Enjoy winter again at Schaumburg's Spring Valley

If last winter and the start of this one have left you snow-shocked and frostbitten, now is the time to show Mother Nature you're not afraid.

The great outdoors is something that should be enjoyed all year round, and the Schaumburg Park District knows just how to help. The park district's Winter Fest will be held from noon to 3 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 17 and 18, at Spring Valley Nature Center, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road in Schaumburg.

Visitors will take part in free snowshoe walks through the prairie, horse-drawn wagon rides, winter snacks, crafts and activities inside the Nature Center, and the roasting of marshmallows over a winter bonfire.

"Winter Fest is going to be a blast," said Dave Brooks, the park district's manager of conservation services. "Visitors will have a really fun time experiencing Spring Valley in the winter. New this year will be a visit from a live wolf and coyote."

For more information about this two-day event, call (847) 985-2100 or visit parkfun.com.