10+ Fantastic Things To Do In Chicago In February

Tori Levy Staff Writer January 30, 2026 Although February is the shortest month of the year , it can often feel like the longest due to its cold weather. However, it is a month filled with events, including Valentine’s Day, Black History Month, Lunar New Year, and Mardi Gras. With so much happening, it’s hard to believe February has only 28 days! Here is a list of the best activities to enjoy in Chicago this February, designed to keep your spirits high and your soul happy. Experience the Unique Hot Tub Boats in Chicago This Winter ---------------------------------------------------------- Chicago Electric Boat Company’s Hot Tub Boats are returning for another season, offering a unique winter experience on the city’s waterways. These special boats combine the comfort of a hot tub with the thrill of a boat ride, allowing you to cruise through Chicago’s iconic cityscape while staying warm and cozy. Each boat is equipped with underwater lights, Bluetooth speakers, and a BYOB policy, making it an unforgettable experience! Be captivated by a Candlelight Concert --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Candlelight concerts provide an incredible experience this month. Enter some of Chicago’s most beautiful venues to enjoy unforgettable performances. The beloved Candlelight series has organized a lineup of talented musicians, performing in the city’s finest spaces illuminated by hundreds of candles. [See the full list of candlelight concerts in Chicago.](https://feverup.com/chicago/candlelight) Buy Tickets Enjoy a day at the Shedd Aquarium for free ------------------------------------------ Chicago is home to a remarkable array of world-class museums and attractions; however, visiting them all can be expensive. Fortunately, winter is often when many of these attractions announce free admission days for Illinois residents. One such beloved attraction is Chicago’s aquarium , which will offer numerous free-admission days throughout winter. These free days are scheduled for February 3-5, 10-12, 17-19, and 24-26. Get free entry to the Field Museum on a Wednesday ------------------------------------------------- The Field Museum is one of Chicago’s amazing museums that is offering free admission this month. Unlike other museums that are providing free entry on select dates in the coming weeks, the Field Museum has announced that starting in 2025, it will be free every Wednesday for Illinois residents. Drink in a personal snow globe ------------------------------ Among the rooftops creatively reinventing themselves with igloos, fire pits, and more , the Godfrey Hotel in River North stands out as particularly distinctive. It features Chicago’s largest indoor-outdoor rooftop, complete with a retractable roof. The hotel’s annual whimsical winter wonderland is the perfect escape during the cold, dreary winter months. Enjoy curling and cocktails at Gwen Hotel ----------------------------------------- While you won’t find extravagant igloos here, you can enjoy the hotel’s annual Curling and Cocktails experience. Each winter, the hotel transforms its rooftop into an outdoor curling rink, offering a unique experience high above the city. During the curling sessions, guests can enjoy small bites and a complimentary round of cocktails. This allows you to sip on your favorite drink while competing against your friends on the state-of-the-art curling rink. Get romantic for Valentine’s Day --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- February 14, 2026 Two weeks into this month, we also celebrate the most romantic day of the year. It’s wise to finalize plans for an ideal night of romance early to avoid last-minute pressure. Fortunately, Chicago offers many heartwarming activities to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Read more Ice skatingat Maggie Daley Park ------------------------------- One of the best activities in Chicago during February is the Maggie Daley Ice Rink , which provides an “alpine in the city” experience. You can skate along a quarter-mile rink located in the heart of Chicago, where the winding ribbon of ice curves up and down around a 40-foot climbing wall, all set against the stunning backdrop of the city’s skyline. Source: https://secretchicago.com/things-to-do-in-chicago-in-february-2026/