5 Things to Do with a Toddler in Chicago in Winter, Chicago, Illinois

Everyone has told me how AMAZING Chicago is in the summer - and I am sure it is. I can picture it now: families soaking up the atmosphere on Navy Pier, people sunbathing in Millennium Park, downtown Chicago buzzing with alfresco bars. Unfortunately, it was a rather different scene when my daughter and I unexpectedly landed in the city in late January. It was a particularly biting cold spell with snow storms, an icy wind and temperatures plummeting to -16˚C. We had flown out to see my sick hubby who was lying in intensive care after contracting meningitis while in Chicago for a work conference. We ended up staying for six weeks. So there we were, stuck in Chicago, going in and out of the hospital but also needing to find activities to amuse my daughter (2), to stop her (and I) going stir crazy. Here’s what we found that didn’t involve going outside (and if you don’t like museums you’re a bit stuffed)…

I was very impressed with Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium - with a full day of activities in store if required. It has one of the best marine facilities in the world - and it shows. The best bit? It’s ALL indoors.

The Shedd Aquarium is a huge place - and you’re not just seeing fish. If you pay for the full ticket you can go into the Oceanarium where the marine mammals live. These include the breathtaking all-white Beluga whales (which are actually dolphins). ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).