Keep the family entertained this winter
Looking to keep the kids busy during winter break? Trying to plan something fun to get you in the mood for the holidays? The area offers plenty of holiday events, including outdoor activities perfect for a sunny day and indoor fun for when you need a break from the cold. Note: Most places are closed Christmas Day and New Year's Day so check in advance.
Illumination: Tree Lights
The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org
Hours: 5 to 9:30 p.m. through Jan. 3
Cost: $17-$20, $11-$13 for kids ages 2-17
The Morton Arboretum launched this holiday spectacle last year and used visitor feedback to shape its second iteration. One new attraction is Symphony Wood, where the lighting is synchronized to four movements performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra meant to be reminiscent of the four seasons. Tree Harmony, a popular attraction last year that had visitors sing to a grove of black walnut trees to activate their lights, has expanded to a second grove, and there are funnels at every height so the whole family can sing together. Kids can light up different effects in Enchanted Forest and everyone can warm up around a fire pit with a cup of hot chocolate, served with or without alcohol.
Wonderland Express
Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe, (847) 835-5440, chicagobotanic.org
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Jan. 6
Price: $12, $10 for seniors and kids ages 3-12
A model train zips past replicas of 80 Chicago landmarks at this annual exhibit. “It's something that every generation can enjoy,” said Harriet Resnick, vice president of visitor experience and business development. “The little ones love seeing the trains, the adults really get a kick out of seeing the buildings and how they're built out of all natural materials.” This year, the gingerbread village in front of the exhibition has been replaced with a display of seasonally decorated topiary trees. Thomas the Tank Engine has moved into the exhibit as well. Before or after your visit, you can stop at the garden's newly renovated cafe, which now offers a kids menu and a variety of coffee drinks.
Holiday Magic
Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, (708) 688-8000, czs.org
Hours: 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Dec. 6-21 and daily Dec. 26-31
Price: $16.95, $11.95 for kids ages 3-11 and seniors
The 33rd annual light festival features massive 3-D illuminated sculptures of animals, including an 18-foot giraffe. There's also a holiday village with light shows and the chance to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus in Santa's cottage. “It's been going on so long that parents who came as little kids now want to bring the tradition to their kids,” said Julia Enderle, on site marketing coordinator. “We've been able to get a lot of generations to make it part of their holiday tradition.”
Polar Peak
MB Financial Park, 5501 Park Place, Rosemont, 847-349-5008, rosemont.com
Hours: Check website for details. Polar Peak is open Dec. 12 through Jan. 19
Price: $20
MB Financial Park has had ice-skating for the past three years, but this year they're adding a four-story tubing hill. The 260-foot structure has five lanes, including a less steep option for younger children. Guests are limited to one hour on the hill to keep it from overcrowding.
Winter Pageant
Redmoon Theater, 2120 S. Jefferson St., Chicago, (312) 850-8440, redmoon.org
Hours: 7 p.m. Friday and 1 and 5 p.m. Saturday Dec. 12-21
Price: $25, $15 for kids
The 16th annual show brings community-based performance groups together to perform an original family-friendly story alongside Redmoon's ensemble using their large-scale sets. This year's story is set on a giant glacier and follows two explorers who become separated and meet various creatures in their quest to find each other again. The performers include 8-year-old aerialists and a teenage harpist. Along with getting inspired by seeing young performers, kids can also participate in the show. Come 30 minutes early and you'll get a slide whistle or a tambourine and learn a song you'll perform onstage as part of the show.
Holiday Bricktacular
Legoland Discovery Center, 601 N. Martingale Road, Schaumburg, (847) 592-9700, legolanddiscoverycenter.com
Hours: $18
Price: Noon to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 26, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 27 through Jan. 4
Stroll through a winter wonderland made from Lego bricks and populated by snowmen and hundreds of holiday-themed figures. Kids can also learn how to make a Lego gingerbread house and get their pictures taken with life-size models of Santa and a snowman.
Winter WonderFest
Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, (312) 595-5282, navypier.com
Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday through Jan. 12.
Price: $5
The 14th annual winter playground adds new attractions this year including the chance to race your friends on a 15-foot-tall, two-lane tubing hill or a two-lane sled ride. You can get your picture taken inside a 15-foot snow globe and putt your way past polar bears, igloos and penguins in a five-hole mini-golf course. The event also features an indoor ice-skating rink, a carousel and a train ride.
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
Galena Canning Company, 217 Robert Parker Coffin Road, Long Grove, visitlonggrove.com
Hours: 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 21
Price: $10, $15 per couple, $5 for kids
Take a ride through the village's historic downtown area, then take advantage of Long Grove's many other holiday weekend activities including live holiday music from Jack Eiler in the visitor's center, storytelling from author Tobin Fraley, visits with Santa, scavenger hunts and coloring activities. The 40-foot flagpole on Towner Green is decked out with lights to resemble a Christmas tree.