When you reach the point of the year where the holidays are in the rearview mirror but springtime is still on the horizon, it's easy to want to just stay inside, keep warm, and become a little bit withdrawn. However, even with the cold weather, St. Charles never ceases to offer amazing activities for individuals of all ages, indoor and outdoor. Keep reading to find some ideas on how you can stay active this time of year, and maybe even find a new hobby to carry over with you into the springtime.
Kid-Approved
Jump Around at Urban Air Adventure Park
Photo 1 Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography. Photo 2 Courtesy of Urban Air Adventure Park
It's at this point for the season where you really need to look for activities that allows for your children to burn off some energy. There's no better place that we can think of where kids can do just this than at Urban Air Adventure Park. Here, kids have the opportunity bounce all around this trampoline park, with attractions such as climbing walls, go-karts, and more. Need an idea for an upcoming birthday party? Hosting it at Urban Air Adventure Park always makes for a memorable celebration.
Catch a Movie at Charlestowne 18
Photos Courtesy of Charlestowne 18
There really is no better way to catch the latest blockbuster film than going to an actual, in-person, movie theatre. The smell of fresh popcorn throughout the air, comfortable seats, and a ginormous screen - these are all characteristics that you can expect when you catch a film at Charlestowne 18. Searching for a deal? When you stop by on a Tuesday, you can take advantage of $6 movies, making it a great chance to enjoy some time with their entire family for a unbeatable price.
Learn at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center
Photos Courtesy of the St. Charles Park District
If you're looking for way to tie in both a children's activity with an educational activity, look no further than Hickory Knolls Discovery Center. While they have exhibits that you can view any time of the day that the facility is open, they also offer a variety of programs and camps that will allow kids to gain a more in-depth knowledge of the natural world. While you're there, make sure to say hello to their Animal Ambassadors, or drop in to learn more about one of their different furry friends during their "Hangin' with Hickory Friends" event Monday through Saturday at 11am and 3pm.
Self-Care
Sip on a Delicious Beverage
Photo 2 Courtesy of Maple Leaf Coffee House
A tried and true method of raising one's spirits is by savoring the flavors of a fun, delicious beverage! With a fantastic of selection of local coffee shops and cafes in the downtown area, such as Arcedium Coffeehouse, Coroco Coffee, Maple Leaf Coffee House, and Brown Butter Bakery & Cafe, it won't be a challenge to find a spot to relax at. Whether you choose to sip on a warm or iced drink, you'll be amazed on how something so simple can be so effective in improving one's mood.
Pick Up Self-Care Products
A relaxing, soothing, warm bath to beat the winter blues? Yes, please! If this sounds as good to you as it does to us, you'll want to pick up a few local products to help reach your ultimate relaxation level. Both Magnolia Soap & Bath Co. and MION Artisan Soap are exceptional establishments, crafting high-quality self-care products using only the cleanest ingredients. From soaps to bath bombs and body scrubs and everything in between, these are your headquarters to pick up products that are all about unwinding.
Join a Gym or Studio
Phot 1 Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography. Photo 2 Courtesy of Core FSN
It's incredible what wonders physical fitness has on positive, mental health. That's why, if you're starting to feel the winter blues, make an effort to get out of the house and join a local gym or studio! Even if hitting the weights isn't necessarily your idea of a good time, there are plenty of other options to stay active this time of year, like Yoga and Pilates! And lucky for you, we have plenty of those studios in town with Bent Dog Yoga & Pilates, Greenleaf Yoga, Flower of Life Yoga & Wellness Center, and Power Moves Yoga.
Social Gatherings
Visit a Local Bingo or Trivia Night
Photo 1 Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography. Photo 2 Courtesy of Riverlands Brewing
Spending quality time with friends and family is always an event to look forward to, and you can make it more exciting by adding an element of competition to the mix! There are a variety of spots that offer weekly trivia and bingo nights, including at restaurants, breweries and bars around town. While these events are sometimes free, it's best to contact the establishment beforehand to get any details on registration. To view weekly trivia and bingo in St. Charles, please click the button below.
