an in-room visit from the ice cream man to treat the family to sundaes, and have complimentary toys and games delivered to the room.
With all the above, a 50-foot indoor pool seen in Home Alone 2, and a concierge team ready to create a personalized itinerary, you won’t have time for anything but fun.
Note: Pool and spa facilities are temporarily closed until June 1, 2023.
InterContinental puts you right in the middle of the action with walkable access to shopping, restaurants, cultural destinations and Lake Michigan. Keep an eye on their Offers page because they're always coming up with creative ideas to engage families like fort-building supplies, build-your-own cookie sets and packages that incorporate favorite cultural destinations. Even if they're not a fun package available, kids will be over-the-moon about the junior Olympic-sized swimming pool.
Why we love them: Kid's Suite, a playroom just for kids & a 12-seat cinema showing kid flicks
Warning: Your family is going to want to make this place your home away from home because the Langham gets kids. Kids receive a Langham Bear that comes in a cute backpack and can hang about in the Kid’s Suite, the hotel’s playroom just for kids. The play space has everything from video games to board games, Lincoln Logs to mini electric guitars, and if that’s not enough, there’s a 12-seat cinema suite that can be reserved for private screenings.
Check out the indoor swimming pool with family changing rooms and showers (be sure to ask for a pool noodle for little swimmers!). Of course, there are kid-friendly menus throughout the hotel so picky eaters are welcome. You can also request a personalized bathrobe and slippers, and each kid receives a free cookie upon check-in.
They have severalfamily staycation packages available, including stays that give private access to the pool and games or the cinema.
Note: As of press time, the Kid's Suite was closed until further notice. Please check theirwebsite for updates on re-opening.
Why we love them: Beyond having a great neighborhood location at the intersections of Damen, Milwaukee, and North Avenues, The Robey Chicago has amazing rooftop views that stretch in every direction, plus a cozy outdoor swimming pool!
Families can book the Queen + Loft accommodations for a decent-sized room that has not only a queen-sized bed and twin bunk beds but also, a work desk and a fun schoolhouse vibe. Cafe Robey is perfect for brunch and dinner and when you're ready to explore Wicker Park and Bucktown, you'll be within easy walking distance to The 606, Building Blocks Toy Store, and plenty of restaurants, coffee shops, neighborhood parks, and more.
2018 W. North Ave., Wicker Park; Online:therobey.com
Great Wolf Lodge
Why we love them:The entire hotel is kid-focused, while still being fun for adults
Let’s be honest, the real thrill for kids when it comes to Great Wolf Lodge is the pools. And, the 80,000-square-foot indoor pool with slides and an interactive water fort treehouse and an outdoor pool with a cabana area has no chance of disappointing. In addition to the water play, you'll find a variety of activities including a ropes course, bowling, mini-golf, arcade and rock wall. For kids that like their fun to include a bit of thinking and intrigue, they’ll dig MaqiQuest, the brand’s exclusive live-action adventure game. Kids scour the resort using magic wands to uncover relics and runes needed to defeat dragons and goblins.
The best part of this gem? It's just steps from Chicago's world-renowned museums, restaurants, and of course, Millennium Park, where your kids can take an obligatory Bean selfie. Enjoy numerous packages and hotel discounts when you book early, including the Weekend Escapes Offer, the Park and Stay Package, and the Embrace the Season offer.
200 N. Columbus Dr., Millennium Park; Online: fairmont.com
Swissotel Chicago
Wendy Altschuler
Why we love them: Beyond being one of the best hotels along the Chicago River, Swissotel Chicago is mere steps from the Magnificent Mile and many of Chicago's award-winning attractions.
Suites and adjoining accommodations are available for larger families. The Swissotel Kids Suite, a magical escape full of special amenities, is available year-round. You can expect the room, which is connected to a separate adult room, to be outfitted with age-appropriate games, toys, and books. Families can watch an in-room movie, inclusive of a movie theater welcome amenity, plus complimentary breakfast for two adults and two children at The Palm restaurant.
Why we love them: Backpacks full of fun activities & American Girl Doll package
Kids get an Omni Junior Chefs tote with a lunch bag, Annie's Organic Bunny Graham Friends Mix, Honest Kids organic juice box, to-go cup, crayons, activity book and a Say Goodnight to Hunger postcard. If kids color and return the postcard, a meal will be donated to Feeding America.
The American Girl PlacePackage includes a set of doll pajamas, robe and slippers, an American Girl doll bed so AG has her own place to rest, American Girl bedtime books, cookies and milk turndown service and much more.
Why we love them: Kids amenities galore, electronics to borrow & child-proofing kits
Loews loves kids, but they obviously love parents too. Their signature Loews Loves Families program is designed to make overnights fun with a complimentary activity book, board games and books, baby bath amenities, and childproofing kits. The Streeterville location has PS3 systems, iPads, and pool toys available for loan. For pets, they offer gourmet in-room food service, specialized bedding, leashes, collars, and bowls. You can also request kid and pet-watching services for a night out.
Why we love them: Location next to the airport, which means you can start your vacation early
Make getting to the airport for those early flights a whole lot easier—and majorly affordable. On top of being directly connected to Chicago O’Hare’s domestic terminals thru underground walkways, so you don’t have to deal with iffy Chicago weather, you also get spacious studio suites with a large sitting area, king bed and sofa bed, 42-inch HDTV, mini-bar, WiFi and on-demand movies, video games and access to the indoor pool. Worried about trying to catch some z’s so close to the runway? Sound-resistant windows and blackout drapes will help with all that, so you can arrive bright-eyed and bushy-tailed at your final destination.
O'Hare International Airport, 10000 W. O'Hare Ave., Chicago; Online: hilton.com
Graduate Hotel Madison
Graduate Hotel
Why we love them: Super cool vintage summer camp vibe
This is stretching the staycation notion a bit, but we promise the short drive to Madison, WI will be worth it when you see what Graduate Hotels has to offer. They teamed up with Camp Wandawega and Land of Nod to create their own Camp Wandawega inspired suite.
Never heard of Camp Wandawega? What began as a speakeasy in the 1920s in now . . . well, basically an adult summer camp. All the charm of this retreat that features a fleet of vintage bikes, fishing boats, archery, a swimming beach and so much more is all rolled up into the Camp Wandawega suite in Madison.
The suite features a large main room with entertainment and sleeping areas with a king bed and a workstation, as well as an adjoining semi-private kid's room with bunk beds and a library stocked with summer camp-themed movies. Original camp artifacts such as an antique troopmaster hat, custom Sanborn canoe paddles, and Faribault Woolen Mills blankets are found throughout the space.
If you are itching to get out of the house and bring baby along, we have all the best things to do around Chicago
Along comes baby and life as you know it stops. Right? Not in Chicago! We know that once the baby comes along you need some time to adjust to your new “normal” and routine. But if you find yourself going stir-crazy and longing to get back out and about you may be wondering, what are the best places to go with a baby in tow around Chicago? Let this guide help you discover the best spots for a “Chicago baby” and perhaps some newfound appreciation for a longtime favorite.
This is one of our top recommendations to new parents, new residents, and even visitors who will be in town for an extended stay. With more than 70 unique branches throughout Chicago, not only can you visit your local branch, but you can make it an adventure and scope out branches in other parts of the city. The Chicago Public Library is a great place to duck out of the weather to change a diaper, have a snack, or nurse a baby. Be sure to get a library card for you and your kids as well, because not only are there tons of great books to borrow, but so much more like STEM Activities, Grab ‘n Go Activity Kits, Chromebook Kits, and (our favorite) the Museum Passports!
2. Get comfortable with that new stroller
From miles of walkable paths along the lakefront to what feels like endless greenspace and urban sidewalks, Chicago is a very walkable town! Check out your own neighborhood, or favorite park, stroll along the 606 or check out this guide to walking downtown with kids or this one for best hikes in the Chicagoland area.
