Winter scenic in forest preserve. 10. Check out the coolest indoor activities in Chicago and the suburbs. Here are some of our favorites. Forest preserves offer a wide range of outdoor winter activities like ice skating, sledding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing. Learn about Chicago's celebrated holiday traditions like the European-inspired Christkindlmarket, the beautiful decor and windows on State Street, and ice skating at Millennium Park. Your guide to the best things to do inside around the Chicagoland area and beyond. The thought of winter weather in Chicago can cause feelings of dread, but the season also brings a host of fun festivals and events to the city to keep the winter blues away. Getty. The 13 Best Indoor Activities In Chicago By Staff in Best Of on . Written by: Debra Flanagan. Chicago in winter is amazing and families would be crazy not to visit and enjoy the variety of activities found on the shores of Lake Michigan. Now that they’re older, we’re teaching them to embrace and enjoy the cold weather. Winters in Chicago can be brutal, generally dipping down into freezing temperatures, but don't let that stop you from seeing the sights and participating in winter activities. 1. Jan 14, 2015 5:00PM. Photo by Victoria Borodinova from Pexels. Stroll through Chicago's winter streets, lit up for the holidays, on this gourmet walking tour. Cheer on the Chicago Bulls. From ice skating to sledding to a night at one of Chicago’s museums, there’s lots to do in Chicago this winter — both indoors and out. While almost everyone I know east of the Mississippi dreads the winter, my family and I look forward to it. Visiting Chicago during the winter season will give you the perfect opportunity to see one of Chicago’s most beloved teams live in action. Make winter in Chicago your favorite season with these fun outdoor activities. Chicago has plenty of opportunities for ice skating outdoors. Go ice skating. With games running several times a week, from October-April, you should have no problem fitting one into your itinerary! There is so much to do that can’t be enjoyed at any other time of year.