Despite freezing temperatures, thousands of families flocked to Northerly Island Park on Saturday for the city's annual Polar Adventure Days festival. The event brought together activities such as ice sculpting, sled rides, and outdoor games in a bid to get Chicagoans enjoying winter.
The day was marked by icy conditions, with temperatures plummeting to 4 degrees Fahrenheit and wind chill values reaching minus 25 degrees. However, most attendees did not let the cold deter them from participating in various activities on offer at the festival. Some opted for indoor games such as an indoor fishing activity, while others took advantage of warm spaces like the field house to rest their feet.
Organizers aimed to get young people excited about enjoying the outdoors, despite the harsh winter conditions. According to Ted Gross, center director of Northerly Island, the goal is to educate children on how to appreciate natural areas in Chicago and make them aware of the importance of taking care of the environment.
The festival featured activities such as an ice sculptor working on an owl sculpture, a slack line and tightrope walk, husky sledding, a puppet show by Jabberwocky Marionettes, arts and crafts, and meeting exotic animals including reptiles. Many families also enjoyed hot chocolate to keep them warm.
While some participants braved the cold weather, others opted for indoor activities but still appreciated the unique atmosphere that the park offered. According to Matt Tyberg, an attendee who took his 18-month-old son Cruz on a bike pulled by huskies, "The view is breathtaking!" His favorite part of the day was seeing his child light up with excitement while experiencing new sights.
This annual event is one of several initiatives by the Chicago Park District aimed at getting residents to appreciate winter and engage in activities that promote outdoor fun. With another Polar Adventure Days event set for February 21, organizers hope to encourage more families to enjoy the city's parks during the cold months.
The day was marked by icy conditions, with temperatures plummeting to 4 degrees Fahrenheit and wind chill values reaching minus 25 degrees. However, most attendees did not let the cold deter them from participating in various activities on offer at the festival. Some opted for indoor games such as an indoor fishing activity, while others took advantage of warm spaces like the field house to rest their feet.
Organizers aimed to get young people excited about enjoying the outdoors, despite the harsh winter conditions. According to Ted Gross, center director of Northerly Island, the goal is to educate children on how to appreciate natural areas in Chicago and make them aware of the importance of taking care of the environment.
The festival featured activities such as an ice sculptor working on an owl sculpture, a slack line and tightrope walk, husky sledding, a puppet show by Jabberwocky Marionettes, arts and crafts, and meeting exotic animals including reptiles. Many families also enjoyed hot chocolate to keep them warm.
While some participants braved the cold weather, others opted for indoor activities but still appreciated the unique atmosphere that the park offered. According to Matt Tyberg, an attendee who took his 18-month-old son Cruz on a bike pulled by huskies, "The view is breathtaking!" His favorite part of the day was seeing his child light up with excitement while experiencing new sights.
This annual event is one of several initiatives by the Chicago Park District aimed at getting residents to appreciate winter and engage in activities that promote outdoor fun. With another Polar Adventure Days event set for February 21, organizers hope to encourage more families to enjoy the city's parks during the cold months.
, I mean who doesn't love playing with ice and snow? It's like a big ol' playground out there! But for real though, it's awesome that they're getting kids excited about nature and taking care of the environment. That's something we can all get behind. And omg, those husky sledding rides sound so much fun 
, I bet Cruz was like "Wheeee!" the whole time. Only 18 months old and he's already a thrill-seeker 
. The city's park district is on point with these events, can't wait for February's one too! 
I was watching vids from the festival and it looked like so many kids (and adults too lol) were just enjoying themselves 
ice sculpting is such a cool skill, btw 
would love to try making an owl sculpture myself someday 
anyhoo, gotta give major props to the organizers for trying to get people excited about winter activities again 
and I'm all for teaching kids about environmental care too 
! i loved readin about dis polar adventure days festivl at northerly island park - who doesnt love ice sculptin, sled rides & outdoor games on a freezing day? 
my kid would love dis festivl btw, cant wait for da next one in feb!!! 
. And I love how they had indoor activities too so people could warm up if they got chilly 
. That's some cool stuff! So, I'm guessin' most ppl were down with the whole event, even if it was freezin' outside 
my kid loved watchin the husky sleddin demo 
& i felt proud watchin them light up w/ excitement 
I mean, who needs a beach vacation when you can sled down a hill or play ice sculpting with your fam? 
And the fact that they're focusing on teaching kids about appreciating nature and taking care of the environment is just, like, the best thing ever! 
My little niece would've had so much fun at this event, I'm sure. Can't wait for the next one in Feb! 
just thinkin about all those fams out there in that cold 
). I mean, who wouldn't want to see an ice sculptor create a majestic owl sculpture 
My only concern is, did anyone get frostbite? 
. And all those fun activities for the kids 
, especially husky sledding - who wouldn't want to ride on sleds with cute dogs? 
anyway i went to the festival with my lil bro and it was so much fun! our favorite part was the husky sledding we got to ride on a sled pulled by 2 adorable huskies 
, i love how they're making winter fun again, not just for kids but adults too! who needs sunshine when you can have a snowy day with hot chocolate and husky sledding? 
plus its great that they have warm spaces like the field house for ppl to chill out. and omg the owl sculpture was so cool 
. I mean, it's actually kinda cool (get it?) that Chicagoans are still out here enjoying the snow and cold temps on a day like Saturday. The kids were literally having the time of their lives, playing in the frosty air and making memories with their families 
. And let's be real, who needs indoor activities when you can build an epic ice sculpture or go husky sledding? 
It's all about embracing the winter wonderland vibe, man! 