Category: Attractions

What other place in Chicago can be more fun to spend a day with the kids than this place! I promise, it is just as much fun as you remember, possibly for different reasons! From walking through the captured U-Boat, to boarding the Boeing 747, to the coal mine ride and the annual Christmas Around the World display, so many fond memories stir just thinking about this wonderful museum! And yes, it’s a place where the parents have as much fun as the kids.

It is literally impossible to list all of the things to see and do here, and for many people, a single day just isn’t enough. Besides the highlights already mentioned, other popular exhibits include the fairy castle dollhouse (every little girl’s dream!), a HUGE model train exhibit, the Old Chicago area and the adorable chick hatchery. Almost everything there is completely hands on, though some of the older exhibits are in dire need of update and repair.

I’m not going to kid you, this place can really start racking up money wise, because many of the best exhibits cost extra to see, especially the traveling ones and the OmniMax. Be sure to pack a lunch and check their site beforehand for special exhibits and pricing. There is free parking on the east side of the museum by the Lake Shore and Museum Drives if you get there early enough, and while the ice cream parlor in Yesterday’s Main Street may offer promise of excellent treats, they’re really not all that. (Buy the kids a cone on the way home. Trust me.

As always, the most memorable souvenirs are the ones your kids make for you. Bring a roll of quarters and run the die cast machines, collecting as many of those plastic novelties as possible. In our house, we actually transformed them into tree ornaments! And yep, you might just want to cave in at a soda or candy machine, too. Oh and also, Chicago residents who have a library card can stop by the library and check out a museum pass at the counter! It’s good for 4 people, gets you in for free and lets you bypass the lines!

While some may argue Mayor Daley went overboard on his half billion dollar garden, an equal amount of people will disagree and claim it as Chicago’s latest gem in the city. No matter what time of year it is, this park can be enjoyed by folks of all ages and proves to be especially wonderful for couples looking to spend a little extra time together. Let’s move beyond the touristy stuff and dive right into what makes this place perfect for local lovers!

I have personally spent hundreds of hours here at all times of year, but summer of course has blessed me with the best opportunities. From savoring my bagged lunch, journaling, lounging on the grass, people watching, strolling through the gardens and viewing the rotating displays, and yes, enjoying my partner’s company, so many truly beautiful memories have been created here. Even when the Taste is going on down the street, there are just so many tucked away places in this huge park to claim as your own that you will never feel crowded out.

What’s even more special is the large band shell just beyond the steps. If you’re lucky, you may just be able to hear the orchestra practicing in the summer while you enjoy a nice picnic in the early afternoon. Otherwise, the umbrella covered tables at the grill where the ice rink is in winter is just as pleasant, with classic rock music pumped through the speakers at just the right level, not too harsh or abrasive, and fun to while away the hours. And who can argue against the romance level about seeing a classic film in the park on the giant screen? Seeing the likes of Casablanca while sipping wine and munching on crackers and cheese just oozes romance!

Of course, summer isn’t the only time to go down there. Spring time in the afternoon is especially wonderful, when the weather is just right and the tourists have not ventured into town. When the trees drop their delicate little white petals, the scene envelops into a truly romantic experience, as if Nature Herself has kissed the grass with snow. In the fall, the scene changes, when the last of the butterflies say their good byes, the leaves begin to change colors and gently drop onto the paling grass, proving that New York isn’t the only city for lovers to stroll through the park anymore.

Colder months take on yet marvelous another image. Everything is white, including the Romanesque pillars and the snow covered ground. Free ice skating becomes available on a nice, big rink along Michigan Avenue and begs to be taken advantage of, with reasonably priced skate rentals available for those who didn’t remember to bring their own. Go at night to avoid the kiddos and take in the views of the lit up skyline all around you.

This is Chicago’s largest library, and as far as I know, the only one open on Sundays. There is an over abundance of information here for all ages. There is plenty for kids to do - this isn‘t just a place for college kids! And, because it’s located just south of the Loop, the Washington Library is a great place to plan a day around!

