Kid Friendly Winter Activities in Chicago

Lizg

8 Dec, 2022

Kid Friendly Winter Activities in Chicago

Let’s face it, Chicago winters are LONG! While the city of full of family friendly activities around the holidays, I’m always looking for winter activities in Chicago to do with the kids once the bustle of the holiday season has passed. Here’s my list of fun kid friendly things to do in Chicago:

Skating Ribbon at Maggie Daley Park

Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, the Ice Skating Ribbon at Maggie Daley Park is a quarter mile rink and offers skaters amazing views of the city. Reserve your timeslot online to ensure entrance.

  • Open 7 days a week (weather permitting) from November thru March.
  • Figure skates and hockey skates are available for rent. Prices can vary from $16 to $22 depending on day and time.
  • Bring your own skates and skate for free depending on day and time reserved.
  • Highly recommend reserving online. Timeslots do sell out.
Skating Ribbon @ Maggie Daley Park

Cloud Gate (a.k.a. The Bean)

If you plan to ice skate at Maggie Daley Park, walk over to Cloud Gate. Nicknamed The Bean, it’s a sculpture in Millennium Park that reflects the city skyline and people around it. Visitors interact with their own reflection, and it offers the perfect photo opportunity.

cloud_gate_the_bean_millennium_park_chicago
Cloud Gate, The Bean, Millennium Park Chicago

Museums

Chicago is full of world class museums such as, The Art Institute, Museum of Science & Industry, The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium and more. My favorite is The Museum of Science & Industry. Housed in the only remaining building that was constructed for the 1893 World’s Fair, MSI is full of a variety of hands on exhibits. It’s the only place you can descend into a true to life coal mine and get a chance to board the actual World War II German submarine U505 that was captured by the US Navy on June 4, 1944.
Touring the museum takes a full day. Visit their website for ticket prices and more information.

John Hancock Signature Lounge, 96th Floor

Bypass the John Hancock observatory (on the 92nd floor) and take the elevator to the Signature Lounge on the 96th floor instead. Up here you will get a 360 degree view of the city, free of charge! Personally, I think the views are better than the Willis Tower. If you want to sit, you’ll have to order drinks and/or and snack.
PRO TIP: The women’s bathroom offers some of the best views if the city!
Visit the website for hours of operation. The Signature Lounge does not accept reservations, walk in only.

Blue Man Group

Celebrating 25 years at the Briar Street Theater, The Blue Man Group is a fun and entertaining experience led by 3 bald, blue characters. The show engages all the senses thru music, art and theater. The kids were thoroughly engaged and so was I. Bring protective headphones for kids since the music is loud.
PRO TIP: Get half price tickets on select Sunday shows! Go to Offers section on the website and select Chicago. Select Sunday Funday, up to 50% off. Access special dates/times for discounted shows.

Blue Man Group

There are so many kid friendly winter activities in Chicago that are not listed here. This is just the beginning, the ideas are endless. If you are in looking for more things to do in Chicago in summer, visit my article about Best Summer Activities in Chicago.