Seasonal Activities
Travel Inspiration
Every season brings new opportunities for adventure in the Chicago Southland. Whether you like snow or sun, there is fun in your future.
Here are some seasonal activities to try out:
Winter
- Try out some snowshoes, watch an ice sculptor create winterart and enjoy s'mores at the Snow Day Festival at Plum Creek Nature Center.
- Race your friends and family down the 300 feet of 50-degree hills at Swallow Cliff Woods in Palos Park.
- Stay warm and shop in one of the Chicago Southland’s three shopping malls/centers.
Spring
- Take in some trails on horseback with A Ranch 394 in Chicago Heights, which offers one-hour trail rides as well as pony rides.
- Celebrate Irish Heritage with one of the many parades and festivals related to St. Patrick’s Day, or head to Irish Fest at Chicago Gaelic Park in Oak Forest in August.
- Stretch out your legs and get rid of the winter blahs with a ride or walk down the 22-mile Old Plank Road Trail.
Summer
- Discover local nature you never knew at one of the several nature centers around the Chicago Southland.
- Get your motor running by visiting one of the many cruise nights around the region.
- Find the freshest produce and the craftiest vendors at the farmers’ markets around the Chicago Southland.
- Enjoy the wild prairie swales under a big blue sky while checking out 30 monumental sculptures at Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park at Governors State University in University Park.
Fall
- Visit over 300 crafters at the Frankfort Fall Fest in Frankfort on Labor Day weekend.
- Take a hike through the acres of forest preserves to experience the changing colors of the season.
- Learn more about butterflies during the Lake Katherine Butterfly Fest every September or rent a canoe for a leisurely paddle at the Lake Katherine Nature Center.
Related Articles
Discover a Gateway to History and Hospitatlity at the Chicago Southland Lincoln Oasis
02/13/2025 Kim Kislowski
Nestled at the crossroads of America's most iconic highways lies a true gem: the Chicago Southla... READ MORE
Nestled at the crossroads of America's most iconic highways lies a true gem: the Chicago Southla... READ MORE
Unique and Unusual
02/13/2025 Kim Kislowski
Looking for a unique way to explore the Chicago Southland? Add just a pinch of the peculiar to your ... READ MORE
Looking for a unique way to explore the Chicago Southland? Add just a pinch of the peculiar to your ... READ MORE
Cross Cultural Exchange
02/06/2025 Kim Kislowski
The entire Chicagoland area is a rich melting pot of multicultural cuisine, celebrations and shops. ... READ MORE
The entire Chicagoland area is a rich melting pot of multicultural cuisine, celebrations and shops. ... READ MORE
Picture Perfect
02/06/2025 Kim Kislowski
Picture this: stunning backdrops, historic locales, serene natural surroundings, mouthwatering meals... READ MORE
Picture this: stunning backdrops, historic locales, serene natural surroundings, mouthwatering meals... READ MORE
THINGS TO DO
EVENTS
DINING
ACCOMMODATIONS
PLAN YOUR TRIP
BLOG
MEETINGS
SPORTS
GROUP TOURS
SOCIAL EVENTS
MEDIA
MEMBERSHIP
ABOUT US
FACEBOOK
YOUTUBE
TWITTER
INSTAGRAM
LINKEDIN
TRIP ADVISOR
CONTACT US SITE MAP PRIVACY POLICY & DISCLAIMER
© Copyright 2001-2025 Visit Chicago Southland. All Rights Reserved. Developed by J Rudny, LLC
19900 Governors Drive, Suite 200| Olympia Fields, IL 60461-1057
(708) 895-8200 | Toll Free (888) 895-8233 | FAX (708) 895-8288