Forget about snow, ice and gray skies.

Winter doldrums will be forgotten while visiting "The 78th Annual Chicago Boat, RV & Outdoors Show" at Chicago's McCormick Place, where warm-weather adventures such as road trips, water skiing, wake boarding, sport boating, wave running, camping, fishing and lazy pontooning are highlighted.

Produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association, the show has become one of the leading sports shows of its kind nationwide.

And for good reason. Even though more than 600 boats and 200 RVs will be showcased at this year's event, it is much more than just a place for fishin' buddies and water sports zealots wanting to check out the latest "big boy toys."

This is a full-fledged "family event" with numerous fun activities, demonstrations and educational opportunities for youngsters and adults alike.

And, unlike family-excursion destinations, there are no hidden costs or charges for any of the demonstrations or activities.

"Everything is included in your gate admission," Show Manager Keith Ogulnick said.

"We want people to experience as much as possible and to enjoy themselves here."

Along with a growing number of families, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Campfire Kids have attended each year, too. So many, that a "Discover Boating" patch was created two years ago for scouts who take part the "hands on" educational stations.

Those include: Captain Kids' Discovery Point (where they learn knot tying, model boat building and conservation); catching and releasing fish at the "Huck Finn Trout Pond"; learning to fish at the Take Me Fishing Center; and paddling a canoe, kayak or electric boat down a 170-foot indoor river.

"The Take Me Fishing Center was among the most popular features of last year's show," Ogulnick said.

"Making its debut this year as part of the show's fishing features will be the 'Freshwater Fishing Hall Of Fame.' "

Don't feel quite up to doing the real thing? Then just pretend to by visiting the Remote Control Boat Races, newly added to the 2008 event.

"All ages will enjoy racing these remote-control boats down the 70-foot long aquatic drag strip that we have built," Ogulnick said.

"Youngsters will also have the opportunity to participate in boat races at the State Farm display, which is geared especially for a younger crowd."

For those nonwater sport types who prefer to keep their feet planted on terra firma, there are land-related things to enjoy and experience, such as learning to ride all-terrain vehicles at the indoor ATV Demo Course.

"There is a whole RV culture that is growing each year," Ogulnick said.

"It's not just retirees out there exploring America in their RVs. There are growing numbers of young couples and young families into the RV experience."

Chicago's show ranks third-largest behind those in Miami and New York City in terms of event size and public turn out.

Several Indiana-based manufacturers will be sprawled about the 350,000-square-feet of floor space at this event.

Among them are: Alumacraft Boat Co. (LaPorte), Camp-Land Inc. (Burns Harbor), Hammond Marine (Hammond), B&E Marine (Michigan City), and EZ Load Boat Trailers and Godfrey Marine (both of Elkhart).

Several manufacturers from Chicago's Illinois suburbs include Timber View RV Center (Mokena), Terry's RV & Truck Center and South End Boat Shop (both of Frankfort), and the nation's largest recreational boat manufacturer, Brunswick, headquartered in Lake Forest.

"The Chicago Boat, RV & Outdoors Show is the perfect event for boaters and outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels and ages.This is the best place to look, see, touch and feel what's out there," Ogulnick said.

"From small bass boats, to runabouts and cigarette boats, on up to full cabin cruisers, a person can board and get the feel for them. The same with the RVs, ATVs and other outdoor products, features and accessories."

Don't have the money for a new boat? Then check out the "Bling My Boat" display, where a winning family gets their old boat refurbished, complete with the latest in marine accessories by designers at McHenry County's Bottoms Up Boat Repair.

Those unable to make this week's event should mark their calendars now for one of the other boating shows Ogulnick and his staff have planned:

* "The 13th Strictly Sail Show of Chicago" runs Jan. 31 to Feb. 3 at Navy Pier's Festival Halls (600 E. Grand Avenue) in Chicago. It's the largest indoor sailboat show in the country, and more than 20,000 sailing enthusiasts are expected to attend. FYI: www.StrictlySailChicago.com

* "The 2nd Annual Schaumburg Boat & Sport Show" runs Feb. 14-17 at the Renaissance Center (1551 Thoreau Drive) in Schaumburg. This is more of a high-end boutique show focused on the suburban fishing and outdoors audience, showcasing the latest boats, fishing accessories and adventure travel destinations. FYI: www.SchaumburgSportsshow.com

FYI: www.NMMA.org.