Dating a Frugal Girl (Chicago FREE Winter Date Ideas)

I am going to let you into my personal life for a brief minute.

Are you ready???

 

Ready or not, here I go . . .

As a young girl growing up in Chicago, my mother always took my brother and I to FREE events in the city. We never had a lot of money, but while I was young, I never knew that we were poor. One main event that my mother always took us to see was the Holiday decorations in downtown Chicago. I enjoyed seeing the huge  375ft. Christmas tree outside of Daley Plaza and looking at the Holiday windows at Marshall Fields (which is now Macy’s).  :-(

      Well, as a young girl I would always see couples at the same events/activities. They would hold hands, take pictures, and even kissing each other. (If my daughter was to see somebody kiss, she covers her eyes and say that they are nasty) I use to say to my self; when I get older, my boyfriend is going to take me to these events. Well, I am 29 years old with a 4 year old and I am taking her to these events. While the fairy tale is still there, I know that I have to create memories for my daughter; like my mother did for me. Maybe one day these frogs will turn into a Prince and I can see my dream come true.

So in order to help you have great photos, memories,  and FREE &Frugal Fun check out some activities that you can do in Chicago this holiday season.

Ice Skating at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink

Date 11.19.2010 - 03.13.2011

Time(s) Sun, 10:00am - 9:00pm

Mon, 12:00pm - 8:00pm

Tues, 12:00pm - 8:00pm
Wed, 12:00pm - 8:00pm

Thu, 12:00pm - 8:00pm

Fri, 12:00pm - 10:00pm

Sat, 10:00am - 9:00pm

You can go ice skating for FREE ($10.00 if you have to rent ice skates) at McCormick Tribune Plaza.  McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park will open on Friday, November 19, 2010 and will remain open through Sunday, March 13, 2011, weather permitting. The ice rink is located on Michigan Avenue between Washington and Madison Streets.

Check out the website for more information and their Holiday hours. 

Daley Plaza Christmas Tree

Dates: Nov 24, 2010 - Jan 8, 2011

Location: Daley Plaza (Washington St. & Dearborn St.)

While there you can check out Christkindlmarket Chicago is a German tradition that has made its way to Chicago. This Christmas holiday market takes place in Daley Plaza from Thanksgiving to Christmas, and offers unique crafts and gifts for sale, a variety of entertainment, as well as German food and drinks.

Here are some other sites that you can see if you go downtown:

Willis Tower

Macy's Holiday Windows

Magnificent Mile

Water Tower Place

Lincoln Park Zoo Lights

TIP: I suggest that you take public transportation to see these attractions.  Check out CTA Holiday Train Schedule to ride the train with Santa. 

To help you save on your lunch or dinner check out Restaurant.com. 

They have a an 80% off sale going on.  From now until 12.12.2010 you can purchase a $25 gift certificate for only $2.00

In order to get your printable gift certificate visit Restaurant.com and search under zip code 60601. Choose the restaurant that you want to attend add it to your cart.  Add Coupon Code: JOY and see that you will only pay $2.00 for a $25.00 printable gift certificate. 

BTW: These certificates make great gifts. 

If you don't want to travel downtown, check out Chicago Park District Website and see what local community park you can go go an enjoy Ice Skating with your family.