(Courtesy Gallagher Way Chicago)
1. Slide
The winter weather makes excellent conditions for Ice Bumper Cars, where you can bump, slide and spin on Gallagher Way’s ice rink. Riders must be at least 7 years old and 42 inches tall to ride alone, according to organizers.
Details: 5-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday and Saturday; 3-7 p.m. Sunday through Jan. 30 at Gallagher Way, 3635 N. Clark St. $15 / MAP
2. Explore
Winter birds and wildlife can be found all around the city with a little snow trekking. Check out Burnham Park’s prairie and woodland trails or Northerly Island’s lakefront prairie while enjoying fantastic views of the Windy City. Note: there must be at least 3 inches of snow for the event to occur.
Burnham Park details: 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday at 1200-5700 S. Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable Lake Shore Drive. $5 / MAP
Northerly Island Park details: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday at 1521 S. Linn White Drive. $5 / MAP
3. Shop
Now that the holidays are over, treat yourself at Handmade Market Chicago, featuring more than 30 artists and vendors selling unique and handmade goods.
Details: Noon-4 p.m. Saturday at Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave. Free / MAP
4. Flow
The R&B Yoga Series blends the peacefulness of yoga with the thought-provoking sounds of R&B music. Jill Scott Yoga kicks off the three-part series that’s designed to help you release tension, establish good habits and achieve your goals.
Details: Noon Saturdays at The Firehouse Community Arts Center of Chicago, 2111 S. Hamlin Ave. $12 per session / MAP
5. Search
Did you know bald eagles winter in Illinois? Catch a glimpse of them at Eagle Watch, where you can take guided hikes, listen to presentations with live birds and search for the majestic raptors roosting in trees or circling overhead for food.
Details: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 S. Walnut Lane, Channahon. Free / MAP
The Forest Preserve District of Will County’s “Eagle Watch” is set for 11 a.m. to -3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 8, at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon. (Photo by Forest Preserve staff / Chad Merda)
6. Move
At Fit for Good: Fitness Bootcamp, founder Danielle Stanley leads you through a 45-minute circuit training that combines simple, effective and low-impact strength exercises for a full body workout. All fitness levels welcome.
Details: 7:30-8:15 a.m. Saturdays through Jan. 29 at Pump High Energy Fitness Center, 1945 E. 71st St. $15 / MAP
7. Light up
Just because the holidays are over, doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy festive lights. Keep the holiday spirit going at the Let it Shine Lightshow and enjoy synchronized light displays from the comfort – and warmth – of your own car.
Details: 4:30-10 p.m. daily through Sunday at Wintrust Field, 1999 S. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. $29.99 weekdays; $39.99 weekends / MAP
8. Jog
A morning run hosted by Fleet Feet Running Club in Lincoln Square will help start the new year off on the right foot. Participants meet at the store and run to the North Shore Channel Trail. BYO water.
Details: 8 a.m. Saturday at Fleet Feet Lincoln Square, 4762 N. Lincoln Ave. Free / MAP
9. Design
Whether you’ve been planning for “The Big Day” your entire life or just started thinking about it, you’ll find all you need to know – and more at the Bridal & Wedding Expo. Meet with vendors like florists, makeup artists, DJs and photographers, and watch a bridal fashion show for the latest trends.
Details: Noon-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. Free with online registration; $10 at the door / MAP
10. Rewind
Take a musical journey back in time at “8-Track: The Sounds of the 70s,” with tunes from The Carpenters, Patti LaBelle, Barry Manilow, Marvin Gaye and more as a cast of eight move through 50 songs. Get a preview from Hedy Weiss.
Details: 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 7 p.m. Sunday through Jan. 23 at Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre, 721 Howard St. Evanston. $35 / MAP
Chamaya Moody (left) and Wesly Anthony Clerge perform n “8-Track.” (Photo by Liz Lauren)
Events listed are subject to change. We recommend double-checking times and locations before you head out the door. Want to share your upcoming events with us for consideration in a future roundup? Send us an email.
