As you'll see below, there's plenty to do in the Windy City for families. For more general information, contact Chicago's tourism office at 
877/CHICAGO, 312/744-2400 or www.cityofchicago.org/tourism. For current entertainment schedules and restaurant guides, check www.metromix.com.
Please note that Chicago is a participant in the CityPass Program which includes admission to five popular attractions: The Field Museum, The Museum of Science and Industry, the Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum, the Shedd Aquarium and The Hancock Observatory for $49.50 (adult) and $39.00 (child), reflecting substantial savings off individual tickets.
Great Fun for the Kids
(Toddlers to Age 8)
Chicago Children's Museum
700 East Grand Avenue at North Navy Pier
Chicago, IL 60611
312/527-1000
Take the kids to this museum and you can all explore. There are a great number of exhibits catering to preschoolers, such as the Waterways playroom, the BIG Backyard, an urban garden with giant insects and interactive flowers. The Dinosaur Expedition is modeled after the 1997 Saharan expedition and features an authentic excavation pit. This museum also has permanent exhibits on science, art, and bathrooms filled with facts about local inventions, such as roller skates, the zipper, and Cracker Jacks. If you are in town on Thursdays make sure to take advantage of Free Family Night.
Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 North Cannon Drive
Chicago, IL 60614
312/742-2000
A welcome respite from bustling downtown, the nation's oldest zoo rests on 35 acres of parkland in the heart of the city. Besides an animal collection that's a real treat in nice weather, there is the Lincoln Pritzker Children's Zoo featuring a new Walk in the Woods exhibit recreating the woodlands of North America with native creatures, such as the River Otter and American Beaver. With one of the largest zoo-based Conservation and Science Centers, many exhibits encourage visitors to learn by not only viewing, but by participating. In the Farm-in-the-Zoo, for instance, you can feed and milk the cows, as well as watch the daily milking demonstrations. There is also a farmhouse kitchen where guests can learn where food comes from. Did we mention that admission is always free?
Lifeline Theatre
6912 North Glenwood Avenue
Chicago, IL 60626
773/761-4477
Special-for-children productions including a regular schedule of new productions, classic tales or musicals and based on children's books, ranging from "Lyle Lyle Crocodile" to "The Dirty Cowboy."
Fun for Older Children
(Up to Age 18)
Make a bee-line for Museum Campus, a pedestrian-friendly area which is home to the following three renowned museums:
Field Museum of Natural History
1400 South Lake Shore Drive (at Roosevelt Road)
Chicago, IL 60605
312/922-9410
This world-class museum has hands-on exhibits to help kids discover the ancient worlds of dinosaurs (don't miss Sue, the largest T-Rex skeleton ever found), Egyptian mummies, and extinct civilizations. Your family will learn about the power of volcanoes, exotic mammals and different types of birds. There's so much to see here, don't try to do it all in one day.
John G. Shedd Aquarium
1200 South Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60605
312/939-2438
Home to over 25,000 animals, Shedd is the world's largest indoor aquarium. The Oceanarium recreates a Pacific Northwest coastal habitat for Beluga whales, dolphins, sea otters and harbor seals, all seen through underwater viewing windows. In the main aquarium, habitats from all over the globe are represented. There are plenty of hands-on exhibits, opportunities to try a scientific experiment, a dolphin show and periodic "Sleep with the Fishes" overnights for families.
Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum
1300 South Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60605-2403
312/922-STAR
Journey into space through galleries, the Star Rider Show, and the shifting educational programs in the Sky Theater. The first Friday evening of every month is a "Far Out Friday," featuring special telescope viewings, demonstrations, and live entertainment.
Museum of Science and Industry
57th and Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60637-1414
773/684-1414
A thorough look at how things work, with over 25 exhibits designed for hands-on interaction. It also houses the city's major Omnimax theater which is of great interest to younger kids. Our favorites are the coal mine tour which takes you 600-feet below the surface, and the chick hatchery, a genetics study where you can actually watch chicks hatch and hop around. The Great Train Story includes interactive exhibits and realistic terrain with 34 trains, 500 scale structures, 28 bridges, and a 14-foot Sears Tower helps visitors explore rail operations in the United States on a trip from Chicago to Seattle. "ToyMaker 3000" is an exciting exhibit that explores the Computer Integrated Manufacturing system by employing a Computer Aided Design (CAD) sytem, robotic arms and an automated assembly line to present the world of automated manufacturing. In honor of MSI's 75th anniversary, all children 11 years and under willl be admitted free throughout the summer of 2008.
Shop On The Magnificent Mile: Michigan Avenue
625 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 401
Chicago, IL 60611
312/642-3570
Everything your child's pre-teen heart could ever desire can be purchased on Michigan Avenue. Stores and stores galore: the flagship Marshall Field's department store (a stunning space at Christmas), Niketown, FAO Schwarz, the American Girl Place and endless amounts of pricey boutiques. Crowded beyond belief on Saturdays and Sundays and worth a look -- even if you only plan to window shop. Those with infants and toddlers might prefer a Chicago Trolley tour of the MM (773/648-5000).
Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust
951 Chicago Avenue
Oak Park, IL 60302
708/848-1976
If there's a budding architect in your family, don't miss the birthplace of Prairie Style architecture at two sites in and near Chicago. First, tour the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio in nearby Oak Park, Wright's architectural laboratory from 1898 to 1909, the first 20 years of his career. This is where he and his family lived, and where he designed more than 150 buildings. The home and studio were completely restored in a project which began in 1974 and guided tours are offered of both buildings. Various programs for youths and adults are available and families are encouraged to attend a block building education session where guests can design their own dream homes in Wright's drafting studio. Other programs highlight the architectural priciples that shaped Wright's work. Additionally, there is a walking tour of the Oak Park community, where visitors can view the exteriors of many buildings which were designed at the restored studio. Back in town, the 1909 Frederick C. Robie House, located on the campus of the University of Chicago, and described by Wright as "the cornerstone of modern architecture" is open for touring during its ongoing restoration project.
Second City
1616 North Wells St.
Chicago, IL 60614
312/664-4032
If you happen to be traveling with older teenagers, then Second City might be a great place for you and your family to find some laughs. This comedy club, with two stages, one seating 290 audience members and the other 180, is famous for launching the likes of Jim Belushi, Mike Myers and Bill Murray. Call for reservatins if you are looking for talent, funny people and a bit of improv stand-up comedy.
Fun for the Family
Boat Tours On Lake Michigan and Land Tours of Chicago
There are several ways to see Chicago -- taking a boat tour is one of the best. Families wishing to do this can choose from a variety of options: some tours run at night, others during the day, several companies run dinner cruises, and others have entertainment that will appeal to kids. Mercury (312/332-1353) and Wendella (312/337-1446) are local operators; or ask your hotel concierge to recommend a cruise based on your interests.
Design buffs who want to see more of the 'birthplace of the skyscraper' can take a Chicago River Architectural Tour through downtown ( 312/922-3432). Budget-watchers may prefer the Chicago Water Taxi for an all day fare of $4.00 or a single fare for $2.00. Visit www.chicagotours.us for more alternative boat and land tours.
John Hancock Center Observatory
875 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
312/751-3680, 888/875-VIEW
One of most stunning urban views around, particularly at night, with a thrilling open-aired Skywalk 1,000 feet above the ground. Telescopes enable you to see Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin on a clear day.
The Art Institute of Chicago
111 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60603
312/443-3600
A huge, influential collection dating back to 3000 B.C., plus special blockbuster shows, make this a worthwile stop on almost any visit. Younger kids will ogle the miniatures collection in the BIGsmall exhibit; older kids will admire classics remembered from art class. Located within the museum is the Touch Gallery that offers family fun with hands-on workshops.
Navy Pier
600 East Grand Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
312/595-PIER, 800/595-PIER
Opened in the mid-1990's after a complete restoration, the Navy Pier offers more than 50 acres of spectacular places for a family picnic, fishing, or a stroll. Additionally there is the Ferris Wheel, Carousel and miniature golf, and the wonderful Chicago Children's Museum (see above.) From this very long pier there is a nice view out to boundless Lake Michigan, as well as back to Chicago's skyline. (Note: The black clover-shaped, luxury highrise at the foot of the pier, once home to Oprah Winfrey and Goldie Hawn, now house Cubs' superstar Sammy Sosa.) Special events are often scheduled throughout the year; call ahead for details about the city's #1 tourist attraction.
Take Me Out to the Ballgame and
Root, Root, Root for Who?
Wrigley Park - Home of the Chicago Cubs
1600 West Addison, Chicago, IL 60613 - 773/404-CUBS, 800/THE-CUBS
US Cellular Field (formerly Comiskey Park) - Home of the Chicago White Sox
333 West 35th Street, Chicago, IL 60616 - 312/ 674-1000, 866/SOX-GAME
Lovely Lake Michigan
Beaches in the city? The Great Lake Michigan's sandy shoreline provides waterfront recreation with 15 miles of bathing beaches and 18 miles of walking, running, biking and, rollerblading trails.
Loop "The Loop"
888/YOUR CTA
Since November of 1897, trains on the Inner Loop have been transporting both Chicagoans and tourists on elevated tracks above Wabash, Van Buren, Wells and Lake Streets. On Saturdays from May through September, the Chicago Architecture Foundation runs free tours and provides commentary on the architectural treasures as well as a brief history of the "L," which is short for 'elevated.'
Grant Park
331 East Randolph Street
Chicago, IL 60601
312/742-7648
Another enticing way to take a breather in the busy city, this expansive green space, the principal downtown park, contains tennis courts and softball fields. The dramatic Buckingham Fountain is worth a look. Large-scale public events, such as the summer Blues Festival, occasionally bring the bustle into the park. In 2001, the north side of Grant Park was expanded into Millenium Park, complete with an ice rink, a theatre, and an outdoor music pavillion that holds up to 14,000 people. A footbridge, designed by Frank Gehry, connects the two parks.
The Sears Tower
233 South Wacker Drive,
Chicago, IL 60606
Sky Deck (use Jackson Blvd. entrance)
312/875-9447
110 floors, 1,450 feet high, the Sears Tower is the largest building in the Western hemisphere and allows families the chance to see the best of Chicago from all angles. On a clear day, the Sky Deck, at 1,353-feet-high, offers a view of 40-50 miles, which means Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana and Illinois are all visible as long as you walk around the deck. The Sky Deck tour includes a scavenger hunt for kids in which they can use bincoluars and try to locate different sites and attrtactions in the Chicago area.
