Too windy?  With museums, theatre and outdoors fun galore, Chicago is a happening destination for family travelers of all ages, and at all times of year. We didn't need the First Family to tell us how great Chicago is -- we know. For more general information, contact Explore Chicago Tourism (877/Chicago or 312/744-2400).

Great Fun for the Kids

(Toddler to Age 8)

Explore Chicago Family Adventure Days
312/742-8497
This great citywide program (a.k.a. Family Day Camp) runs in summer, offering low-cost, hands-on nature and art activities, along with trips to neighborhood parks and cultural organizations. The guided tours are great fun, allowing just 3-5 families who sign up in advance to travel via public transportation (with their tour leader) to explore one of six Chicago neighborhoods—Garfield Park, Pilsen, Lincoln Park, Jackson Park, Bronzeville and Hyde Park. For summer 2011, Chicago Family Adventure Days take place from June 1 through September 1, so check their site for the updated schedule, times and costs (only $12 last year). It's a great program, do try it! Family Adventure Days departs from the Visitor Information Center at the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph St. Lunch and transportation are included.

Model Railroad Garden at Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Road
Glencoe, IL 60022
847/835-5440
This summer-only display is irresistible, because the "Landmarks of America" exhibition has 17 garden-scale trains traveling over 22,000 miles past 50 miniature landmarks. This year, the Southern Pacific Daylight line joins the Chicago Northwestern Commuter (known as a fallen flag line), the Union Pacific and every child's favorite, Thomas the Tank engine. Open daily till late October.

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" and "Arnie the Doughnut."

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, different types of birds and, this summer, the horse. 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. If you take your time, you’ll find the Amazon Rising exhibit fascinating. 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. Last year's renovation brought in many new planetarium features and exhibits designed for families.

Museum of Science and Industry
7th 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 and "The Body Works" being featured this summer. 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 make you feel as if you are 600-feet below the surface, and the chick hatchery where you can actually watch chicks hatch and hop around, and a genetics exhibit explaining the mysterious DNA and showing off a number of genetically modified creatures (nothing grotesque). 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 employs a Computer Aided Design (CAD) sytem, robotic arms and an automated assembly line to present the world of automated manufacturing. The remarkable new YOU! the Experience permanent installation allows families to explore all aspects of the body in depth, using state-of-the-art multi-media. One of the most timely exhibits is the new Smart House, which is a full size house built on the grounds with the most current green building techniques. And don’t miss the 250-foot-long real WWII German submarine in its own exhibition room.

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 principles 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.

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 reservations if you are looking for talent, funny people and a bit of improv stand-up comedy.

Fun for the Whole 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 cheap Chicago Water Taxi . Bike rentals are available at various locations in the parks and on the waterfront. Visit Chicago Tours for more alternative boat and land tours.

Chicago Segway Tours
224 S. Michigan Ave. Suite 113
Chicago, IL 60604
312/663-0600
Whether you take the boat tour or not, try a new way of urban touring on a Segway, those brilliant two-wheeled personal mobility devices you might see in malls driven by security guards. They provide a novel and fun way to see a city, and actually provide a great service for folks with walking limitations. You get a solid lesson, then tour with a guide around Millenium Park, the lakefront bike path and all the way out to and around the Museum Campus, followed by a visit to Buckingham Fountain and the Rose Gardens of Grant Park. Children must be at least 12. Frequent tours depart daily and tours on electric bicycles are also available.

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 and there are frequent fireworks displays in summer; 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 pavilion. A footbridge designed by Frank Gehry connects the two parks.

The Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) and Sky Deck
233 South Wacker Drive,
Chicago, IL 60606
312/875-9447
At 110 floors, 1,450 feet high, the Willis Tower is the largest building in the Western hemisphere. Its observation deck allows families the chance to see the best of Chicago from all angles. On a clear day, the new Sky Deck, at 1,353-feet-high (use Jackson Blvd. entrance) 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 in the Chicago area. A new treat has been added to the experience in the form of The Ledge, a plexiglass box jutting four feet out from the building, in which you can stand and look straight down a quarter-mile above the pavement. There are three of these and they’re wildly popular for photo-ops.

Chicago Neighborhood Tours
312/742-1190
On the Hyde Park & Kenwood Tour, explore the historical neighborhood of Hyde Park where a culmination of ancient history, exclusive architecture, and many household names come together in stunning lakefront vistas. With emphasis on the life of our very own President, Barack Obama, come see attractions that gave our 44th President his political beginnings.  From President Obama's Kenwood home, to University of Chicago campus he once taught, to the famous St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, the Egyptian and Persian antiquities at the world-renowned Oriental Institute Museum, and the enchanting Jackson Park's Osaka Garden, come learn where Hyde Park gets it vibrant reputation. This tour is available on three different days in 2009, April 18, July 18, and September 18.  Neighborhood tours cost $30 ($25 for seniors/students) and include refreshments.

For accommodations, see Chicago Places to Stay.