9 Can't Miss Winter Activities in Chicago
Winter in Chicago can be long and cold, and while you may be tempted to hole up in your comfy corporate suite, home or apartment and hibernate until spring, there are too many exciting activities to take advantage of! Here are nine can't miss winter activities in Chicago:
Free Ice Skating in Millennium Park
Bundle up and hit the McCormick Tribune ice rink at Millennium Park; a Chicago tradition with over 100,000 skaters visiting each year. Skating is free if you bring your own skates, or $12 to rent them. There are also free skating lessons Fridays through Sundays before the rink opens.
Underground Wonder Bar
The Underground Wonder Bar (UWB) is one of Chicago’s favorite live music venues, attracting a diverse crowd of both famous and up-and-coming performers. With an eclectic vibe, a 4 a.m. closing time, live music or DJs 365 nights a year, and three performance spaces to accommodate everything from music to comedy to theater, the UBW is your one-stop entertainment headquarters.
Museum Free Days
Need mental stimulation to get through the long winter? Chicago’s museums are educational, interesting, warm, and often free! Most area museums offer free days throughout January and February like the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute, and Museum of Science and Industry. Plan it right and you could visit a different museum free every day for a week.
Windy City Rollers
If you are looking for the polar opposite experience from visiting a museum, the Windy City Rollers can provide that. This female roller derby team can take, and give, some pretty hard hits- with style. Fast skating and constant action will keep you entertained through the entire match.
Indoor Skydiving
Ever gone skydiving? How about inside? At iFly Indoor Sky Diving, there's no plane needed. Indoor skydiving is like free falling but in a vertical wind tunnel. It's fun to try and a good way to practice your skills off-season if you are already a skydiver.
First Ascent Climbing and Fitness
If you would rather climb than dive, try First Ascent Climbing and Fitness. These facilities provide a fantastic climbing experience, whether you are an experienced climber or first timer. There are terrains and climbs for all ability levels, yoga and fitness classes, fitness equipment and knowledgeable instructors.
Willis-Sears Tower Skydeck
The deck of the Willis-Sears Tower provides breathtaking views of the city covered in snow. There are also informational tours of the historic tower and interactive displays showcasing sites and points of interest around the Windy City.
El Circo Cheapo Cabaret
El Circo Cheapo Cabaret will appeal to anyone who likes circuses and saving money. This show boasts a cast of some of the most talented circus performers in the world. Shows are the first Saturday of every month at 7 and 10 p.m. The 7 p.m. show is family friendly but be warned that the 10 p.m. show is ages 18 and up.
Magnificent Mile Shopping
For those who didn't get enough shopping during the holidays, the early months of the year mean clearance time at local retailers, including Michigan Avenue's Magnificent Mile. The Magnificent Mile has over 460 retailers, including 50 flagship stores, in three shopping centers.
Accessing any of these activities is easy in a travel-friendly city like Chicago. You can walk, bus, train, or take a taxi to most of these attractions. So don't waste your winter, get out there and see the sights, all within easy reach of our multiple luxurious locations at Pinnacle Furnished Suites!
