Fun Things to Do in Chicago When the Weather's Cold

Chicago winters are famous for their brutal winds, but there are still fun and exciting things to do for the adventurous. In the winter months, it's nice to get away and going downtown is an excellent change of pace. Don't let the weather spoil your fun.

Burrow deep into the Art Institute of Chicago and its immense collect of masterpieces. During the winter months, the Institute offers a number of free days. The painted summer scenes and the nudes will warm anyone's heart.

Take a trip to the Field Museum of Natural History to examine dinosaurs, mummies, and fall in love with the museum's gemstone collection. Want to see some water that's not frozen? Then a visit to the Shed Aquarium is what you crave. Visit the whales and think of the tropics as you visit the Caribbean exhibit.

A little short on cash, but need a place to get away then try a visit to Chicago's Cultural Center. Visitors here can hear live music, see free exhibits, and use the free Wi-Fi as they enjoy the beautiful architecture and stained glass environment.

For more free culture enjoy the following museums the DePaul University Art Museum, The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art, examine the dynamic works of emerging artists at the Museum of Contemporary Photography, or see the 10,000 objects of art at the University of Chicago's Smart Museum.

For the great outdoors, enjoy skating at Millennium Park. Skating is free and skates can be rented at a nearby stand. Enjoy the brisk Chicago weather and enjoy a hot chocolate.

Not interested in museums, skating, or culture, then get out your credit cards and shop until you drop at Chicago's Water Tower Place. Take a little girl with you and relive your childhood vicariously through her joy at visiting the American Girl Store.

Need to socialize, and then visit one of Chicago neighborhood bars! The High Dive bar in the East Village is an edgy bar with excellent fries. Visit with patrons and talk about next season's prospects for the White Sox. When you done try Arabia Cafe on Milwaukee Avenue and smoke a hookah while you enjoy a coffee.

If you're looking for nature take a short 10-minute drive from downtown, and smell the flowers at the Garfield Park Conservatory. The conservatory in one of the largest and most stunning in the nation, each year snowbound Chicagoans flock to this summer oasis in the desert of winter.

References:

Garfield Conservatory

Shed Aquarium

DePaul University Art Museum

Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art

Museum of Contemporary Photography

Smart Museum

Water Tower Place