Hello Winter

Hello Winter Photo

Willowbrook Ice Arena Public Skate

Fridays from 7:15 – 8:45 PM and Sundays from 1:30-3 PM
willowbrookicearena.com

For ice skating that isn’t dependent on the weather, head to the Willowbrook Ice Arena to learn new skating skills or sharpen up old ones! All ages can enjoy this public skating opportunity for a low cost through February. Dates and times are subject to change; check the website for the most up-to-date information.

Snow Tubing at Mount Hoy

Open through February on weekends and school holidays.
dupageforest.org

The Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville has over 1300 acres of natural beauty, making it one of the most spectacular spots for winter activities in the Chicagoland area. Once there’s enough snow on the ground (usually at least 3 inches), Mount Hoy opens for an 800-foot slide down the hill. Inner tube rentals are available for $10/day.

Burns Field Ice Rink in Hinsdale

Weather permitting
villageofhinsdale.org

The Village of Hinsdale Parks and Recreation Department offers access to a temporary ice rink in Burns Field Park, located at 320 N. Vine St. Be aware of signs at the park and other media updates to know whether or not the rink is open. Be safe, and have fun!

“Fiddler on the Roof” at the Drury Lane Theatre

January 24 – March 24
drurylanetheatre.com

Enter the village of Anatevka, where Tevye, a milkman, lives with his wife and five strong-willed daughters. With the help of his tight-knit Jewish community, Tevye tries to protect his daughters and instill them with traditional values in the face of political and social change in Czarist Russia. This classic musical was honored with nine Tony Awards during its initial Broadway run, including “Best Musical.” Showtimes vary by date.

Winter Fest Lake Geneva

January 24 – February 4
visitlakegeneva.com

Visit Lake Geneva, and the City of Lake Geneva proudly presents the 29th Annual Winterfest, featuring the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Championship. This is the only national snow sculpting championship in the United States and features the top sculpting teams nationwide. Admission to this event is free.

Elmhurst Memorial Hospital Foundation’s Chef Fest

February 1 at Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace
eehealth.org

Come out to support Elmhurst Hospital Memorial Foundation with Chef Fest, a fundraising event featuring a variety of signature menu items produced by chefs from prominent local restaurants, bakeries, and caterers. Proceeds from Chef Fest support future service enhancements to ensure Elmhurst Hospital maintains its commitment to delivering state-of-the-art healthcare to the community.

Downers Grove Ice Fest

Ice fest courtesy of 726 Visuals

February 2 – February 4
downtowndg.org

Enjoy live ice carving demonstrations on Saturday and Sunday at the Main Street Train Station. Enjoy all the creative ice sculptures lining the sidewalks of downtown Downers Grove, and make sure to stop in your favorite boutiques and restaurants.

Westmont Park District’s Winter

Beer Festival
February 17 from
3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
westmontparks.org

Don’t let the cold stop you from grabbing a cold one! At the 2024 Winter Beer Festival, participants will receive 20 four-ounce pours of various craft beer selections. The event will also have heated and lighted tents, bonfires, outdoor seating, and food trucks.

The 57th Annual Elmhurst University Jazz Festival

February 22 – February 25
elmhurst.edu

This is a musical extravaganza you don’t want to miss. Elmhurst University calls this annual festival “a special happening: a rare blend of educational enrichment and exciting entertainment.” The event will be both in person at Hammerschimdt Chapel at Elmhurst University, but it also will be available online to stream.

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Kristina and Matthew Bailey began reading books to their son, Owen when he was six months old— they haven’t stopped.
Owen turned 4 in June and recently received an award from the Clarendon Hills Public Library for having had 1,000 books read to him before starting kindergarten.

The library’s 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge is one of a few reading challenge programs offered in Clarendon Hills, where the Bailey family has lived for the past 2 1/2 years.
Kristin Bailey said she saw an ad about the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge and decided it was a good fit for Owen.

“He’s always been really into books,” Bailey said. “He had a natural interest in books at nine months old. That’s when COVID started, and he didn’t get out much, so reading books to him worked out very well. He’s a naturally curious kid, and imagination-building is important. The reading allows him to learn and explore new things, and he really wants to learn to read now.”

Krista Devlin, the Clarendon Hills library’s youth services librarian, said there’s a specific reason The Friends of the Library-sponsored 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge was started in 2022.

“Reading aloud to a child is one of the best ways to help develop important early literacy skills, which will prepare them for kindergarten,” Devlin said. “It is also a great way to bond with your child and to encourage a love of reading.”

Devlin said Owen was the second child to reach the challenge of having 1,000 books read to him before starting kindergarten. He was awarded a certificate, a crown, and his picture was taken to recognize his accomplishment.

Bailey, who said she is “a big reader,” said her family usually goes to the library once a week. Reading three books each night to Owen, along with a book before nap time, is the household normal.

“Consistency in our routine has been good and is important,” she said, adding that Owen’s two sisters, ages 2 1/2 and 1

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