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Home›Featured-Blogs›The Local Angle›Kid Zone›Kid Zone: Winterland at Gallagher Way, The Snow Queen at Marriott Theatre and The Great Train Story at the Museum of Science and Industry

Kid Zone: Winterland at Gallagher Way, The Snow Queen at Marriott Theatre and The Great Train Story at the Museum of Science and Industry

By Trent Modglin
December 25, 2023
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Wintrust Winterland at Gallagher Way is back at Wrigley Field

Get ready for a whimsical winter wonderland, as Wintrust Winterland at Gallagher Way is back with family-friendly activities and new interactive experiences at both Gallagher Way and inside Wrigley Field.

Explore the 12,000-square-foot Gallagher ice rink, carnival games, ice bumper cars, rides, the Infield Express train, the Lodge and more. The Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville also is back at Gallagher Way, offering merchandise, international food and drinks, and a chance to purchase a collectible mug. New this year to the winter experience is a 40-foot Ferris wheel, along with plenty of new games and rides in the ballpark, like the Polar Puck Shot, Blizzard Bags, Fun Slide, swings, umbrella ride and more.

Those who visit the après-ski-style lodge within the ballpark can purchase s’mores kits and enjoy live music on select Thursday nights. Movie Nights presented by Alamo Drafthouse will also hit the big screens, with some of your favorites showing on select Thursdays.

You can enjoy a group experience with an on-field private Maker’s Mark Chalet nestled in the outfield near the world-famous Wrigley ivy. These cozy lounges will have indoor and outdoor seating, a warm fireplace and unparalleled views for up to 20 guests. The U.S. Virgin Islands Igloo Experience is another option to stay warm, complete with a signature cocktail, dessert and more in the Wrigley Field Budweiser Bleachers.

Before you go, check out the Peppermint Pack attraction ticket bundles, which include Wrigley Field admission and 10 attraction tickets redeemable for all rides and games.

Admission to Gallagher Way activities, including the Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville, Santa’s Workshop and more is free. Winterland at Gallagher Way runs through Sunday, January 7. Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville is open through Dec. 31. GallagerWay.com/events

The Snow Queen at the Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences

The Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences concludes the 2023 children’s theatre season with its winter production of The Snow Queen. Kids of all ages are invited to enjoy a musical take on Hans Christian Andersen’s coming-of-age adventure that inspired the hit Disney movie, Frozen, running through Dec. 31. This one-hour family musical is will be followed by a question-and-answer session with the cast.  
   
As a whimsical, edgy fairy tale that’s filled with quirky, off-kilter characters and lively rock music, The Snow Queen is a perfect way to introduce young audiences to theatre. 
    
The Snow Queen plays most Fridays through Sundays at 10 a.m. with select 12:30 p.m. performances and plenty of holiday-week performances. Visit MarriottTheatre.com  or call 847-634-0200 for the exact schedule, as show times and dates vary. Free parking is available at all performances. 10 Marriott Drive in Lincolnshire.

The Great Train Story at the Museum of Science and Industry

Chicago’s world-renowned Museum of Science and Industry offers a plethora of vibrant learning opportunities, and one exhibit sure to draw the attention of both kids and adults alike is The Great Train Story.

As the centerpiece of the museum’s imposing Transportation Gallery, this massive model railroad features more than 20 trains and 1,400 feet of winding track in astounding detail (think Rocky Mountains, farms, crossing lights, a replica of downtown Chicago and Seattle’s docks, etc.). The craftsmanship is superb, and interactive buttons allow kids to set off tunneling dynamite, cut down trees, lift drawbridges and pull a Metra train out of the station. 5700 S. Lake Shore Dr. MSIChicago.org

TagsChristkindlmarket ChicagoMarriott Theatre for Young AudiencesMuseum of Science and IndustryPark Ridge kids activitiesThe Great Train StoryThe Real Park RidgeThe Snow QueenWinterland at Gallagher WayWrigleyville
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The Real Chicago — an eye-catching, family friendly entertainment magazine for active locals and tourists — originally launched in 2006. It now has a sister publication: The Real Park Ridge. Proud to be servicing our new home in Park Ridge, as well as the surrounding areas of Rosemont, Niles, Des Plaines, Mt. Prospect and NW Chicago.

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From our Park Ridge Insider section in the big sum From our Park Ridge Insider section in the big summer issue: 

What is your favorite restaurant in the area? 

@jkussymortgage : “I don’t necessarily have one favorite, as I go to different places for different experiences. Happy hour at @fireandwinege is a great deal, and the outdoor space is fantastic. The loaded nachos at @donjuanscantina are perfect to split, especially with one of their hand-shaken margaritas. And the salmon skin sushi rolls at @blufish_parkridge (not on the menu — you have to ask for it) is one of my favorites. Too many great choices to pick just one.”

Read the spotlight now at therealparkridge.com
Just a few of the many reasons to visit @thalaivas Just a few of the many reasons to visit @thalaivasindiankitchen 

Look for them in the Recommendations section of the current summer issue, and an expanded Good Eats feature coming out soon

Photos by Nikki Allen at @spiltcoffeestudio
Seriously… where won’t you find people reading The Seriously… where won’t you find people reading The Real Park Ridge?
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"Keep it simple and consistent: SPF every single day (rain or shine), reapply when you’re outdoors, and don’t rely on makeup with SPF as your only protection. Add a hat or physical coverage when you’re in direct sun. It’s underrated but incredibly effective."

Read the full Q&A, including her favorite skincare products and treatments, here: TheRealParkRidge.com
The ladies from @powherhouse__fitnessstudio here i The ladies from @powherhouse__fitnessstudio here in Park Ridge are again hosting free weekly fitness classes on Wednesdays from 6:30-7:30 p.m. through Aug. 12 in Rosemont’s @parkwaybankpark entertainment district.

These lively sessions include a rotating mix of low-impact workouts, strength and conditioning, agility and balance training, cardio kickboxing and more. 

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From our big summer issue that’s out everywhere... From our big summer issue that’s out everywhere...

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Read it all now at TheRealParkRidge.com
Have you been to the new @animahausco Boutique (fr Have you been to the new @animahausco Boutique (from the owner of @renatasorganics ) in South Park yet? 

Expect thoughtfully chosen brands that support intentional living and everyday rituals like European lingerie and loungewear, artisan-crafted treasures, ceremonial wellness products and self-care essentials.

“Every item we carry is chosen with care, emphasizing quality over quantity, natural materials, conscious production and emotional intimacy,” Renata tells us.

Look for a feature article on this new addition to the Park Ridge fashion scene in the next issue of The Real Park Ridge.
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