The first stop should be to visit the librarian, ensuring your library card is up to date, as are your children’s cards. They are only good for two years, so getting that taken care of ahead of time is a very good idea! Trust me, it will save a lot of headache if you do this before you find the books you like! What? You don’t have one? Then be sure to bring a form of identification along with a piece of mail that proves you are indeed a Chicago resident. Even if you don’t plan on checking out any books that day, accessing many of their computers requires one.

After that is all squared away, it’s time to check out all those wonderful tomes! The Children’s Library is located on the second floor, which of course is the focus point for moms and dads. There are more children’s books here than anyplace else in the entire city - take that, Barnes and Noble! They have their own check out desk and bathrooms, as well as seating for up to 150, with tables and chairs just the right size.

On top of that, there are plenty of story time sessions and events for kids that many families visit every week. Many home schooling families get a lot of use out of this library, making this department of the library very safe and conductive for learning at any time of the day. In fact, there are so many events centered around children that it can be hard to visit only once a week. Be sure to grab an event flyer when you visit, as there is always something special going on! Be sure to head upstairs, too! On the ninth floor is the winter garden, which is simply stunning! It’s over 100 feet tall beneath a huge sky light, housing beautiful trees, with even more tables for reading - a wonderful way to top off the visit!

If your only experience at the Field Museum is with your fourth grade class, then you and your family are sorely missing out! Besides getting up close and personal with Sue, the most complete T Rex skeleton in the world, there are so many wonderful exhibits to explore, with lots of hands on stuff to keep the kids busy for hours on end. Be sure to bring the stroller, the comfy shoes and pack a lunch, because this place is probably bigger than you remember!

Besides the dinosaurs, the ancient Egyptian exhibit, complete with a real wrapped mummy, is very, very cool, with lots of hands on features! The entrance to that exhibit And yes, the precious gem exhibit is a great way to get your bling on while the kids marvel at all the shiny things right there with you! Of course, be sure to check their web site beforehand, to see if the featured exhibit is something you and your family would be interested in.

As far as food goes, there’s pricey vending machine fare, a McDonald’s and a Corner Bakery, but personally, I suggest to brown bag it and eat by the free picnic tables down by the narwhal display, timed when the field trippers are absent. Somehow, it just takes me back to when I was a kid, with my can of fruit punch wrapped up in tin foil, trading off half of my PB & J for a snack pack. That, and it’s a guarantee the kids in tow will get some reasonably priced nutrition in there, while spending some good bonding and down time together. Ah yes, it’s nostalgia at its finest!

Since school children tend to monopolize the museum in the early fall and late spring, and the tourists come in droves in the summer, on holidays and during winter breaks, plan your day around them all. If at all possible, go on a week day or when they offer extended hours, so you all can truly enjoy your visit.

Free parking is available by the meters on Sundays, but since they’re in high demand, you need to get down there early to scoop one up! There is also a cash lot nearby, with cabs and public transportation always available. Oh and also, Chicago residents who have a library card can stop by the library and check out a museum pass at the counter! It’s good for 4 people, gets you in for free and lets you bypass the lines!

While the name has changed from the Chicago Historical Society, the game is still the same, offering an in depth look into how our home town has begun and right up to the present. While it’s certainly not the largest museum in town and kids may want to leave after a couple hours, it’s right by the completely free Lincoln Park Zoo and the beach. Therefore, this museum is located in an ideal location for spending the perfect day with your family, providing perhaps a new appreciation for where we call home.

Exhibits include just about everything you could ever want to know more about, from how the settlers lived, dioramas regarding the Great Fire, to cool Al Capone type stuff and just about everything else. A lot of dedication is focused on Abe Lincoln as well, including the bed he died in. Exhibits like the race riots and footage from the notorious ‘68 Democratic Convention are also present, and while not pretty aspects of our history, are important nonetheless and offer learning opportunities.

Since its grand reopening, many new exhibits and features have been added to delight young and old. Seeing the first El Train is pretty cool, and the Children’s Gallery is a must see. Also, seeing stuff from the World’s Fair and the old Riverview Park is especially cool, as is the Jazz Room, as well as lots of other iconic imagery, including all the sports memorabilia!