3. Must-Visit Kid-Friendly Museums in Chicago
Museums are wonderful places to take a baby for a visit! Not only are most of Chicago’s museums free for kids three and under, but they also each have a little something special for the youngest of visitors. From special areas designed with kids at heart, such as the Crown Family Play Lab at the Field Museum, or a special low-sensory time to explore like at the Museum of Contemporary Art visiting these museums while the baby is young can be rewarding for the parents. You can still control the pace at which you explore, minus those essential stops for a feeding or diaper change, and feel as if you did something for yourself.
If you are looking for a museum that is fully designed with kids and play at heart, then take a visit to the Chicago Children’s Museum. CCM offers play and fun for kids up to about age nine, and they have Priztker’s Playspace which is just for babies and their caregivers to explore and connect through play.
If you want to visit the museums and save, be sure to check out the Free Admission Days offered throughout the year for Illinois and Chicago residents or you can check out one of the Museum Passports from the library for free admission for four guests to many great museums and attractions! For more ideas on museums to explore, check out Chicago’s Best Museums for Curious Kids.
Exercising after a baby can feel daunting but the effects for mom’s physical and mental well-being are undeniable. It’s also a great way to meet friends! Fit4Mom classes, such as the popular Stroller Strides, are offered all over the city. Plus many local gyms, such as the YMCA Chicago, YogaSix, Midtown Athletic, and Lakeshore Fitness, offer child-care so parents can focus on a great workout without worrying about the kids.
5. Visit Our Favorite Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Chicago
Going out to eat with a baby can feel daunting, but starting when they are young will help them learn how to dine out and open them to trying new flavors and foods as they grow older. Chicago has no shortage of great restaurants, even some that cater to families by offering space to wiggle, entertainment such as balloon artists, local musicians, over the top themes, and even dine-in movies. Other restaurants have families in mind with special menus for kids and special pricing too! So go ahead and enjoy a meal with your kids—without any stink eyes from other customers.
6. Get Baby Water Safe
Getting your baby used to the water early is one of the best things you can do, especially for babies in a city with 26 miles of lakefront and dozens of free beaches. Swim programs like Goldfish Swim School offer lessons at four months to get the tiniest tadpoles, and their adults, water safe! To find a school right for your family, check out our list of swim schools in Chicago.
7. Practice Your Yoga & Namaste with Mommy and Me Yoga
Regular yoga classes with your children have so many positive benefits beyond stretching and moving your bodies. Yoga has been shown to teach mindfulness, and self-awareness and working together with their grown-up can deepen their connection. It also helps to reduce stress! You and your Little Buddha can join Buddha Belly Kids Yoga at locations throughout Chicago for classes – such as Zen Yoga Garage or the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.
8. Learn about Baby Wellness from the Experts
Babies are hard at first—they communicate in ways that are foreign to us with cries, and other mystifying noises and expressions. Enter Chicago’s premier infant wellness practice, Metta Baby which is on a mission to provide a support system for parents and infants as young as two weeks old. Here you can engage in activities that not only promote the baby’s physical well-being but also which will help to create a strong bond between parent and child.
9. Visit these nearby Chicago Beaches
With two dozen free beaches along Lake Michigan and a summer season that is as close to perfection as you can get. A visit with your baby is a great way to spend the morning. Early mornings are a quieter time if you want to avoid a crowded beach on those late summer days, but no matter the time, just be sure you have shade to keep you all protected.
10. Attend a Breastfeeding Class in Chicago
Just because something is described as “natural” doesn’t make it necessarily easy. For new moms looking for support with breastfeeding, there are multiple places to reach out for help! Our favorite resources are the La Leche League, Baby Bistro Group from UChicago Medicine, and Chicago Family Doulas. Moms can ask questions and find answers via their websites. One-on-one help can also be arranged either via zoom or in person. Groups and classes also provide new moms a chance to connect with other moms, build their offline support group and create friendships.
11. Nurture a Love of Reading
Beyond our amazing Chicago Public Library system, Chicago is home to the American Writers Museum which allows children to enjoy books in their cozy Children’s Literature Gallery. One of the best things about reading is that it can be done just about anywhere. From the family room to the park, or even on the “L” train, so keep some books handy and read a little every day with your baby.
12. Take Baby for Their First Haircut
The time will eventually come for your baby to get their first haircut. To make it a memorable experience, some salons offer special packages. Rock Hair Scissors in the Edgewater neighborhood even offers a little first-cut certificate, keepsake lock, and balloon. Does the idea of mini-meltdown stress you out? Then consider TLC Family Hair Care, Chicago’s premier mobile salon for families. TLC comes to you and offers a low-stress appointment whether it is your first cut or your hundredth.
13. Shop the Farmers Market
Get your baby used to a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables by visiting a local farmers market. They’re colorful, and smell delicious and many vendors offer samples. You can event find live music, puppet shows, and other kid-friendly entertainment. Most outdoor markets run from about May through October before the indoor markets pop up for the winter months of November through April. The markets often are held near playgrounds and can be a great spot for an impromptu meet-up or playdate.
Chicago may be a large urban area, but there are still plenty of green spaces to explore and enjoy with your baby. These are also great spots to try out that baby carrier and give the stroller a rest. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is an all-season favorite with the combination of outdoor spaces to explore and indoor fun such as the Butterfly Haven and the new Nature Playspace. Also great for little ones to explore (and a great place for laying on a blanket and reading!) are the Garfield Park Conservatory and the Chicago Botanic Garden. If you are looking for a little adventure out of the city, head to the Morton Arboretum which is home to one of the best child-focused gardens and offers miles of trails for walking.
15. Take a Baby Class Together
Join up with other parents and their babies to sing, dance and play. Bubbles Academy (Mag Mile/Lincoln Park/Highland Park) is a one-stop shop for all things baby classes. Since Chicago is a music-loving town there are also tons of great options for music classes throughout the city, plus Stages Chicago has created a unique curriculum to blend song, movement, and musical theater into classes for kids from birth to high school.
Free and open to visitors all year long is the Lincoln Park Zoo. Recently the zoo has built a new home for its growing lion pride and has also updated the play structure within the Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo. The Farm-in-a-Zoo is also a wonderful place to explore for kids of all ages, as well as the Lionel Train Adventure and Endangered Species Carousel. With a nearby playground, miles of park to explore, and one of the city’s best farmers markets, entire days can be spent here!
17. Take a Boat Cruise through Chicago with Your Baby
Okay, maybe you won’t need to actually ROW the boat, but with the lake to the east and the river flowing through the city’s heart, by water is one of the best ways to take in the Windy City. Our favorite for families is the Chicago Fire Boat which is one part tour, one part floating museum, and a whole lot of fun! Another great way to explore during warm weather is to hop on theChicago Water Taxi—either as a mode of transportation or just for fun!
18. Visit a Nearby Chicago Farm
If your trip to the Farm-in-the-Zoo has you looking for more fun down on the farm then Chicagoland has you covered! Check out these seven Chicagoland spots where you can get more animal connection time and maybe even go for a tractor ride or pick berries in season.
19. Discover the Wonderful World of Splash Pads around Chicago
In the warm months, the city turns on hundreds of splash pads, fountains, and water features which offer a perfect way for little ones to cool off on a hot day.
And if Baby has older siblings, we have a fantastic list of thebest things to do in Chicago with kidsto help you out! Don’t worry, many of the places that are great for baby are also great for those older kids.
Explore one or all of these amazing museums in Chicago with your young inquisitive minds
Chicago has some of the best children’s museums in the world where interactive play, with a focus on engaging youth development, is the modus operandi. We’ve rounded up the GOAT (greatest of all time) museums for kids, all with special family programming and events, that are fitting for various ages and interests. You can also try adding one of these fun kids’ activities in Chicago to your agenda and make a whole day of it. Get a delicious meal, and spend the day lost in knowledge.
