Despite the frigid temperatures in Chicago, I had some fun at the Fifth Third Bank Winter WonderFest at Chicago’s Navy Pier. In its 17^th year, this indoor winter playground provides a ton of fun over more than 170,000 square feet.

There are rides, giant slides, the Blackhawks Ice Skating Rink, holiday decorations and more to keep you entertained and in the holiday spirit. They also temporarily take your mind off of the weather outside.

I barely managed to not break my ankles (or anything else) on the ice, but I killed it on the giant slides, proving this is fun for all ages. Every year I look forward to my day at the Winter WonderFest.

While there, we ate lunch at the legendary Billy Goat Tavern. Known as Chicago’s burger joint, the Billy Goat is part of the Chicago experience. A pleasant surprise is its perfect grilled cheese sandwich.

To end the day, we dined at Pizano’s, truly one of the best and most underrated pizza spots in the city. The other menu items are fantastic, but I cannot stray from the pizza. We finished with the fresh and light spumoni.

Chicago winters are harsh and long. Events like the Winter WonderFest help us survive and actually have fun. There are plenty more winter events coming up, and I intend to enjoy as many as I can.

— John Wroblewski, online contributor/distribution specialist