Each site to host husky sled dog demonstrations, ice sculping, bonfires, educational activities and more
Polar Adventure Days returns to its original home, Northerly Island Park, on January 24, 2026, and to Big Marsh Park on February 21, 2026 to connect people of all ages to enchanting winter landscapes.
Visitors will encounter husky sled dog demonstrations, witness puppet shows, marvel at live ice sculpting, learn fishing basics, interact with live reptiles, warm up with hot cocoa by a bonfire and much more!
The following sites will host Polar Adventure Days from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Saturday, January 24, 2026 at Northerly Island Park, 1521 S. Linn White Dr.
- Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Big Marsh Park, 11559 S. Stony Island Dr.
“Polar Adventure Days a symphony of what the Chicago Park District does best: elevating community arts and nature year-round,” said Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO. “We are thrilled to invite patrons to enjoy an exciting winter recreational activity while exploring the rich ecological history of Chicago’s lakefront and southeast side.”
Learn more at Polar Adventure Days. These events are sponsored by the Ford Motor Company.
ADVENTUROUS ACTIVITIES
Husky Sled Dog Demonstrations
Husky Sled Dog demonstrations take place every half hour from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at each Polar Adventure Day site.
Ice Sculptures
Live ice sculpting provided by Nadeau’s Ice will feature a Snowy Owl and a Jumping Buck at Northerly Island Park and Big Marsh Park, respectively.
Arts at Polar Adventure Days
Night Out in the Parks partner and local artists the Jabberwocky Marionettes will deliver puppet shows inside Northerly Island Park’s fieldhouse from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., and their person-sized puppets will roam throughout the event at Big Marsh Park.
The Jake Vinsel Quartet will deliver live music inside the Ford Calumet Environmental Center at Big Marsh.
Art activities this year include puppet making, specifically shadow puppets and a puppet mudpuppy, a native amphibian similar to axolotls that hibernates in the waters near both Big Marsh and Northerly Island.
Environmental Education and Play
Polar Adventure Days allow people of all ages to interact with nature through Nature Play, a Chicago Park District initiative that allows youth to get creative by making art, building shelters, and more with sticks and other natural materials. This year, these materials will be provided by the Chicago Park District Tree Recycling program.
In addition, the Chicago Park District Fish’N Kids fishing game will allow young people to learn basic fishing skills and win a small prize.
Also, tabling from various organizations including the Shedd Aquarium will help families connect with environmental education services and experiences throughout the Chicagoland area.
People of all ages can also enjoy Wings and Things, a live bird encounter inside Big Marsh.
Finally, people of all ages will be able to interact indoors with live reptiles indoors at each site thanks to Julio Mendez Animal Encounters.
ABOUT NORTHERLY ISLAND
Parking will be offered. Fees may apply. The park serves as a haven for native species year-round, while offering panoramic views of Lake Michigan and Chicago’s skyline. Learn more about Northerly Island Park.
ABOUT BIG MARSH PARK
Parking will be offered. Fees may apply. Big Marsh Park is an approximately 300-acre park in the South Deering Community Area on the southeast side of the city. Once an active industrial property, the site was acquired by the Park District in 2011 and opened to the public in 2016. Learn more about Big Marsh Park.
Some parts of the island may be inaccessible when events take place at Huntington Bank Pavilion, and on days prior to and after an event. Call before you come when planning your visit to get up-to-date information on programs, parking, and things to do outdoors.