THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Many Ways to Have Winter Fun!

While our state remains under Tier 3 Mitigation, that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy our weekends here in Chicago! There are many ways to have winter fun from virtual events to socially distanced in-person events or just trying something different at home. Here’s what’s on this weekend’s agenda.

This year the Chicago Polar Bear Club is going virtual with its Plunge Where You Are! This annual frigid tradition of jumping in Lake Michigan together will be on hiatus this year; however, the plunge will take place social-distanced-style during the month of January to support three Chicago families who need our help more than ever. Participants are called upon to take the plunge remotely in whatever way best works for them, whether it’s a cold shower, an ice-filled bathtub, having a bucket of ice water dumped over your head, or whatever other idea you have to do something cold. Remember, speedos, bikinis, or costumes are highly encouraged! Then post a photo to their social media channels with the hashtag #CPBC2021, and join their virtual event on Saturday, January 30th. Let the plunging begin!!

If you’re itching to get out of the house and have some safe fun, then head on over to the Winter Beer & Cocktail Tasting Experience being held at Rizzo’s Bar & Inn (3658 N. Clark St.) in the Wrigleyville neighborhood. Taste a variety of beers, cocktails, ciders, and seltzers on a patio with a retractable roof. Tickets include a private table, 12 tastings per person, and more. A limited number of tables will be sold, so reserve yours now before you miss out! Otherwise, you’ll be stuck at home!!

Virtual Wine Tastings with Uvae Chicago are available on a Wednesday evening or a Saturday evening for you and your friends. The $30 per person ticket includes four 4-ounce wine tastings plus access to the live interactive Zoom presentation. Optional add-ons include a cheese plate ($15), a cheese & charcuterie plate ($20), or a duck pate ($12). Also, Uvae is open for virtual events and Saturdays (5 p.m.-10 p.m.) and Sundays (10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.) for prefix menu packages!

A new program offered by the Chicago Children’s Theatre, Walkie Talkies, takes families and friends on a fun, totally original audio experience exploring different Chicago neighborhoods. Each episode is created by a different local theater artist, is under one hour, and comes with an interactive map plus photos of top tour highlights, vocabulary keys, recommended reading and song lists, and other family activities! It’s time to lace up those sneakers or put on your boots, pop in your earbuds, and head out on a safe, guided walk through Chicago’s most distinctive neighborhoods!!

The streaming universe will keep you entertained with these 8 Family Movies & Shows streaming this January. There are many classics to enjoy, along with a few new TV shows. Here are the best streaming picks to watch this month: Shrek (Hulu); Nancy McPhee (Peacock); Night at the Museum (Hulu); E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (Peacock); Gabby’s Dollhouse (Netflix); WandaVision (Disney+); Elena of Avalor: Season 4 (Disney+); and Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous: Season 2 (Netflix).

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago