{"id":30884,"date":"2022-10-01T06:34:31","date_gmt":"2022-10-01T11:34:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/world\/?p=30884"},"modified":"2023-02-16T21:09:06","modified_gmt":"2023-02-17T02:09:06","slug":"10-fun-things-to-do-in-chicago-during-the-winter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/world\/30884\/10-fun-things-to-do-in-chicago-during-the-winter\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Fun Things To Do In Chicago During The Winter"},"content":{"rendered":"

Chicago winter is unpredictable and whimsical, but this is exactly why people love it so much! With high chances of amazing snowy days and freezing temperatures, the city transforms into a winter wonderland between October and March (sometimes even April). <\/span><\/p>\n

Plus, you may even be \u201clucky\u201d enough to catch a snowstorm and see the streets covered in white fluff. True, this is no fun for the locals who have to dig themselves out of the blanket of snow, but it can be a gorgeous sight for someone who doesn\u2019t get to experience this at home. <\/span><\/p>\n

Also, <\/span>Chicago<\/span><\/a> has a lot to offer during winter, so you won\u2019t get bored. To prove that, here is a list of things to do if you happen to visit Windy City during the cold season. <\/span><\/p>\n

1. Check Out the Frozen Lake<\/span><\/h2>\n

When the temperatures drop below freezing, Lake Michigan transforms into a huge icy surface that offers the unique opportunity of a rewarding photo session. The best angle is from the Lakefront Trail because it gives you a complete view of the skyline. <\/span><\/p>\n

Plus, once you\u2019re done with the photos, you can go shopping (The Magnificent Mile is right there) or check out the nearby museums like the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum or the Adler Planetarium. <\/span><\/p>\n

And, if you don\u2019t want to do all that walking in freezing temperatures, you can hire a <\/span>car service in Chicago<\/span><\/a> to drive you around. This way, you don\u2019t have to worry about parking (which is terrible in winter), and you can focus on finding the next interesting attraction. <\/span><\/p>\n

2. Go Skating<\/span><\/h2>\n

There are several amazing skating rinks in Chicago, but you can\u2019t miss the <\/span>Millennium Park<\/span><\/a> one! You\u2019ll be skating right in the middle of the city, and wherever you look, there’ll be an iconic winter landscape enchanting your eyes!<\/span><\/p>\n

Or, if you want to try a more romantic approach to skating, visit the Skating Ribbon. This rink meanders through Maggie Daley Park, which is another scenic attraction for first-time visitors and locals alike.<\/span><\/p>\n

Plus, if you come with your own skates and get there at the right time, access to the rink is free! <\/span><\/p>\n

3. Go Sledding<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you don\u2019t feel steady on your feet with skates, you should try sledding! Every winter, Soldier Field Sledding Hill, located around the historic <\/span>Soldier Field stadium<\/span><\/a>, turns into a 33-foot slope that\u2019s perfect for sledding. <\/span><\/p>\n

Plus, if Mother Nature doesn\u2019t produce enough snow for this fun activity, the Chicago Park District takes care of it by pumping out faux snow. So you can visit at any time during the winter and enjoy a bit of fun in the snow!<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Things<\/a>
Go sledding. Photo by Abeer Zaki on Unsplash.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

4. Cozy Up Indoors with a Warm Beverage<\/span><\/h2>\n

After a few hours in the cold, you will definitely want something to warm you up. Chicago is filled with cozy coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, and all sorts of places where you can drop by and order a cup of hot cocoa. So don\u2019t hesitate to go exploring!<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Enjoy The Loop<\/span><\/h2>\n

The Loop is Chicago\u2019s downtown and is named after the El\u2019s circular pattern (the train service for this area). Here is the city\u2019s commercial and business district, but it\u2019s also the part that attracts visitors the most regardless of the season. <\/span><\/p>\n

Here, you\u2019ll find one of the tallest buildings in Chicago (Willis Tower) with a Skydeck that offers a breathtaking view of Lake Michigan and its surroundings. There\u2019s also an aquarium, a sculpture garden, and lots of museums to visit. <\/span><\/p>\n

6. How About Some Winter Hiking?<\/span><\/h2>\n

The windy City is surrounded by wide state parks and forests where visitors can experience nature full-on. Still, before you get outdoors, make sure you have everything you need for <\/span>travel during winter<\/span><\/a>. The forests and parks are well managed, but it\u2019s still winter in the forest!<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re prepared, make sure to hit Starved Rock and the Indiana Dunes. Also, the <\/span>Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie<\/span><\/a> is a must-see (you may even spot a few bison while you\u2019re there). <\/span><\/p>\n

Watch this wonderful video to get a glimpse of Chicago during the winter:<\/span><\/p>\n