Fun Winter Activities in Chicago

Winter in Chicago is a great time to get out and enjoy the scenery and get moving. There are so many outdoor activities you can enjoy without ever having to leave the city. I love taking advantage of the forest preserve in the winter because they are not as crowded and twice as beautiful. The Cook County Forest Preserve is really good about making sure the footpaths and trails through Chicago's Forest Preserves are cleared during the winter.

If you have the time make sure you get out to enjoy the weather, the snow and maybe a new activity with the family this winter. Not only is it a great way to bond with family and friends but many winter activities are a great way to workout without feeling like a traditional workout.

Ice Skating

The Chicago area has several indoor and outdoor ice rinks open to the public. My favorite ice rinks are right in the heart of the city of Chicago and outside rinks so you can skate and enjoy the landscape. The newest rink to join the ranks is the McCormick Tribune Plaza and Ice Rink in Millenium Park on Michigan Avenue. I love the location of this ice rink because it gives you one of the best backdrops the city has to offer. Once the sun goes down and the city lights up you have the entire Chicago skyline behind you while you skate and the park on the other side, it doesn't get much better than this. Admission to the rink is free to the public but if you need skates there is a rental fee. Also be sure to call ahead to check the hours of the rink and to make sure that it is not closed for a private event.

The other ice rink in the city is in Daley Bicentennial Plaza on East Randolph Street. This rink does have some advantages over the rink in Millenium Park. Since it is not in as prominent of a location it can be less populated during the busy times of the weekend and evenings. The admission to the rink is free as well but the cost of skate rental is less than that of the McCormick Ice Rink. The downside to this rink is that the hours do not always fit into every schedule so make sure you call ahead for the hours and plan around the midday closings.

Sledding