5 things to do for $5 (or less) this week in the suburbs
Go skating
The Lincolnshire Sports Association hosts a special Skate Night at North Park, 1025 Riverwoods Road, Lincolnshire. There is free skate rental (while supplies last), s'mores treats and fireworks. Free. (847) 913-2375 or lincolnshiresport.org. 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 11 (backup date is Jan. 25)
Frosty fun
Frosty Fest, which is sponsored by the Gurnee Park District, features ice sculpting, horse-drawn carriage rides, dog-sled demonstrations, sledding and more at the Bittersweet Golf Club, 875 Almond Road, Gurnee. Free admission. (847) 855-9031 or gurneeparkdistrict.com. 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12
Cold confab
The Vernon Hills Park District's Winter Fest features the Free Spirit Sled Dog Demo Team, s'mores by the fire, horse-and-carriage rides and more at Century Park, 1001 Lakeview Parkway, Vernon Hills. Free. (847) 996-6800 or vhparkdistrict.org. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12
A bog in winter
The 27th annual Winterfest at the Volo Bog State Natural Area features indoor and outdoor activities to celebrate winter. There will be music, photo contest awards, kids' crafts, bog tours, a snow-sculpting contest and more at 28478 W. Brandenburg Road, Ingleside. Free admission. (815) 344-1294 or dnr.illinois.gov. Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 13
Piano recital
Award-winning Bulgarian pianist Ani Gogova performs a recital as part of the St. Charles Public Library Sunday Concert series at 1 S. 6th Ave., St. Charles. Free. (630) 584-0076 or scpld.org. 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 13