It’s the offseason for the Chicago Cubs, but there is plenty of action at Wrigley Field, despite the cold temperatures. Actually, the weather has been perfect for fun at Winterland at Gallagher Way. Throughout the holiday season, events included Santa’s Workshop, outdoor holiday movies on a big screen, an interactive art display and more.

Last week, my friends and I summoned our courage and ventured onto the ice at the outdoor skating rink. The temporary ice rink is located in Gallagher Way, just outside of Wrigley Field. Rental skates are available, as are skating lessons and even curling lessons.

While I have walked on the ice at the Rockford IceHogs games, I haven’t tried skating in years. Suffice it to say, my minimal skating skills have no;improved over the years. I did manage to stay on my feet, but my skating was more shuffling than graceful gliding. It was a lot of fun; although, I think the youngsters there had more fun as they zoomed past us again and again.

When we had enough skating, we crossed the street to the Bar at Hotel Zachary. We enjoyed a few orders of Calypso chicken wings and Noon Whistle Peach Berliner Weisse while watching the skaters at the rink from the second-story window overlooking Wrigley.

Winterland is part of the many significant improvements in the Wrigley Field area. It is now a destination point all year.

— John Wroblewski, online writer