Winter Activities for Kids in Chicago's North Suburbs

Updated November 2026 with this season's holiday light dates.

Winter in Chicago's north suburbs can stretch from November to March, but young children still need fresh air and big movement. With the right clothes and a few safety habits, snow days can be some of the best play days of the year. Here are ideas for toddlers and preschoolers, plus indoor backups for the coldest days.

Snow play close to home

• Build a tiny snowman or a row of snow "cupcakes" with a sand bucket.
• Paint the snow with spray bottles of water and a drop of food coloring.
• Go on a tracks hunt: look for bird, rabbit and squirrel prints.
• Bring snow inside in a bin with scoops and cups for a quick sensory activity.

Sledding with little ones

Most park districts have gentle sledding hills. For toddlers and preschoolers:

• Pick a small slope covered in snow, not ice, with a long, flat run-out, away from trees, fences, roads and water.
• Sled feet first or sitting up. The American Academy of Pediatrics says this may prevent head injuries compared with lying down head first.
• Children younger than 5 should ride with an adult, and older children still need an adult watching.
• Consider a helmet. The AAP suggests one for sledding, and a winter sports helmet fits best over a hat.
• Choose a sled you can steer and stop. Snow discs and inner tubes are hard to control.

Ice skating

Many north suburbs have indoor rinks with learn-to-skate classes for young children, such as the Glenview Community Ice Center. Outdoor rinks open in some parks when it is cold enough. Start with a skate aid or a parent holding hands, and keep sessions short. Use only rinks run by the park district or another operator, never frozen ponds.

Winter walks and nature

Forest preserves and nature centers stay open in winter, and a short walk on a sunny afternoon is a great reset. Many nature centers also run winter programs for little ones. See our guide to nature centers for kids.

Holiday light shows this season

• Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe: November 13, 2026 to January 3, 2027, on select nights. The trail is about 1.3 miles, strollers are allowed, and tickets are timed, so book ahead.
• ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo: about November 20, 2026 to January 3, 2027, from 4:30 to 9 pm. Tickets are needed for everyone, including babies. Most Mondays are free with registration.

For younger toddlers, an early time slot on a weeknight is usually calmer. See our holiday lights guide for more.

Cold-weather safety

• Dress in layers: a wicking base layer, a warm middle layer and a waterproof outer layer, plus hat, mittens and boots. The AAP's rule of thumb is that young children need one more layer than an adult in the same weather.
• No puffy coats in car seats. Buckle your child in regular clothes, then put the coat on backward or a blanket over the straps.
• Watch for frostbite: red or pale skin on fingers, toes, ears or cheeks. Head inside if your child is shivering or wet, and change out of wet clothes right away.
• Take breaks: young children lose heat fast. Set a time limit and come inside to warm up, often every 20 to 30 minutes on very cold days.
• Check the wind chill. On the coldest days, keep play short or move it indoors.

See how to dress a toddler for winter.

Indoor backups

When it is too cold, try a children's museum, a park district play space or a library storytime. See indoor play places for toddlers and library storytimes.

Frequently asked questions

How cold is too cold for toddlers to play outside?

There is no single number. Watch the wind chill, dress in layers, keep play short and bring children inside if they are wet, shivering or uncomfortable.

Can toddlers go sledding?

Yes, on gentle hills with an adult on the sled, sitting up or feet first, away from trees and roads.

Should kids wear helmets for sledding?

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests considering one, especially on faster hills.

Outdoor time at Children's Land

Children go outdoors daily at Children's Land when the weather permits, and our centers have indoor gyms for the coldest days. Parents provide warm clothing for playground time and stroller walks. Find a location or contact us.

Related reading: Things to Do With Kids in Glenview, IL: A Local Guide.