Things To Do This Weekend January 6-8, 2023
By: Nick Borowitz 01/03/2023
The holidays may be wrapping up and everyone recovering from the food comas. But that means an opportunity to take in art, party in a park, see flashy lights and ride in a bumper car. Here are the things to do this weekend January 6-8, 2023.
The Lake County Libation Trail always finds a reason to celebrate. Check it out in the winter months when you have a free second.
Theatrical performances in Lake County pick up after the holidays. Buy a ticket to a show that is coming up or take the family to.
Shopping in Lake County is still full of rewards, even with the winter holidays wrapping up.
Here are the things to do this weekend January 6-8, 2023.
The Gurnee Park District has orchestrated an unforgettable winter family fun party. Frosty Fest is a free gathering held outdoors at Viking Park this Saturday. Visitors can indulge in several winter-inspired activities like candle making, arts and crafts, ice skating and more reindeer games. Activities like sledding and ice skating are weather-pending. The Gurnee event also features horse-drawn sleigh rides, ice sculpting demonstrations and s’mores roasting by an open bonfire. There is free coffee and hot chocolate in the dance hall at Viking Park to warm up.
Saturday, January 7; 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Admission: free. Viking Park, 4374 Old Grand Ave., Gurnee.
Visit the Volo Bog State Natural Area for its Winterfest celebration that features live music and interactive activities. Inside the visitor center, activities include winter-themed arts and crafts, live music and nature photography contests. The outdoor activities that include the snow sculpting contest, bog tours, cross-country skiing and snowshoe hiking are weather-pending. The Lucky Pickers Trio pluck the strings and play tunes inside the visitor center. The Friends of Volo Bog host Winterfest and request donations for entry.
Sunday, January 8; 1-4 p.m. Admission: Suggested $10 donations for adults, $5 for children. Volo Bog State Natural Area, 28478 W. Brandenburg Rd., Ingleside.
Wander through a winter light show wonderland at Chicago Botanic Garden’s Lightscape. Visitors walk the 1.25-mile path with art installations, thousands of glowing lights and bright colors complemented by musical trees. Stroll through a winter cathedral of light displays, roast marshmallows around a fire and more breathtaking sights at this one-of-a-kind experience. Attendees must purchase tickets early to secure their time slot. Due to the popularity of this lighted extravaganza, tickets regularly sell out. Children ages two and under receive free admission, and parking costs $10-$20 per vehicle. Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden runs on select days through January 8. Visit ChicagoBotanic.org for tickets.
Friday-Sunday, January 6-8; 4:30-11 p.m. Admission: $14-$77 per ticket (parking not included). Children ages two and under are free. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe.
They say life imitates art, and the works of Heeyoung Kim and the Brushwood Botanical Artists showcase how nature influences creation. “Enriching Life” is an art exhibit at the Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods and features the works of Heeyoung, an internationally renowned artist. The art show has an online component and dozens of display pieces inside the Brushwood Center Gallery. The artistic creations of 19 other artists can be viewed in addition to Heeyoung’s designs. “Enriching Life” runs on select days at the Brushwood Center through February 27.
Sunday, January 8; 1-3 p.m. Admission: free. Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods, 21850 N. Riverwoods Rd., Riverwoods.
As Jared R., formerly from Hawthorn Elementary School, said, "You should visit Whirlyball in Vernon Hills because it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You must be 12 to play Whirlyball, but what a great way to celebrate the 12th birthday!" Some of you may be asking, "what is a Whirlyball?" It's not a physical object. Imagine combining bumper cars, lacrosse, hockey, and basketball simultaneously. Add a group of friends or equally competitive guests on the court, all vying to score a goal. The Vernon Hills action venue features a bar, delicious fare, laser tag, and activities for kids and adults. Bring a date for a night of laughs or that group of friends who always try to be the best, and Whirlyball will quickly become your new go-to spot for an evening of fun and games. Kids aged 12 and younger are not permitted on the Whirlyball arenas but are more than welcome to experience the other fun games and tasty fare.
Friday-Sunday, January 6-8; Fri.: 2-10 p.m., Sat.: noon-1 a.m., Sun.: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Admission: Starts at $25. WhirlyBall, 285 Center Dr., Vernon Hills.
Click here to see more things to do this weekend January 6-8, 2023.
Click here to find a brewery, winery or distillery on the Lake County Libation Trail.
Click here when you wish to experience a stage production in Lake County.
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