Edition: Summer Times
Chicago Family Attractions
Author: Kelsey Marland & Carrie Williams
One for the Kids
The best family fun spots in ChicagoPlaygrounds are everywhere in the Windy City, but there are far more interesting attractions than swingsets and monkeybars for children. Experience fascination and education that suits all ages.
The Chicago Shakespeare Theater (600 E Grand Ave, 312-595-5600) shows abridged (and fun!) versions of Shakespeare’s classics to keep kids entertained as they learn about the classic tales of one William Shakespeare. The admission is affordable and a visit to the theater can make for a restful break from the elements. Or, head over to the Amazing Chicago’s Funhouse (Navy Pier 600 E Grand, 888-893-7300), an old-fashioned maze and funhouse that offers active fun for all ages, and offers family packages. Even though Navy Pier has some excellent indoor places, there is still a lot Chicago can offer just off the beaten path.
If a family is looking for a place where the kids can have fun while the parents relax, try some of the city’s hip, new bowling establishments. Lucky Strike Lanes (322 E Illinois St., 312-245-8331) is a dream for the upscale—or old school—bowler. While the kids knock down pins, parents can knock back martinis while enjoying top-level food from the Lucky Strikes menu, like the crunchy mashed potato rolls. After 8 p.m., only adults over 21 are allowed, so families may have to find someplace else for dinner.
You don’t have to be in the Ben Stiller flick, Night at the Museum, to have a sleepover with Sue, the T-Rex! Spend your own night at the museum “Dozin’ with the Dinos!” The Field Museum (1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, 312-922-9410) is hosting an overnight excursion where families can enjoy workshops, tours and performances. Explore the Arctic without the chilling temperatures, or walk like an Egyptian, and discover the secrets behind the mummies’ tombs. These sleep-overs are available for a limited time, so don’t miss the opportunity to curl up in a sleeping bag next to a caveman!
At the John G. Shedd Aquarium (1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, 312- 939 - 2438), just on the other side of museum campus, the Waters of the World exhibit showcases 90 habitats from all over the globe. The exhibit includes the aquarium’s oldest fish, an Australian lungfish that has been at the Shedd since 1933. Due sometime this summer: a baby Beluga whale calf.
Kids can stroll through a human heart or climb aboard a submarine at the Museum of Science and Industry (57th St. at Lake Shore Dr., 773- 684-1414). Located just South of downtown Chicago in the historic Hyde Park neighborhood, MSI is one of Chicago’s most interactive museums. Focusing on modern and industrial science and technology, nearly every exhibit here is, to some extent, hands-on. Which means parents won't be hushing excited kids, but encouraging them to experience and learn.
Just north of Museum Campus is Navy Pier (600 E. Grand Ave, 312- 595-PIER), a Chicago landmark bursting with parks, shops and restaurants. The pier itself that boasts a breathtaking view of both the Loop and Lake Michigan. Attractions include the Chicago Children’s Museum (700 E Grand Ave, 312-527- 1000), where kids actively participate in real life situations. Activities include Kids Town, an urban “neighborhood” cityscape where kids shop in the grocery store, or drive a Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) bus. Also, explore the Kovler Family Climbing Schooner, “dive” to the bottom of the ocean, and explore the tropical fish. The Chicago Children’s Museum also offers a free exhibit at O’Hare International Airport called Kids on the Fly. Children pilot planes andwork as air traffic controllers. So, if you are headed back home, and your flight is delayed, don’t worry: there is still plenty of fun to be had, even if you are stuck at the airport.
If you are looking to introduce your kids to the great American pasttime, bring them to the Goodman Theater (170 N. Dearborn St, 312-443- 3800) to see a performance of Honus and Me. The show tells the story of young Joe Stoshack, who finds the most expensive baseball card of all time, a Honus Wagner. He then travels back in time to the year 1903 and the seventh game of the very first World Series, and meets the legendary ballplayer himself. Afterwards, why not take the kids to a Cubs or White Sox game? North Side (Wrigley Field, 800-THE-CUBS) or South Side (U.S. Cellular Field, 312-674-1000), you will be in for a good time filled with lots of fans, food and, if your lucky, home-run fireworks.
Millennium Park
201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60610
Millennium Park has become Chicago’s newest main stage attraction. Aligned with the city’s emphasis on architectural innovation, this 24.5-acre phenomenon integrates historical significance with contemporary style from a number of international players. It is bordered by Michigan Avenue to the west, Columbus Drive to the east, Randolph Street to the north and Monroe Street to the south.
The Second City
1616 N. Wells St., Chicago, IL 60614
The best in comedy and the launching ground of generations of comedic talent, The Second City guarantees a fun night out.
Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60605
Chicago's well-known Shakespeare Theatre located on the fabulous Navy Pier offers classic and contemporary takes on the famous Bard's works.
Amazing Chicago's Funhouse Maze
600 E. Grand Ave., Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60611
Amazing Chicago's Funhouse Maze, located on Navy Pier, is an interactive experience in every sense of the word. Squeezing, stomping and spinning until you are doubled over laughing and delightfully dizzy is the name of the game here--as is finding your way out!
Field Museum
1400 S. Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
Shedd Aquarium
1200 S. Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
Being the new museum in Grant Park (joining the Art Institute of Chicago and the Field Museum) when it opened in 1930, the Shedd Aquarium had its work cut out for it from the beginning. As with so many of Chicago 's great building projects, it was the citizenry (led by John G. Shedd, a retired president of Macy's on State Street) that rallied around what was billed as the world's largest aquarium. Today, it houses nearly 22,000 aquatic animals and 1,500 species, and more than two million people per year take it all in-without even getting wet.
Museum of Science and Industry
5700 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60637
The Museum of Science and Industry, one of the most beloved and visited museums in the world, has origins that are tied to two great World's Fairs and to civic spirit and imagination of Chicago businessman Julius Rosenwald.
Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Ave. , Chicago, IL 60605
Navy Pier, one of the top tourist attractions in Chicago and the country, is visited by almost nine million visitors per years. From dining to shopping, boat tours to countless entertainment options, Navy Pier in Chicago is a must-stop for a wide range of visitors--Chicago residents already know and love it!
Chicago Children's Museum
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60605
Goodman Theatre
170 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60601
Chicago Trolley and Double Decker Bus Co.
401 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60609
Daily tours of Chicago in San Fransisco-style trolleys and London-style buses, narrated by expert guides, are offered here. Take Chicago trolley tours as a worry-free way to get around the city of Chicago; it's "Hop On Hop Off".
The Field Museum
1400 S. Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
Chicago's famed Field Museum, housed in the Fine Arts Building of the 1893 Columbian Exposition, is dedicated to the study of the naturial sciences.
