Dare we say it? It’s been a less than brutal winter. . . by Chicago standards anyway. No need for winter hibernation, folks! Take advantage of the mild temps and head out for a wintry hike or take a spin on the ice. Or, snuggle in front of a laptop for a virtual music class or puppet show. Read on for other weekend activity ideas with the family!

photo: iStock

At-Home Activities

Fire Up the Laptop for a Virtual Music Class 
Get movin’ & groovin’ with Bubbles Academy in a Virtual Family Music & Movement class! Fri. Event details.

Stay Home and Watch a Puppet Show
Let Chicago Children’s Theatre bring Leo Lionni’s award-winning picture book, Frederick, alive via a clever and colorful virtual puppet show. Fri.-Sun. Event details. 

Go On a Musical Adventure with Mr. Dave
This 30-minute musical experience is designed to keep kids active and happy with engaging music and storytelling. Fri. Event details.

Intro Your Kids to Incredible Women 
What Will She Do Next? is a musical podcast for kids that celebrates key moments in the lives of history’s greatest, most inspiring women. Fri.-Sun. Event details. 

Mask Up & Step Outside

Warm Your Bellies with a Cup of Hot Cocoa
Support local restaurants and battle Jack Frost’s nose-nipping at the same time! Make it your family’s mission to find a new favorite hot chocolate hotspot. More details.

Play Hide & Seek with Trolls
Look for insanely special creatures hiding in the meadows and woods of Morton Arboretum. These 15- to 20-feet tall guardians of the forest are constructed from reclaimed wood and are a sight to behold. Fri.-Sun. Event details. 

Sip a Festive Shake at Jo Jo’s Shake Bar
Jo Jo’s tented Winter Wonderland will undoubtedly deliver smiles with their over-the-top treats and festive food. Fri.-Sun. Event details. 

Throw Shade at the Cold and Take a Hike
Get a good dose of fresh air, unforgettable scenery and a chance to spy on animals in their natural habitats with a wintry hike. Fri.-Sun. Event details.

Bundle the Babes & Learn About Chicago
Chicago Children’s Theatre’s Walkie Talkie’s audio experience will send you on a self-guided tour through a Chicago neighborhood. Fri.-Sun. More details. 

Take a Self-Guided Walk at Chicago Botanic Garden
Celebrate the beauty of a fresh winter day in the woods with a peaceful, self-guided walk. Begin or end your adventure by warming up by the cozy fire. Sun. Event details. 

Ice Skate with a Sweet View
The Maggie Daley Park ice skating ribbon is one of the best spots in the city to skate a figure eight. The railing that lines the loop is the perfect pick-me-up for wobbly skaters and the city views are spectacular. Sat. & Sun. Event details.

Show Off Your Ice Skating Skills at The Forge
Spin your way through the weekend with a classic winter activity! The Forge’s Ice Skating Shelf is the perfect backdrop for family memory-making. Fri.-Sun. Event details. 

Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Luck is on your side because we have loads more to-dos on our calendar—even lots of virtual activities to connect with people, museums and businesses all over the country. Check it out!

— Maria Chambers

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