What is truly impressive is how so many immigrants and minorities are thoroughly represented, offering a plethora of information for kids and perhaps will even swell their souls with pride. It is so refreshing to see a place that displays how important every contribution made has had a direct impact on our city.

As far as food goes, there is a Wolfgang Puck cafe inside, and while the food is absolutely delicious, I can’t see wrangling younger children in there, and it kind of breaks the budget for families anyway. Pack a lunch instead. Remember, you all can always enjoy it at the nearby zoo or beach!

Oh and also, Chicago residents who have a library card can stop by the library and check out a museum pass at the counter! It’s good for 4 people, gets you in for free and lets you bypass the lines!

Quite possibly one of the best zoos in the country and even the world (and yes, one of the largest!), Brookfield Zoo is more than a place to look at caged animals in simulated habitats. It is a place where animals are truly cared for and respected, with adequate space to live as they would a little more naturally, allowing folks to catch a glimpse of their lives and learn from them, all wrapped up in a fun and educational environment.

Besides the dolphin shows, the elephants and giraffes common to most zoos, Brookfield Zoo has taken great strides in recreating naturally themed continental environments, where different types of animals interact with each other in relative harmony. Tropic World is a favorite for many and a standby for over twenty years, as is the Living Coasts, where people feel as though they have actually been transported into such climates, complete with familiar fauna the animals would expect to see in their wild homes. The Wolf Woods, where a pack of Mexican Grey Wolves reside, is an excellent example of how conservationists can lend a hand in recreating an environment for animals to live as they would in the wild.

Because the zoo is so large and spread out, folks may want to take a ride on the Motor Safari, where a trolley like guided tour will take you from one point to another, with stations spread out all over the park. It also gives you a chance to rest your feet in the heat of the day, and the kids always love cruising around.

Food at the zoo is surprisingly good, from standard American concession fare to a full service restaurant. A feature many parents may be thrilled to see is the icy cold 32oz draft domestics at various concessions throughout the park! Definitely a bonus there. Of course, the place does get pretty pricey rather quick, so brown bagging the majority of what you plan to eat for the day is probably a good idea. Just please don’t offer any to the animals!

It is my suggestion to avoid going on holidays, including Mother’s day, because that’s when the tourists come in to romp around. The best time to go is on a weekday in late spring or early fall, when the weather is comfortable and most kids are in school. (Who says you can’t play hookie for a day? It’s educational, after all!) Most local families will probably want to go more than once a year, so getting a family membership will more than pay for itself. There are so many events going on throughout the year, that making a return visit or three will prove to be very rewarding. Just be sure you wear good, comfortable shoes!

There is simply nothing like strolling through the hallowed halls of the Art Institute with a date, taking in the cool marble statuary and breath taking paintings while whispering sweet nothings to each other. The themes change from classic to contemporary to playful, from famous artists and periods from all over the world, each exhibit sure to inspire and draw up feelings you may have been repressing deep within your subconscious.

There is no way to pinpoint a favorite stop, as art is something unique to each individual. However, points of interest for many include the armory area and the ancient sculptures. Of course, those who love canvassed mediums will find themselves to be completely overwhelmed by the collections lovingly cared for all over the museum, be it classical, surreal, abstract or even decorative. Budding architects and engineers will admire examples by Frank Lloyd Wright and more. The Thorne Miniature Rooms downstairs may look like little doll houses to some, but are actually scaled period quarters dating back from the 13th to 20th centuries, painstakingly crafted to help observers imagine what it was like to live in such times.

Personally, I find the best time to go is on the Free Thursday evenings, not because of the price, but because of the hours. The field trips, tourists and families have all gone home, allowing those who want to have some quiet time for appreciating art in all its guises to truly do so. Of course, three hours may or many not be enough time to take in all the museum has to offer, depending on your tastes, but if you work nearby, you can always stop by again after you clock out.

