BY Alana Birky:
If you’ve ever been to the Windy City, you know how huge it is. It can be a little overwhelming if you’re traveling by yourself, but even moreso if you’re traveling with your family. Fortunately, there are a lot of things you can do in Chicago. Here are a few family attractions that will keep both the kids and parents entertained.
Millennium Park
With Lake Michigan on one side and the Chicago skyline on the other, Millennium Park is a beautiful place to go to so you can take in the city. Not only that, but the famous outdoor theater hosts famous music performers in addition to free music concerts and cultural programs during the summer months. Stop by The Bean just next to the amphitheater to catch a reflection of yourself and the Chicago skyline. And if you are going to be there in the winter, enjoy skating on the large McCormick Tribune Ice Rink nestled between The Bean and Michigan Avenue.
The Field Museum and the Shedd Aquarium
If there is one thing that Chicago has on other cities, it’s museums. The Field Museum is home to SUE, the largest and most complete fossil of a T-Rex in the world. In addition to that, the Field also has a DNA interactive discovery center, tons of fascinating dinosaur and animal exhibits, and a world-class Egyptian exhibit, among others.
If you can pull yourself away from the Field, explore the Shedd Aquarium, one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world. The nearby Adler Planetarium is another great family museum is known as America’s first and the world’s most advanced planetarium. The Museum of Science and Industry and the Art Institute of Chicago are other Chicago options.
Soldier Field and Wrigley Field
For the true Chicago experience, you have to get a Chicago-style hotdog at a Cubs game at Wrigley Field. Not the baseball type? Soldier Field is the oldest NFL stadium, recently renovated for a mix of 1920’s architecture along with modern glass and metal. The stadium was long listed as a national historical landmark and sits right on the water for a beautiful view of the lake among an energetic crowd of Chicago Bears’ fans.
After enjoying a long day at the game with your family, you may still feel the need to have some fun. For that reason, since you’re with your family in a hotel room, you can turn to online gambling. Instead of just throwing your money down on any site, though, make sure you check reviews and use only the best online casinos.
Shopping at Water Tower Place
Looking to do some upscale shopping? Water Tower Place was one of the only buildings left standing after the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. Now, it is a shopping hub that includes the American Girl Place, complete with photo studio, doll hair salon, and café. In addition to tons of shopping, it is also home to the Chicago Sports Museum, and you can even catch a Broadway at the Water Tower Broadway Playhouse.
These are just five of the family-friendly things you can do in Chicago. You can also head to Navy Pier to ride the Ferris wheel, Ravinia for an evening picnic listening to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, or the Magnificent Mile for more shopping and a look at the famous Marshall Fields building.
Ride Bikes on Lakefront Trail
Don’t stay locked away in your hotel room! Since you likely didn’t travel to Chicago with bikes in tow, rent a bicycle and head down Lakefront Trail. There are other bike routes in Chicago, of course, but this is one of the most well-known. You’ll enjoy a scenic route along Lake Michigan. Remember to always remain vigilant while riding your bike. Don’t wear headphones while riding your bike!
Have you ever traveled to Chicago with your family? If o, what did you do? Leave a comment below and let us know!
Author Bio:
A born-and-bred Chicago girl, Alana Birky is eager to share a love of her city and why it is better than New York. When not planning trips back to Chicago to visit the Lyric Opera and eat pizza at Gino’s East, you can find Alana planning another vacation, tutoring kids in English, or editing short stories, novels, and works of nonfiction. You can read more about her work as a writer, researcher, and editor by checking out her website, alanagbirky.wordpress.com.
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