13 Things to Do on a Cold or Snowy Day

With the holiday season behind us, it’s time for the harsh realities of winter to set in. But while it might be easy to snuggle up under a blanket and decide to never leave the house until spring arrives, why not make the most of the season? Here on Chicago’s North Shore, there are plenty of ways to actually enjoy winter, from indoor sports and events to museums and theaters. So bundle up and make your way to these local spots.

Athletics

• Athletico Center in Northbrook features a field house, basketball court, party/meeting room, and outdoor patio (for the warmer months ahead). Register for the adult soccer league and classes, or try your hand at pickleball. Kids will love soccer and flag football leagues, plus camps throughout the year. You can also host your next event here.

• Planning a birthday party or special event? Looking for camps perfect for your future athlete (or a league for yourself)? Then get to know Evanston’s Quad Indoor Sports, a “state-of-the-art” sports facility featuring a 102x56 yard indoor field that can be configured into smaller fields for leagues and rentals. Register for School’s Out Camps for a half or full day of soccer, football, lacrosse, and more, plus additional camps and clinics all year long.

• Sometimes, you just need to make the most of the season. Spend a day ice skating at Northwestern’s Norris University Center Ice Rink. Throughout the season, head out to this outdoor rink from 12:30-10 p.m. Sunday-Wednesday and 12:30-11 p.m. Thursday-Saturday (weather permitting). Find more information about rates, policies, rentals, and waivers on Northwestern’s website.

Athletico Center, Northbrook

Quad Indoor Sports, Evanston

Events

• Grab your besties and head out to Bottle and Bottega in Evanston for a few hours of wine and painting. Reserve your spot now for weekly events or plan a private party.

• Don’t stay cooped up inside just because it’s cold or snowy out. Chicago Botanic Garden is open for exploring year-round, and there are plenty of can’t-miss events in the winter too.

Bottle and Bottega, Evanston

Orchid Show, Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe

Museums

• Northwestern’s Block Museum of Art reopens in January with special exhibits and its permanent collection. And don’t miss upcoming programs like artist talks, performances, artmaking events, movies, and more.

• It can be difficult to keep restless kiddos entertained during the winter months. Fortunately, Kohl Children’s Museum is a great place to stay warm while having fun and learning. In addition to seasonal programming and events, the Museum offers 17 permanent exhibits, including City on the Move, Nature Explorers, Water Works and Whole Foods Market.

• If you haven’t yet visited the Illinois Holocaust Museum’s groundbreaking Take a Stand Center, now is the perfect time to go. This exhibit features four interactive galleries, including the holographic Survivor Stories Experience, where you can meet and talk to Holocaust survivors. You can also plan your visit around special events and exhibits.

• The new Halim Time & Glass Museum, which opened in Evanston this past September, features more than 1,100 time pieces and more than 70 stained glass pieces. With five stories filled with beautiful and intricate works of art, and offerings like free Highlight Tours, you can easily spend an entire winter day here, so get ready to start exploring.

Block Museum of Art, Northwestern University, Evanston

Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, Skokie

Theaters

• Oil Lamp Theater in Downtown Glenview is an intimate theater experience — no guest is more than 25 feet away from the stage in the 60-seat auditorium. Plus, guests can mingle with the cast after each show.

• North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie regularly hosts shows, musicians, comedians and more, so you’ll always find something to see here.

• The mission of Northlight Theatre is to “promote change of perspective and encourage compassion by exploring the depth of our humanity across a bold spectrum of theatrical experiences.” Find a complete list of upcoming shows, workshops and more here.

• The Wall Street Journal has called Writers Theatre in Glencoe “America’s No. 1 theatre company,” so you know you’re in for a treat no matter what production is up next in the season.

A Moon for the Misbegotten, Writers Theatre, Glencoe