In bitter cold, Polar Adventure Days goes on as planned at Northerly Island Park: ‘Life doesn’t stop’
Rosy-cheeked children and men with icicles in their beards battled the bitter cold for a few hours of fun at Northerly Island Park on Saturday.
They built forts out of recycled Christmas trees, watched an ice sculptor chisel a snow owl, balanced on a slack line, or tightrope, and cheered on huskies sledding around the park. In the warmth of the field house, they engaged in arts and crafts, watched a puppet show by Jabberwocky Marionettes, and met some reptiles, including a lizard, boa constrictor and snapping turtle. And they consumed copious amounts of hot chocolate.
The events were part of the Chicago Park District’s free annual Polar Adventure Days, which made its return to Northerly Island Park for the first time since the field house was damaged by a fire in 2023. A second event will take place Feb. 21 at Big Marsh Park.
The low temperature Saturday morning was 4 degrees with a wind chill of minus 25. But participants happily embraced the cold, praising the benefits of the day of activities: fresh air, natural beauty and a break from technology.
“Life doesn't stop,” said Richard Carrillo, of the East Side, who attended the event with his wife, Laura Macias, and their 5-year-old son, Samuel, and 2-year-old daughter, Isabel. “It’s Chicago. The children have to learn the cold.”
Carrillo, 45, credited his wife with making them a more active family.
“We're always outdoors with the kids so they can see: don't just stay at home, watch TV and play video games," he said.
Chicago Park District employee Ted Gross said he wanted to encourage people to safely enjoy Chicago in winter, which is why planners minimized time outside and planned activities near and inside the field house. Gross said he wanted young people to learn something from the event, which also included an indoor fishing activity.
“What I look for is something that kids can take away about how to enjoy the outdoors,” said Gross, who is the center director of Northerly Island. “Or what are they going to learn about ecology and natural areas in the Chicago region?”
He also promoted the park as a natural place to escape within the city.
“It's so special,” he said. “It’s the only island that is part of the city. We have the largest prairie natural area on Chicago's lakefront, and it's just a unique view. It’s quiet. You're away from cars, and yet you have the Chicago skyline with this beautiful prairie scene in front of you."
That atmosphere was also appreciated by Matt Tyberg, who lives in the South Loop, who attended Polar Adventure Days with his wife, Demi Garibay, and their 18-month-old son, Cruz Garibay-Tyberg.
“The view is breathtaking!” Tyberg said seeing his son “light up” while taking in new sights was his favorite part of the day.
The dogs, provided by Free Spirit Siberian Rescue and Huskies of the Valley, appeared to be the highlight of the event for many.
Free Spirit Siberian Rescue volunteer Mike Knill said he enjoys seeing children interact with the huskies and the feeling of leading the animals on his bike.
“I love being outdoors,” he said. “If you take a dog sled team in the snow, and you're just running through the trail and trees, it’s so peaceful. Snow is coming down, and all you hear is the foot pads hitting the snow and the dogs panting, and you just see the world go by.”
In other words, people like Knill are awed by winter, while others are annoyed.
“You talk to anyone in Chicago in the wintertime, and at least three-quarters of them are going to be complaining about the snow, the cold and how miserable it is,” Gross said.
“But there's a quarter of us that truly understand how special the wintertime is. That’s what the event is all about. Let’s not mourn the wintertime, let's celebrate these things — even if just for a day.”