On that tangent, if you and your date both happen to work downtown, there is no better place to spend your lunch hour during the summer months than in their tucked away garden! The trees and bushes seem to magically block out the hustle and bustle of the city, where a boring, brown bagged lunch takes on an entirely new form. Besides, where else in the city will you find common pigeons actually roosting in trees? Oh and also, Chicago residents who have a library card can stop by the library and check out a museum pass at the counter! It’s good for 4 people, gets you in for free and lets you bypass the lines!

There is no better place to take the kids to see the stars in Chicago than the Adler Planetarium! Located within walking distance of the Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum and Soldier Field, the planetarium is the big domed building adjacent to Lake Michigan itself.

I personally find this place to be especially wonderful for families with school aged children, because there are plenty of hands on exhibits to check out. Plus, the special exhibits hosted in the Star Rider theatre have comfy chairs that fully recline, allowing folks to take in the virtual night sky - perfect for allowing everyone to wind down and take in the breath taking show! Finish off the day by checking out America’s Courtyard, which like Stonehenge in England, captures the changing seasons with a modern twist.

Another really cool exhibit is the Rainbow Lobby, best to check out when the sun is in the west. Filtered light through beveled glass creates little rainbows all over the walls. Of course, plenty of new exhibits are being developed all the time down in the Space Visualization Laboratory, so you’ll want to be sure to stop by for a visit!

Unlike most museums, the gift shops and cafe here are actually a little bit more than places to drop some cash and munch. The Galileo Cafe has a wonderful view of the city’s skyline and offers food a little out of the ordinary, and the Infinity Shop sells freeze dried ice cream, which is always a hit with the kids, on top of some really cool themed educational toys and gifts. Pricey, yes, but the proceeds go to support the planetarium, so the cost is justified, and perhaps can give you an idea of what to look out for on your next toy shopping excursion.

Free parking is available by the meters on Sundays, but since they’re in high demand, you need to get down there early to scoop one up! There is also a cash lot nearby, with cabs and public transportation always available. Oh and also, Chicago residents who have a library card can stop by the library and check out a museum pass at the counter! It’s good for 4 people, gets you in for free and lets you bypass the lines!

What I love about this stretch of lake front is its openness and accessibility to everyone, and not just the hipsters and other trendy people who tend to congregate further south. Dogs have their own designated spots to play and romp around in, families have playing fields to use, sun worshipers have plenty of room to stretch out (and not be judged or gawked at!), budding artists have a chance to express themselves, there’s lots of biking and jogging paths around, barbecues and picnics are okay, and there’s even free parking to be had - so much so that I learned how to drive a stick here without killing someone! And yes, there are spots to change in and grab a snack, and on a clear day, you can get a nice view of the skyline. The best part is though, couples who just want to be together can do so without interruption, thanks to the way the beaches have been laid out.

Up north near the start of Lake Shore Drive, Foster Beach is an oasis for the public to enjoy a summer day. The famous rocks just north of the beach itself along the shore has taken on the persona of a public art gallery, where folks have chiseled and painted beautiful and whimsical works of art where ever a free spot was available. Take a stroll with that special someone and spend some time here, because the images are very telling of the people who have come and gone over the last fifty years. 70s album covers and cartoon characters aside, some of the most interesting pieces lie mostly faded from the surface. Those who study these relics will get a sense of how people really live and have lived, from lovers carving their initials into the rocks to those honoring deceased members of their family and friends, along with statements and slogans of the times.

Of course, if the water is warm enough and has the all clear, go ahead and dive in! Since this stretch has a lot less people than further south, those who don’t feel their sexiest in a swim suit can leave their insecurities aside and enjoy the water and weather. The beaches are kept pretty clean too, so no worries about laying out your favorite towels and blankets on the sand. After you get your tan on, take a stroll further south to the other beaches, Wilson and Montrose. More murals are to be had as well, and doggies are even welcome to go play!

An added bonus about this stretch is how the beach patrol here are a lot more lax. On the 4th of July, they tend to turn a blind eye to those wanting to shoot off fireworks in spite of the Illinois ban, as long as people aren’t stupid about it and clean up after themselves. It is truly a romantic sight to see the fireworks without a million other people hoarding for the same square foot of space.