8 DAYS OF WINTER BREAK FAMILY FUN

Winter break can mean long days of kids whining about being bored or zoning out in front of their electronic devices. Not this year! We’ve got a line-up of activities to keep the kids happy, active and engaged on those days off school at the end of the 2025 calendar year and start of the new year.

Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo Chicago

This high-wattage event is Chicagoland’s longest-running lights festival with more than two million LED lights transforming the park into a winter wonderland. It runs until Jan. 4, so you can get into the holiday spirit in advance of Christmas or let the festive feelings linger while you wander through post-holiday when things are quieter and crowds are a little smaller. The event includes a 3D gingerbread house, tunnel of lights and a 41-foot-tall tree with synchronized music.

Enchanted Castle Winter Break Unlimited Attractions Wristband

Get three hours of unlimited fun for this special $35 per guest promotion. Enjoy Go-Karts, Laser Tag, Miniature Golf, Catapult Ride, Bumper Cars and the Quest II Kids Playland. Offer is available 12/22 through 1/5. (Closed Christmas Eve & Christmas Day and offer not valid on New Year's Eve). 

Light Up Trail Walk

Head to Irons Oaks on December 18th through the 21st for the Light Up Trail Walk. On this 3rd annual all ages walk, nature and holiday vibes collide. Hot chocolate and s'mores are included in your ticket price.

Rail-watching

Bundle up and spend a little time experiencing the magic of watching trains - and you might even want to plan a ride to a stop along the route. The Homewood Railroad Viewing Platform and Park gives a unique perspective for train watching. The platform allows viewing of mainline/commuter rails with live switchyard audio. An underground walkway leading to the park displays murals depicting railway history. 

In the Game Hollywood Park

The fun at this family entertainment center goes beyond arcade games. Attractions include a fun slide, mini bowling, typhoon motion simulator and indoor bumper cars along with some great grub on their chef-crafted menu.

Sand Ridge Nature Center

Get the kids out for a brisk winter hike. Sand Ridge Nature Center's Trails are a perfect place to do so. Explore the outdoors when the world is quieter, the trees are bare, and the birds can be better seen. Indoors at the nature center are exhibits of native animals and their habitats.

Slick City Action Park

This new attraction is a world of exhilarating excitement full of slides to zoom down, climbing structures,  air courts and more. The Royal Flush is like a water park attraction without the water that will thrill you even when it's not a hot summer day. 

Haunted Trails Winter Break Unlimited Indoor Attractions Wristband

From 12/22 through 1/5, Haunted Trails Family Entertainment Center is offering a one-price wristband at $25 that allows you 3 hours of unlimited play that includes fun indoor attractions - Laser Tag, Monster Hop and Bone Shaker rides.

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