6 Things to do in Chicago This Winter
By Isabel Hinojosa ’25
Staff Writer
hinojosaisa44@lfc.edu
You are a student at Lake Forest College, which has one of the biggest advantages a school could have: proximity to Chicago. You’ve seen the Bean, but what else is there to do? Although the weather and current COVID-19 surge may prove difficult this winter, there are still many ways to take advantage of the city, explore, and make good memories. However, it may be wise to wait until the copious COVID-19 cases drop before enjoying these activities.
- Skating in Millenium Park
Going to school in the Midwest is a guarantee for many winter experiences, so why not take advantage of the conditions and go ice skating! Millennium Park is found in the heart of downtown Chicago and can be easily accessed by a Metra ride and a quick walk at Millenium Park Ice Rink, located at 11 Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL 60601. Skating by the Bean with your friends is a great memory to make and get exposure to the city. Due to the outdoor nature of the park, this is a more COVID-friendly activity. The rink is open through March 6 and has free admission. An online reservation is required, which you can make at https://millenniumparkiceskating.showare.com/. Rental ice skate prices are $13 Monday through Thursday and $15 Friday through Sunday and holidays. Including a Metra ticket, this experience should total around $25.
- Sporting Events
If you are a sports fan, the United Center is the place for you. Located at 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago, IL 60612, it is the home of the Chicago Bulls NBA team and the Chicago Blackhawks NHL team. Currently, the Bulls have a record of 27-14 and the Blackhawks have a record of 15-18. The United Center also requires proof of vaccination and mask wearing at all times. Typically, the cheapest tickets to a Bulls game are around $32 plus ticket fees. They are available for purchase on the Bulls website: https://www.nba.com/bulls/tickets/individual. Blackhawks tickets start around $20 plus ticket fees, and are available for purchase on the Blackhawks website: https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/tickets/single-game-tickets. Including a Metra ticket, for a Bulls game the total would be around $50, and a Blackhawks game would total around $40.
- Shopping on Michigan Avenue
If retail therapy is your thing, Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago will look like heaven. The “magnificent mile” has over 450 retailers, including big brand names such as Patagonia, UGG, Nike, Zara, Vans, and Disney. Practically any clothing store you can think of can be found on Michigan Avenue. Although mask wearing is required and some stores do monitor store capacity, there are always large groups roaming the stores of Michigan Avenue. If you are just interested in window shopping and people watching, your only expense will be the $10 Metra ticket. Otherwise, the total cost of this experience is in your hands. (https://www.themagnificentmile.com/shopping/)
- Navy Pier
If you just can’t take another day of the Chicago cold, the indoor option of Navy Pier is a good escape. Being one of the biggest tourist attractions in Chicago, Navy Pier holds a multitude of activities such as shopping, restaurants, rides, and special events. Some of the featured restaurants at Navy Pier include Billy Goat Tavern, Giordano’s, Garrett’s Popcorn, Margaritaville, and I Dream of Falafel. Rides include a carousel ($9) and the Centennial Wheel ($18), the famous Ferris wheel. To check out what free public events are coming up, go to: https://navypier.org/events-and-public-programs/free-events-and-public-programs/. Navy Pier entrance requires proof of vaccination and mask wearing. Similar to shopping on Michigan Avenue, the total cost of Navy Pier is up to you, excluding a $10 Metra ticket.
- Field Museum
Chicago is home to the Field Museum, one of the world’s most famous and largest natural history museums. The Field Museum is most known for SUE, the largest and most complete T-Rex ever discovered. According to the museum’s website, the museum holds over 40 million artifacts and specimens. The museum also hosts traveling exhibitions, so there is always something new to see. For an out-of-state adult, general admission tickets are $26. However, with your student ID, there are discounts available when presented in-person. Some of the museum’s current ticketed exhibitions that cost extra are “Wild Color,” “Biomechanics: The Machine Inside,” “Cyrus Tang Hall of China” and “Underground Adventure.” For more information on these exhibitions, visit: https://www.fieldmuseum.org/exhibitions. The Field Museum also requires proof of vaccination and mask wearing. For a general admissions experience, the total cost will be around $36, including a Metra ticket.
- Sledding at Soldier Field
Although sledding may seem elementary, I guarantee the rush and childish joy will make for an afternoon of fun with your friends. The hill at Soldier Field, the iconic stadium and home of the Chicago Bears, is 30 feet tall and 220 feet steep for an exhilarating drop and guaranteed speed. It is located at 1410 Special Olympics Dr., Chicago, IL 60605 and is an easy Metra/CTA ride away. Another outdoor activity means that you can maintain social distancing and be more COVID-friendly. The only thing you need is a sled, which you can find on Amazon for around $20. Including a Metra ticket, this experience should total around $30.
(https://www.chicagoparent.com/things-to-do/outdoors/sledding-hills-chicago/)
