We will all be looking for ways to get out of the house this winter in East DuPage County! So Macaroni KID Downers Grove - Elmhurst - La Grange has put together a list to help you find fun things to do this winter with your family in East DuPage County during the winter months.
Know of an attraction or have a favorite local winter activity you don't see listed here? Let us know at erica.alhorn@macaronikid.com!
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Outdoor winter fun in Downers Grove & East DuPage County
Fresh air is good for the soul — not to mention it helps to get the wiggles out of the kids. Here are some fun outdoor activities in Downers Grove and nearby towns you can enjoy this winter:
Ice Skating at Elmhurst YMCA Outdoor Rink
211 W. First Street
Elmhurst, IL 60126
(630) 834- 9200
Open skate hours:
- Sunday 12:30pm-2:00pm
- Tuesday 11:45am-12:45pm
- Thursday 11:45am-12:45pm
- Friday 7:00pm-8:00pm (family skate) 8:15pm-9:15pm
- Saturday 1:30pm-3:00pm.
- Call The Rink hotline for daily hours due to weather conditions 630-834-9214
Prices:
- Free for Members
- Non-Member: Child $5, Adult $7
- SKATE RENTAL: $5
Other Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks:
- Burns Field, Hinsdale
- Central Park, Oakbrook
- Eldridge Park Lagoon, Elmhurst
- Madison Meadow Ice Rink, Lombard
- Prince Pond, Downers Grove
Sledding at Oak Brook Central Park
1450 Forest Gate Road
Oak Brook, IL 60523
Details:
The sledding hills at Central Park in Oak Brook were renovated a few years ago and constructed with excess dirt that was excavated from other park projects. They also have two tow ropes to help get you back up to the top!
Hours:
Park is open Dawn to Dusk
More Great Local Sledding Hills:
- Ben Allison Park, Elmhurst**
- Berens Park, Elmhurst
- Concord Park, Downers Grove
- Crestview Park, Elmhurst**
- Ebersold Park, Downers Grove
- Eldridge Park, Elmhurst**
- Gilbert Park, Downers Grove
- Kingston Park, Lisle
- O'Brien Park, Downers Grove
- Prospect Park, Clarendon Hills
- Sunset Knoll Park, Lombard
- Westchester Woods, Cermak Ave.
**toddler friendly!
Berens Park, Elmhurst |
Snowshoeing or Snow Skiiing at Morton Arboretum
4100 Illinois Route 53
Lisle, IL 60532
Details:
Rentals are available on a first come, first served basis when there are 4 or more inches of snow. Rentals are available January 18 through March 16, 2025. Not included with admission.
Prices:
- Cross-Country Skis: $25, Member cost: $23
- Snow Shoes: Adults: $20, Member cost: $18, Children (ages 10 and younger): $17, Member cost $15
Poles rented separately: $3
Where Else to Rent Snowshoes:
- Blackwell Woods, Wheaton
- Fullersburg Woods, Oakbrook
- Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Bolingbrook
- Lyman Woods, Downers Grove
- Lincoln Marsh, Wheaton
Skiing & Snowboarding at Four Lakes
5750 Lakeside Dr.
Lisle, IL 60532
Details:
Four Lakes Alpine Snowsports has been around for over 60 years. They offer lessons, day passes, rentals, and an on-site lodge for Apres-Ski. Also a fun fact: Four Lakes is where I learned to ski as a kid! 😃
Prices:
- One day slope tickets: $26-$34
- Family 4-pack: $90-110
- Rentals: $23-$33
Indoor winter fun in Downers Grove & East DuPage County
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Sometimes you want to get out of the house, but the weather outside is not ideal! Here are some ideas on indoor fun in Downers Grove and surrounding East DuPage area this winter:
Go Bowling at Pinstripes
7 Oakbrook Center Mall
Oak Brook, IL 60523
(630) 575-8700
Details: During lunch, kids get 1 hour of free gaming with purchase of kids meal. And Kids Eat Free on Wednesdays!
More information: https://www.pinstripes.com/oak-brook
Play Arcade Games at Dave & Busters
306 Yorktown Shopping Center
Lombard, IL 60148
(630) 426-5000
Details: On Wednesdays, all games are half priced! They also have a winter season pass for unlimited gaming and food/drink savings!
More information: https://www.daveandbusters.com/us/en/about/locations/lombard
Ride the Indoor Roller Coaster or Bumper Cars at Safari Land
701 W. North Avenue
Villa Park, Illinois 60181
(630) 530-4649
Details: On Weekdays they have an unlimited ride wristband for $35,
More information: https://safarilandfun.com/
More winter fun!
Here are some craft ideas, recipes, and more to help you fill these winter days:
10 Ways To Keep Your Family Active at Home |
Fizzy Dinosaur Eggs Are Fun to Make |
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Berens Park, Elmhurst
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5 Ways for Your Kids to Have Indoor Fun with Snow
How to Make Easy Paper Plate Suncatchers
Fizzy Dinosaur Eggs Are Fun to Make
How to Make Bubble Wrap Art
