Okay parents, the holiday glitter is fading, but Chicago is still delivering! We've got one last shot for Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier before it packs up, and the gorgeous Winter Flower Show at Garfield Park is wrapping up Sunday. Don't let the first weekend of January be a couch marathon—let's find some fun before the MLK rush next week!
Quick Picks
McCormick Tribune Ice Rink Free Skating Lessons
Millennium Park
Free ice skating lessons (rentals cost extra) right next to The Bean—perfect for a chilly but active morning.
Winter Flower Show: Merry & Bright
Garfield Park Conservatory
Warm up in a jungle! This is your last chance to see the cozy, bright floral displays inside the beautiful conservatory.
Holiday Bricktacular
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago
Lego hearts, a winter-themed MINILAND, and a scavenger hunt—great sensory fun for little builders before it ends.
Winter WonderFest
This is it—the final weekend for the massive indoor carnival on the Pier! It’s got rides, slides, and an ice rink, so it’s a solid rainy-day bail-out plan for restless kids. Seriously, get the ticket that includes the Centennial Wheel ride while you still can.
Why we picked it: It’s the absolute last day (Sunday) for this huge indoor holiday attraction before it disappears for the year.
ZooLights
Another holiday tradition wrapping up this weekend, so take advantage of the last few nights to see the zoo all decked out. Walking around under millions of twinkling lights is way more fun than staring at them on a screen. Check the site for pricing—Mondays were often free last year, but check for Jan 3/4 specifically.
Why we picked it: Last chance to experience the Lincoln Park Zoo completely transformed by holiday lights before they turn them off for good.
Ice Skating Ribbon
Forget the flat rinks, the ribbon at Maggie Daley is way more fun with its ups and downs, making it feel like a little outdoor journey. It's a great spot to get some winter energy out before lunch. Check their operating hours as they can be shorter in early January.
Why we picked it: A more scenic and engaging skating experience than a standard rink, and it’s open all month.
Chicago Cultural Center Tour
The building itself is breathtaking, especially the Tiffany glass domes—it’s free to wander, which is a major win for the wallet. While general admission is free, check the schedule; guided tours are often week-day only, but just walking in and looking up is a great activity. It’s a stunning public space tourists often miss.
Why we picked it: It's a genuinely stunning, warm, and usually free architectural wonder right in the Loop.
Young Playwrights Festival
If your older kid is into writing, theater, or just edgy new work, check out the 39th edition of this student showcase. Seeing plays written by local teens can be surprisingly inspiring and relatable for tweens and teens. The festival runs all month, so check the site for Saturday/Sunday performance times.
Why we picked it: A chance to see original, cutting-edge one-act productions from local students.
Ice Skating at Millennium Park (No Lessons)
If you skip the free lessons (event #4), you can still just skate for free if you bring your own blades. It’s iconic, right next to The Bean, and looks amazing with the skyline backdrop. Pro-tip: go early to avoid the worst crowds!
Why we picked it: It's the quintessential, budget-friendly Chicago winter activity that’s always available.
Lightscape
If you want a little magic and don't mind a quick drive north, this light walk through the gardens is gorgeous and feels very grown-up but still fun for kids. They have a Winter Cathedral and fire garden, which is a nice break from the usual city hustle. Your absolute final chance to see this installation on Sunday!
Why we picked it: This is the very last day (Sunday) for the spectacular Lightscape experience at the Botanic Garden.
McCormick Tribune Ice Rink Free Skating Lessons
Score free skating lessons on the Millennium Park rink this weekend—hello, budget win! Admission to the rink is free, but you'll need to pay to rent skates unless you BYO. It’s a classic Chicago winter move that feels less touristy when you're focusing on the lessons.
Why we picked it: Genuinely free entry for skating lessons, making it a great, active, low-cost option right downtown.
Holiday Bricktacular
If your little one is obsessed with LEGOs, this is their last weekend for the holiday-themed activities, including building a donation heart. It's indoors, highly engaging for younger kids, and they have a scavenger hunt with prizes. Just remember this is technically in Schaumburg, so plan for the drive.
Why we picked it: It's the final day for this LEGO-themed winter wonderland geared perfectly for preschool and early elementary ages.
Winter Flower Show: Merry & Bright
Escape the cold and dive into a warm, blooming environment—perfect for when the January blues hit hard. This show is usually free for Chicago residents, but always double-check if timed entry tickets are required for Sunday. It’s one of the city’s real gems you can easily overlook.
Why we picked it: This is the final day the 'Merry & Bright' show is running, offering a beautiful, warm escape.
City in a Garden: Queer Art and Activism in Chicago
This exhibition examines Chicago's queer art history starting in the 80s, which is a heavy but important topic for thoughtful older kids and teens. If you're looking for something more substantive than another holiday light display, this is a deep cut. Since it runs through Jan 25th, you have time, but Sunday afternoon is a good slot.
Why we picked it: A unique, local-focused exhibition touching on important Chicago history, perfect for teens looking for something beyond the obvious.
Winter Flower Show: Merry & Bright
Warm up inside this soaring conservatory during its annual flower extravaganza; this year's show celebrates brightly colored blooms. It’s a super peaceful spot when the kids need a break from the cold and the museums are too crowded. Make sure you check the resident/non-resident fee structure before you go.
Why we picked it: This is the final day for the dazzling, warm, and colorful winter flower show.
City Tours (Architecture Cruise or Lamborghini Cruise)
Okay, this is a stretch for January, but if you’re brave or they run 'special' winter/indoor versions, some tour sites list year-round options! If not, this is a good reminder to look up the **Architecture River Cruise** for *next* season, but for now, maybe book a **Lamborghini City Cruise**—at least the car is heated! (Check weather/availability closely for Jan.)
Why we picked it: It’s a quirky, higher-budget option that shows some tours *might* be running despite the cold if you crave an adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What genuinely free things can we do with the kids this weekend?
You can skate for free (if you have skates!) at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park (id:chicago-13). Also, checking if the Chicago Cultural Center is open for self-guided viewing of its amazing architecture is a free must-do (id:chicago-9). Note that the Garfield Park Conservatory is free for Chicago residents, but check if reservations are needed (id:chicago-10).
The weather looks awful; what's the best indoor activity?
You have until Sunday to check out the Winter Flower Show: Merry & Bright at the Garfield Park Conservatory (id:chicago-6/10) for a warm, beautiful jungle escape. For guaranteed fun, Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier (id:chicago-1) is a huge indoor amusement park running both days.
Where should I take my preschooler/toddler on Saturday?
Head out to Schaumburg for the Holiday Bricktacular at LEGOLAND Discovery Center (id:chicago-5) for hands-on LEGO fun and a scavenger hunt, or stay central and try the free skating lessons at Millennium Park (id:chicago-4) if your little one is ready for the ice!