Chicago Weekend With Kids
Chicago, Illinois is a very family-friendly city, with kid-friendly activities and attractions available in just about every category you could ever ask for. The major museum attractions--The Field Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Science and Industry, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Adler Planetarium--are most commonly talked about and are fantastic places in which to spend time, but there are lots of other places to enjoy, too. Ask a few Chicago natives (or hotel concierges) what they recommend for families, and you'll get many different answers; in fact, this playlist is just the tip of the iceberg! Get going!
Though you won't be going up the elevators because this is a working office building, it's what's outside and in that kids will find most interesting.
The design of the neo-gothic building was the winning entry in a 1922 contest to find the "most beautiful and distinctive office building in the world". Look up and see the buttresses a... More >
Though you won't be going up the elevators because this is a working office building, it's what's outside and in that kids will find most interesting.
The design of the neo-gothic building was the winning entry in a 1922 contest to find the "most beautiful and distinctive office building in the world". Look up and see the buttresses at the top. At street level, check out more than 130 pieces of rock and brick from historically important places worldwide, brought back by Tribune correspondents for Colonel McCormick and embedded in the face of the building. The fragments are clearly labeled and provide a great little history lesson. Only a few of the places represented are the Parthenon, Notre Dame, the World Trade Center, the Great Pyramid, the Taj Mahal, and the Berlin Wall!
If the lobby is open during your visit, step inside and check out the walls, which are full of inspirational quotes from historical figures.
If there are any young females in your family, you'll want to stop at American Girl Place, located at Water Tower Place. In addition to the many dolls available (they all have names and background stories, giving this high-end toy an educational factor, or at least that's what you'll tell yourself at the checkout stand), this store is ... More >
If there are any young females in your family, you'll want to stop at American Girl Place, located at Water Tower Place. In addition to the many dolls available (they all have names and background stories, giving this high-end toy an educational factor, or at least that's what you'll tell yourself at the checkout stand), this store is a real one-stop shop: there is a restaurant (which is, of course, doll-friendly!), a show, a photo studio, and even a doll hair studio.
American Girl Place is beyond special, and taking it in for the very first time is an experience that will no doubt be a lifetime memory for little girls and parents alike.
Millennium Park has lots of places for visitors of all ages to explore, but the kids will love the Cloud Gate sculpture (affectionately known as "The Bean" to locals) and the Crown Fountain.
Located at bustling Navy Pier, the Chicago Children's Museum is the perfect place to learn through play and let off some steam for kids ten and under. The interactive nature of the exhibits is one of the things that makes this place unique: patrons can build and create in the subjects of math, science, reading, and the arts.
Permanen... More >
Located at bustling Navy Pier, the Chicago Children's Museum is the perfect place to learn through play and let off some steam for kids ten and under. The interactive nature of the exhibits is one of the things that makes this place unique: patrons can build and create in the subjects of math, science, reading, and the arts.
Permanent exhibits include WaterWays, Inventing Lab, Treehouse Trails, BIG Backyard, the Kraft Artabounds Studio, and more. Play It Safe (presented by Allstate) allows families to see what it's like to be a firefighter.
Grab a family coupon for an admission discount off the CCM website ahead of your visit!
Even though you're enjoying your family weekend, you may be itching for a little space from the kids. What better way to do that than to stay in a two-room suite? Embassy Suites Chicago Downtown/Lakefront's spacious accommodations allow for everyone to remain safely together, but in separate rooms if desired. The living room area, equi... More >
Even though you're enjoying your family weekend, you may be itching for a little space from the kids. What better way to do that than to stay in a two-room suite? Embassy Suites Chicago Downtown/Lakefront's spacious accommodations allow for everyone to remain safely together, but in separate rooms if desired. The living room area, equipped with a Playstation console and a sofa bed, is a great hangout for the kids while the parents can chill in the master bedroom.
Other hotel amenities include a pool and complimentary breakfast for everybody, which is really helpful when you're trying to stay within the boundaries of a budget!
Millennium Park has lots of places for visitors of all ages to explore, but the kids will love the Cloud Gate sculpture (affectionately known as "The Bean" to locals) and the Crown Fountain.
You can't miss Cloud Gate: the huge, silver, kidney-shaped sculpture is front and center at the park, reflecting different angles of the city on ... More >
Millennium Park has lots of places for visitors of all ages to explore, but the kids will love the Cloud Gate sculpture (affectionately known as "The Bean" to locals) and the Crown Fountain.
You can't miss Cloud Gate: the huge, silver, kidney-shaped sculpture is front and center at the park, reflecting different angles of the city on its polished exterior. This is a great family photo op, and while you're there, don't miss walking underneath it: the view from there is psychedelic and fun.
The Crown Fountain is a hit with kids too, especially on hot summer days when you can take off your shoes and socks and play in the water. The fountain is made of two 50-foot glass block towers which are set on each end of a reflecting pool. Images of hundreds of Chicago citizens are projected onto each tower, and every few minutes the images purse their lips and seem to spit water on the squealing children below. (Bringing a change of clothes along may not be a bad idea!)
| The fun begins immediately upon arrival, when you most likely be greeted by a sarcastic and possibly rude host who will seem completely put out that you want to be seated. |
This isn't just any fifties-style diner. Ed Debevics is sassy, funny, and wild. The fun begins immediately upon arrival, when you most likely be greeted by a sarcastic and possibly rude host who will seem completely put out that you want to be seated. Don't worry; it's part of the shtick. Warn the kids in advance that the employees' sassiness is intentional, and that the staff really does know what they're doing, which is p... More
This isn't just any fifties-style diner. Ed Debevics is sassy, funny, and wild. The fun begins immediately upon arrival, when you most likely be greeted by a sarcastic and possibly rude host who will seem completely put out that you want to be seated. Don't worry; it's part of the shtick. Warn the kids in advance that the employees' sassiness is intentional, and that the staff really does know what they're doing, which is providing a fun lunch or dinner experience.
Speaking of lunch or dinner, the food's pretty good, too! Comfort foods are the house specialty, and the menu has plenty to choose from. For dessert, try the world's smallest ice cream sundae, which is served in a shot glass-sized dish which can go home with you!
Map View
Hide Map
About the Author
Related Lists
Uptake
© 2006 - 2012 Uptake Networks, Inc.
