Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier opened last weekend and will run through January 8, 2017 — except for Christmas Day. While the weather turns frigid outside, visitors can enjoy over 170,000 square feet of winter fun indoors.

I was most excited about the Ice Peaks Climbing Wall. I have always wanted to do a wall climb. This one offered a great opportunity because most people were interested in the more wintry attractions.

The more seasonal attractions include the Chicago Blackhawks Ice Skating Rink, a 15-foot “snow” tubing hill, the Polar Extreme race course, a winter-themed mini-golf course and more. Of course, Santa is also around for photo opportunities.

There are plenty of other things to see or do at the Winter WonderFest.  There is something for everyone, young and old, and anyone can easily spend the entire day here. It is great for families, friends or couples.

Going to Navy Pier also allowed me the chance to dine at a couple of my favorite spots nearby, including Harry Caray’s. Somehow, the food tasted even better than usual at the restaurant named for the Hall of Fame broadcaster after the Cubs won the World Series. We shared and loaded up on appetizers, including the Bang Bang shrimp, calamari and bowls of New England clam chowder soup.

For dinner, it had to be 25 Degrees. I always get the craft-your-own burger; and, surprisingly for me, I always choose different options.  This time it was a turkey burger with burrata cheese and avocado.

Finally, we made a quick detour just west of downtown to get some cannoli from Ferrara Bakery. I admit that I ate one before we even made it back home.

The Winter WonderFest is a fun way to get in the holiday spirit while staying out of the chilly weather.  I actually almost didn’t mind the winter chill as we walked to our vehicle.

— John Wroblewski, distribution specialist