Chicago’s winter season delivers familiar sights frequently recast in a mantle of snow. Wind-free, snowy days are a time to stroll, sense, and savor, while blustery ones heighten our appreciation of the seasons to come. As naturalist Hal Borland reminds us, “No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn.”
In the winter, there are times to escape the cold and other times to embrace it. Here are some activities to consider both indoors and out.
Embrace the energizing outdoors
Bundle up and head outside to stroll, skate, sled, snowshoe, ski, and more.
Strolling
Any day is a good day to visit the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is open 365 days a year. In the winter, enjoy polar bears at the Walter Family Arctic Tundra and seals at the Kovler Sea Pool. Warm up inside the various animal houses. Don’t overlook Swan Pond in the winter. This tranquil escape dates to Lincoln Park’s opening in 1868. It is here you might even see one of the specially clad staff take to the water, breaking up the ice for the Hooded Mergansers and other ducks.
At Northerly Island Park, embracing the serenity of the season is a sublime pleasure. The 119-acre lakefront peninsula is an urban sanctuary by the Museum Campus. It hosts dozens of bird species, including red-tailed hawks and snowy owls.
Skating
Ice skating is a winter endeavor that many talk about but too few actually experience. It is easy to rent skates at Millennium Park’s McCormick Tribune Ice Rink. Visit Millennium Hall or Momentum Coffee for hot drinks and snacks. If you are new to ice skating, sign up for the free lessons offered on weekend mornings. The skating ribbon at Maggie Daley Park is another option. Afterward, sip some hot chocolate or hot apple cider at the Rink Cafe.
Hyde Park’s Midway Plaisance Ice Rink offers an opportunity to glide across the ice in a historic spot. This is where the very first Ferris wheel enchanted attendees at the 1893 World’s Fair. The 264-foot-high behemoth carried 36 gondolas holding up to 60 people each.
Skiing
When there are four or more inches of snow on the ground, the Morton Arboretum rents skis and snowshoes to intrepid snow lovers. Make two-hour timed reservations online from January to March.
Sledding
Thanks to a 33-foot drop, gravity does its thing across 220 feet of sweet sledding at the Soldier Field sled hill. Between runs, catch your breath and savor the ever-changing views of Lake Michigan.
Where warmth meets the cold
From hot tub boats to outdoor saunas, Chicago offers some unique ways to warm up amid the cold.
Hot tub boats
Enjoy a hot time in the cold water of the Chicago River. The Chicago Boat Company rents hot tub boats holding as many as six adventurous individuals. They also rent heated and covered Duffy boats to the more comfort-minded.
Rooftop igloos
Stave off bouts of cabin fever by convening with friends or family in a rooftop igloo. At Wicker Park’s Hyatt Place, reserve a heated igloo on the Kennedy Rooftop. Sip a drink and savor the skyline. This year, there’s a new extra-large igloo with a 12-person capacity.
In River North, the rooftop igloos at I/O Godfrey also deliver a snow globe vibe. Cozy camaraderie, whether with family or friends. The big dome accommodates up to 10; the smaller ones up to six. At the corner of Wacker and Michigan, LondonHouse Chicago offers “Rudolph’s Rooftop Igloos” until late January.
Sauna on the beach
Few things are as warm and toasty as a sauna. Thanks to a local company, it is possible to share a memorable stay in a “Fire and Ice Sauna Pod” at North Avenue Beach. Pods host up to three people. Time slots are from 25 to 60 minutes long.
Stay warm and toasty indoors
If you prefer the comfort of the warm indoors, consider a range of possibilities from interactive balloon art to indoor greenery.
Immersive balloon art
The Fields Studios (Gate 1 at 2828 N. Pulaski) hosts EmotionAir through April 6. This amazing balloon art experience features inflatable creations by world-renowned artists. It takes visitors on a sensory journey of “emotional projection and performance art.” The exhibition has also appeared in London, Paris, San Francisco, and Singapore.
Green spaces indoors
Enjoy the fragrant flowers and towering palms in the Victorian-era glasshouse at the Lincoln Park Conservatory. Or, peruse the two acres of living, thriving displays at the Garfield Park Conservatory. Don’t miss the Persian Pool and its 16 yellow lily pads crafted by Chihuly, the world-renowned glass artist.
During the winter months, the Chicago Botanic Garden becomes a place to escape, exercise, and learn. Think of it as a place of gardens, gyms, and classrooms all in one. Seek a more holistic lifestyle at a yoga or sun-style tai chi class, or take a class in cooking or botanical arts.
Laugh off those winter blues
Laughter is a time-honored antidote to the vagaries of winter. Put the saying, “laughter is the best medicine,” to the test. Chicago’s comedy venues are legion, from The Second City and Zanies (both in Old Town) to The Comedy Bar (South Loop) and The Revival (Hyde Park). The latter lays claim to being the birthplace of Chicago improv 70 years ago.
Other ideas
Sue, Chicago’s favorite T Rex, presides over the Field Museum’s First Bites Bash. More than 70 restaurants participate in this celebration of Chicago’s culinary creativity. In February, take in the Chicago Auto Show at McCormick Place. No car show in the country is larger.
Luxury apartment living in Chicago
In Chicago’s South Loop, Eleven Thirty offers residents quick access to Northerly Island Park and the Museum Campus. The amenity-rich community includes a state-of-the-art fitness studio, private dog deck, and door service. Residents of Wrigleyville Lofts are only blocks away from Lincoln Park’s winter delights, including the zoo. The community’s amenities include a heated bike room and a roof deck with a fire pit.
Hubbard 221 offers residents the many dining and entertainment opportunities of the River North neighborhood. Activities on and along the Chicago River are but a short stroll away. Shared amenities include a yoga studio and fitness center, along with an indoor dog run and pet spa.
Draper and Kramer is a full-service real estate firm founded in 1893. D&K manages luxury apartment properties in Illinois, Missouri, Texas, Colorado, and Arizona. Consider the communities noted above, or browse our complete selection of properties.
