This Saturday will be the kind of day that Chicagoans treasure most and almost never take for granted. The kind that randomly happens in the middle of winter when all of the sudden the below zero bitterness, unprompted snowfall, and howling winds cease for about 24 hours, while unseasonably comfortable weather sneaks in to tease us for a little while.
Ladies and gentlemen, get ready for a wonderful high of 57º this Saturday. In case you couldn’t do the math, that’s almost 60º.
These are the days when we really let loose, and for good reason, since we’ve been hibernating for weeks on end. Don’t be surprised if you see a handful of overly excited people wearing shorts around town. In fact, one of us here recalls seeing a particularly enthusiastic man charge at Lake Michigan with a surf board on one such day last year when the temps jumped from below zero to a cool 45º.
We’re not saying you should grab the surf board just yet, but we are saying to make the most of Saturday. Might not happen again for a while. It’s bound to come up in conversation – “It’s gonna be reeeally nice out this weekend!” What will you say you’re doing?
Maggie Daley Park
This is as good a time as any to visit Maggie Daley Park. Whether you’re feeling active enough to tackle the climbing wall or just want to stroll around the fieldhouse, this is surely one of Chicago’s best outdoor attractions. Not to mention, it’ll keep kids distracted for hours on end.
Chicago Riverwalk
We just can’t get enough of the Riverwalk. It has changed so much over the years, and today it’s a prime Chicago destination. As you walk alongside the picturesque view of the Chicago River, you’ll find many stops along the way. It’ll soon be offering entertainment all year long, so that’s plenty reason to visit mid-January.
Ice Skating
If you totally slipped on your yearly commitment to go ice skating during the height of the winter season, fear not. The ice skating rink at Millennium Park will remain open until March 4. It’ll probably be less crowded since the holidays are over – perfect time to work on that axel jump.
Navy Pier
Hanging out at Navy Pier is the quintessential outdoor activity in Chicago, especially since all the changes that’ve taken place in the past year to make it more of an every-day attraction instead of its previous “carnivalesque” concept. Stroll the pier in the light jacket you’re planning on busting out or take a ride on the new Centennial Wheel as you look over the city and everyone else who’s out and about. You can even walk around the pier with your adult beverages, which is pretty cool.
Polar Adventure Days
This family-friendly event only takes place three times this season, and the next one is this Saturday. From noon to 4pm, head to the lovely Northerly Island to play with Siberian huskies and wolves, participate in winter activities, make crafts, walk in snowshoes, and sip hot cocoa. The weather won’t be quite “polar,” but it’ll still be an adventure.
What are you doing this Saturday? We want to know! Tell us in your comments.
