What is there to do in Chicago in January for kids?
Table of Contents
Things to Do in Chicago in the Winter with Kids
- 1) Chicago Museums. Chicago is a perfect city for museum hopping in the winter.
- 2) Chicago Theater.
- 3) Sporting Events.
- 4) Ice Skating in Chicago.
- 5) Sledding Hills.
- 6) Indoor Water Parks.
- 7) Check out a Festival, Special Event, or Parade.
- 8) Day Out in the City.
What is there to do in Chicago this winter 2020?

Outdoor things to do in Chicago in winter
- Ice skating at Millennium Park.
- Skate the Ribbon at Maggie Daley Park.
- Go curling on a rooftop or outdoors.
- Experience Polar Adventure Days at Northerly Island.
- Go to Lincoln Park Zoo.
- Explore Millennium Park.
- Walk the Lakefront Trail.
What can kids do on a cold day?
Without further ado, here’s our master list of cold-weather activities to keep the kiddos busy this winter:
- Bake some cookies.
- Chart the weather.
- Go sledding in the park.
- Make paper snowflakes.
- Make pizzas.
- Build a fort.
- Bring the snowmen indoors.
- Play engineer.
What should I buy in Chicago in the winter?
Things You’ll Need

- A medium insulated parka with a full hood.
- A balaclava.
- 1 pair of thin gloves.
- 1 pair of thick gloves.
- Thermal underwear.
- A thin, but heavy sweatshirt, such as a winter track jacket.
- Certified or rated snow boots.
- Common sense.
What do you need for Chicago winter?
How is Chicago in winter?
Winter. Winter in Chicago is generally cold and snowy. The city typically sees less snow in winter than other major cities near the Great Lakes, such as Cleveland or Buffalo, but more snow than that experienced on the East Coast in cities like Washington DC or New York City.
What to do when it’s too cold to play outside?
Indoor Activities for When It’s Too Cold to Play Outside
- Tape Activities. If you have a roll of painter’s tape or masking tape hanging out in your junk drawer, then it’s your lucky day.
- Balloon Games.
- Gross Motor Bingo.
- Paper Plate Ice Skating.
What to do in Chicago in the winter with kids?
Here are some of our favorite things to do in Chicago in the winter with kids. Chicago is a perfect city for museum hopping in the winter. Kids and adults alike will not be disappointed with the variety of choices available.
What are the best Chicago museums to visit in winter?
Chicago is a perfect city for museum hopping in the winter. Kids and adults alike will not be disappointed with the variety of choices available. Our favorites include: Museum of Science and Industry, The Field Museum, The Art Institute, Kohl Children’s Museum, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, and the Children’s Museum at Navy Pier.
What are the best winter activities for kids in Cook County?
Sledding in the Cook County Forest Preserves is one of our favorite winter activities for kids. If this winter is anything like the past polar vortex insanity, hours-long days at the playground may not be in the forecast.
Where can I go ice skating in Chicago?
If you wear the right clothing, outdoor ice skating is actually quite fun. Some great places to try out the ice include: Millennium Park, the Maggie Daley Ice Skating Ribbon, or the Rosemont ice rink. Many park districts have their own indoor and outdoor rinks as well. Kids love skating at the Maggie Daley ice ribbon!