The simplest of winter pleasures — catching snowflakes, dropping a marshmallow in a mug of hot chocolate — can achieve the most extreme happiness for children. But when there’s energy to burn, try these events.
Winter WonderFest: It’s an inflatable paradise for youngsters during Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier with its bouncies and mazes. Other attractions include an indoor Ferris wheel, the Reindeer Express Train Ride and the Arctic Ice Rink. Admission is free, but a wristband is required to go on rides, $15-$19. Ice skate rentals are available (all prices subject to change). 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 4-19; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 20-Jan. 3; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 24, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Dec. 31, closed Dec. 25. 600 E. Grand Ave., navypier.com, 312-595-7437
Daley Plaza: Kids can share their wish lists and get pictures taken with Santa at Daley Plaza’s Santa House. Then stroll through the Christkindlmarket open-air market, where you’ll find everything from specialty foods to handmade Christmas decorations. Free. Opening ceremony and tree lighting 4 p.m. Nov. 25; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 26; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 27-Dec. 23; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 24. 50 W. Washington St., explorechicago.org, 877-244-2246
“Star of Wonder”: If you’ve ever found yourself stumped when trying to explain to your kids the celestial event that prompted the Three Kings to travel to Bethlehem, the Adler Planetarium’s “Star of Wonder” holiday special can help. $5-$10 (plus general admission). 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 23-Jan. 3. 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, adlerplanetarium.org, 312-922-7827
Cosley Zoo: Kids can create animal-themed holiday crafts in Santa’s Craft Corner at Cosley Zoo during their Festival of Lights and Trees. Enjoy holiday music while visiting exhibits of domestic farm animals and native wildlife. Families can shop for a Christmas tree in the tree lot and find unique holiday gifts in the shop. Free ($2 suggested donation and additional fees for photos with Santa). 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 28, Dec. 5 and 12, 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton, cosleyzoo.org, 630-665-5534
St. Nicholas Day: On St. Nicholas Day, learn about the origins of Santa Claus and Christmas traditions around the world. The interactive program features veteran performer and historian Terry Lynch as St. Nick. $5-$7. 4-5 p.m. Dec. 6, Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville, napersettlement.org, 630-420-6010
Supper with Santa: Slurp up some noodles at a spaghetti dinner with Santa. Enjoy crafts, games, music and more (extra fee for photos with Santa). $4-$6. 4-8 p.m. Dec. 3, Cultural & Civic Center of Round Lake Beach, 2007 Civic Center Way, Round Lake Beach, rlbciviccenter.org, 847-546-2002
