Top 8 Indoor Things To Do in Winter + #Giveaway!

With the crazy weather, us Chicagoans are braving the elements…but with two little ones, I am staying inside! Here are 8 things you can do with the kids so you don’t go totally insane. PLUS- make sure to enter the giveaway below!!

8. Packing peanuts. They might be the world’s most annoying object- the are so static-y that you physically can’t throw them away. But….they make great indoor snow angel material!

7. Has anyone been to a Monster Truck Jam? I am SO insanely curious, and not just about the onstage activities. I’ll bet they have great souvenirs! Here is
the schedule: http://www.monsterjam.com/Events/ They are coming to Rosemont February 5th-8th if you are up for it- just make sure to bring ear plugs 🙂

6. I love the snow- from inside my house. I used to adore ski trips, ice skating and sled hills when I was little, but I soon realized when I had kids of my own that it takes a LOT of effort to get suited up and out the door for just a few minutes of finger-numbing fun. Bring the snow indoors, toss in some kitchen gadgets, and let them go to town.

5. Bringing toddlers to a bowling alley at 9pm isn’t on the list of best things to do. If you still want to give bowling a shot, head to Pinstripes- they have Open Tot Bowling Monday-Friday 10am-12pm specifically for preschoolers. Cost is $5/kid (caregivers are free) with a limit of 4 kids/adult. Check out their schedule to confirm dates and times! http://pinstripes.com/

4. A huge bonus about our new home is that the kitchen sink is massive. I mean, it is the size of a small jacuzzi- perfect to toss the kids in and popping in a movie. We do “bath and a movie” at our house when I need to get the kids and kitchen cleaned at the same time.

3. When I told a few people that I took Bryson to an improv show, they got this skeptical look on their faces. My son is sweet, but not the most…quiet of children. I actually took him to Storytown in Lakeview- The kids help design the set and even participate in the acts.. Ideal for ages 3-10, fun for the whole fam (I even brought Charlotte along!): http://storytownimprov.com/

2. Just in time for Valentine’s Day- take a trip to the Hershey’s Store on Michigan Avenue. I didn’t know they had actual events such as: Factory Worker for a Day, Wrap Happiness where they get their photo on a chocolate bar, and a visit to the Bake Shoppe- an assortment of freshly baked goodies topped with Hershey products. Check out the site for info: http://www.hersheys.com/chocolateworld/locations/chicago

1. And my top pick for things to do this winter? Chicago Family Palooza in St. Charles! This event is sure to be a boredom buster and tire those kids out for a long winter nap after. This jam-packed event is coming up on February 28th and March 1st and runs from 10am to 6pm each day. Here is a sample of things for your family to enjoy:

  • Magic Acts
  • Zip Line
  • Rock Climbing
  • Jugglers
  • Train Rides
  • Petting Zoo
  • Face Painters
  • Inflatables

Tickets are $8 for General Admission, and $15 for the Premium Wristband which includes GA activities and rock climbing, moon jumps, obstacles courses and more! You can save $2 off admission by purchasing online before the event. Check out the details here: http://www.chicagofamilypalooza.com/

Want to attend this event with your family for FREE? I am giving away a family pack to one lucky winner that includes General Admission for each member, PLUS a bonus Premium Ticket for each member as well! The Premium Tickets are valid for activities such as Zip Line, Euro Bungee Jump, Face Painting, Sand Art and Caricature Portraits. Enter via the Rafflecopter below and don’t miss this spectacular way to get the family moving in the middle of winter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received complimentary passes to Family Palooza for review purposes, but all opinions are honest and my own.

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