With winter setting in, I'm sure we parents are occasionally scrambling to find things to do to keep the kids entertained on the weekends and the holiday breaks.
Their toys may be fun, but get boring at times. And there's only so much screen time anyone, including kids, can tolerate before they get antsy.
Planning outings, both for the outdoors and indoors, I've found, always makes for happier kids. They get to burn energy, and sometimes go to new places or try new things. It can also help the days go by faster, and ward off cabin fever/ winter blues.
Outside Play Time
We personally love the snow! So it's easy for us to get out back and play in the white stuff when it falls. But sometimes we want a change of scenery. When we need to get the boys out of the house on snowy winter days, we love to hit up some of the parks around here.
Sledding Hills
Here in Lake County, there are numerous sledding hills. Our favorite spots are Caboose Park in Lake Villa and Hart's Hill in Round Lake.
Here is a list of some of the sledding hills in Lake County:
Caboose Park (Lake Villa Township)
Hart's Hill (Round Lake)
Gelatin Factory Park Sled Hill (Grayslake)
Old School Forest Preserve (Libertyville)
Century Park (Vernon Hills)
Adler Park (Libertyville)
Wadsworth Sled Hill (Wadsworth Village Hall)
Paulus Park (Lake Zurich)
Blair Park (Lake Bluff)
Warren Township Sled Hill (Gurnee)
Danny Cunniff Park (Highland Park)
Lakewood Forest Preserve (Wauconda)
Bring your own sleds, tubes, and snowboards! Some of these parks allow for motorized snow vehicles, but not all. Please check prior to bringing motorized ride-ons such as snowmobiles.
Ice Skating
Another thing we love to do outside during the winter is ice skate. Many of the public parks around here also offer free ice skate rinks! You will have to bring your own skates though.
These ice rinks aren't immediately available on a particular date. It is real ice. Not the synthetic stuff. So you do need to check the local park authority or town's websites or Facebook pages to make sure the rinks are open before you go. It is weather depending to make sure the rink is frozen enough for use.
If your kids are into ice hockey, you are allowed to bring sticks and pucks for play or practice. I haven't seen any rules so far against it. The only thing they ask is to be considerate of others and not bounce the puck off the sides.
Free outdoor ice rinks can be found at:
Caboose Park (Lake Villa Township)
Sports Center (Round Lake Beach)
Hart's Hill (Round Lake)
Century Park (Vernon Hills)
Jones Island (Grayslake)
Hunt Club Park (Gurnee)
Viking Park (Gurnee)
Heritage Park (Wheeling)
Lakewood Forest Preserve (Wauconda)
Old School Forest Preserve (Libertyville)
Nicholas-Dowden Park (Libertyville)
Millenium Park (Lindenhurst)
Keith Mione Community Park (Mundelein)
Arbor Park (Waukegan)
Victory Park (Waukegan)
There are a couple of other outdoor public skate rinks in the area. This list is not all-inclusive. These are just the ones we have been to or know of.
Tree Lightings
Check out some local tree lighting going on very soon! Many towns are lighting up a Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving or sometime during the weekend. Many of these events also include treats such as hot chocolate, candy, and a visit from Santa! Searching for these festivals via Facebook Events is a great way to find times and locations.
Holiday in the Park
This is just an honorable mention with the hope that it will return in the future because my kids and I went last year and loved it!
Six Flags used to have a winter event called "Holiday in the Park". You got to walk through the park in the evening and enjoy all the Christmas decorations and lights they put up. There was also a live show, daily tree lighting, and bonfires to make s'mores. They even had a select few of the smaller rides open. It was our favorite event from them!
Unfortunately, this year they have chosen not to hold it for cost purposes.
If it ever does come back, I highly recommend going! It was cold, of course. But definitely another fun, magical way to celebrate the holidays with kids.
Holiday Lights Walk-Through at Lehmann Park
It might not be Six Flag's Holiday in the Park, but Lehmann Park in Lake Villa has an adorable and pretty nice size light display that you can walk through every evening during the season.
I find it to be a great size for toddlers or maybe individuals with disabilities because you can leisurely stroll the paved walkway filled with lights, but it's not miles long. Which is also perfect when the weather is on the cold side.
You can then enjoy food and refreshments at one of the locally owned businesses there- such as Harbor Brewing Company, Lake Villa Restaurant, or the Code Sports Bar.
Indoor Outings
Now that we've gone through various outdoor activities, let's bring it in!
My kids and I love being outside, but even we need breaks and places we can stay warm. Here are some of the indoor places we like to go to in the winter.
Indoor Playgrounds
These are always a hit no matter the time of year. But definitely in the colder months!
Indoor play spaces offer a nice area for kids to run, jump, and climb while giving parents a change of scenery. Here is a previous post with locations and reviews of some of the indoor playgrounds in Lake County.
Visiting Santa
There are various ways to have the kids meet and take pictures with Santa. The Bass Pro Shop at Gurnee Mills always puts on a nice display.
Another favorite of ours is visiting Santa at the "A Christmas Story" experience at Hawthorn Mall in Vernon Hills. You can walk through the set that is reminiscent of Ralphie's house in the movie. It even has the infamous lamp!
Visiting Santa and walking through the set is free, but they do charge if you want to take photos with Santa.
Breakfast With Santa
Many towns are hosting a "Breakfast with Santa". I even saw one town post a "Dinner with Santa" if maybe the evening hours are better for your family. For more information on these types of events near you, check them out by searching under Facebook Events or visiting your town's event calendar.
Santa's Rock n' Lights
Okay. So this one is technically an outdoor activity, but I'm placing it under the indoor section because you are sheltered and warm in your car.
This wonderful holiday light display is located at the Lake County Fair Grounds. It's a drive-thru light show that is a little over a mile long and is full of bright colors and music to get anyone into the Christmas spirit.
This display runs annually from mid-November to January 1st. You must purchase tickets ahead of time online at www.santasrocknlights.com.
These are just some of the many ways you and your family can get out this winter, have some fun, and beat the winter blues.
I'd love to hear from you! What are some of your favorite things to do or places to go during the winter in Lake County, Illinois? Comment below or send an email.
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