If you cross all these activities off, then you’ll have an AWESOME winter! Also, look at the PeoriaParent.com calendar for additional ideas! Happy winter!

- The Peoria Zoo is fun regardless of the weather, so go to the zoo. It’s FREE admission until Feb 12

- “Be the Dinosaur” at Lakeview Museum’s newest exhibit from Jan 28 – May 20. Learn about the Life of Cretaceous Dinosaurs.

- See the animals frolic at Wildlife Prairie State Park on a weekend. AND visit Gertie the Groundhog on Feb 2, Groundhog’s Day.

- Do a winter, nature hike at Forest Park Nature Center. Do a compare & contrast from a summer & fall hike with your kids

- Thursdays at Jillians is Family Day. For $5, get a kid’s meal and a $10 game card. What a bargain for $5.

- Attend one of the Peoria Civic Center’s big events: Nickolodeon’s The Fresh Beat Band, Skippy, John Jones Theatre, Monster Jam Trucks, and more

- Show your home team spirit with the Bradley Braves Basketball and Rivermen Hockey teams.

- Participate in your local libraries awesome story times and craft times. And, of course, read and check out great books!

- At the next big snowfall, go sledding, make snow angels, throw snowballs, and build a snowman.

- If you want to play indoors, burn energy at Monkey Joes and Rainbow Play Systems.

- Watch a movie matinee. It’s $4 at Landmark, and $5.50 at Willow Knolls.

- Sign up for fun lessons with your local park district.

- Go for a day trip to the Children’s Museum of Normal!