As the weather gets more chilly and COVID-19 cases get higher, here are some fun and safe activities to do with your friends.

10. Ice skating
Whether you know how to ice skate or not, winter is a great time to glide on the ice with your friends. Making a day trip out of ice skating has always been a favorite of mine. I highly recommend skating at Maggie Daley Park and grabbing some lunch afterwards.

9. Bonfire
This may be a good choice for when the weather isn’t as harsh, but pretend to be Bear Grylls and become a fire master. Perhaps grab some s’mores ingredients as well.

8. Hang out in the garage
Many people have turned to chilling in the garage as a safe alternative to sitting inside. As this is a better option when it isn’t so cold outside, it still may be a good idea if you don’t know where to hang out.

7. Museum
Reach your inner indie persona and visit a nearby museum. Though this may seem boring, going with your closest friends to laugh with will ensure you will have a blast.

6. Sledding
Go dig out that sled from your attic and head over to your nearest sledding hill. Don’t be embarrassed, you’re never too old to go sledding.

5. Drive around
What’s the most suburban thing to do as a teenager? You guessed it, hopping in the car and going for a drive. Turn on some of your favorite tunes and drive safe.

4. Host a Netflix party
Grab your go-to snack and open up a Zoom for a Netflix party to watch your favorite movie with your best friends.

3. Drive-in movie
Go back in time and look for your nearest drive-in theater. With COVID-19 precautions, drive-in theaters are all the rage now, as they are a safer alternative to movie theaters.

2. Go out for dinner (but with a twist)
Dress up in your fanciest clothing and go to your favorite fast food restaurant. You may get some odd looks, but who cares? I promise it’ll be a lot of fun.

1. Visit the Lincoln Park Zoo
Dig out that nostalgia of going to the zoo for a school field trip. Yes, you know exactly what I’m talking about. So grab your best friends and bundle up to see some of the coolest animals this winter.