With fall quarter winding down, you’ll finally have some free time (except when you’re too busy crying over papers and exams at the library). Not sure what to do with this immense amount of free time you have all of a sudden? Here are some places you can go to explore in Chicago!
Millenium Park
This is as stereotypical as you can get, but it’s SO worth it, especially if you’re a first timer. This is where you find the Cloud Gate aka the Bean, and the Crown Fountain aka the artsy fountain with people’s faces. Now until March 9th, there’s an ice skating rink open, and there’s also caroling at the Bean every Friday at 6pm until Christmas!
Hours & Fees for the McCormick Tribune Ice Skating Rink:
Monday through Thursday, 12pm – 8pm
Friday, 12pm – 10pm
Saturday and Sunday, 10am – 9pm
Free to skate, $10 to rent skates
The Skydeck/The Observatory
Visit the Skydeck to feel like you’re on top of the world! Or at least on top of Chicago, anyways. Standing on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower, you’re 1,353 feet above the ground and can easily see past Chicago if you go on a good day. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you can step out onto the Ledge, the glass box that extends out 4.3 feet from the Skydeck. Think it’s too far from the Intercampus stop? Alternatively, you can also check out the Observatory at the John Hancock Tower. Stand on the 94th floor of the building to look at not just Chicago, but also Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan!
Hours and Fees:
The Skydeck – Open everyday from 9am to 10pm. $18
The Observatory – Open everyday from 9am to 11pm. $18
Navy Pier
It might be a bit freezing to visit in the winter but it’s still a pretty spectacular place to visit. Starting December 6th until January 12th, the Winter WonderFest is taking place with all kinds of attractions and rides. Go spin around in giant hot chocolate cups, zip down a 28-foot zip line, or be a 5 year old all over again to slide down the inflatable slides complete with penguins and polar bears.
Hours and Fees for the Winter WonderFest:
Monday through Thursday, 10am – 5pm
Saturday, 10am -10pm
Sunday, 10am – 8pm
$20 for a premium wristband or $16 for a regular wristband (excludes entrance and rental fees for the Chicago Blackhawks Indoor Ice Skating Rink)
Christkindl Market
Open every year from the day before Thanksgiving to the day before Christmas, visit the Christkindl Market to have the German experience in Chicago. Admission is free but be prepared to spend some money. It’s almost impossible to look through the Market without wanting to eat the German food, drink the hot ciders and beers, and buy the Christmas ornaments sold here.
Hours:
Sunday through Thursday, 11am – 8pm
Friday and Saturday, 11am – 9pm
Lincoln Park Zoo
Don’t want to head downtown? Have no fear, the Lincoln Park Zoo is here. This place has everything from animals to ice skating. If you go on a Friday or a Saturday, you can also experience ZooLights, complete with lights and festive holiday activities.
Hours:
10am – 5pm for the zoo
12pm – 9pm for ice skating ($5 for admission, $5 for skate rentals)
5pm – 9pm for ZooLights