MANHATTAN, IL \u2014 Winter may be here, but the fun doesn\u2019t slow down in Manhattan. From family outings to seasonal events and easy day trips, there\u2019s plenty around town to keep your calendar full. Just remember to double-check hours, weather updates and ticket details before heading out. And if you want even more local winter ideas, keep scrolling \u2014 you\u2019ll find a way to get personalized suggestions based on what you love to do.<\/p>\n
Outdoor Winter Explorers with Manhattan Park District<\/a><\/p>\n <\/a>Bundle up for a winter adventure! Discover the quiet beauty and hidden life of Round Barn\u2019s winter landscapes. Through animal tracking, winter plant identification, and hands-on activities, you\u2019ll learn how local wildlife and ecosystems adapt to the cold season. Connect with nature, build outdoor skills, and enjoy the magic of winter. Residents $12, non-residents $17. <\/p>\n Find out what’s happening in Manhattanfor free with the latest updates from Patch.Track hunting on Jan. 17Winter shelters on Feb. 7 <\/p>\n School’s Off with Manhattan Park District<\/a><\/p>\n Are you looking for a place for your child to hang out on those parent-teacher conference days or single-day holidays? Try the park district’s NEW School\u2019s Off with MPD! Students will enjoy a day full of crafts, group games, and activities. Explore topics from science to art to sports and more! Please send a nut-free lunch and snacks. Before and after care is available. Resident and non-resident rates available. <\/p>\n Find out what’s happening in Manhattanfor free with the latest updates from Patch.<\/p>\n Check out the Park District’s brochure<\/a> for more on winter sports camps, dance and tumbling classes, etc.! <\/p>\n KidsWork Children’s Museum After School Program<\/a><\/p>\n Registration required. Two sessions available. <\/p>\n <\/a>Calling all young engineers and inventors! KidsWork is hosting an afterschool program with Afterschool Enrichment Solutions<\/a>. Two sessions available. <\/p>\n Program Details: Let’s Build It – Engineering Electronic Snap Circuits After School ProgramChoice of: January 21\u2013February 11 OR February 25-March 18 (Both programs are the same content, just different date options)Time: 5 to 6 p.m. Cost: $80 per child Grades 1-5 <\/p>\n What Kids Will Do: Design, build, and test circuits and electronic projects, learn core concepts of electrical engineering and how electricity works in our daily lives, participate in hands-on STEM exploration through fun experiments. No previous experience necessary\u2014just bring curiosity and a desire to learn and build! Both new students and returning participants are welcome to explore brand NEW projects! Register online<\/a>. <\/p>\n KidsWork Children’s Museum Sensory Friendly Playtime<\/a><\/p>\n KidsWork Children\u2019s Museum offers Sensory Friendly Playtime twice a month. These dedicated playtimes take place on the second and fourth Sunday of each month from 9 to 10 am. <\/p>\n Sensory Friendly Playtime provides an opportunity for children with sensory, developmental, or other special needs to experience the museum with less stimulation. During these events, lights will be dimmed, certain sounds will be quieted, and guest attendance will be limited as these times are prioritized for our friends who need a more comfortable and accommodating environment. Reserve your admission<\/a> (LINK) in advance whenever possible. For more information, please call (815) 469-1199.<\/p>\n Take A Hike At Will County Forest Preserves<\/p>\n Will County’s forest preserves are home to more than 130 miles of trails criss-crossing the county. Check out their Trails webpages<\/a> to find a new place to explore this season.<\/p>\n Be a Trailblazer Winter Warmup Meet and Greet<\/a><\/p>\n <\/a>Saturday, Jan. 24, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Hickory Creek Junction Are you blazing a new trail in your Will County preserves this winter and bumping into other Trailblazers along the way? Then don\u2019t miss the opportunity to put a face with a username at a winter meet and greet. Stop by the shelter to let organizers know what you\u2019re enjoying so far about the 2026 Be a Trailblazer experience<\/a>. Warm up by the fire while enjoying cookies and a hot cup of cocoa or coffee (while supplies last) and mingling with fellow participants and then blazing a trail of your own at the preserve. <\/p>\n New missions at Hickory Creek Junction will be released the day of the event, and prizes will be raffled off, as well. Forest Preserve staff will be on hand to answer questions about the initiative and help troubleshoot. Those who attend are encouraged to hit the trails with other Trailblazers and make plans to do future missions together. No registration required. Meet at the Hickory Creek Junction Shelte<\/a>r. <\/p>\n Soup-er Bowl Hike to the Bridge<\/a><\/p>\n Saturday, Jan. 24, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Plum Creek Nature Center Kick off a fun Saturday with a hike, a campfire and a soup-er bowl of your favorite comfort food! Lace up your hiking boots and bring your favorite bowl and a can of soup or chili (non-cream only). There will be two pots on the fire\u2014are you team soup or team chili? Let it simmer over an open flame while you take a brisk hike to the famous big bridge! Hike will be approximately 3 miles round trip on crushed limestone. Snowshoes available for rental if there is adequate snowfall. <\/p>\n Garden Club<\/a><\/p>\n Friday, Jan. 23, 1 to 2 p.m., Manhattan Elwood-Public Library Adults are invited to meet other gardeners, swap plants, and enjoy a gardening-related craft. The Garden Club meets on the fourth Friday of each month. Register online.<\/a><\/p>\n Crafting with Ms. Grace: Valentine Card Making<\/a><\/p>\n Saturday, Jan. 31, 10:15 to 11:15 a.m., Manhattan-Elwood Public Library Kids are invited to stop by the library for a fun, hands-on crafting program led by Ms. Grace. Each month features a brand-new project, so there\u2019s always something fresh to make and take home. All supplies are provided\u2014just bring your imagination and get ready to create! Register online<\/a>. <\/p>\n Manhattan Township Historical Museum Visits<\/a><\/p>\n <\/a>255 S. State St. Stop into the museum and take a deep dive into Manhattan’s past, with a variety of exhibits. Museum is open set dates and times. The Roaring 1920s exhibit is running now! Anyone seeking to bring a group should contact the Historical Society for private tour requests: manhattanhistorical@yahoo.com, or via Facebook<\/a>. <\/p>\n Remaining dates open in January, February and March are below. Visitor are welcome at either times. <\/p>\n Jan. 28: (Memory Clippers, 9 a.m.) Feb. 7: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.Feb. 11: (Memory Clippers, 9 a.m.)Feb. 15: noon to 3 p.m. Feb. 25: (Memory Clippers, 9 a.m.)March 7: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 11: (Memory Clippers, 9 a.m.)March 15: noon to 3 p.m. March 25: (Memory Clippers, 9 a.m.) <\/p>\n Want ideas that fit your family and your budget? Enter your ZIP code and preferences \u2014 kid-friendly, outdoor, educational and more \u2014 for winter getaway recommendations made for you.<\/p>\n This content is brought to our community by T-Mobile.<\/p>\n
Free, no registration required. <\/p>\n
Free, registration required by Jan. 22.<\/p>\n
Registration required. <\/p>\n
Registration required. <\/p>\n
Open set dates and hours.
Admission is free. <\/p>\n