Punxsutawney Phil predicted six more weeks of winter … Woodstock Willie did not. Since we’re optimists — and “Groundhog Day” was filmed in Woodstock — we’re going with Willie.
So get out there and have some winter fun before it’s too late!
Skating
Ice skating at Millennium Park has ended for the season, but there are plenty of other places to skate outdoors:
- Also in the Loop, the Maggie Daley Skating Ribbon is open through early March, but make sure you reserve a spot in advance! Skate rentals there are pricier than at other parks, about $17.
- Find skating at Warren Park, Midway Plaisance, and Mount Greenwood Park through Feb. 17. Skate rentals are $7.
- In Wrigleyville, Gallagher Ice Rink hosts skating lessons through Feb. 15 and, on Feb. 6, a “Wicked”-themed skate night. Rink access costs $6 and skate rentals cost $16.
Sledding
While you can’t exactly hit the slopes in Chicago, you can hit plenty of beloved park hills:
- Warren Park in West Ridge (a skating two-fer!)
- Big Gomps in North Park
- Cricket Hill in Uptown
- Soldier Field in South Loop
- Palmisano Park in Bridgeport
- Dan Ryan Woods in Beverly
- Mount Trashmore in Evanston (at your own risk)
There’s a chance of snow tonight and tomorrow!
Curling at the Gwen Hotel. (Courtesy of Gene Yoon)
Curling, Hot-Tubbing, and Bumper-Car-ing
I recently regaled you with tales from my hot-tub adventure down the Chicago river … Chicago Boat Company runs its hot tub boats rain (or snow) or shine as long as temps stay above 20 degrees. A weeknight ride costs about $50 per person.
If you’re more for chills than thrills, though, there’s Gwen’s Winter Curl & Chill at the Gwen Hotel. Curling on the hotel’s rooftop terrace runs through March and costs $25 per person. Fondue costs extra, but you gotta do ‘due! (Valentine’s Day is, unsurprisingly, booked up.)
Meanwhile, Winterland at Gallagher Way continues. Christmas may be long over, but you can still play ice bocce ($150 per group) or rent ice bumper cars ($10), as well as skate, outside of Wrigley Field through Feb. 15.
