Chicagoans and tourists are invited to explore Northerly Island, located at 1521 S. Linn White Dr., in January and February, and immerse themselves in a winter oasis.
Visitors will come face-to-face with live animals and engage in fun winter activities during the annual Polar Adventure Days. This year, Polar Adventure Days will take place on January 21, 2023 and February 25, 2023 from 12 p.m. (noon) to 3 p.m.
The free winter series will treat visitors to a number of fun-filled activities that are both educational and fun for all ages. Participants will tour Northerly Island’s Natural Area, either on foot or in snowshoes depending on weather, and learn about winter animals including Siberian huskies, raptors, and birds of prey. Visitors will enjoy interacting with the incredibly creative Jabberwocky Marionettes, a local puppet theater producer, and using their imaginative skills to carve recycled Christmas trees with our nature experts in the Nature Play Space. This year, Al Eastman will join us for storytelling around the campfire.
All Polar Adventure Days take place from 12 p.m. -3 p.m. in Northerly Island Park’s indoor and outdoor spaces. Participants should dress warmly. Activities are subject to change based on weather.
In addition to everyone’s favorites, the following groups will be joining us:
• Free Spirit Siberian Husky Rescue- Sled Demonstrations and Information on Husky Rescues
• Jabberwocky Marionettes - Puppet Theater and Strolling Puppet Parade
• Chicago Park District - Carving Christmas Trees - Northerly Nature Play Space
• Chicago Park District Naturalists- Winter Art craft – Simple Bird Feeder Making
• Flint Creek Wildlife – Raptors and other birds
• Al Eastman – Story Telling around bonfire
• Hot Cocoa
“Polar Adventure Days has become a signature winter tradition for Chicagoans and visitors alike for almost two decades,” said Chicago Park District Superintendent and CEO Rosa Escareño. “Connecting with nature and wildlife in an urban setting is an experience unlike any other during the colder months in Chicago’s premiere downtown nature oasis.”
For more information about Polar Adventure Days, visit the Chicago Park District’s website at www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/polar-adventure-days.
Polar Adventure Days is part of the Night Out in the Parks initiative, which features more than 1,000 citywide cultural and arts activities in the parks throughout the year.