The world's most famous T. Rex, Sue, got the royal treatment with brand new digs on the 2nd floor and you should stop by to check out her now-more-accurate skeleton. Volunteer docents will, at your request, lead you around the museum on a public tour. Also, in Stanley Field Hall there are discovery carts for hands-on learning and exploring. If you're up for a stroll outside, the Rice Native Gardens are perfect for a peaceful fresh-air break.
The history museum might not pop into your head right away when considering which museum to bring your kids to, but it’s definitely worth a look-see. Learn how blues music came to Chicago through southern black migrants, bring classroom studies into focus through a deeper look into Dr. King’s work within the Civil Rights movement, get a glimpse into what Chicago looked like during Lincoln’s era, and visit the Sensing Chicago permanent exhibit where kids can ride a high-wheel bicycle, play with baseballs at a recreation of Comiskey Park, and climb into a life-sized Chicago hot dog (with no mustard, of course). And of course, there are several family-friendly events and happenings throughout the year.
The Polar Play Zone is designed with littles in mind, which means kids have the run in the penguin play place, submarine, and touch tanks with real starfish and stingrays. Visit the Amazon Rising and Wild Reef exhibits, see an aquatic show with dolphins, ask questions during an animal chat, and watch a 4-D movie. Also, do not miss seeing the live diving and feeding at the Caribbean Reef.
The first and only African American children’s museum in America, Bronzeville Children’s Museum’s exhibits and galleries highlight Black culture. Learn about famous politicians, artists, musicians, and athletes that lived in this neighborhood, take part in enriching S.T.E.M. activities, learn about prominent Black inventors, and explore why healthy eating is important for families.
Voted "One of the Top Five Immersive Art Experiences in the Country" by USA Today, WNDR Museum is filled with more than 20 interactive artworks and multi-sensory installations by cutting-edge artists and designers. As guests travel through WNDR, they are taken on a multi-dimensional journey in which they serve as an extension of each creator by interacting with various installations such as the WNDR Light Floor made of 100's of motion sensor LED panels for guests to stride and dance across, the Midwest’s only Infinity Mirror Room by iconic Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, and much more.
We guarantee that this spot will be an absolute delight for kids as they have a chance to immerse themselves in the wonderful world of illusions. You’ll find more than 80 visual and educational exhibits featuring holograms, stereograms, optical illusions, and immersive rooms designed to tease the senses and trick the mind.
Play-based activity is important for children’s development emotionally, physically, and mentally. The Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn has designed activities and exhibits that engage children in social activity in response to that fact. Popular highlights include Water Adventure, Safe Haven Animal Shelter, Nanoscale: The Science of Small, The Moo Café, and Dream a Dream Theatre.
Children eight and under will love exploring this museum with hands-on exhibits to keep them busy for hours. The love of learning is nurtured here through music, art, water play, and nature-focused exhibits. Shop in the Whole Foods Market, make sandwiches in the play café, take care of stuffed pets at the vet, and send hand-made cars down a chute at the SpotHero Car Garage. New activities and exhibits are featured on the regular, which means that there is always something fresh and fun at the museum.
Play and learning are bridged together at this museum, where kids can: tackle the Cloud Buster, a 30-ton, 37-foot-tall steel dreamscape that celebrates adventure and risk-taking—qualities that are inherent to childhood—excavate dinosaur bones, explore the way water moves through pulleys and pipes, pretend to fight fires, and discover how our skyline full of buildings is created through architecture and engineering.
Since 1930, Chicagoans have been learning and exploring at this planetarium, which includes interactive permanent exhibits, the Doane Observatory, and highly-rated Sky Shows. Special programming exists for kids of all ages, including special nights out for teenagers.
At Peggy Notebaert, children are connected to nature and science through the museum’s hands-on exhibits, family events, and education programming. Learn about the specimen and archival collections: birds, eggs, and nests; mammals; amphibians, and reptiles; insects and spiders; fossils, and more. The most popular exhibit is the Judy Istock Butterfly Haven, where you can watch 40 species of these delicate creatures flutter around the 2,700-square-foot indoor greenhouse. Other fun events include interactions with turtles, live animal feedings, and storytimes.
This museum has it all: flight and ride simulators, a submarine, a coal mine, a chick hatchery, a mirror maze, storms created by science, model ships and railroads, a fairy castle, farming equipment, pinball machines, and classic metal toys, a whispering gallery, and a Pioneer Zephyr. Four films are shown in the large dome theater. This museum is massive—most people don’t see everything in one visit, so plan accordingly and wear your favorite walking shoes.
DuPage Children's Museum's 20,000 square feet of play space will keep little kids and their imaginations busy for hours. There are designated spaces for babies and toddlers and older kids can run around and get their sillies out. Exhibits are situated throughout the space for extra entertainment and learning. Enjoy storytime, movement and music classes, and pop-up playtime.
This hidden gem museum delights kids with hands-on exhibits about light, water, wind, and more. Come wearing your thinking cap—or just romp around. Attractions include a giant “Lite Brite” pegboard, musical instruments, and climbing tubes and tunnels that stretch two-and-a-half stories.
Local parents and educators founded KidsWork because they wanted a safe and fun place for kids to play and learn. What they’ve found, is that the community as a whole benefits. Kids can roam around the museum’s two floors, discovering science, art, and movement exhibits. Highlights include the Pet Vet, Imagination Theater, Art Works, Tot Spot, and Light exhibits.
Wonder Works is best for little ones, ages birth to eight years old. This children’s museum is a designated shoe-free play space, with things to climb, jump and run on. Art, performance, design, and building are the main objectives here and kids are encouraged to be creative and let their personalities shine. Over 600 special events are held every year, including a concert series, a celebration of African American History, and Dino Works. Kids here can meet other pals and brush up on their social skills and adults can hang out with new friends, too.
Discover the best candy shops in Chicago that will satisfy your sweet-tooth
Chicago is home to a variety of delectable candy treats, from the iconic Tootsie Rolls, Brach’s, Frango Mints, Wrigley Gum, Fannie May, and Mars Candy, so it’s no surprise that the Windy City also has a number of must-stop candy shops that are worth your time and money. Whether you’re looking for classic American treats, international flavors, or creative confections,Chicago candy stores are all guaranteed to have a memorably sweet treat for you (and your candy-loving kids).
The Best Candy Stores in Chicago
1. Margie’s Candies
Margie’s is one of the oldest candy shops in Chicago and has been serving up classic treats since 1921. The signature item here is the sundae, but the store also offers a wide selection of candies, from caramels to chocolates. Don’t forget to try the homemade fudge!
This family–owned bakery is known for its cakes, cupcakes, and other baked goods, but it also has an impressive selection of candy. Try the malt balls, salt water taffy, and gummy bears as well as their mouth-wateringtruffles and candy bars.
The Fudge Pot is a family–run shop located in Chicago, that specializes in handmade fudge. Founded in 1980, Mary and John have been crafting traditional and unique flavors of fudge for over 40 years. The Fudge Pot has a wide variety of flavors to choose from, including the signature flavor, Vanilla Caramel Swirl, as well as Dark Chocolate, Pistachio, Peanut Butter, andmore, making it a favorite among Chicagoans.
This unique and fun candy shopoffers an eclectic selection of quality candy from around the world. Here you’ll find bulk items and sweet treats including gummies, sours, taffy, M&Ms in over 20 colors and over 30 flavors of Jelly Bellies. Add to that, Chicago’s first licorice bar.
This unapologetic shrine to sugar is complete with extravagant displays, over-the-top sweets, one-of-a-kind gifts, and immersive experiences. There’s even a TikTok-trending candy section. Be on the lookout for the 11-foot Ferris Wheel candy display and the Chicago skyline made entirely of Jellybeans. You can also find IT’SUGAR at the Navy Pier and in Gurnee and Schaumburg.
