Winter Break in Lake County 2017
By: Jonathan Jones 12/22/2017
Your youngsters will have plenty to do during winter break in Lake County 2017 with all of the presents Santa drops off
From December 26-January 7, there are plenty of kid-tivities in Lake County during the holiday break.
It is splendid to have the entire family together for the holidays, but the grown-ups need their time off too.
For the little whippersnappers (and old whippersnappers), winter break in Lake County 2017 is a good excuse for everyone to get some exercise to work off the delicious eats during the holiday season.
While you prepare for the holidays, here are the top events during winter break in Lake County 2017.
Wonderland Express
All Aboard! Chicago Botanic Garden has the little engines that can with the Wonderland Express. The celebrated train set resides inside the Regenstein Center. The collection designed by Paul Busse spans 10,000 square-feet and is equipped with miniature trains, bridges, trestles, waterfalls and 80 mini-replicas of Chicago’s favorite landmarks. This event also features ice carvings, excellent music from carolers and for the kiddie:, Thomas the Tank Engine.
December 26, 2017-January 7, 2018; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission $8-$13. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe.
Various Events
There's plenty to do in Gurnee during winter break. Here is a list of the different events hosted by the Gurnee Park District.
- Lights Camera Action (Dec. 26)
- Blast Zone in Vernon Hills (Dec. 27)
- Chuck E. Cheese (Dec. 28)
- Magic, Wizardry and Enchantment (Dec. 29)
- Snow Day (Jan. 2)
- Playground games and dance party (Jan. 4)
Various Lake County locations
Once the snow hits the ground, kids (and children at heart) gravitate towards any hill that has a slight incline to race their friends and family. It’s that time of year to inflate that inner tube or dust off that sled and zip through the snow. Here are the top 10 sledding/tubing locations in Lake County
- Old School Forest Preserve
- Century Park Sled Hill
- Wilmot Mountain
- Wadsworth Sled Hill near Village Hall
- Hart's Hill
- Paulus Park
- Lake Villa Sled Hill at Caboose Hill
- Blair Park in Lake Bluff
- Keith Mione Community Park and Sports Complex
- Warren Township Sled Hill
Want to escape reality and hunt down villains in a video game? Tilt Studio features 180 video and interactive games, laser tag and 18-holes glow in the dark mini golf. Host your group events or birthday parties at the Gurnee Mills facility, and their several party packages will knock your socks off. Besides all of the amenities, they do make a mean pizza.
Tilt Studio, 6152 W. Grand Ave., Gurnee.
All the video games that you would ever need to conquer are all under one roof at Dave & Buster's in Vernon Hills. The Hawthorn Mall fun zone has exclusive new games and classic video games at your disposal for kids (and us much, much bigger kids) of all ages.
Dave & Buster's, 424 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills.
Whiryball is a game of modified basketball, hockey and lacrosse while driving on bumper cars. The Vernon Hills facility accommodates up to 400+ guests and has a climbing wall, video games, pool tables, a complete food/beverage menu and a fully-loaded sports bar.
WhirlyBall Vernon Hills, 285 Center Dr., Vernon Hills.
Sleeping Beauty
Everyone remembers the story of Sleeping Beauty. Princess Amber receives a wicked curse from the sorceress Magenta. Only one kiss can break the spell. Prince Hunter will resiliently attempt to plant a big wet one right on the kisser. Does he hit his mark? Find out by visiting the Lincolnshire theatre to view this captivating tale.
Now-December 30; Various times. Various admissions. Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire.
Sports & More Holiday Camp
Get a taste of what it's like to be at Hi-Five Sports Camp. Kindergarten to sixth-grade aged students can compete in basketball, floor hockey, flag football, wall climbing and more. It will truly be an extravaganza!
December 26-29 and January 2-5; 9 a.m-3 p.m. Libertyville Sports Complex, 1950 US-40, Libertyville.
Hoot & Howl Hike
Winter is a great time to listen to coyotes and owls, which are active year-round. Bundle up and learn about these amazing animals while attendees will listen to these critters at Ryerson
Saturday, December 30; 4:30-6 p.m. Ryerson Conservation Area, 21950 N. Riverwoods Rd., Riverwoods.
Extended Winter Break Hours & Specials
Jump America features over 16,000 square feet of trampolines including two dodgeball courts, a foam jumping pit, a kids zone, and more! This awesome Gurnee facility designed for kids from age 4 and up. Jump America is great for adults too. Click here to buy one hour and get the second 60 minutes free.
Through January 7. Jump America, 880 Lakeside Dr., Gurnee.
Great Train Show
In Lake County, we always celebrate trains during the holiday season. As your friends and family ring in the new year, you can take care of their tickets to the Great Train Show at the Grayslake fairgrounds. The show features 250+ tables of trains, 50+ exhibitors, two unbelievable LEGO layouts and free rides on Thomas the Tank Engine for kids of all ages. This event runs December 30-31.
Saturday-Sunday, December 30-31; Sat 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Lake County Fairgrounds & Event Center, 160 E. Peterson Rd., Grayslake.
Polar Bear Plunge
Tis the season to be freezin.’ Already Lake County has been hit with a lot of snow and low mercury temps. Kick 2017 off by chilling in the 18th Annual Polar Bear Plunge in Waukegan. This Waukegan Municipal Beach event awards a polar plunge shirt to the first 500 brave souls that take a dip in the drink. Water shoes or other footwear are required. Food, hot chocolate and polar bear hats will be sold on site. If you’re not enticed by a frigid hug with Lake Michigan, cheer your friends and family from slightly warmer shores.
Sunday, January 1; Preregistration at 8 a.m., Plunge 9-11 a.m. Admission: $20, $15 in advance. Waukegan Municipal Beach, 201 Sea Horse Dr., Waukegan.
Winter Break Camp
Children can engage in exciting hands-on indoor and outdoor activities while discovering the Garden in winter. Youngsters will investigate weather, explore seasonal adaptations of plants and animals, enjoy a visit to our Wonderland Express holiday exhibition, and dabble in art. Grades K-5 are invited.
Tuesday-Friday, January 2-5; 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe.
Elvis's Birthday Party Celebration
‘Everybody, let’s rock!’ Volo Auto Museum will be doing just that while they’re celebrating Elvis Presley’s birthday on Sunday, January 8. Enjoy two performances by Chicagoland’s #1 Elvis impersonator Travis Morris at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., free birthday cupcakes, and get your picture taken with “Elvis!" Visitors can also view a 1974 one-of-a-kind Cadillac that once sat at the footsteps of Graceland, now on display at Volo Auto Museum.
Saturday, January 6; Admission ranges between $9-$15. Children under five are free. Volo Auto Museum, 27582 Volo Village Rd., Volo.
For more activities during winter break in Lake County 2017, continue here.
