Why Winter's Better In Oak Park-River Forest: Beat The Blues With These Local Picks

Winter may be here, but the fun doesn’t slow down in Oak Park-River Forest. From family outings to seasonal events and easy day trips, there’s plenty around town to keep your calendar full. Just remember to double-check hours, weather updates and ticket details before heading out. And if you want even more local winter ideas, keep scrolling — you’ll find a way to get personalized suggestions based on what you love to do.

Centennial Wheel

Address: 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: 1-800-595-PIER (7437)
Details: Head to the city and hop into an enclosed gondola to see 360-degree views of Chicago and Lake Michigan. The Centennial Wheel reaches 200 feet in the air for a one-of-a-kind experience. See ticket prices online.

John G. Shedd Aquarium

Address: 1200 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
Phone: (312) 939-2438
Details: A 20-minute car ride will immerse you in the wonder of the aquatic animal world at Shedd Aquarium. Buy tickets to see belugas, bluegills, stingrays, sturgeons and more species in their habitats.

Lincoln Park Zoo

Address: 2400 N Cannon Dr, Chicago, IL 60614
Phone: (312) 742-2000
Details: A little under 30 minutes away, Lincoln Park Zoo is open all year round with free admission. There are free activities for visitors daily, both indoors and outdoors, throughout the zoo. Check the website for their current daily hours.

Outdoor Ice Rink at Constitution Park

Address: 7715 Greenfield St, River Forest, IL 60305
Phone: (708) 366-6660
Details: Now through March 1, when weather allows, the River Forest Park District’s ice rink is open daily 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. Check the flag to see whether the rink is open — green means open, red means closed. Skating is unsupervised, and there are designated free-skate-only and hockey-only hours (see the website for details).

Paul Hruby Ice Arena

Address: 415 Lake St, Oak Park, IL 60302
Phone: (708) 725-2000
Details: If you’re not one for the elements, you can enjoy indoor ice skating at Ridgeland Common Recreation Complex. Public skate sessions are held almost every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. See the website for public skate details and more info on admission pricing and skate rentals.

River Forest Park Library

Address: 735 Lathrop Ave, River Forest, IL 60305
Phone: (708) 366-5205
Details: Visit the River Forest Public Library for a quiet, comfortable place to read, work or unwind this winter. Enjoy a large collection of books and media, study spaces, public computers and free Wi-Fi, plus access to digital resources anytime.

Sledding at Barrie Park

Address: 1011 South Lombard Ave, Oak Park, IL 60304
Phone: (708) 725-2000
Details: When snow falls, take advantage of the specially designed sledding hill at Barrie Park. The sledding hill is at the corner of the park off Lombard Avenue and Harvard Street. The park is open from sunrise until 10 p.m.

Trailside Museum of Natural History

Address: 738 Thatcher Ave, River Forest, IL 60305
Phone: (708) 366-6530
Details: Explore the miles of unpaved walking trails through Thatcher Woods at the Trailside Museum. The total trail length is 4.9 miles and is open from sunrise to sunset. If you need to escape the cold, stop inside the Hal Tyrrell Trailside Museum of Natural History to learn more about the area.

Want ideas that fit your family and your budget? Enter your ZIP code and preferences — kid-friendly, outdoor, educational and more — for winter getaway recommendations made for you.

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