Family-owned and operated, Graham's Fine Chocolates in charming downtown Geneva is a must-visit. Their fine, hand-dipped chocolates and homemade ice cream are a draw year-round. Count on an assortment of unique caramel apples, rich hot cocoas, pretzels dipped in chocolate, and can't miss, chocolate-covered bacon. YUM.
At Dulcelandia, you'll find every Mexican candy and chocolate treat under the sun. Be adventurous and give some of the more interesting sweets a taste. We like Rollos de Cocco (jumbo milk coconut rolls) and chili-covered mango lollipops. Every kid (and adult!) will love the Obleas, wafers covered with creamy caramel.
See if you can squeeze into this teeny-tiny penny candy shop—actually, a storefront wedged into the small space between two larger buildings. Then, fill your little paper bag to the brim. Choose from old-fashioned (bullseyes and flying saucers) to new-fangled (pop rocks and sour patch worms) and be sure to take a giant bag of freshly hand-popped popcorn to go.
Go gourmet and pop into Katherine Anne Confections, a Chicago sweets shop that has an eye for delicious, locally and seasonally inspired sweets. The rotating selection of hand-dipped truffles, soft honey caramels and pillowy marshmallows are made with the best-of-the-best ingredients, and the seasonal flavors are to die for.
Forgo the ordinary and tour Asia via candy. At Aji Ichiban, you take your pick from thousands of candies and sweet and salty snacks from Asia. The shrimp and squid flavored treats are especially interesting, while the wide range of sweet gummies are sure to be gobbled up in a flash. Customers are encouraged to sample before buying, making shopping for treats here especially sweet.
Located in the heart of Chicago in the Historic Stockyard Industrial Park, Superior Nut & Candy is Chicago's go-to spot for sweets. The individual bags of trail mix and chocolate-covered peanuts are especially sought-after goodies, while the mini bags of yogurt pretzels and dried fruits offer a slightly healthier-ish option.
Ferrara Pan has been cranking out candy classics since 1908, and at the Ferrara Pan Outlet, you can buy his sweet candies fresh from the factory, with awesome prices to boot. You'll find all your childhood favorites—Lemonheads, Nerds, Sour Jack, Atomic FireBall, Laffy Taffy and more—packaged in their sweet retro boxes, perfectly sized for little ones.
Founded by Larry Burdick in 1987, and now continued by Chocolatier Michael Klug, L.A. Burdick Chocolates opened their first Chicago location in 2017. Each bonbon here is hand-piped, hand-cut, hand-garnished and hand-packed. You'll find all of the signature L.A. Burdick’s chocolates you adore, including their Signature Chocolate Mice, bonbons, seasonal offerings and vegan selections. In the fall and winter, L.A. Burdick warms the hearts of many with its beloved Drinking Chocolate.
The best ways to honor Martin Luther King Jr. with your kids in Chicago
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is Monday, January 16. With the kids off from school, you may be looking for ways to recognize this important holiday and honor & explore Dr. King’s inspiring legacy. Fortunately, Chicago has so many great museum exhibits, concerts, and service opportunities to choose from.
Did you know Martin Luther King, Jr. spent a lot of time in Chicago? He visited many times in the first decade of his public career. In 1965, he teamed up with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) to fight against segregation in Chicago Public Schools. He then became a leader in the Chicago Freedom Movement. The mission of the Chicago Freedom Movement was to end slums in the city, and it inspired two marches into all-white neighborhoods as part of an open-housing campaign. Martin Luther King, Jr. even lived for a time in a West side ghetto.
To learn more, visit the DuSable Museum of African American History or The Chicago History Museum. Appreciate the contributions of the African American community at the Chicago Sinfonietta or The Museum of Science and Industry. Follow Dr. King’s example by participating in a day of service. Whichever you choose, we got you covered with some excellent options for spending the holiday.
1. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at the Chicago History Museum
Commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Chicago History Museum's day-long family event. Join the museum as they reflect on his life and work, particularly in Chicago with the Chicago Freedom Movement, through special family-friendly activities and performances. This event is FREE with Museum admission, which is complimentary for Illinois residents on this day.
Date: Jan. 16, 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Chicago History Museum 1601 N. Clark St. Lincoln Park Online:chicagohistory.org
2. Chicago History Museum's Remembering Dr. King
Remembering Dr. King is a collection of 25 photographs depicting key moments in Dr. King's work during the Civil Rights Movement. The exhibit places a special emphasis on his time in Chicago shedding light on the existence of discrimination and segregation. the abysmal state of housing and the realities of poverty in the north.
Date:Ongoing
Chicago History Museum 1601 N. Clark St. Lincoln Park Online:chicagohistory.org
3. Chicago Sinfonietta's Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute Concert
Leading the nation in programming works by women and diverse, under-represented composers, Chicago Sinfonietta, the nation’s most diverse orchestra, presents its annual MLK Tribute Concert, "Thunder", celebrating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through family, equity and the encouragement to execute positive change.
Cradles to Crayons invites Chicagoland families to honor Martin Luther King, Jr. Day by donating new or gently-used children's items at one of their 37 drop-off locations. The nonprofit organization provides essentials such as clothing, coats, books and toys to ensure all children, regardless of their socio-economic status, have what they need to feel safe, warm and valued. Click this link for a list of accepted items.
Every day is a good day to visit the DuSable Museum of African American History. Home to hundreds of artifacts from the Civil Rights Movement, you will not only learn more about Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement, but also about the entire African American experience and accomplishments.
Date:Ongoing
DuSable Museum 740 E. 56th Pl. Washington Park Online:dusablemuseum.org
6. Institute for Nonviolence Chicago: Building the Beloved Community
Responding to Dr. King's question-"What are you doing for others?," the Institute for Nonviolence Chicago invites all ages to donate and help assemble toiletry packs, including toothpaste, toothbrushes, feminine hygiene products, soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, socks, and gloves, for neighbors in need.
Date:Jan. 16, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Institute for Nonviolence Chicago 819 N Leamington Ave. Austin Online:nonviolencechicago.org
7. Museum of Science and Industry's Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition
Established in 1970, the Museum of Science and Industry’s Juried Art Exhibition is the nation’s longest-running exhibition of African-American Art, presenting more than 100 works of art from emerging and established African American artists. The exhibition is just one part of the Museum’s Black Creativity program which showcases achievements in scientific, artistic and technical fields by African-Americans.
Date:Jan. 16-Apr. 23
Museum of Science & Industry 5700 S. Lake Shore Dr. Hyde Park Online:msichicago.org
8. University of Chicago's MLK Commemoration Celebration
The University of Chicago will host its 33rd annual MLK Commemoration Celebration. The event is free and open to the public. It is held at the University's Rockefeller Memorial Chapel, where Dr. King himself spoke in the same space in 1956 and 1959.
Date:Jan. 23, 6pm
University of Chicago Rockefeller Memorial Chapel 5850 South Woodlawn Avenue Hyde Park Online:mlk.uchicago.edu
9. Fifth Annual King Day of Service: Bronzeville
In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the University of Chicago's University Community Service Center has partnered with community organizations across Bronzeville to bring together residents, nonprofits organizations, and institutions to work on beautification projects at Chicago Public Schools and other community sites.
Not sure you can make it to midnight? These family-friendly New Year’s Eve events in Chicago happen well before bedtime (and even the day before!)
Who’s ready for a fresh start in 2023? Break out the noisemakers because the kid-approved New Year’s Eve activities for families in Chicago are about to kick off. We rounded up live performances and family parties on both the Eve of the Eve (ahem, Dec. 30) and early enough on Dec. 31 to help your family ring in the new year without even missing bedtime. And you know what all these daytime events mean: Once the kids are tuckered out from their New Year’s fun, you can still have some adult time well before the clock strikes midnight. That’s plenty of champagne-sipping time—or, let’s be honest, a nice snooze on the couch as the ball drops—for you!
Celebrations Happening on the Eve of New Year’s Eve in Chicago
Noon Year's Eve
Ring in 2023 at this fun family event! Festivities include dancing, games, prizes, crafts, Exploritorium play, count down and balloon drop at noon.
