Chicago becomes a real winter wonderland, where you can do cool outdoor stuff like ice skate in Millennium Park and see professional snow sculptors at work. Or, head indoors to warm up and check out major museum exhibits and a musical about the two witches of Oz.
FUN THINGS TO DO
Museum Campus
Explore the Museum Campus, where you can experience The Aztec World at The Field Museum, see a silly SpongeBob SquarePants show in the 4-D Special FX Theater at the Shedd Aquarium, and blast off with One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure, a special space show at the Adler Planetarium.
Museum of Science and Industry
Spend the day at this massive museum that has more than 800 exhibits, including an underground coal mine, a real German U-505 submarine and an Omnimax Theater that’s currently showing the 3-D movie Wild Ocean.
Navy Pier
Find fun on the frosty lakefront at Navy Pier, where you can slide around in your socks on a pretend ice rink at the Chicago Children’s Museum (open through Jan. 11) and see Madagascar Escape 2 Africa at the IMAX Theater.
Lincoln Park Zoo
This free zoo that’s open year-round in the heart of the city features an impressive ape house, the Farm-in-the-Zoo and a children’s zoo.
Millennium Park
Skate the day (and night) away at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park.
Wicked
Find out the real story behind the two witches of Oz during the hit musical Wicked at the Oriental Theatre, on stage through Jan. 25.
GOOD EATS
Portillo’s
Snack on a Chicago-style hot dog or Italian beef sandwich at this colorful eatery.
Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop
Stop by for one of Ghirardelli’s famed hot fudge sundaes or other ice cream creations.
Gino’s East
It’s okay to scribble on the walls as you wait for your deep-dish pizza at this pizzeria.
ESPN Zone
Play the latest video sports games and then chill with a big kid-sized cheeseburger at ESPN Zone.
Hard Rock Cafe
Jam with a burger and fries at the Hard Rock Cafe as you check out the cool music memorabilia.
Buca di Beppo
Share a big family-style Italian meal of pasta and pizza at this friendly spot.
AWESOME EVENTS
Happy Birthday Abe at the Chicago History Museum
Celebrate Abraham Lincoln’s 200th birthday on Feb. 12 with free hot dogs and cake at the Chicago History Museum, then check out the new Lincoln Treasures exhibit that includes rare Abe artifacts.
Snow Days Chicago
See professional teams create amazing snow sculptures, watch dog sled demonstrations and join in kids’ activities at this free festival that takes place Feb. 12-16 in Grant Park.
Chicago Auto Show
Check out cool cars of the future, along with TV and sports celebrities, at the largest auto show in North America, held Feb. 13-22 at McCormick Place.
