It’s easy to complain about winter. There is the uncertainty of the cold and whether school will be canceled. Throughout December, I was struck with another winter complaint: How much it costs to entertain your children (or grandchildren). Can’t just let them play outside for hours. Even building a snowman has a finite outdoor time limit.
Last month we went to the Winter Wonderland at Navy Pier. Excluding indoor water parks, this is probably the largest fun thing to take children of all ages to experience during winter. Even I went on a few rides. There is an indoor skating rink, carousel, inflatable rides, train and more. But it costs – a lot.
When you tally the admittance fee, pictures packets (why?), $7 hot dogs (drinks and chips extra) ice skate rental and $35 for two hours of parking, it adds up quickly.
I went online to find out what’s free for families during the winter. The Lincoln Park Zoo is free, and the lights are nice (parking is extra). Brookfield is free two days a week through December (parking extra). Macy’s has the Thanksgiving Day Parade, and many communities have light displays. But, that’s about it. Edmonton, Alberta, on the other hand, has over 50 free events for families. They do have the largest indoor mall in North America which allows for free events to get people out and shopping.
Most people in Naperville can probably afford the Winter Wonderland, but is it worth it – really? Why can’t our communities provide more safe, fun and free activities for our children during the winter?
Yet, why should I complain? Our tickets were free because my son-in-law’s company is one of the corporate sponsors. But every time I passed a Salvation Army kettle or a drop-off collection box for toys or coats, I wondered what winter fun the less fortunate are having.
