Fun Winter Activities in Chicago

Winter in Chicago is a great time to get out and enjoy the scenery and get moving. There are so many outdoor activities you can enjoy without ever having to leave the city. I love taking advantage of the forest preserve in the winter because they are not as crowded and twice as beautiful. The Cook County Forest Preserve is really good about making sure the footpaths and trails through Chicago's Forest Preserves are cleared during the winter.

If you have the time make sure you get out to enjoy the weather, the snow and maybe a new activity with the family this winter. Not only is it a great way to bond with family and friends but many winter activities are a great way to workout without feeling like a traditional workout.

Ice Skating

The Chicago area has several indoor and outdoor ice rinks open to the public. My favorite ice rinks are right in the heart of the city of Chicago and outside rinks so you can skate and enjoy the landscape. The newest rink to join the ranks is the McCormick Tribune Plaza and Ice Rink in Millenium Park on Michigan Avenue. I love the location of this ice rink because it gives you one of the best backdrops the city has to offer. Once the sun goes down and the city lights up you have the entire Chicago skyline behind you while you skate and the park on the other side, it doesn't get much better than this. Admission to the rink is free to the public but if you need skates there is a rental fee. Also be sure to call ahead to check the hours of the rink and to make sure that it is not closed for a private event.

The other ice rink in the city is in Daley Bicentennial Plaza on East Randolph Street. This rink does have some advantages over the rink in Millenium Park. Since it is not in as prominent of a location it can be less populated during the busy times of the weekend and evenings. The admission to the rink is free as well but the cost of skate rental is less than that of the McCormick Ice Rink. The downside to this rink is that the hours do not always fit into every schedule so make sure you call ahead for the hours and plan around the midday closings.

Sledding

What can be better than spending an afternoon sledding down hills with family or friends. Don't just send the kids to the hills on their own, get your own sled or one big enough for you and the kids and take a ride down the hill too. Amazingly, sledding is a great workout and a whole lot more enjoyable than the elliptical. There are a couple forest preserves that have areas designated as sledding slopes. Remember all Cook County Forest Preserves are open 8 am till sunset and there is no charge to enjoy the hills. Sledding hills are located in both the Dan Ryan Woods on 87th and Western and Indian Road Woods in Chicago on Central Avenue. The best place to go sledding is the Jensen Slides Area but it is also crowded and you may have to wait a while before you get to test your sled.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is a great way to enjoy the trails of the forest preserve and get a great workout in the snow at the same time. There are a couple places where snowshoe rental is available throughout the city, all you need is a snowy path and lots of energy. Try the Viking Ski Shop on Fullerton or Eastern Mountain Sports on North Avenue for snowshoe rentals.