Whether you’re looking to celebrate the beginning of a new year or explore winter nature, there is something to do for all interests just beyond the city limits.

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New Year's Eve

Thursday, December 31st
NOON YEAR'S EVE
Children's Museum in Oak Lawn
5100 Museum Drive, Oak Lawn
(708) 423-6709
There will be crafts, games and party favors starting at 10:00 AM with a balloon drop at noon! Bring the kids out to help count down the "Noon" Year! There is no additional cost for this event other than your general admission fee.
10AM-12PM

Thursday, December 31st
CHILDREN'S NOON YEAR'S EVE CELEBRATION
Homewood Auditorium
2010 Chestnut Street, Homewood
(708) 206-3393
Bid farewell to the departing year and usher in the new year together as a family during this daytime celebration. This event features live entertainment and a giant balloon drop at the stroke of noon. Snacks will be available following the festivities!
10:30AM-1PM

Thursday, December 31st
NEW YEAR'S EVE KIDS' COUNTDOWN & SKATE
Ice Arena
9320 South Kenton Avenue, Oak Lawn
(708) 857-5173
Balloon drop over ice, party hats and DJ Music.
11AM-1:30PM

Thursday, December 31st
ZOO YEAR'S EVE
Brookfield Zoo
3300 Golf Road, Brookfield
(708) 688-8000
Rock in the "Zoo Year 2016" with your friends at Brookfield Zoo! In the Holly Jolly Theater there will be live DJ music, games, party favors, prizes and an early countdown at 8:00PM. At the Hamill Family Play Zoo you can make your own noisemaker. This area is perfect for families with children ages 6 and under.
6PM

Thursday, December 31st
NYE 2016 MASQUERADE CELEBRATION
Odyssey Country Club
19110 Ridgeland Avenue, Tinley Park
(708) 429-7400
Six hour event with Premium OPEN Bar, entertainment, photobooth, hors d'oeuvres, dinner, dessert and late night stations. Champagne toast parade and confetti celebration countdown! This is a 21 and over event.
7PM-1AM

Explore Nature

Saturday, January 2nd
WEE WONDERS SERIES
Sand Ridge Nature Center
15891 Paxton Avenue, South Holland
(708) 868-0606
Kids ages 3-6 are invited to their very own nature program. We'll explore a different seasonal subject each month.
10AM

Saturday, January 2nd
LIVE HEALTHY, DISCOVER NATURE! HIKE
Sand Ridge Nature Center
15891 Paxton Avenue, South Holland
(708) 868-0606
You should live healthy and discover nature on a winter hike with the naturalists at Sand Ridge Nature Center. Experts will lead a vigorous two-mile hike on their trails.
1:30PM

Sunday, January 3rd
PIONEER LIVING
Sand Ridge Nature Center
15891 Paxton Avenue, South Holland
(708) 868-0606
Have you ever wondered what life was like 200 years ago? Visit our cabins and find out what Illinois’ pioneers experienced.
1:30PM

Holiday Fun

Saturday, January 2nd
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Lansing Historical Museum (Lower Level of Lansing Public Library)
2750 Indiana Avenue, Lansing
(708) 474-7497
The Festival of Lights is an exhibit of more than 30 Christmas trees and displays depicting holiday celebrations from around the world and in town.
10AM-1PM

Saturday, January 2nd
STEP BACK INTO A 1950s CHRISTMAS EXHIBIT
1950s Park Forest House Museum
227 Monee Road, Park Forest
(708) 481-4252
Teach the kids about a nostalgic look at Christmas past, decorated in vintage Christmas, including Gurley Candles and rotating metal Black Forest Green tree.
1-3:30PM

Learn Something New

Saturday, January 2nd - Sunday, January 3rd
BEGINNER CROSS-COUNTRY SKI LESSONS
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center
12545 West 111th Street, Lemont
(630) 257-2045
Learn to ski with a professional instructor. Lessons cover the basic skills of flatland skiing and getting up and down easy hills. Ages 12 & up. First come, first serve. Limit 12. Reservations not accepted. Please arrive by 9AM for registration and equipment fitting. $20/person
9:30AM

Saturday, January 2nd
SNOWSHOE HIKE
Little Red Schoolhouse
9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs
(708) 839-6897
Learn how to use snowshoes as we explore the wonderful winter world outside. Requires a minimum 4” snow base. Ages 8 & up. Registration is required with a limit of 20 participants.
10AM-12PM

Ongoing
ABRAHAM LINCOLN: SELF MADE IN AMERICA
Chicago Southland Lincoln Oasis
700 East Tri-State Tollway, South Holland
(708) 596-8300
Last year the exhibit, "Abraham Lincoln: Self Made in America" came to the Chicago Southland Lincoln Oasis. The traveling exhibit was created by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Lincoln's birth. The exhibit features eight kiosks and covers Lincoln's childhood, the Lincoln-Douglas debates, the 1860 Presidential election, the Civil War, the 27th Amendment and Emancipation Proclamation, his assassination and other important periods and events in his life. This is a temporary exhibit, so don't miss the opportunity to learn about a famous part of America's history!
Open 7 days a week

Shopping for Deals

Friday, January 1st
JERRY ROSSEN PUBLIC AUCTIONS
Will County Fairgrounds
710 West Street, Peotone
(708) 997-0245
Auctions will include antiques, collectibles, furniture and more!
6PM

Saturday, January 2nd - Sunday, January 3rd
SWAP-O-RAMA FLEA MARKET
The Great Hall at the Tri-State Swap-O-Rama
4350 West 129th Street, Alsip
(708) 344-7300
Chicagoland's most modern indoor/outdoor permanent flea market. Over 800 individual booths of merchandise at bargain prices.
7AM-4PM

Sports

Friday, January 1st - Sunday, January 3rd
WINTER WONDERLAND ICE RINK
Centennial Park
15600 West Avenue at Fun Drive, Orland Park
(708) 403-7275
Skaters with their own skates may use the ice rink daily beginning at sunrise. The rink closes when the warming house closes. Weather permitting. (Bonfire Nights: January 1st - February 20th F 5-8:30PM; Sa-Su 3-6PM)
Warming house/Skate Rental Hours (subject to change) F 4-9PM; Sa 10AM-9PM; Su 12-7PM

Saturday, January 2nd - Sunday, January 3rd
CROSS-COUNTRY SKI TRAILS OPEN
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center
12545 West 118th Street, Lemont
(630) 257-2045
Trails will be opened and groomed as snow conditions permit. All skiers must obtain a free trail pass. Rentals available until 2PM. Rental equipment must be returned by 3:45PM. Rental Rates: Individual-$15; Senior-$10; Family-$40; Groups-call in advance, reservation only. Valid driver's license or $100 deposit required. Ages 18 & up or accompanied by parent or guardian. Equipment is for use at Sagawau only.
9AM-4PM

If you’re planning further ahead, please check our calendar.