After the holidays, some folks experience the mid-January doldrums. Experts say the best way to get away from the blues is to get some exercise. With that in mind, here are some outdoor events in Lake County in mid-January that might help chase away the post-holiday blues. Some are free; others have a nominal fee and require registration.
Winter Fest
11 a.m.-2 p.m., Jan. 14
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Century Park North, 1401 Indianwood Drive, Vernon Hills
Free
Information: 847-996-6800; www.vhparkdistrict.org
Families can take free horse-drawn carriage rides, participate in winter games and observe dog sled demonstrations. A veteran ice sculptor will be carving outdoors for two hours, weather permitting. Families can bring sleds to ride down the hill and skates to do figure 8s on the ice. S’mores and hot cocoa are free, and registration is not required.
Frosty Fest
10:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Jan. 14
Bittersweet Golf Course, 875 Almond Road, Gurnee
Free
Information: 847-855-9031; www.gurneeparkdistrict.com
Families can watch ice-carving, take a horse-drawn carriage ride and meet a dog sled team. Snowshoeing and sledding will also be available. Registration is not required, and free hot cocoa and s’mores will be provided.
Hoot and Howl Hike
4:30-6 p.m., Jan. 14
Captain Daniel Wright Woods, 24830 St. Mary’s Road, Mettawa
Tickets: $6-$8
Information: 847-367-6640; www.lcfpd.org
Owls and coyotes are active all year long, especially when it gets dark. Those ages 8 and older can learn about these animals and listen for their howls and hoots in the preserve. Dress appropriately and wear warm boots. Reservations are required.
Connect with Nature Outdoors
1-2:30 p.m., Jan. 15
Greenbelt Cultural Center, 1215 Green Bay Road, North Chicago
Free
Information: 847-367-6640; www.lcfpd.org
Children can participate in seasonal play activities such as building snow creatures and forts or hunting for animal tracks. Registration is not required.
Winter Walk Wednesday
10- 11:30 a.m., Jan. 18
Van Patten Woods, Shelter D, 15838 Rte. 173, Wadsworth
Free
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Information: 847-367-6640; www.lcfpd.org
Dress in layers and wear sturdy boots or snow shoes. Join a guide for a free 1.7-mile hike through the woods. Listen for chickadees, nuthatches and woodpeckers calling in the woods, and experience other outdoor winter wonders.
Outdoor Skills: Tracking and Observation
1:30-4 p.m., Jan. 22
Independence Grove, 16400 Buckley Road, Libertyville
Tickets: $8-$10
Information: 847-367-6640; www.lcfpd.org
Families with children ages 10 and older will learn to identify tracks and scat left by native animals of Lake County. An indoor session will be held at the visitor center. Participants will then practice their new skills outdoors. Wear appropriate outdoor gear. Adult supervision required. Registration required.
Sunday Stroll
5-6:30 p.m., Jan. 22
Independence Grove, 16400 Buckley Road, Libertyville
Free
Information: 847-367-6640; www.lcfpd.org
A naturalist will guide participants along a plowed trail to experience the preserve after sunset. Meet by the visitor center. Registration is not required.
Sheryl DeVore is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.