5 Engaging Winter Family Activities in the Chicago Area Without Breaking the Bank

It’s high time to get back to enjoying winters in downtown Chicago. It used to be a staple for our family every year, but with all the craziness and turmoil over the past several years, we haven’t made it into the city much. As I was researching ideas to share with you, I started to get excited about going out for downtown adventures. Here are my top five cost-conscious, fun Chicago activities. 

• Millennium Park Ice Skating

Millennium Park Plaza is centrally located in the city, making it easy to access. And ice skating is FREE! (Skate rental is $15). Talk about a magical hangout – beneath The Bean with great restaurants nearby to shake off the cold and get a bite. I like using the weekend unlimited pass on Metra to get in and out of the city if I visit Millenium Park because it’s so convenient. It’s $7 for one day and $10 for the whole weekend. If you want to kick it up a notch, Maggie Daly Park nearby has ice skating on the walking path that meanders through the park experience. It has a cost but is a reasonable upcharge.

• Lincoln Park Zoo

It’s always free! Did you know that? A full-fledged zoo with gorillas, polar bears, elephants, and penguins, completely free! In the winter, it transforms into a winter wonderland with light displays, holiday drinks, and, yes, Santa Claus. Our family loved traveling to the zoo on a cold winter night, bundled up, to enjoy the lights and wildlife with aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins. Getting in and out of the animal exhibits allows you to break from the cold. I don’t like to use the word magical much, but if there’s a place that is magical during wintertime, Lincoln Park Zoo is on the list. 

• Garfield Park Conservatory

In my former life, I worked in Landscape Architecture, so I love all things plants and design. If you’ve never been to the Garfield Park Conservatory, it contains room after room of beautiful natural and tropical plant displays. The lush, warm stroll inside is comforting and relaxing on a cold Chicago winter day. When our kids were small, this offered a special place where they could explore and get a taste of different plant habitats that they might not have the opportunity to see otherwise, as well as unique water features. The conservatory is working on a renovation of their children’s garden starting in 2023, so stay informed on the progress using their webpage or newsletter. Even though entry and parking are free, reservations are required, and donations are encouraged.

• Magnificent Mile Holiday Lights & Displays

One of my vivid memories growing up in the suburbs was traveling downtown to the Mag Mile to visit the Marshal Fields window displays, eat Fago Mint Pie or brunch at the walnut room, sing carols with my high school Madrigal group, and stroll the street, taking in the intricate light display. A lot has changed (Macy’s has taken over), but for you retail-minded shoppers, this could be right up your alley. Bundle up. It can be cold and windy, but there are plenty of shops to jump inside and take a quick break from the temperatures.

• Christ Kindle Market

Running from November 17th through December 24th, the Christ Kindle Market at Daley Plaza is an opportunity to stroll the city, people watch, check out the vendors, and sip warm cider or hot chocolate. I’ve never been, but it’s on my radar as a place to get out and enjoy the outdoors this winter. The market is open later in the evenings on Friday and Saturday nights, so it could be an excellent place for a date night. Weekdays and weekend mornings are usually less busy, I’ve been told, though, so it might be better for a family with young children. If you don’t want to go all the way into downtown Chicago, come hang out in the western suburb alternate market location at RiverEdge Park in Aurora. If you’re along the BNSF Metra line, the market is directly across the street from the Aurora train station, making it easy to get there without worrying about parking. 

• Championing the Winter in Chicago

I can’t help but be a Chicago and Illinois apologist. I know we have a lot of crazy in our state, but there’s a reason so many love being Chicago area residents, and the activities above are just a few. Get out and enjoy this time of the year. At The Dala Group, we wish you the best this holiday season. As always, we are here to serve your financial needs anytime. Now’s the time for benefits open enrollment at work. Don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss your benefit options, end-of-the-year tax saving strategies, and charitable giving plans. If you’re looking for a guide to help you reach your financial goals, contact us today for a consultation to see how we can partner with you.