Don’t let cold, gray days get you down this winter. The area around Warrenville boasts a wide array of fun places where you can go inside to stay warm and have fun as a family.

Whether you’re trying to plan an educational adventure to a museum, an interactive day filled with games and activities, or a cozy outing to catch a kid-friendly movie, you’ll find the perfect escape from the winter weather close to home. Let Crème de la Crème of Warrenville take the guesswork out of finding fun indoor options for your family to stay warm and entertained during a chilly winter with these eight places to explore.

DuPage Children’s Museum

Snow falls through the air on a snow day in Warrenville, IL

trees and snowdrop” used with permission via Unsplash by chanphoto

You can’t go wrong by planning a fun day indoors at the DuPage Children’s Museum when the weather outside is less-than-ideal. With a ton of fun opportunities for play, this local museum caters to kiddos. The best part? The museum is located in nearby Naperville, so it’s easier than ever to get stay warm while having fun, no matter what the forecast holds.

The museum has been inspiring children and their families for 30 years, connecting the community to new discoveries and spaces while encouraging curiosity, discovery, and collaboration. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m, but you’ll need to register in advance to get in. Find the museum at 301 N. Washington St. in Naperville.

Seven Bridges Ice Arena

In the mood for winter sports? Seven Bridges Ice Arena, located close to Warrenville in Woodridge, is the place to go for indoor ice skating activities. If the chilly weather has your kids eager to try out their skating skills, you’ll want to have this facility on your list of places to check out.

This premier family ice sports complex boasts an NHL rink, an Olympic rink, and more. You can sign your kids up for hockey leagues or skating lessons, enjoy public skating sessions, or even plan a birthday party here. Head over to 6690 S. Route 53 in Woodbridge to get into the winter spirit with some fun skating.

Tivoli Theatre

If seeing a movie is your family’s idea of cozy fun, you’re in luck. Tivoli Theatre, the first Classic Cinemas location, is both a historic site and a great place to go to catch the latest releases. Tivoli Theatre opened on Christmas Day way back in 1928, becoming one of the first theaters with sound.

The Johnson family, the current owners of Classic Cinemas, bought the space in 1976 and began a project to restore the original historic ambiance. Today, the French Renaissance theater lets you take in current movies close to home, so you can easily stay warm and entertained in chilly weather. Find Tivoli Theatre at 5021 Highland Ave. in Downers Grove.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center

Your kids are in for a real treat when you put LEGOLAND Discovery Center on your winter-day itinerary. A range of interactive exhibits spanning two stories creates an epic day of play. From MINILAND, the Chicago cityscape created from 1.5 million LEGO bricks, to rides and beyond, this attraction has it all.

A pirate playground and LEGO jungle are just the start. The littlest builders in your brood will love the DUPLO village, too, so you can rest assured every member of your family will enjoy the time you spend here. You’ll find LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago at 601 N. Martingale Road Suite 130 in Schaumburg.

Stardust Bowl

Take any cold and dreary day to the next level by penciling a visit to Stardust Bowl into your schedule. The family-owned and -operated spot is the largest bowling center in the state. Look forward to 84 lanes and perks like free Wi-Fi, video games, a restaurant, and more.

Sign your child up for a bowling league, plan a birthday party, or enjoy the Game Quest arcade room in between bowling sessions. The center is open every day, so you’ll always have a place to go when you’re seeking out indoor fun this winter. Stardust Bowl is located at 37 E. Lorraine Ave. in Addison.

Elmhurst History Museum

Local history comes to like at the Elmhurst History Museum, the perfect place to visit when you’re seeking out an educational touch to your plans. The museum features exhibits, educational programs, tours, and more. Located in the Glos Mansion, a historic Elmhurst landmark built in 1893, this museum makes for a great indoor escape from winter weather. Take advantage of free admission whenever you want to get warm and gain insight into history. You’ll find Elmhurst History Museum in downtown Elmhurst at 120 E. Park Ave.

Elmhurst Art Museum

In the mood for some art on a chilly day? Elmhurst has you covered there, too. Pay a visit to the Elmhurst Art Museum, the place to go for art, architecture, and education. Events like a family day complete with hands-on activities and various exhibitions mean you’ll never run out of things to do at this museum. The campus includes the McCormick House, a home designed by Mies van der Rohe, a great 20th Century architect. Just go to 150 Cottage Hill Ave. in Elmhurst for a fun-filled outing.

Field Museum

If you’re planning a winter trip to Chicago, make sure you put a visit to the Field Museum on your list of things to do. This popular museum located on the iconic Lake Michigan shore has something for every member of your family to enjoy. Home to SUE the T. Rex and Maximo the titanosaur, the Field offers insights into scientific discoveries, world cultures, and so much more. After all, the Field Museum is one of the largest natural history museums in the world. Visit at 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive in Chicago.There you have it, Crème de la Crème of Warrenville just gave you eight great places to check out to stay warm this winter. Do you have another go-to spot you like to go with your kids on chilly days? Drop us a line so we can add it!