Wonders of Winter to showcase outdoor fun

At the Wonders of Winter open house, visitors can try out cold weather activities like ice fishing and snowshoeing offered by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County.

Festivities run 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3, at Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W. 31st St., Oak Brook.

Help cut ice from the lake and meet live birds of prey from Willowbrook Wildlife Center's raptor education program. Warm up around an open fire while making s'mores, and then step inside Mayslake Hall for games, crafts and information about plants, animals and programs from rangers, naturalists and volunteers.

Explore historic Mayslake Hall, a registered national landmark well-known as a cultural and educational center. Other activities include archery and geocaching.

"Celebrate the season by discovering some new, fun winter activities at Wonders of Winter," said forest district President Joe Cantore.

"This wonderful, family-friendly event is a great opportunity for people to get out to enjoy our forest preserves with fun activities like ice fishing, snowshoeing, ice harvesting and geocaching," said Commissioner Jeff Redick, District 2.

Registration is not required, and admission and most activities are free. If there is sufficient snow, there will be horse-drawn sleigh rides for $5 per person, free for kids younger than 5.

For information about Wonders of Winter, call (630) 933-7248 or visit dupageforest.org.