Chicago Travel Guide

This is one of our pick cities for families in the United States. First, there is so much to do in Chicago for every age group. Second, everything is easily accessible. The public transportation in Chicago is great. Almost every site and event is within a short walk of the nearest train station or bus stop. It is very efficient and safe to use. Lastly, the city is alive with so many exciting events for the whole family. Yes, even in the winter time. There are two places to find all you need to know about Chicago once you are there. Be sure to visit one of these informational locations listed below.   

 

What to Do:

 Navy Pier: A Chicago icon, Navy Pier is a long, wide pier that has loads to do for every family. Picture a mini amusement park on water and you have the famous Navy Pier where you will find exciting rides such as the Ferris Wheel and Wave Swinger, and even a Funhouse Maze. The Navy Pier also provides the opportunity to board several tour and dining boats. There are plenty of rides and activities along with shopping and dining at Navy Pier.

Train Tours: You can catch a free tour on the Loop Tour Train for a look at the city’s historic and architectural buildings. Presented by the Chicago Office of Tourism, this free tour runs approximately 40 minutes and departs every Saturday at 10:00 a.m. and 10:40 a.m. from May 5th through September 29th at the Randolph and Wabash CTA elevated station.

Boat Tours: There are also plenty of boat tours which provide a unique way to tour the city by water. We recommend doing the boat tours in the summer months rather than winter.

Bus Tours: There are several double-decker buses that tour the city. Inquire at any visitor information center for the latest times and prices.

• The Field Museum: This is one of our favorite Chicago museums. At the Field Museum you will have so much to see and do, we never had a chance to do it all. Your child will love something about this museum if not the entire building from the dinosours to the Egyptian mummies to the Crown Family PlayLab. Free on Mondays and Tuesdays almost every month and children under 4 are always free! Check their website for exact days and other great discounts.
• The Shedd Aquarium: The Shedd Aquarium is small compared to some but has some very beautiful exhibits, especially the Oceanarium. It is also located off Lake Michigan, what a view! Free on Mondays and Tuesdays almost every month!  Check website for exact days and other great discounts.
• The Adler Planetarium: The Planetarium was somewhat interesting but did not keep our attention for very long. I would not put this at the top of your list, however, keep it on the list if you intend to go for free. Free on Mondays and Tuesdays almost every month!  Check website for exact days and other great discounts. 
• Chicago Children's Museum: Visit the Chicago Children's Museum for three floors of interactive exhibits just for kids. Free on the first Monday of every month for children under 15 years and free for everyone every Thursday evening for Family Night!
• The Art Institute of Chicago: One of our favorite art museums is the Art Institue of Chicago. They have a kids section on the lower level where they offer free family programs from art studio to story time. This museum was voted the nations #1 art museum for kids. Don't forget to also check out their amazing art pieces from various time periods. Free on Thursdays for everyone and always free for children under 12!
• Museum of Science and Industry: We thoroughly enjoyed this museum and would rank it in the top of Chicago museums to visit. Here you will be able to see the inside of a submarine or climb into a farm tractor. Your child will be amazed as a chick hatches right before their eyes or see a toy being made in ToyMaker 3000. Walk amongst the planes above you and see a live model train set.Various free days throughout the year, check the website for further details.

*Please check with the musuem for updated times and free days.

Millennium Park/Grant Park: These fabulous patches of green on the east side of the city are a great place to relax and see the Chicago landscape along side the lake.  Millennium Park is home to a very interesting architectural outdoor concert arena.  Some concerts are free so check their listings. In the winter months you can also go ice skating for free (there is a skate rental fee).  In the warmer months be sure to check out Buckingham Fountain and the gardens at Grant Park.

John Hancock Center: If you are looking for a breathtaking view of the city, the John Hancock Center is a must. Take the elevator up to the observatory for a great view of Lake Michigan and the city of Chicago.  However, if you are in a rush and/or are on a tight budget, try going to the lounge for a quick view for free.

Lincoln Park Zoo: This Zoo is FREE! Located in one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Chicago, the Lincoln Park Zoo is an excellent place to see and interact with the animals. We found the Lincoln Park Zoo to be an exceptional activity to do with the family, it is definitely well worth the visit, especially since it is free!

