Things to Do in Chicago With Kids in the Winter

Lincoln Park

• A free zoo and conservatory is open year-round in Chicago's gorgeous Lincoln Park. During December, the Lincoln Park Zoo is open on weekend evenings for ZooLights. ZooLights is a celebration of lights, and sees the zoo covered in holiday themed illumination. Heat is turned on in the indoor exhibits, but make sure that you have coats and warm clothes for the walks between buildings. Kids will love the jungle atmosphere in the Lincoln Park Conservatory, which features multiple rooms of tall, tropical trees and plants.

  Lincoln Park Zoo

  2001 North Clark St.

  Chicago, IL 60614

  312-742-2000

  lpzoo.com

Museum Campus

• Families will find a full day's worth of warm, indoor activity at the Museum Campus near the downtown Loop. Dinosaur lovers should head to the Field Museum of Natural History, where dozens of full skeletons are on display. Across the street from the Field Museum is the Shedd Aquarium, where thousands of living specimens are kept in world-class facilities. Family shows are available in the Oceanarium. The third and final museum on the campus is the Adler Planetarium, which is perfect for any kids interested in outer space.

  Field Museum

  1400 South Lake Shore Dr.

  Chicago, IL 60605

  312-922-9410

  fieldmuseum.org

Sports

• Two professional sports teams play during the winter season in Chicago, both of them are at the same building too. The United Center is the home of the Bulls and the Blackhawks. The famous Michael Jordan statue is outside, but high energy hoops are still played on the court throughout the season. The Blackhawks won the 2010 Stanly Cup, making them one of the hottest tickets in town every winter. Other events may take place in the United Center throughout the winter as well, from circus events to live concerts.

  United Center

  1901 West Madison St.

  Chicago, IL 60612

  312-455-4500

  unitedcenter.com