Take a Cooking Class at Fox Den Cooking
Photos Courtesy of Fox Den Cooking
Combining learning a new skill with tasty food? It doesn't get much better than that! Grab a group of your best pals and sign up for a cooking class at Fox Den Cooking. You can view their calendar beforehand here, that way you can select the food that interests you the most to make. Then, you'll get step-by-step guidance on how to make that dish The best part is, everything you make you get to eat, so be sure to come hungry!
Play Pickleball
Photo 1 Courtesy of Bring It Sports Academy. Photo 2 Courtesy of the St. Charles Park District
If you are yet to jump in on the hottest craze of pickleball, this season is your time to do so! Luckily, you won't have to brace the cold to get a match in, as there are plenty of indoor courts around town where you can play. The St. Charles Park District often has sessions where you can play at Haines Gymnasium and Norris Recreation Center. There are also businesses around town that offer court rentals such as Fieldhouse by the Fox or Bring It Sports Academy. Looking to pair a match with a brew? D&G Brewing hosts Pickleball & Pitchers on Tuesday nights where you can take advantage of terrific beer deals while you play!
How Do You Beat the Late-Winter Blues?
Self-Care
Social Gatherings
Shopping Spree
Being Outdoors
The Great Outdoors
Take a Hike at a Local Forest Preserve
Photos Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography
While it's easy to want to stay inside during these winter months, we encourage everyone to try to get outside and enjoy all the natural beauty that St. Charles offers! Winter is one of the prettiest times of year in this city, especially when the ground and trees are covered with a fresh blanket of snow. Make your way over to one of the many parks and forest preserves to take a winter stroll. If there is a good amount of snow, you may want to bring a pair of snowshoes, too. If you need a pair, Play It Again Sports offers an ample amount of new and used options for you to choose from.
Go Ice Skating
Photos Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography
When the weather is permitting, the St. Charles Park District has outdoor ice rinks available for public use! This exciting winter activity is sure to add some thrill to your season, with a rink for ice skating located at Lincoln Park, and a rink for hockey located at Langum Park! Plus, these rinks are lighted, so even if the sun has started to set, the fun doesn't have to come to a close.
Set Up Bird Feeders
Photo 2 Courtesy of Heinz Brothers Greenhouse Garden Center
By this point in the season, you've most likely already have had your fill with watching television, so why not switch up your entertainment? There are countless different kinds of birds that inhabit this area, and you can enjoy their company by setting up some bird feeders and bird houses in your yard. You can have your very own set-up to admire the outdoor critters that call this city home, and on top of that, you may even find a bird that you haven't discovered before! If you need some bird equipment, taking a trip to Heinz Brothers Greenhouse Garden Center, St. Charles Hardware, or Trellis Farm & Garden will ensure that you get everything you need.
Shopping Spree
Search for Home Décor
An outstanding way to break out of a winter funk is to refresh your living space! With the help of the wonderful home décor shops that offer unbeatable products, taking on an interior transformation is a breeze. You can make a whole day out of visiting the shops in town, including Circa Vintage Gallery, Double Take Consignment, House of Charlemagne, Industrial Treasures, The Pep Line, and trend + relic, just to name a few. Plus, with it being almost spring, it's the perfect time to bring a fresh new look to your home.
Find a New Outfit
Photos Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography
Just like how refreshing your living space can give you a breath of fresh life, finding a new outfit can feel just as good, too! The feeling of showing off a brand-new outfit around town just can't be beat, and you can search for that new look by making a trip to Double Take Consignment, Jeans and a Cute Top Shop, or Makoma House! Let's face it, you've made it this far through winter - you deserve to treat yourself!
Look for a New Book
Photos Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography
Another way that you can lift your spirits this time of year is by diving into a brand-new book. Being able to get lost in a captivating story while staying cozy inside is a recipe for the ideal, relaxing day. If you're in need of a new novel, Townhouse Books has got you covered! They offer a wide range of books for all ages, and knowledgeable staff that can help you find what you're looking for. Afterwards, make sure to grab a delicious bite to eat at Townhouse Cafe!
Not wanting your shopping spree to come to a close? Click below to discover even more incredible shops to visit this winter.
Looking for more activities around St. Charles this spring? Listen to our recent Nick & Nate Update where we take a deeper dive into some events that you do not want to miss out on. Plus, tons of deep dives with local businesses owners who help make this town great. Click above to learn more!