Date: Dec 30, 10 a.m.-noon
Oakton Community Center 4701 Oakton St. Skokie Online:skokieparks.org
Ring in the NOON year at Bubbles! Jam out to a concert with Miss Mel, create your own NYE crown, and countdown to the new year with a Bubble-filled finale!
Ring in the new year early. . . kid style. Little Beans will have a fun NYE celebration with a DJ, pizza, punch, play, NYE swag, and a countdown to a balloon drop.
BlueMan Group Chicago will host four festive New Year’s Eve performances Saturday, December 31 at 1 p.m., 4 p.m., 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Families with young children can take advantage of BlueMan Group’s early performances at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. These shows feature early “midnight” countdowns after the show complete with party hats, noisemakers and a special performance of “Auld Lang Syne” by the BlueMen. Other festivities include pre-show face painting where children will be transformed into members of BlueMan Group’s band.
College of DuPage's McAninch Arts Center is ready to help you ring in 2023 with New Philharmonic and Maestro Kirk Muspratt and a celebratory program of Pops and Viennese works, champagne toast and more.
Date: Dec. 31, 1:30 p.m., 5 p.m. & 8:30 p.m.
425 Fawell Blvd. Glen Ellyn (1:30 p.m. show can be streamed live or on-demand beginning Jan. 1.) Online: cod.edu
The Trickery Chicago hosts the city's most entertaining magic show! Fun, intimate, sometimes outrageous, and always hilarious, this will make for one magical night to remember! Best for date nights with the older kids, as the content is recommended for ages 12+.
Ring in the New Year with a countdown to noon celebration! Families can spend time together exploring the Museum’s hands-on exhibits, creating wearable art, grooving to music with Miss Jamie’s Farm, counting down to early New Year's with confetti, bubbles, and more!
Let the kids show off all their Tik Tok moves at this dance party with a kids buffet and cocktails for the parents. Show off some moves of your own on the dance floor.
Date: Dec 31, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
5304 West Devon Ave. Edgebrook Online: dakota94.com
Join all your favorite characters from Paw Patrol at Just for Fun Roller Rink. There will be skating, pizza, drinks, games, photos and, of course, a noon balloon drop. What more could you ask for?
Sail smoothly into 2023 with a family cruise aboard a 3-story luxury yacht with a dance floor and full bar including soft drinks for the kids!
Date: Dec 31, 1-3:30 p.m.
1559 South Lake Shore Drive Burnham Harbor Online:anitadee.com
Family New Year's Eve at Roots Pizza
There is no charge for admission, however you must reserve tickets. Tickets include a "countdown" to the new year, party favors, a complimentary toast (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), and sodas for the table. Ticket-holders also receive a free order of Mozzarella Sticks with the purchase of a 16" Pizza and a Salad.
Cheers Heard Around the World at SafeHouse Chicago
Families can ring in the New Year with "Cheers Heard Around the World" at SafeHouse Chicago. If your little spies have an early bedtime, they can celebrate the New Year with cities around the world at SafeHouse. Every time a new city rings in 2023, like London and Paris, SafeHouse will have a toast! Regular dining will be available along with all the fun interactive activities you can always experience at SafeHouse.
New Year's Family Friendly Dinner & Toast at The Green Post
Bring the whole family to The Green Post, a British pub and gathering place, for a kid-friendly New Year’s dinner complete with a UK countdown from across the pond that culminates at a respectable 6 p.m. A welcome drink, “midnight” toast beverage, and party favors are included in the three-course prix fixe dinner price ($55/adult; $10/child), and non-alcoholic options are available for kids upon request.
Date: Dec 31, seatings at 5 p.m., 5:15 p.m., and 5:30 p.m.
Roll into the new year skating or bowling at MLK Park & Family Entertainment Center. There will be plenty of games and a character parade at this fun, friendly, clean, and safe facility.
There will not be a dull moment in your night with unlimited Go-Karts, Laser Tag, Catapult Thrill Ride, Bumper Cars, Mini-Golf & Quest II Adventure Playland. You will also play unlimited select video games and get a $15 game card. It wouldn't be New Years without a countdown & balloon drop, plus a buffet, New Year's Eve toast, and party favors.
Celebrate with a family dinner that includes pizza, pasta, salad & ice cream and ring in 2023 early with an explosive Kid's Video Countdown, Balloon Drop, Confetti, Party Favors, Party DJ & Dancing.
Book a one-of-a-kind virtual family experience with Scott Green's Magic Show-in-a-Box. After you purchase your ticket, a mysterious box arrives at your door. Don't open it until showtime (no peeking!) when the surprises in the box and the live, interactive 90-minute Zoom performances combine to make the magic happen in your family's hands.
Winterland at Gallagher Way has gotten a major upgrade this holiday season—and, for the first time, visitors can step inside Wrigley Field to take part in the festive fun
Whether you’ve never been to Winterland at Gallagher Way or it’s a key spot on your Chicago holiday circuit, this year has big changes (and a much bigger footprint!) that both new and returning visitors will be experiencing for the first time. For those unfamiliar, Gallagher Way is the park right outside the west side of Wrigley Field, the home of the Chicago Cubs. On game days, it acts as an entryway into the stadium, as well as an area in which ticket holders can spread their legs and watch the game on the 40-foot video screen. On non-game days and outside of baseball season, it acts as a town center with activities and events for all ages throughout the year—from free movie nights, fitness classes, and musical performances.
And for several winters now, this popular section of the Wrigleyville neighborhood has transformed into a beautiful, bustling, North Pole right here in the city.
Historically, the centerpiece has been the Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville. Christkindl markets throughout Chicago (the flagship location is at Daley Plaza) are known for their German traditions, including wooden hut structures occupied by vendors of diverse hand-crafted gifts, scrumptious food, and seasonal drink options. Make a bee-line to the raclette stand for the best melted cheese sandwich of your life. Also be sure to pick up a commemorative mug filled with Gluhwein (hot spiced wine) or hot cocoa. You can bring your mug back year after year for a discount on refills, or start a collection of mugs from every year.
Up until this year, the Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville has been set adjacent to a sizable ice rink. New this year however, Gallagher Ice Rink has been moved into Wrigley Field along with a number of other fun activities. In its place, a carousel now thrills kids of all ages as it circles under the twinkling lights of the market. The carousel being considerably smaller than the ice rink allows more breathing room for shoppers as they browse through all the stands, take pictures by the imposing Christmas tree, or enjoy the live music and performances just below it.
Winterland at Gallagher Way
Winterland at Gallagher Way is technically located within the hallowed walls of Wrigley Field. You know that feeling you get when you enter a stadium from the dark concourse tunnel . . . when you are momentarily blinded by the light, then happily overwhelmed by all there is to take in, and can just taste the excitement of the crowd? That is the feeling you get walking into Winterland. As you enter from left field, immediately on your right are holiday-themed carnival gaming stations. Straight ahead is the Infield Express train that travels the same baselines as baseball's greats, and a Hot Cocoa Cup ride (akin to a more classic teacup ride) for small children. To the left you'll find a Tilt-a-Whirl (Winter Whirl), a tubing hill (Wintertube), and of course the ice rink.
Ice Skating
The Gallagher Ice Rink is as big as ever, but it's sectioned off for ice bumper cars. Just behind the rink is where you can pick up your rentals and sign a waiver.
Insider Tip: Everyone in your party must get in this line, whether they are getting rentals or not. You still need to sign the waiver and get a bracelet that will allow you on the ice. It's here that you may also obtain an assigned time slot for ice bumper cars. If people in your party have their own skates, they can work on putting them on while someone else waits in line, but they must come back to the line to have their bracelet put on them by a staff member.
Although the ice bumper cars give assigned time slots, plenty of visitors don't realize this and instead line up alongside the arena. Therefore, at your assigned time, you should check in with the attendant to see if you still need to get on the line, or if they can get you on the ice right away.
