10 Covid Safe Winter Break Activities in Chicagoland area 2020

It may seem like there isn’t much you can do with all of the COVID restrictions but you are wrong. There are plenty of safe activities, indoor and out, that you can still do. So grab your family and let’s explore Chicago and the suburbs.

1. Jack Frost Winter Walk Pop Up – I wrote all about this place in my previous blog so make sure you check them out asap. They are open until January 10th so you have plenty of time.

2. Brookfield Zoo – it may be cold but the zoo is still open and at night, through December 31st, you can see a spectacular light display as well. A million twinkling LED lights to be exact.

3. Online camps – for parents who are working and just don’t have the time to explore but still want their kids to have some form of entertainment, I think these online camps are amazing. Even as a stay at home parent, I will definitely be looking into this for at least a few days during winter break. Plus they will learn something new and that’s a bonus in my book.

4. Ice skating – I saw a few outdoor ice skating rinks, including Millennium Park in Chicago, that are open already and I can’t wait to go with my kids too. You can social distance, wear your mask and have fun too. IF you don’t want to rent the skates, you can always purchase your own skates and add that extra layer of protection. Just order them asap and have them for the entire season.

5. Gnome Hunt in Batavia – starting 12.11 you can go a on self-guided tour of downtown Batavia and find 13 gnomes. There is another one in Geneva as well. Visit Adventures in Scavenger Hunting on Facebook for more info. For Batavia, use this QR code to guide you. Happy gnome hunting!

6. Snowboarding, tubing, skiing – get your tickets before they are all gone. You know that everyone is going to take advantage of these activities and soon. I know that a few places around Chicago area already selling season tickets and season tickets only. SO if you plan on doing any type of winter sports, get on it asap! Here are a few places to check out:

Villa Olivia, Bartlett, IL – tickets will go on sale 12.16.20

Sunburst, Kewaskum, WI – opening soon. Keep checking.

Timber Ridge, Gobles, MI – opening soon. Check back for dates/ hours.

But don’t forget, there are plenty of free tubing and sledding hills in and around Chicago. Grab your sled and make your own fun!

7. Food around the world day – pick a country and try to find restaurants in and around Chicago that sell that type of food. Let’s say Italy. Take a drive down to the Historic Little Italy in Chicago. A hub for the city’s Italian-American community. Known for its Italian restaurants, bakeries, and delis on Taylor Street. Pick up some food, have a picnic in the car or if outdoor seating is available. Then maybe drive out to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, I mean Niles!

You can also do Greek and visit Greektown. China and explore Chinatown and on and on and on.

8. Lake Geneva, WI – keep an eye out but the Ice Castles will be back in January. We went last season and it was absolutely amazing. But in the meantime, if the weather stays close to freezing, Lake Geneva freezes and you can ice fish, walk on it and more. It’s a pretty cool thing for kids and adults alike. They even have ice sculpture event and activities on the ice.

9. Winter hike – there are so many walking trails in and around Chicago that you can explore a new one every single day. Grab your kiddos and head out for a cold wintery walk. Maybe take a drive out to Elk Grove Village and visit the Elk at Busse Forest Elk Pasture.

10. The Grinch’s Grotto Holiday Experience, Skokie, IL – this place looks like so much fun. It is an indoor event but with proper precautions you can still have fun. Only 5 people inside at the time and reservations are required. When you reserve your spot, you and your loved ones will get a rare opportunity to visit the Grinch in his special cave and strike a pose (or two) with him. Plus, you won’t leave empty-handed. Each group will emerge with not just a FREE photo taken by a professional photographer, but also with a few extra special Grinchy surprises. Space will be very limited to ensure social distancing, so make sure and reserve your spot early!

Now tell me, what will you do this winter break?

x,

Dijana