Wrigley Field: Peanuts and Cracker Jacks anyone? Wrigley Field is one of the most popular locations in Chicago. Do not miss a Cubs game while you are there. Spring games can still be a bit chilly so dress in layers if you are not use to the weather. Wrigley Field is a quick ride on the CTA “L” north of the city. The stadium is right off the station, you can’t miss it. No visit to Wrigley Field is complete without treating yourselves to a famous Chicago Style Hotdog!

Sports: For the real sports fans there is much to offer in Chicago with a multitude of major sports teams. Besides the Chicago Cubs, Chicago is also home to another baseball team, the Chicago White Sox. Unlike Wrigley Field, U.S. Cellular Field is state of the art and offers a more up to date baseball viewing experience. For the football fans, you must take in a game of the famous Chicago Bears at Soldier Field, located next to the Field Museum complex. If you are a basketball fan you have to watch the Chicago Bulls in action at the United Center located just west of Chicago. 

Chicago Public Library's Harold Washington Library Center: If you are looking for a place to relax and take in some good books during the colder months, take a trip to this amazing library.  Before entering look up and see the interesting architecture. When you enter go to the second floor for the children’s section. Enjoy the large area the library has just for kids!

Chicago Beaches: In the summer time you will find many locals and visitors at the beach along Lake Michigan. If the water is too cold for you take a walk along the boardwalk or do plenty of the sporting activities available, such as biking and rollerblading.

Afternoon Tea: If you are traveling with your preteen or teenage daughter treat her to a real tea experience. The Drake Hotel (located on Michigan Ave. near the John Hancock Building) has a fabulous afternoon tea that will make any girl feel like royalty. Located in the Palm Court Lounge, the Afternoon Tea has various seating times from 1pm to 5pm. You may need to call ahead for reservations.

 
Off the Beaten Path:

Chinatown:  Located just south of the city you will find a cultural experience in Chinatown. If you happen to be in Chicago in early February, be sure to visit Chinatown for the Chinese New Year Parade. Please be forewarned that the parade includes lots of fireworks that are loud and sometimes frightening for small children. If you are looking for a Chinese dining experience try Three Happiness. We enjoyed most of the food and the atmosphere is family friendly although the staff were at times not as attentive. 

Six Flags Great America and Hurricane Harbor: A theme park and water park with just one admission price.  Only open seasonally so be sure to check their schedule.  Six Flags is located about an hour drive north of Chicago.

Coco Key Water Resort: Enjoy fun in the water all year round in this indoor water park. Your child can swim and play in Coco Key Water Resort's 60,000 sq. ft water playground. The water park is apart of the Sheraton Hotel but you do not have to be a guest of the hotel to attend the park. Located about 30 miles northwest of Chicago in Arlington Heights. 

Kohl Children’s Museum: Many interactive exhibits. Located in the beautiful neighborhood of Wilmette, north of Chicago along Lake Michigan. 847-256-6056

Bahá’í House of Worship: You do not have to be of the religion to visit this one of a kind temple. It is an amazing site with picturesque gardens and small museum. Wilmette 847-853-2300

Long Grove: A historic village just northwest of Chicago. Visit this cute town during one of their many fun festivals- May- Chocolate Festival, June- Strawberry Festival, October- Apple Festival, November- Countryside Christmas.

Springfield: This town is not only the home of the Simpson’s but also the home town of Abraham Lincoln. There are several historical sites and museums surrounding Abe.  Be sure to also check out the Springfield Children’s Museum.

 
Dining:

One of our favorite places to dine has got to be Chicago. You are sure to find every kind of cuisine anywhere in the city. Do not be afraid to try something new or eat at a restaurant you have never heard of. Many of the best restaurants are Mom and Pop establishments which provide excellent meals and are mostly all kid friendly.You will find these type of restaurants throughout Chicago. Some of our favorite more well known eateries are...

The Saloon Steakhouse: Excellent steakhouse close to John Hancock. This can be a pricey restaurant but the food is worth it.

