Article · November 11, 2026

Indoor Things to Do with Kids in Joliet This Winter (2026)

Cold or snowy day in Joliet? The Bird Haven Greenhouse, the Joliet Area Historical Museum, both library branches, Inwood Ice Arena and two nearby nature centers.

By Zippy Guide · Published Nov 11, 2026 · Last checked Nov 11, 2026

Joliet winters are cold and snowy. For an indoor day: the Bird Haven Greenhouse, the Joliet Area Historical Museum, both Joliet Public Library branches and Inwood Ice Arena are in Joliet; Isle a la Cache Museum is in nearby Romeoville and Hidden Oaks Nature Center is in nearby Bolingbrook.

Bird Haven Greenhouse & Conservatory

A historic Lord & Burnham glass conservatory next to Pilcher Park, with a tropical house, cactus room and seasonal floral shows in fall, winter and spring. Bird Haven Greenhouse & Conservatory on Zippy Guide.

Where: 225 N. Gougar Rd., Joliet, IL 60432
When: Monday–Sunday 9 AM–4 PM; closed on holidays. May close without notice in bad weather.
Price: Not posted.
Source: Joliet Park District

Joliet Area Historical Museum

A local history museum in a former church downtown, with exhibits on Joliet's people and stories, plus Route 66 history. Joliet Area Historical Museum on Zippy Guide.

Where: 204 N. Ottawa St., Joliet, IL 60432
When: Open daily 10 AM–4 PM. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
Price: Adults $10; seniors (60+) $9; full-time students with ID $7; youth 4–12 $5; ages 3 and under free.
Source: Joliet Area Historical Museum

Joliet Public Library: Ottawa Street Branch

The downtown branch of the Joliet Public Library, with weekly story times for babies, toddlers and preschoolers and holiday programs for families. Joliet Public Library: Ottawa Street Branch on Zippy Guide.

Where: 150 N. Ottawa St., Joliet, IL 60432
When: Monday–Thursday 9 AM–9 PM; Friday–Saturday 9 AM–5 PM; Sunday 1–5 PM. Closed Nov 26, Dec 4, Dec 24 and Dec 25; closes at 4 PM on Nov 25 and Dec 31.
Price: Free.
Source: Joliet Public Library

Joliet Public Library: Black Road Branch

The west-side branch of the Joliet Public Library, with Toddler Time, Bouncing Babies, Preschool Storytime and evening Family Storytime. Joliet Public Library: Black Road Branch on Zippy Guide.

Where: 3395 Black Rd., Joliet, IL 60431
When: Monday–Thursday 9 AM–9 PM; Friday–Saturday 9 AM–5 PM; Sunday 1–5 PM. Closed Nov 26, Dec 4, Dec 24 and Dec 25; closes at 4 PM on Nov 25 and Dec 31.
Price: Free.
Source: Joliet Public Library

Inwood Ice Arena

A full-size indoor ice rink at the Inwood Athletic Club complex with public skate sessions and a pay-as-you-go Intro to Skating class. Inwood Ice Arena on Zippy Guide.

Where: 3000 W. Jefferson St., Joliet, IL 60435
When: Public skate times change; check the public skate schedule on the official page or call (815) 741-7275 ext. 118.
Price: Public skate: $6 residents / $8 non-residents; kids 5 and under $3 / $4. Skate rental $5. Intro to Skating class $12.
Source: Joliet Park District

Isle a la Cache Museum

A free museum on an island preserve along the Des Plaines River in Romeoville, about the area's cultural history, with family programs and a nature trail. Isle a la Cache Museum on Zippy Guide.

Where: Romeo Rd. (135th St.), east of Route 53, Romeoville, IL (in nearby Romeoville, not Joliet)
When: Museum open Wednesday–Sunday 10 AM–4 PM (closed Monday and Tuesday). Preserve open 8 AM–sunset daily except Christmas.
Price: Free museum admission.
Source: Forest Preserve District of Will County

Hidden Oaks Nature Center

A nature center with hands-on exhibits and resident animal ambassadors in a 36-acre Bolingbrook preserve with prairie, forest and savanna trails. Hidden Oaks Nature Center on Zippy Guide.

Where: 419 Trout Farm Rd., Bolingbrook, IL (in nearby Bolingbrook, not Joliet)
When: Nature center open Wednesday–Sunday 10 AM–4 PM. Preserve open 8 AM–sunset daily except Christmas.
Price: Not posted.
Source: Forest Preserve District of Will County

Watch

Videos

Videos from local creators and organizations, shared for reference. Zippy Guide isn't affiliated with them.

Historic Bird Haven Greenhouse and Conservatory at Pilcher Park in Joliet — video by willcountynews on YouTube.
Video: willcountynews
Watch on YouTube, by willcountynews
Illinois Adventure #1701 "Joliet Area Historical Museum" — video by WTVP on YouTube.
Video: WTVP
Watch on YouTube, by WTVP

Questions

FAQ

Is the Bird Haven Greenhouse open in winter?

Yes. It is open Monday–Sunday 9 AM–4 PM, with seasonal floral shows in fall, winter and spring. It is closed on holidays and may close without notice in bad weather.

Which museums near Joliet are free?

Isle a la Cache Museum in nearby Romeoville has free admission. The Joliet Area Historical Museum charges admission (adults $10; ages 3 and under free).