Lake Katherine's Winter Fest Offers Wintry Fun

PALOS HEIGHTS, IL -- Families will have the opportunity to get up close to a bird of prey, meet the critters of Lake Katherine, and hop on a hayride at this year’s Winterfest in Palos Heights. Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens will host their annual winter festival on Saturday, Feb. 3 between noon and 4pm. Revelers are urged to brave the winter weather and get outside for a fun day of live animals, educational demonstrations, children’s crafts, face-painting, and snowshoeing.

During the day a naturalist from Pilcher Park Nature Center will introduce a raptor, and staff from Lake Katherine will present turtles, snakes, and six and eight-legged critters. The Palos Heights Fire Protection District will perform an ice rescue demonstration in the lake at 1pm.

Tickets cost $5 per person with children two and under being admitted for free. Early ticket deals can also be found on Groupon.com.

“Winter is long and cold in Chicagoland but getting outside in nature is great for the wellbeing of all ages,” said Lake Katherine’s Operations Manager Gareth Blakesley. “We host Winterfest to spread the message that our park is open all year round. It is a great opportunity to enjoy some fresh air and fun activities with your family.”

Schedule of events

Noon Dance Like a Penguin – Anniversary Garden
12:30 PM Pilcher Park Nature Center – Nature Center Stage
1:00 PM Ice Rescue Demonstration – Lakeside
1:00 PM Winter Seedlings – Nature Center Stage
1:30 PM Pilcher Park Nature Center – Nature Center Stage
2:00 PM Critters of Lake Katherine – Nature Center Stage
2:00 PM Dance Like a Penguin – Anniversary Garden
2:30 PM Pilcher Park Nature Center – Nature Center Stage
2:30 PM Hula Hoopla! – Anniversary Garden
3:00 PM Mini Beasts – Nature Center Stage
3:30 PM Fire Starting
3:30 PM Book Reading - Nature Center Stage

Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens is an 85-acre non-profit park that includes woodlands, prairie, wetlands, gardens, and a 10-acre lake located at 7402 W. Lake Katherine Drive in Palos Heights. Visit Lake Katherine for more information or call 708-361-1873.