It's not all ice sports at Winterland: there's even a Santa! Santa's Workshop, located in the lobby of the Premier Entrance (under the marquee) is open through Dec. 18 on Fridays from 3-8 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Meeting Santa and taking pictures with your own camera is free, and professional photos are available for purchase.
Along the left field wall, private chalets are available for rent, and just above third base there is The Lodge for purchasing food and drinks or warming by the fire pits. Bathrooms are located back in the main concourse. (Christkindlmarket bathrooms are located in the Cubs building next to The Lucky Door.)
Winterland, as a whole, is enveloped in holiday decorations and blaring holiday music. On Thursday nights from Dec. 1-22 at 6 p.m., you can enjoy a free outdoor holiday movie on either the Gallagher Way or Wrigley Field video boards while you walk (or skate!) around.
The combination of Winterland and the Christkindlmarket hits every festive note. Holiday lights? Check. Holiday music? Check. Shopping? Check. Fun activities? Check. Seasonal food and drinks? Check. Santa? Check, check!
Does this all sounds too good to be true?
Costs and Crowds
Well, it isn't without cost. While the Christkindlmarket is still free to walk around, entry into Winterland does cost $5 per person (children under three are free), and each activity, including the carousel in the market, requires additional tickets. Whereas ice skating used to be free if you brought your own skates, it is now $12 to skate and and additional $8 to rent.
An activity ticket costs $4. All the rides and games (except for the ice rink and ice bumper cars) cost one ticket. Rink access is three tickets, skate rental is two tickets, and ice bumper cars are four tickets (that's $16!) for a five-minute session.
Buy tickets online or at the Wrigley Field Box Office on Clark Street. Activity tickets can also be purchased online or once inside the ballpark. Carousel tickets can be purchase with a credit card while standing in line from the attendant, or in the ballpark for use after you leave Winterland.
However, your best bet is to purchase the Peppermint Pack online in advance. This bundle costs $30 and includes your admission into Winterland as well as 10 attraction tickets (a $45 value.)
Interestingly, the cost does not seem to be keeping anyone away. Be aware that it can get exceptionally crowded on the weekends, particularly with mild weather. It is also very important to note that while you can stay inside Winterland as long as you like, there is no re-entry if you leave!
Dates
Winterland runs through Sunday, Jan. 8. Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville runs through Dec. 31.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and that goes double in Chicago, where dozens of seasonal events help the whole family get into the holiday spirit
With only a few weeks to pack it all in, choosing what seasonal activities to add to your family’s already action-packed calendar can be a stressful undertaking. There is no lack of light displays, live performances, train rides, seasonal food and drink offerings, and winter activities to choose from, so you truly have your pick of near-endless—and endlessly unique!—ways to help celebrate the holiday season. Better yet, there are even a few festivals where you can find it all in one place. So get out there and have some good ol’ fashioned festive family fun. There’s no time to waste! (Not even on Thanksgiving!)
Holiday Festivals in and around Chicago
Turns out, you can, in fact, have it all! A handful of seasonal festivals serve as a one-stop shop for a laundry list of holiday bucket list entries. Most of these venues include millions of sparkling lights, ice skating, holiday gift markets, live performances, and much more! Go for an hour or make a day of it, but rest assured there’s something for everyone.
Visit Rosemont for festive activities for the whole family to enjoy. After all, the village's slogan is "It's All Here," and no time is this truer than during the winter holidays. From ice skating at the Chicago Wolves Ice Rink in Parkway Bank Park, to a visit with Santa while getting all your shopping done at the Fashion Outlets of Chicago, there's no escaping the holiday feels. And when you need a break from finding gifts for your fam, there are endless dining and entertainment options to choose from, too. Not to be missed is the Sparkle Light Festival lights display (Nov. 23-Jan. 1) at Impact Field. The popular festival will include five illuminated villages with millions of sparkling lights, custom 3D holiday features, an ice tube slide, a holiday train adventure, and plenty of festive food and drinks. Plus, there's a Rudolph's Kids Zone and Deck the Walls maze, both new this season.
Dates: Nov. 19-Jan. 29
9501 W. Devon Ave. Rosemont, IL Online:rosemont.com
Amaze
Don’t miss the chance to explore this holiday season at the Amaze Light Festival in Chicago! This wonderland of light welcomes guests of all ages to an all-immersive storybook experience highlighting themed worlds of displays and activities. At the Amaze Light Festival, you can find yourself mesmerized by colossal 3D lighted decor, dynamic live performances, an icy tubing hill, and an Arctic Express train. Visit the holiday market and then stop in and grab a treat at Sparky’s Sweet Spot.
The Jack Frost Winter Fest has something for everyone. Not only can you ice skate, drive a bumper car on the ice, axe throw, or have your fortune told, but you can even find your perfect Christmas tree in their urban tree farm. Between the 10,000 twinkling lights, the Chicago skyline backdrop, and super cute curated photo ops, you'll have plenty to share on your social posts. New this year? Winter tubing!
Winterland at Gallagher Way is sure to be better than ever this year. While the Christkindlmarket Wrigleville and Santa's Workshop will remain on the outside of Wrigley Field, they are being joined by a carousel. Head into Winterland within Wrigley Field to hop on the ice for skating or ice bumper cars. Surrounding the ice rink will be rides including a Wintertube, Hot Cocoa Cups, a Winter Whirl, and the Infield Express train. There will also be some season-themed carnival games, fire pits, and rentable private chalets.
Holiday Tree and Menorah Lighting Ceremonies in and around Chicago
What better way to usher in the holiday season than by attending a tree or menorah lighting ceremony and witnessing first hand the joy on everyone’s faces as these holiday symbols are illuminated.
In the center of the 900 N. Michigan Shops, a 50-foot-tall tree will be lit by Santa himself. Accompanying Santa will be activities such as sugar-cookie decorating, live holiday performances, and take an “Elfie” with The Real Elf. Click here for tickets. Children 10 and under are free. A portion of proceeds will benefit Make-A-Wish® of Illinois.
Date: Nov. 17 at 6 p.m.
900 N. Michigan Ave. River North Online:shop900.com
Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Millenium Park
Kick off the holiday season at the 109th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. The Millenium Park Christmas tree is considered the "official" Chicago tree. There will be performances by a DJ and Cabaret ZaZou, Son Monarcas, Broadway In Chicago: Wicked’s Lissa deGuzman “Elphaba” and Jennafer Newberry “Glinda” singing “For Good”, Jumaane Taylor and Chicago Human Rhythm Project's Stone Soup Rhythms; and special guests Dreezy Claus and Sister Claus preceding the lighting at 6pm. The lighting will be followed by fireworks and a performance by Adia, an Electric Violinist and DJ.
Rosemont’s Parkway Bank Park entertainment district kicks off the holiday season with its Light Up the Park event. A variety of family-friendly festivities will be available from 2-6 p.m., including visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, free horse-drawn sleigh rides, carolers, and ice sculpting viewing. The 80,000 holiday lights will be lit, for the first time, at 5:30 p.m. The ice rink will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Parkway Bank Park’s restaurants and entertainment venues will also be open throughout the day.
The event will take place at the intersection of Lincoln, Southport, and Wellington outside of St. Alphonsus Church, and it will include holiday tunes and carolers, festive gift bags, and surprise appearances from Elsa, Olaf, and Santa. Enjoy complimentary hot cocoa, coffee, and donuts.
Celebrate with a night of festive fun as the holiday lights are turned on at North School Park. There will be tons of family fun. Dickens era characters will be on trolleys, looping from Harmony Park to North School Park, 3:45 p.m.-6:45 p.m., sharing stories about Arlington Heights in the past. There will be ice carvers, photo stations, and even live reindeer.
Date: Nov. 25 at 4:30 p.m.
