“The snow is snowing, the wind is blowing/But we can weather the storm.” Even at its coldest, there are plenty of fun things to do during winter in Chicago that the whole family can enjoy.
Navy Pier
Not Just for Summer: Navy Pier remains Chicago’s ultimate destination for all ages. The 200-foot Centennial Wheel is open year-round (weather permitting) and inside you can find the brand-new Flyover. There’s also the Chicago Children’s Museum, a light-filled Funhouse Maze and more than 45 restaurants, shops and kiosks that offer something for everyone, even during winter in Chicago.
Fun Fact: More than 9 million people visit the pier annually, making it the Midwest’s busiest attraction.
Skydeck Chicago
Go Higher: At 1,353 feet above Chicago inside the Willis Tower, Skydeck is the highest observation deck in the U.S. and offers spectacular views stretching up to 50 miles on clear days. The signature feature is the Ledge, a glass box that sticks 4.3 feet over the street. It’s the ultimate photo opportunity for those daring enough to try it. Before going up to the 103rd floor, wind your way through a museum dedicated to Chicago’s history and culture.
Did You Know?: The Skydeck’s elevator reaches its destination in about a minute.
Color Factory
The Vibe: Also situated in the Willis Tower, Color Factory is a celebration of color, art and creativity. The interactive exhibits feature vibrant installations, including a sensory experience for your taste buds and a bright green ball pit.
For Kids at Heart: Each installation is designed for hands-on fun, and guests leave with treats, photos and colorful souvenirs.
Outdoor Ice Skating
Two Downtown Options: Nothing says “Winter in Chicago” better than ice skating surrounded by the city’s incredible skyline. The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park offers the opportunity to skate alongside Michigan Ave. in the shadow of The Bean. The Ice Skating Ribbon at Maggie Daley Park is a quarter-mile circuit with twists and bends for extra challenges. Skates and lockers can be rented at both locations, and you can warm up with a hot beverage at the adjacent cafes.
Plan in Advance: Reservations are required at Millennium Park, and strongly recommended at Maggie Daley Park.
360 Chicago
Discover More: With breathtaking views of Chicago and Lake Michigan, 360 Chicago at the former John Hancock Center has long been one of the Windy City’s most popular attractions. Visitors can test their nerves on TILT, the city’s highest thrill ride. Not for the faint-hearted, the windows at TILT extend downward to look straight down upon the city from 1,030 feet above the Magnificent Mile.
For the Adults: Stop by CloudBar to accentuate with signature cocktails inspired by the city’s neighborhoods.
Sloomoo Institute
Get Messy, Have Fun: Play with thousands of gallons of slime in dozens of colors, textures and scents at River North’s Sloomoo Institute. Experience the joy of the slime lake, get doused by a slime waterfall and customize your own slime to play at home.
Slime as Therapy: Sloomoo’s founders deeply believe slime is an effective tool for reducing anxiety in both children and adults.
WNDR Museum
Art and Science Collide: Everyone is an artist at the WNDR Museum in the West Loop. WNDR has more than 20 installations–including a mirrored mural and dance-activated visuals–that react to movement and touch. Unlike other museums, you aren’t simply looking at works of art; you’re helping to create them.
Signature Space: The Light Floor consists of hundreds of LED panels that become animated when motion is detected.
Museum of Illusions
What to Expect: In the Loop, the Museum of Illusions is a funhouse of optical tricks and brain-bending puzzles. Unique exhibits like the Vortex Tunnel and the Tilted Room challenge what you think you know about reality and perception.
Don’t Miss: Check out the collection of holograms that will make you question your eyesight.
