Top 10 ideas for fun-for-kids in Chicago for the holidays

As a gramma or grampa, you can use the holidays to create really special time for you and your grandkid(s). There’s so much to do in this great city. Below are my top ten fun-for-kids-in-Chicago ideas—and the great thing is a lot of them are free!

1. ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo. Gorgeous lights all through the zoo. Animals from all over the world. Live ice carving. Crafts. Good food, spiced wine and holiday gift shopping. Check the website for open dates and times. Donate a coat, hat, boots or other winter wear at one of the collection boxes around the park.
    
2. Join Groupon or Groupon Now! for deals on an amazing array of activities, food, gifts and shopping, and more. Search Groupon Now! by address and you’ll discover discounts and deals you can use today for coffee, food, entertainment, and more.
    
3. Find kid fun for the holidays and all year long at Chicagokids.com. They keep a calendar that lists events and activities for kids in Chicago. Click on the date(s) you’re looking for and see what springs up.
    
4. Check out ExploreChicago for holiday and all-year-round activities, events, exhibitions, and more. Search the events in Chicago calendar by keyword, activity type, and/or neighborhood.
    
5. Ice skating is always a fun time. My 50-something avid amateur hockey player brother still skates, even with his two hip replacements! Chicago has ten rinks, including one in Wrigleyville and the McCormick Tribune one downtown with a gorgeous view of the city skyline. All the rinks are outdoors except the McFetridge rink in California Park. Check out Chicago Park District for ice rink dates, times, locations.
    
6. Chicago Children’s Museum at Navy Pier. Okay, yes, it can be crazy crowded at the Pier, which is a major tourist attraction. Try to come on a day and at a time other than after work and weekends.
    
7. Here’s a really cool and unique idea for sharing with kids and/or friends. Visit Artsnspirits.com on N. Damen Avenue and create something together. They supply all the materials and the picture for you to emulate; you paint it and take it home. You are welcome to bring your champagne or other mind-altering libations and imbibe while you create---just like having a party at home where someone else cleans up. I love this idea! Check the calendar for the schedule and the various artworks you can choose from.
    
8. Christkindl Market at Daley Plaza downtown features live musical performances all season. Outdoor food, gifts, shopping and fun through December 24. Just make sure you explain ahead of time to your little one(s) that you’ll only be buying ONE thing… Check the Christkindl event calendar for holiday music downtown Chicago.
    
9. Take a quiet breather from the craziness of the holidays and walk the beautiful pathways of the Garfield Park Conservatory. They typically decorate for the holidays, but even without anything extra, the place is a serene haven from the madness of shopping, errands and chores. There’s a special kids’ spot with a big slide, a digging area, and a number of  interactive exhibits—plus, plants kids can touch and water. Don’t miss it.
    
10. Last but not least, consider visiting the Art Institute of Chicago. Not only will the kids get a chance to ooo and ahhh over huge sculptures and giant paintings, they can try one of the kid-focused crafts and activities the museum is always sponsoring, usually at no additional cost beyond entrance fees. And don’t forget, they have free family admission for Illinois residents on the first and second Wednesdays of every month.

Come on. There's something for every level of mental and physical energy. The holidays are a great time to help your little one experience the delights of Chicago---and the joy of togetherness with you.