North School Park and Harmony Park Arlington Heights, IL Online:vah.com
Lakeview Menorah Lighting Ceremony
Gather around the community menorah for treats and festivities for the entire family!
Sure, you can watch them on television, but you can’t feel the beat of the drums in the marching bands, smell the popcorn from the Garrett’s parade float, or stand in awe of the giant character balloons from your couch. When you are on the street, you aren’t just watching the parade. In a way, you become a part of it.
Watch as the Co-Grand Marshalls of the parade, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, magically turn on the lights lining the road as this parade proceeds down Michigan Avenue. If you stay til the end, you'll get your first glimpse of Santa on his sleigh!
With all the excitement around Christmas and Hanukkah, let's not forget to celebrate Thanksgiving! After all, the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade has been a city tradition since 1930. The procession travels up State Street from Ida B. Well Drive to Randolph Street.
It might not make sense, but trains and the holidays somehow go hand in hand. Go beyond the locomotive set around the tree, or the model exhibits, and board a real train themed for the holidays. It’s a unique way to see Santa, too!
Blackberry Farm Holiday Express
And what to your wondering eyes should appear? A decorated miniature open-air train that runs continuously through Aurora’s living-history museum. Catch the Holiday Express train around Lake Gregory amidst thousands of twinkling lights. It’s part of the farm’s annual Victorian Christmas celebration, Holiday Express, which includes music, storytelling in a historic schoolhouse, a visit from Santa, craft stations and a Reindeer Food Bar. Tickets go on sale Nov. 10.
Santa and his merry band of elves will make an appearance on every El line this holiday season. In fact, the big guy in red comes jingling his way through in grand style, pulled in a sled by faux reindeer. A gift from the Chicago Transit Authority, the festive El—decked out in colored lights, garland, bows and tinsel—arrives with pomp and glee, leaving you and your little ones smiling ear to ear long after your stop. You might even get a candy cane handout if you’re onboard.
Happy Holiday Railway at The Illinois Railway Museum
Enjoy a 40-minute train ride for the whole family. See and visit with Santa Claus on the train. Treats and hot chocolate will be served and gifts will be given to children. Before or after your ride, visit the Model Railroad Exhibit or some of the museum's historic train exhibits.
The Nutcracker Ballet Performances in and around Chicago
Watching this classic ballet on stage is often an unforgettable experience for kids—and this season’s Christmas showcases of The Nutcracker in Chicago are such impressive memory creators that it will be hard to choose just one.
Set in 1920s America, Alexei Kremnev's The Art Deco Nutcracker is an upbeat yet traditional take on the much-loved holiday favorite and guaranteed entertainment for all. This year's production features award-winning rhythmic dancers, stunning set designs, and added scenes and characters. Familiar favorites The Sugar Plum Fairy, Mother Ginger, and the Nutcracker Prince will all be on stage to tell the tale.
The Dance-Along Nutcracker at the Chicago Cultural Center
The Dance-Along Nutcracker is any budding ballerina's dream come true, with the opportunity to participate in a short workshop with Ballet Chicago, and then watch them perform an abbreviated version of the classic ballet at eye level. The dancers are accompanied by the Lakeside Pride Symphonic Band under the gorgeous rotunda of the Chicago Cultural Center. The tiny dancers are frequently invited on stage to twirl, leap, and sachet alongside the professionals. This year's details have not yet been announced, but be on the lookout!
The Music Institute of Chicago presents its holiday tradition, Duke It Out! Nutcracker, featuring the classical (Tchaikovsky) and jazz (Duke Ellington/Billy Strayhorn) versions of the holiday favorite in a music and dance performance. The performance is a family-friendly 60 minutes and is preceded by an interactive musical instrument "petting zoo." For those who can't attend in person, the show is also available via livestream.
Dates: Dec. 10 at 2 p.m.
1490 Chicago Ave. Evanston, IL Online: musicinst.org
The Joffrey Ballet's Nutcracker at the Lyric Opera House
The Joffrey Ballet's performance of The Nutcracker is a beloved holiday tradition for many families. Christopher Wheeldon's reimagined classic follows young Marie and the Nutcracker Prince on a Christmas Eve journey through the 1893 World's Fair, a dazzling spectacle of sights, sounds and enchantment. This annual holiday tradition celebrates both the magic of the season and the rich cultural heritage of Chicago.
An animated digital display of The Joffrey Ballet’s The Nutcracker will be shown as part of Art on theMART, the largest digital art projection in the world. The presentation is set to the music of Tchaikovsky’s beloved score and runs nightly on theMART’s 2.5-acre river-façade.
Dates: Nov. 19-Dec. 30 at 8:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.
222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza River North Online:artonthemart.com
The Nutcracker at Hyde Park School of Dance
Hyde Park School of Dance brings together fans of ballet, modern, and hip hop with its annual presentation of Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker at Mandel Hall on the University of Chicago campus.
One of our absolute favorite activities! Hundreds of holiday revelers gather around Cloud Gate for a stunning view of the city in its reflection, and to join local Chicago choirs in festive songs. Each week is a different performance group, and free song books are distributed.
Insider tip: Go early and get some skating in at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink just below.
Listen to the celebrated songs of the season performed by the best musicians in the city: the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Arrangements both new and cherished will have you humming and singing along. Be ready for a visit from the man in red, too!
A world of delight and whimsy awaits families looking for a bit of over-the-top holiday fun. Cirque Dreams Holidaze is an annual tradition fusing a Broadway-style musical with contemporary circus artistry.
The Beatrix Potter Holiday Tea Party at The Station
Chicago Children’s Theatre invites families to celebrate the holidays at the company’s ever-popular, seasonal smash hit, The Beatrix Potter Holiday Tea Party. Kids are encouraged to dress in their holiday best, or just come as they’re comfortable, to this incredibly charming, meticulously designed puppet show starring Peter Rabbit and his favorite animal friends. After the show, go on stage to gently play with the puppets and take pictures. Then, head to the lobby for a festive spread of chocolate milk and cookies!
Hershel And The Hanukkah Goblins at The Edge Theater
Strawdog Theatre Company, one of Chicago's oldest ensemble theater companies, presents a Hanukkah show for all ages. When a traveling troupe of actors comes to town only to find no one celebrating Hanukkah, they try to figure out a way to save the Hanukkah spirit STAT. In this adaptation of the Caldecott Honor-winning book, Strawdog brings the cherished story to life with music, puppets, and a heavy dose of theater magic.
The Goodman Theatre's production of the holiday classic serves up a heavy dose of cheer to enliven even the grouchiest of Scrooges. There is something about this timeless story, combined with the world-class actors of The Goodman, that keeps the "bah-humbugs" away. Extra special for 2022? This year marks the Goodman's 45th annual production of this timeless tale of kindness and compassion.
Based on the hit Christmas film, Elf the Musical is the story of a human, raised as an elf, that goes on a journey to find his birth father. His birth father is your basic Scrooge, until his new son teaches him and all of NYC about the true spirit of Christmas. The show is equally full of humor and heart-warming moments.
Take a break from all that shopping with an afternoon holiday tea experience to rest and recharge. Our fair city offers the time-old tradition that will turn a day of shopping with the kids into a cherished memory.
If you want to feel like royalty, afternoon tea at the Drake is for you. After all, Queen Elizabeth, Princess Diana, and the Empress of Japan—each of whom has enjoyed tea at the famous hotel—wouldn’t settle for just any cuppa. During the holiday season, Palm Court will transform into a winter wonderland complete with festive decorations, seasonal pastries, a harpist and even a merry band of carolers Reservations can be made online at OpenTable or by calling 312-932-4619.
Tea service in the Bridges Lobby Bar offers a stunning view of the Chicago River and its famous bridges. You’ll begin with a tea selection of Rare Tea Cellars and Sparrow Coffee teas and a basket of fresh scones and breads. From there, you’ll pick sweet and savory bites from a 3-tiered tower crafted by the culinary and pasty teams.