Giordano’s: What child does not like pizza? Giordano’s is famous for their stuffed pizza which is fantastic. Go early for a shorter wait time. One thing to keep in mind with young children is that all of Giordano's pizzas are made to order. This means it can take up to 45 minutes or longer to get your pizza after you order. The good news is Giordano's allows you to order your pizza while you wait, that means your pizza will be ready around the time you are seated.

Garrett Popcorn: This is one of the most famous popcorn establishments in Chicago. You will many times find a long line out the door. It may not be worth the long line but if you like popcorn of all flavors, try it out.  

For a quick bite try either Potbelly for sandwiches or Taco Fresco for tasty Mexican dishes, both have various locations throughout the city. 

 
Shopping: 

Chicago has some great shopping, especially down Michigan Avenue or what is known as "Magnificent Mile."  Many of the large buildings actually house malls within the first few floors. Many name brand stores can be found on the street level as well. One of our favorites is:

• American Girl Place: This is a girls dream store for dolls and dress up. They have a fabulous tea room (make reservations ahead of time), a theater, and a doll styling area. You may need to set aside several hours to go through this "store" for girls.
• The Lego Store: Take a trip inside the Lego Store for a fun shopping adventure. This store has the largest selection of legos anywhere in Chicago so play and shop away.

Hotels:

You have so many choices on various accomodations throughout Chicago. You will always be close to any public transportation and most any attraction. Our Chicago hotel pick is:

• Hilton Suites Chicago: Every room at this Hilton is a suite which is perfect for families. This particular hotel is located on Magnificent Mile near the John Hancock Building. The indoor pool is located on the top floor and has spectacular views of Lake Michigan. The Hilton Suites Chicago is in the perfect location. You will be surrounded by various shopping centers and stores along Michigan Ave., plus the multitude of restaurants.

Yearly Calendar Events: 

One of our favorite aspects of Chicago (and the surrounding suburbs) is that there is a festival for everything along with so many kid friendly attractions.

• May: Kids and Kites Festival
• June: Taste of Chicago. Come sample some of the culinary styles of the great restaurants, all in one place at the Taste of Chicago. 
• July: Independence Day Celebration. See some of the great fireworks display along the lake at Navy Pier.
• August: Chicago Air and Water Show. Watch the Blue Angels take flight and the Navy divers jump from Helicopters in this fantastic show along Lake Michigan.
• October: Halloween Pumpkin Plaza. Visit Daley Plaza for a spooky kooky set up for Halloween. Lots of fun for the little ones.
• November:
  
  • Thanksgiving Day Parade along State Street
  • Santa's House located on Daley Plaza
• December: New Years Eve Celebration at Navy Pier

Tips:

Chicago offers all visitors a chance to explore the city with a personal tour from a local. Chicago Greeters is a program set up to acquaint visitors with Chicago by pairing up visitors with local volunteers who will not only take you on a tour of various parts of the city but also share their personal city favorites. We always suggest asking a local for everything from a good restaurant, to what to see and do. These volunteers are here to help. If you are interested you must reserve your spot in advance at www.chicagogreeter.com. 

For further information on all there is to know about Chicago visit the Mayor's Office of Special Events website.

Chicago Visitor Information Locations and Times

Chicago Water Works Visitor Information Center
163 E. Pearson Avenue
Monday - Thursday: 8am - 7pm
Friday: 8am - 6pm
Saturday: 9am - 6pm
Sunday: 10am - 6pm
Holidays: 10am - 4pm
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day

Chicago Cultural Center Visitor Information Center
77 E. Randolph Street
Monday - Thursday: 8am - 7pm
Friday: 8am - 6pm
Saturday: 9am - 6pm
Sunday: 10am - 6pm
Holidays: 10am - 4pm
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day

Call toll free hotline 1-877-CHICAGO

Last update : 14-03-2008 13:47

Keywords : family, vacation, destination, Chicago, Illinois, planning, guide, advice, tips, Navy Pier, tours, museum, Lincoln Park, lake Michigan, Wrigley Field, Six Flags, Chicago pizza, popcorn, John Hancock, American Girl Place

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