Winter brings cold temperatures to the Chicago area, but that doesn’t mean families have to stay indoors. Living in Chicago’s western suburbs means having access to winter activities that get everyone outdoors and moving around. Bring along the hot chocolate and energy-boosting snacks and head to one of these destinations for a day of fresh-air fun.

Skiing and Snowboarding in Lisle

Families who enjoy skiing or those who want to give it a try for the first time should make plans to visit Four Lakes Ski and Snowboard Area this winter. Located in Lisle, Four Lakes offers skiing and snowboarding for all skill levels. Families can rent skis and other equipment to use on the slopes, which are open from 4 PM to 10 PM Monday through Friday. Four Lakes also holds special events and extra hours at times, such as late night Saturdays each month.

Outdoor Ice Skating in Naperville

Naperville offers several outdoor ice skating rinks for families to use from December 15 through February 15. A few of these rinks have lighting available at dusk and are open until 10 PM. These include the rinks at Centennial Park, Commissioners Park and Nike Sports Complex. Other rinks do not have lighting available and close at dusk. These include the rinks at Meadow Glens, Gartner Park and Rotary Hill. Visit the Naperville Park District website to check the status of these rinks, since they sometimes close due to weather conditions.

Sledding in Naperville

When there’s snow on the ground, one of best activities to enjoy is sledding. Families in DuPage County can bring their sleds to one of Naperville’s sledding hills for a thrilling time. Sledding hills in Naperville are located in Arrowhead Park, Brook Crossings, Country Lakes Park, Gartner Park, May Watts Park and Rotary Hill. Keep in mind that these hills are only open for sledding when there’s at least two inches of snow on the ground and no visible grass. Sled hills in local parks close at dusk.

Snow Tubing at Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville

For an outdoor activity a bit more challenging than sledding and ice skating, head to Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville for snow tubing. This activity involves tubing down Mount Hoy, an 800-foot hill located in the preserve. Families can rent inner tubes between 9 AM and 4 PM when the ground in the area has more than three inches of snow. Snow tubing is available through February on weekends and on school holidays.

Snowshoeing at Morton Arboretum in Lisle

Try an energetic hike through the snow at Morton Arboretum in Lisle. Families can rent snowshoes on days when the ground has more than four inches of snow. This provides snow that’s deep enough for snowshoeing. This activity is available from 7 AM through sunset from December through mid-March. Keep in mind that visitors who snowshoe must stay on designated paths and trails at the arboretum.

For more information on living in Chicago’s western Suburbs, please contact us today.