“Winter Wonderfest” a child’s view by Adam Shaw

[rating=5] I have been attending Winter Wonderfest at Navy Pier since I was just a little boy and must say that this year, with the new rides and activities, this was the absoute  best day a kid could ever want. It is not just the rides, but even the food is worth the trip. Yes, they have lots of spots to eat at Navy Pier, but at the Winter Wonderfest, they have snacks that are more “kid Friendly” like “dippin’ Dots” ( 5 oz or 8 oz in lots of flavors) and Aunt Annie’s Pretzels ( warm and soft with or without salt/ pretty tasty stuff). You can also get cotton cany or even some of Chicago’s favorite Garrett’s Popcorn. Most kids will agree with me, these are the treats that make a day at Navy Pier’s Winter Wonderfest so special.

When you buy the deluxe wrist band, you are entiltled to go on every ride and even get skates rental so you can skate on the Chicago Blackhawks Indoor Rink ( a very Cooool place). I suggest that they have paople to help you find the right size skates because if you do not skate you may have to change skates several times to find the right fit. The game station is a very cool spot as there are video games for all  ages. They even have the original PONG ( but in color). Winter Wonderstage is another neat place to visit. always live entertainment. Create a Cookie Cottage is another fun spot but may I suggest you do this later in your visit so you will have something to take home ( we ate ours well before leaving Navy Pier).

My sisters and I went to Winter Wonderfest on New Year’s day, but returned on Sunday, January. 5th. This was during the snowstorm of the week-end and the weather kept a lot of opeople away, which was great for us. No lines and many iof the rides were ride as often as you wanted. The Zip-line, a very cool ride for kids ages 3-12 had no line on Sunday ( compared to 25 minutes wait on New Year’s) and a really fuun ride. I did not try the rock climbing and my susters were so busy on the slieds, they did not even care about some of the others ( excpet the train ride and the Ferris Wheel, where our Grandma found out she doesn’t like being stopped on top).

This was my 6th year of going to Winter Wonderfest and by far the best . If you miss out on this year, please make sure that you do not miss next year when it comes back again. I am sure it will be even bigger and better. To see what is happening, check out www.navypier.com