As we are already in the month of November, winter and the holidays are fast approaching. If you are a parent, you know what that means: long winter days spent indoors, kids swinging from the chandeliers, running through the house, and screaming that they are bored. Whether you plan indoor activities or are just looking to entertain the kids and keep your sanity, following are some fun, interesting and adventurous ideas of things to do during the winter, and holidays.
There are no shortages of family fun centers, activity centers, indoor play places, and amusement parks around the Chicago area. You will find plenty of family fun activities, including mini-golf, bowling, laser tag, go-carts, batting cages, video games, bumper cars, inflatables, climbing walls, and more. Don’t forget the library! The massive Thomas Hughes Children’s Library at the main branch of the Chicago Public Library has a puppet stage and interactive play-and-learning zones, plus regular storytimes and workshops. Call branch locations for activities closer to home.
Following is a list of indoor and outdoor amusement centers, indoor play spaces and play cafes, and entertainment venues for winter and holiday fun.
Escape Rooms are a hot trend, with lots of locations popping up where you can work together with friends or family to “escape” from your familiar room in which you may feel trapped. Many Escape Rooms are geared toward older kids and adults, but some are family-friendly or can adjust their activities for younger kids. They are great places for group activities or birthday parties! The Escape Game Chicago, 42 East Ontario Street, Chicago, IL – 312-453-7753
The Escape Game is a live 60-minute adventure! Start by picking your theme – from a 1950’s prison to deep space, or even a classic art heist – then team up to follow clues, solve puzzles, and complete your mission in under 60 minutes! The games provide a unique hands-on experience, designed for families, friends, couples, corporate groups, and anyone else looking for an elevated unplugged adventure!
Other local escape rooms:
Room Escape Adventures, 408 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago IL – 470-236-2699
Mastermind Escape Games, 1015 East State Parkway – Suite 200, Schaumburg, IL – 847-453-4348
The Dr. Seuss Experience, Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan Avenue, Unit 100, Chicago IL;www.experienceseuss.com
The Seuss-tacular immersive spectacle will give guests the opportunity to take a journey through nine different Dr. Seuss books, bringing the magical worlds to life and inviting new generations to make their own Dr. Seuss memories. The multisensory experience will transport guests into the pages of the beloved stories and allow them to interact with the characters that are part of the fabric of popular culture. From “The Cat in the Hat” to “Horton Hears a Who!” and “The Lorax,” as well as other timeless favorites, visitors will encounter and enjoy these classic treasures in a whole new way. Chicago will also debut an all-new, mind-bending feature crafted by world-renowned artist Michael Murphy, who is known for works that meld perception and perspective in unique ways.
Open: October 8, 2021 to January 2, 2022Time: Open during mall hours Cost: $23 and up
Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Chicago Kids Company at Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th Street – 773-445-3838, www.beverlyartscenter.org
When Goldilocks and her dog, Bailey, venture into the woods to find a friend for her Mom, she stumbles upon a cute house with three bowls of porridge, three chairs, and three beds, but no one is home. Will Goldi be able to make it back to her Mom before she notices she is gone? Find out in this hilarious musical! Goldilocks and the Three Bears is a one-hour musical based on the original fairy tale. It features a hilarious script adapted by Jesus Perez, with original songs composed by Paige Coffman. This show is one of the most popular Chicago Kids Company productions! Time: See website Cost: $14-$18 These are just a few of the wonderful places
you can take your children during the holidays.
