Fun things to do before winter is over

With a questionable winter season, the lack of snow and waves of 50-degree weather should motivate Chicagoans to get up, go out and have fun on the town. And with a city that is constantly moving, there are many places to get the full winter experience, with or without the flurries.

For city goers looking to stay warm and enjoy some beautiful views, the John Hancock building offers an inexpensive way to have a day of fun with Skating in the Sky. The exhibit, on the building's 96th floor, goes on from January through April, and renting skates is only $1. The rink, made of synthetic ice, makes for a different kind of skating experience. According to employee Jake Smiley, it is a "great way to learn if you have never skated before."

The rink is not only popular among Chicagoans and tourists, but has also been used in commercials. Even the Blackhawks' coach utilizes the rink to give lessons to kids once a week. Visitors are allowed 25 minutes to skate around and then can enjoy lunch in the building's café. Professional pictures with a skyline background can also be purchased.

For the full winter effect for those afraid of heights, another popular skating rink is the one on Michigan Ave. in Millennium Park. Open November through March, skaters have the chance to go earlier or later in the season when the weather may be a little warmer. The city lights and decorated trees make for a magical ambiance, creating a perfect winter wonderland. Bringing in more than 100,000 people yearly, according to explorechicago.com, the rink is in its eleventh season and gives winter lovers a chilly but fun evening for only $10 (and all the skating and hot chocolate one could possibly want).

If you are not too cold after skating, Millennium Park has a newer addition called Luminous Field by Luftwork. It is a highly enjoyable light and music show that is displayed around Cloud Gate and makes for a colorful winter evening. Only offered for 10 days, from Feb. 10-20, Luminous Field upgrades an already bright skyline. Free to the public and complete with a warming tent that includes performances and concerts, Luminous Field reminds Chicagoans that not everything is dark and gloomy during the winter season.

"The idea was to create something light and bright that would bring people to Millennium Park in Chicago in an off-peak tourism season and letting people know that there are fun things to do all year round," said Lauren Rosenberg, program manager at the Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture. Luminous Field is a fun and quick activity for anyone who is looking to take an evening stroll through the park.

People that can really handle the cold can support a good cause by stripping down and jumping into Lake Michigan. The Polar Plunge, an annual event that raises money for the Special Olympics, is a fun way to be a little risky during the winter. It's also a great way to get involved in something enjoyed by more than 1,700 Chicagoans. Forming teams of at least three, people are encouraged to get creative and have fun with the plunge. Possible prizes are at stake for things like best team costume and top fundraisers. Held March 4, plungers jump into waves and go completely under or knee-deep and come out to a free t-shirt and warm towel. Teams are asked to raise at least $125. The Polar Plunge is an extreme way to indulge in the winter season, but it is all in good fun.

Whether Chicagoans decide to skate inside atop a building or take a quick dip in the lake, fun in the city doesn't subside when winter takes over. Activities are sprouting up everywhere and it seems like many will venture out to take part in the good times and make some memories along the way.