Chicago is a great place to go for a family vacation.
There are a lot of kid-friendly things to do in Chicago without the big footprint that makes some big cities feel like no-fly zones for small tourists. Children under the age of 7 ride free on the L train and public buses, while those older than 11 pay a reduced fare.
Dinosaurs at the Field Museum of Natural History, an ark of beasts at Lincoln Park Zoo, lakefront boat rides and sandy beaches are some of the best places to visit with kids in Chicago. It's clear that Chicago is a kid's kind of town because of the fun tours and family friendly food.
Ready to start planning? Sign up for our weekly newsletter and get 20% off your next guidebook.It is a must see for visitors of all ages. The city has two high-altitude viewing decks: Chicago on the 94th floor of the building and the Skydeck at the Willis Tower. The glassy viewing alcoves give brave little ones the feeling of being suspended over the city. I don't know which to pick. Skydeck has the edge in the panorama department.
Things to do in Chicago.
For a ground-up view of the skyline and a fun boat ride to boot, treat kids and teens to the Chicago Architecture Foundation's river tour, which gives an overview of the city center's most important buildings from aboard a double-decker cruiser If your children aren't old enough to take the formal tour, you can hop on the Shoreline Sightseeing water taxi and see the lake from a different perspective.
Can you tell me when is the best time to visit Chicago.
The Art Institute of Chicago has a real-life audience with some of the most recognizable paintings in the Western canon. The dollhouse fans will be enchanted by the miniature rooms. The Ryan Learning Center has interactive games and art-making activities that teens can enjoy.
There are a lot of free things to do in Chicago.
It's time to bring on the dinosaurs. Kids can make discoveries in the Crown Family PlayLab on the ground floor of the field museum. Sue is the largest tyrannosaurus rex ever found. She gets her own store. The museum is large, so make a plan of attack before you leave.
The Museum of Science and Industry is a great place for families to go for a week and not see everything.
Chimpanzees and Japanese macaques can be seen in the hot springs at Lincoln Park Zoo. The Farm-in-the-Zoo is geared to children. The ultimate Chicago family photo op can be found on the boardwalk that links the two. The whole experience is free, even parking, if you are lucky enough to get a spot on Stockton Dr, just steps from one of the zoo's main entrances.
The butterfly haven, a light-filled indoor garden that is home to 1000 winged birds, is one of the things that makes the museum stand out from the crowd.
Chicago has a lot of parks and miles of lakefront when the kids want to play. With its vertiginous crow's nest, climbing wall and wintertime skating ribbon, the park is a crown jewel in the city's park system. Grant Park, best known for Buckingham Fountain, may be a better choice for small children.
There are a lot of parks in Chicago.
There are more than two dozen lifeguard-manned beaches to be found. Petite swimmers will love the size of the waves. 12th Street Beach is located behind the Museum Campus and is close to the loop and the Adler Planetarium. Teens can test their balance on a stand-up paddle board at the most crowded beach in the city. The steamboat-shaped beach house is kid friendly, with a concessions stand, bathroom, and lockers.
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There is a burst of warm air and greenery when the weather is nice. The two acres under glass were built in 1907 and are a lovely place to visit for a while. The Monet Garden is based on the impressionist painter's flower patch at Giverny, France, and is located on 10 acres of outdoor grounds. There is a Children's Garden in the indoor.
The Navy Pier is a half mile long. Families will love the giant swing, sky-high Ferris wheel, hand-painted carousel, remote- control boats, fountains and more. There are a lot of treats at the carnival. The Chicago Children's Museum is located at the pier. Polk Bros Park has a fountain, a performance lawn, and free concerts and movies.
It is best to have your bags in hand by 6:30pm when dinner crowds can make maneuvering strollers and high chairs difficult. There are many places to eat in Chicago's Chinatown and Indian candy stores on Devon Ave, both of which are easy to find on a budget.
Some restaurants go the extra mile to get people in the door. There are two places in the Quad Cities that serve kid-sized shakes and burgers along with a complimentary stroller valet. Duck sausage and a lengthy Midwestern beer list are good topping options for grown ups.
The Little Prince and Princess Tea at the Drake Hotel is an elaborate spread of dainty nibbles served in the Palm Court. The holiday season is special here because of the decorations and carols. The inventive ice cream at West Town's Black Dog Gelato and the rich hot chocolate atLogan Square are perfect for parents and rugrats.
Rental apartments are available on home-sharing sites. You can find a lot of boutique hotel options, as well as all the usual chain suspects, clustered around theLoop, Streeterville and River North neighborhoods, all good bases in terms of proximity to many of the city's top.
Red carpets are rolled out for little ones at some hotels. The Guesthouse Hotel is located up in quirky-cool Andersonville and offers spacious kitchen-equipped suites and a thoughtful menu of free-to-use kid essentials.
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If you want to ride the L, Chicago's system of elevated trains and subways, you can take a taxi or ride-sharing service. Most major sights are easy to see from an elevator-equipped station. Station kiosks can be used to purchase tickets.
In the morning, attractions are usually quietest. The Shedd Aquarium and the Field Museum of Natural History have designated entrances for strollers and wheelchairs. A CityPass is valid for admission to your choice of five major sights if you plan to visit more than a couple of signature attractions. It also includes fast-track entry to places like the Skydeck, where little legs grow tired and crankiness looms.
The article was updated about an hour ago.
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