Things To Do This Weekend January 11-13
By: Jack Nelson 01/10/2019
The mercury has fallen, the air is crisp and winter has returned to Lake County. Good thing for us, the top things to do this weekend January 11-13 are seasonally spectacular.
Although January is not known for being everyone's favorite month, we've compiled a top-10 list for the greatest things to do in Lake County during the 31 days. For all other events and happenings around the area, continue here.
January IS, however, Lake County Libation Month! We've put together our first ever tour of the Lake County Libation Trail and we would love for you to sign up! Of course, we're giving away a pair of free tickets, as well. Click here to enter for your chance to win! We know it can be daunting deciding which delicious drink to try first so we wrote about 21 Irresistible Lake County Libations to help you decide!
Wrap yourself in your favorite winter neck-accessory and head out into the top things to do this weekend January 11-13 in Lake County!
Direct your canines to “mush” towards Century Park in Vernon Hills this weekend to partake in an afternoon full of fun winter activities. The Vernon Hills Winter Fest features a slew of activities including a sled dog demonstration, s’mores by the fire, a horse-drawn carriage, ice skating and sledding (weather permitting). The festive, family-friendly event is free of admission.
Saturday, January 12; 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free admission. Century Park Pavilion, 1401 Indianwood Dr., Vernon Hills.
Equestrian enthusiasts will get an exclusive look into the daily rituals of Lake County’s famous Austrian steeds at the Tempel Lipizzans Behind-the-Scenes Tour. Attendees of the Old Mill Creek event will learn Lipizzan history, the storied tradition of classical riding and more. The tour gives attendees the opportunity to meet the stallions in their stables and to view a daily training session of the equine’s journey to become a performance horse.
Saturday, January 12; 10 a.m. Admission $15-$25. Tempel Farms, 17000 W. Wadsworth Rd., Old Mill Creek.
Grab your magic fedora and head to Gurnee this weekend for the renowned Frosty Fest. The free family event showcases ice sculpting, horse-drawn carriage rides, dog sled demonstrations festive winter games and more. To warm your jolly happy souls, the Bittersweet Golf Club will provide s’mores and hot chocolate. Additional eats and adult beverages are available for purchase in the golf course’s clubhouse. Activities may change based on weather conditions. Shuttle buses from Woodland Middle School at the intersection of Washington Street and Almond Road will run frequently if there is parking overflow. Street parking is not permitted.
Saturday, January 12; 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Free admission. Bittersweet Golf Club, 875 Almond Rd., Gurnee.
Volo Bog’s Winterfest provides fun for the entire family to enjoy. The snow party thrown by the Friends of Volo Bog and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources features activities like winter-themed nature crafts, a snow sculpting contest, bog tours by cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or hiking on Illinois’s only quaking bog natural area. Volo Bog Natural Area festivities are also highlighted by live entertainment by bluegrass band Miles Over Mountains. This event will be held inside the Volo Bog Visitor Center and outdoors (weather permitting). Warm up with a frothy mug of hot cocoa complemented by delicious cookies. Eight separate bog tours will be held from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 13; Noon-4 p.m. Donations appreciated. Volo Bog State Natural Area, 28478 W. Brandenburg Rd., Ingleside.
Glide, jump and twist at the Centennial Ice Arena this weekend for the annual Winter Fest. The Highland Park arena will provide hockey and ice skating, gymnastics lessons, a live DJ, special guests and more during the Saturday event. Once you’ve conjured up an arena-sized appetite, families can find nourishment in the bites and drinks for purchase that will be provided by the Park District of Highland Park. Various outdoor activities are planned for Winter Fest weather permitting.
Saturday, January 12; 2:30-4:30 p.m. Free admission. Centennial Ice Arena, 3100 Trail Way, Highland Park.
For all other things to do this weekend January 11-13 in Lake County, continue here.
