As any Chicagoan knows, the city’s weather is a fickle thing. Unseasonably warm days in February and snow in April are to be expected, but as a whole winter means slush-filled streets and bitingly cold temperatures. Commuting to work and even running minor errands can seem like a major expedition involving multiple layers, heavy duty boots, and a great deal of fortitude.

Luckily, Chicago has some spots where you can shed your coat and forget about the months of winter left to endure. Find a little slice of summer or a touch of escapism in these five neighborhoods. 

East Garfield Park

The Garfield Park Conservatory is a Chicago winter favorite

Warm weather is hard to come by in Chicago winter, but Garfield Park Conservatory in East Garfield Park transports its visitors to tropical climes. The neighborhood is largely known for this sprawling greenhouse and the park of the same name. Inside this botanical haven, thousands of plants grow in two acres contained under glass. Sunlight streams inside and warms the air. The conservatory is open to people who simply want to add a little green to their lives, and it regularly hosts events for kids and adults.

Hot dogs conjure up memories of warm summer days and baseball games. Indulge in one of the city’s favorite foods at The Original Maxwell Street, located on Harrison Street in East Garfield Park. Open 24 hours, this counter-front greasy spoon serves Polish sausage, hamburgers, pork chops, and sandwiches. 

Humboldt Park

Even in the winter Humboldt Park has some beautiful landscapes to explore

Humboldt Park is one of the city’s major green spots. This West Side neighborhood is home to a huge park complete with walking paths and lagoons. During the winter, this open space loses some of its vibrancy but none of its beauty.

For anyone who misses some green in their lives, Adams & Sons Gardens is located on California Avenue, just a few blocks from the neighborhood’s namesake park. Inside, this garden shop is crammed full of potted plants, succulents, and all of the supplies you could dream of for growing your own indoor garden. 

The neighborhood is also home to a unique type of gym: First Ascent Humboldt Park. Just south of the park, First Ascent is a climbing gym with rock walls that stretch nearly to the top of its considerable ceilings. It’s easy to forget about the cold outside while you’re working up a sweat.

Lincoln Park

The Lincoln Park Conservatory is a winter oasis

Lincoln Park may get a lot of the cold air right from the lake, but this delightful mix of college campus neighborhood and upscale residential community has plenty of warm, bright spots to give people a temporary break from Chicago winter. Lincoln Park Conservatory is a large indoor garden with warm temperatures and verdant views, while Belmont Flower Market is a local shop perfect for anyone inspired to start a mini conservatory of their own.

For anyone seeking warmth, Lincoln Park restaurant Range has a large fireplace that invites diners to enjoy dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.

River West

River West is a small neighborhood, but it’s rapidly shedding its industrial roots and becoming a popular spot for new development and new residents. 

While you won’t find large indoor gardens here, you’ll find AIRE Ancient Baths, a Greek and Roman-inspired spa operating in one of the neighborhood’s former factories. In the warm waters of this luxury space it becomes easy to forget that it’s winter outside and that you’re in Chicago, for that matter.

While in River West, you can also step inside Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art for a welcome respite from the cold. This museum focuses on art created outside of the mainstream.

Streeterville

Water Tower Place / Photo by Gabe Popa / CC BY

Streeterville is known for its luxury real estate and prime shopping on the Magnificent Mile. While a little shopping is certainly a welcome escape from winter, particularly in the toasty confines of Water Tower Place, one of the neighborhood’s main attractions is going out of the way to forget winter.

Navy Pier is hosting The Beach Chicago event from Jan. 19-Feb. 3. Chicagoans may not be able to enjoy Lake Michigan’s beaches for months to come, but they can dive into this beach-themed art installation complete with beach chairs, umbrellas, and small plastic balls gathered to mimic water.

After taking a “swim,” Navy Pier visitors can wander through the palm trees and fountains of the Crystal Gardens. Navy Pier is also home to the Chicago Children’s Museum, perfect for families with kids feeling cooped up during the winter.