The Lobby is nothing short of spectacular during the holiday season. The menu features finger sandwiches including Smoked Salmon, Organic Egg Salad, Classic English Cucumber and Cranberry Chicken. Petite seasonal pastries with choux, chocolate and winter fruit creations as well as fruit and plain scones, house-made preserves and Devonshire clotted cream. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options are available. Holiday carolers, Mrs. Claus and a string duo provide the entertainment (note: entertainment varies based on day of the week). For Holiday Tea, make your reservation via Tock.
Dates: Nov. 25-Jan. 8 at 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
108 E. Superior St. Near North Side Online:peninsula.com
Create warm winter memories with high tea for you, your little one and their best stuffed friend with Teddy Bear Tea at Hotel Zachary. On Sunday afternoons, families are invited to enjoy a festive tea service, featuring Rare Tea Cellars. Children can indulge in a pot of house-made hot chocolate, tea sandwiches and light bites, scones, cupcakes, and more sweet treats. Reservations can be made on Resy.com. While you’re in the area, stop by Gallagher Way’s Winterland for non-stop holiday cheer.
Dates: Sundays, Nov. 27-Dec. 18 at 1:30 p.m., 1:45 p.m., and 2:00 p.m.
Vanille Patisserie’s French-inspired holiday tea experience will transport you and your bébés to the city of lights. Enjoy Vanille signature pastries, scones, and finger sandwiches while sipping on the finest of Benjamin’s Tea and Hot Chocolate with house-made marshmallows.
Among all the merriment that the holiday season provides, it also requires—for many families—the hunt for the perfect gifts for loved ones. Thankfully, Chicago is one of the best cities in the nation for shopping, and this season in particular provides no shortage of places to help shoppers work their way through their holiday wish lists.
Bundle up for this outdoor market (which continues to run out of its flagship location in the Loop and an outpost in Wrigleyville) that brings the cherished tradition of the Christkindlmarket in Germany to Chicago and adds a heap of local charm. Each of the market’s signature wooden cabins topped with festive red-and-white-striped canopies are packed with handmade gifts, food and drinks from around the world and many are run by native German speakers. Shop, visit with Christkind, eat, enjoy free entertainment, repeat—and be sure to say “guten tag” to Santa Claus.
Stroll the shops and businesses along Wilson Avenue and stop in at Wilson and Broadway to connect with Chicago Market and vendors offering snacks, holiday gift shopping, and more
With prices ranging from thrifty to extravagant, you’re sure to find something for even the pickiest of gift receivers this year. Peruse the market for smartly priced antique, vintage and modern goods – everything from embroidered hankies to estate jewelry to custom-made gifts.
Have a festive weekend starting with a tree lighting, shopping at one-of-a-kind boutiques, hot chocolate galore, and holiday cider. On Sunday afternoon, bring the family for children’s activities, caroling, and, of course, Santa!
Small Business Saturday in Lincoln Square/Ravenswood
Not only do many businesses in the area offer special discounts and promotions, but festive events take place throughout the day. There are pictures with Santa, Victorian Carolers, and the annual Tree Lighting.
The Southport Holiday Stroll is a longstanding tradition in West Lakeview where break out the holly and stay open late offering special holiday deals and festivities. The Southport Holiday Stroll is free to attend and includes special deals from local businesses, carol singers, photos with Santa, holiday treats, and other surprises!
Support local Chicago artists and small businesses at the city's indoor version of Sundays on State. There will be weekly entertainment and seasonal activities.
Want to take the kids ice skating? These family-friendly outdoor ice skating rinks in Chicago are perfect for beginners
Sock skating on a wooden floor might be fun (have you ever tried it?), but there’s nothing like feeling the cool breeze on your face as you glide across a real ice rink. It’s time to lace up your skates for an essential winter activity. Keep reading to find great places to ice skate in Chicago. Many are free, some are new—and most offer loads of other activities in the same location. So after attempting a few figure eights (or, you know, just making it from one side of the rink to the other), you can cozy up with Santa or warm your bellies with a cup of hot cocoa.
In the wintertime, Parkway Bank Park in Rosemont offers skating in the park, where The Chicago Wolves ice rink takes center stage with the perfect ticket price: free! You're allowed to bring your own skates, but if you need to rent a pair, they're available on site for $8. Easy parking and plenty of dining options round out the seasonal fun. After untying your skates, head over to the Sugar Factory and warm up with over-the-top hot cocoas.
Between Nov. 18 and Jan. 1, make it a full day of wintry fun by visiting the Sparkle Light Festival at Impact Field. You'll be treated to tubing, a holiday market, festive food and beverages, Santa's workshop, a train ride, and holiday crafts, all amongst an immersive display of more than one million holiday lights.
Spectacular city skyline views will be your backdrop when you take a spin at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park. Reservations are required for 90-minute skate sessions. Once again this year, the rink will offer free ice skating lessons on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 to 10 a.m. (Skate rentals are extra.)
The Maggie Daley Park ice skating ribbon is one of the best spots in the city to skate a figure eight. Meanwhile, the railing that lines the loop is the perfect pick-me-up for wobbly skaters, young and old alike. Tickets are released on a rolling basis at 12 p.m. on select dates. Check their website for the release date schedule.
Pro Tip: A skate assist sled is available for use by skaters with physical disabilities and their companion skater.
New this year, the ice rink at Gallagher Way will be moved into Wrigley Field as part of their Winterland attractions. It's open for skating and bumper car riding. Admission into Winterland is $5. Skating is additional. Visit prior to Dec. 31 and shop Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville, Chicago's take on a traditional German Christmas market. Shop, eat, enjoy free entertainment, shop some more, and even say "guten tag" to Santa Claus. Admission to Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville continues to be free.
To learn more about Christkindlmarket's two locations, read our review here.
Brookfield Zoo's Holiday Magic is Chicagoland's largest and longest-running lights festival featuring over a million twinkling LED lights, and it's best enjoyed on ice. Take the family to circle the skating rink on the East Mall.
Although not outdoors, Navy Pier's Light Up the Lake ice rink provides all the holiday feels that make it worth mentioning. This indoor, temperature-controlled experience features a sprawling light garden of large-scale sculptures comprising more than 600,000 twinkling lights, a massive Alpine ice rink, authentic beer garden, kiddie train rides, Santa's Merry Main Street and gift market, and other family friendly and date-night activities.
Dates: Nov. 25-Jan. 7
500 E. Grand Ave. Streeterville Online: navypier.org
Double the fun! Watts Center boasts not one but two outdoor ice rinks. Tucked away in north suburban Glencoe, this gem offers figure skating lessons, ice hockey and recreational skating. When the conditions allow, you can also play on the sled hill. Check their calendar for themed skate sessions, like Glow Skate, Skate & Create, Holiday Skate, and more.
Feel the history in the air at Midway Plaisance ice skating rink, the original site of the world-famous Chicago's 1893 World's Fair. Skating is free and skates are available to rent. You can request sled-assisted skating, which allows people of all abilities to skate together, by calling 312-442-2194. Skate trainers are also available at the rink, first-come, first-served, for children new to skating.
While you're in Hyde Park, visit the Museum of Science & Industry's Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light and be enchanted by the trees and displays decorated to represent the rich multicultural heritage of Chicago.
Located above Michigan Avenue, the Peninsula Sky Rink is the only hotel skating rink in the city, now in its 10th year. Surrounded by skyscrapers and the glow of twinkling lights, the synthetic rink is tucked into a winter wonderland with festive music and dazzling snowflake lighting. Warm your bellies on a selection of hotel beverages and snacks at the Chalet.
Skates are available to rent with proceeds donated to Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago and Hephzibah Children's Association.
Dates: Nov. 25-Feb. 28
108 E. Superior St. Near North Side Online: peninsula.com
For up-to-date information on ice rinks operated by the Chicago Park District, check out their dedicated Skate in the Parkspage.
