A mom’s guide to winter break

If you aren’t heading out of town this holiday season, the two-week break from school can be overwhelming. It’s cold and the kids easily get bored being cooped up inside.

Spice up this winter break with some of these fun, adventuresome and unique opportunities that can only be done right here in Chicago.

Just go wild with animals

While many mammals hibernate in the winter, human children do not and need to be kept busy. Both Lincoln Park Zoo and and Brookfield Zoo offer winter break camps to explore the world of animals, both warm- and cold-blooded. Lincoln Park’s camp runs Dec. 27-30 and participants can do one, two, three or all four days. Brookfield Zoo’s camp is Dec. 26-30 with two great options for kids 6-12.

Zoo camps not only get your kids out of the house, but they also get them learning about animals and environmental conservation in one great opportunity. Spots fill up quickly so register soon.

Try on hot chocolate mustaches

Warm your insides and delight your taste buds with a trip to Bucktown’s Hot Chocolate restaurant (1747 N. Damen Ave.). Stop in on a cold winter’s day for decadent hot chocolate with house-made marshmallows. The hot chocolate options are endless, from lemon to black & tan to chai and Mexican variations. Owner and pastry chef Mindy Segal has been awarded the prestigious James Beard Foundation Award for “Outstanding Pastry Chef,” and her desserts are not to be missed. This is one outing that will feel like a treat to both mom and the kiddos.

Throw strikes and balls

Spend a day at Pinstripes, an upscale chain that combines bowling, bocce ball and dining for a complete family experience. With four locations in the Chicago area (Northbrook, Oak Brook, South Barrington and Chicago), this outing won’t break the bank since prices start at just $5 per person for bowling and $5 per person per hour of bocce. Even the littlest family members can get their bowl on with easily adjustable bumper lanes and ball ramps.

Plan your visit around lunch or dinner to experience the delicious and kid-friendly bistro menu of Italian-American cuisine. If you don’t want to sit for a meal, they even deliver food and drinks right to your lanes! Check with your location for early hour kid specials.

Become tree whisperers

If you haven’t been to Illumination: Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum, it’s a must-do this winter break. Open through Jan. 2, the mile-long winter wonderland walk is filled with innovative lights, projections, music and delightful interactive effects that will leave you seeing trees in a totally different light. Hug or sing to trees and they will respond. Dazzling light shows are set to classic wintertime music and beams of light dance across the night sky. Plus, don’t miss Illumination’s new grand finale, Fantasy Forest, which took six months to design and test.

Tickets are required and advance purchase at mortonarb.org is recommended.

Play the day away

If you haven’t been yet, winter break is an awesome time to check out the Little Bean Café and Big Beans Family Activity Center in Evanston.

The imaginative play space and rec center for kids 0-12 is literally a place where kids can play all day long. For your “Big Beans,” there is a basketball court, floor hockey, zip line, foam pit and the super popular Ninja Warrior Course. For your “Little Beans,” there is an interactive indoor playground, imaginative play village and karaoke room. Plus, there is a café with paninis, pizza and snacks, as well as coffee and Wi-Fi for parents. Daily passes are $14, then $10 for the first sibling and $6 for additional siblings. Prices are also discounted after 5:30 p.m.

Glide, spin and twirl

Nothing says winter quite like ice skating. If you are looking for a more traditional rink with a stunning city view, try Millennium Park’s McCormick Tribune Ice Rink on Michigan Avenue between Washington Street and Madison Street. Skating is free and skate rental is available for $10. Plus, the city’s official Christmas tree is located directly next to the rink to add some festive ambiance. If you’re in need of a warm-up, head into the Park Grill Café for hot chocolate and other snacks.