Whether you’re looking to mush with the dogs or explore winter nature, there is something to do for all interests just beyond the city limits.

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Family Fun

Saturday, January 9th
MUSHER MANIA
Monee Reservoir
27341 Ridgeland Avenue, Monee
(708) 534-8499
Learn about the Siberian Husky, the Iditarod and the sport of mushing, then watch dog sled demos with the Siberian Husky Club of Greater Chicago. Some activities include: human mushing, snowshoe races, roasting marshmallows, warming up in the warming tent and petting a husky puppy. Outside vendors and exhibitors include: photos with a sled dog, ice sculpting and food vendors. Click here to see the Top 8 Things to do at Musher Mania!
12-4PM

Explore Nature

Saturday, January 9th
RESTORATION WORK DAYS
Little Red Schoolhouse
9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs
(708) 839-6897
Help restore wildlife habitat and nature will restore you. Individuals and families are welcome, but not suitable for kids ages 9 & under. Kids ages 10-14 must be accompanied by an adult.
10AM-12PM

Saturday, January 9th
WHERE DID THE COLD-BLOODED CREATURES GO?
Sand Ridge Nature Center
15891 Paxton Avenue, South Holland
(708) 868-0606
Discover the strategies that reptiles and amphibians use to survive in winter. Get a close-up look at our resident animals.
1:30PM

Sunday, January 10th
ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
Little Red Schoolhouse
9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs
(708) 839-6897
Many animals call our nature center home. Meet one of these animals during a casual afternoon encounter.
1:30PM

Learn Something New

Saturday, January 9th - Sunday, January 10th
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

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 8th
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 9th - Sunday, January 10th
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

Sunday, January 10th
STRICTLY STREET RODS: 25TH ANNUAL SWAP MEET
Will County Fairgrounds
710 West Street, Peotone
(708) 997-0245
This swap meet is open to all makes and model cars, parts and auto related items. Rodders, racers and restorers will love this! Admission is $5 , but free for ages 12 and under.
8AM-2PM

Sports

Saturday, January 9th - Sunday, January 10th
ILLINI HOCKEY SPECIAL EVENT
Ice Arena
9320 South Kenton Avenue, Oak Lawn
(708) 857-5173
The University of Illinois Hockey Team is taking over Oak Lawn Ice Arena in Oak Lawn and welcoming the Bulldogs of Adrian College. Tickets will be held at will call at the Oak Lawn Ice Arena the day of the game.
Sa 3:15PM; Su 2:45PM

Sunday, January 10th
SPORTS COLLECTIBLE SHOW
Orland Park Civic Center
14750 Ravinia Avenue, Orland Park
(708) 423-1758
Sports Collectible Show featuring sports cards, NASCAR, toys, comic books, collectible cards and more.
9AM-1PM

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