The truth is that you can have a lot of fun in Chicago, no matter what you want to do. However, whenever travelling with an entire family, there are limitations that appear. The great news is that there are so many interesting options that are available, ranging from visiting a pizza restaurant that has a huge menu to visiting some world renowned museums.
Family fun in Chicago – Source https://flic.kr/p/pnWZn
Based on the recommendations offered by Travel Tipsor, we can make some pretty interesting tips that you can take into account whenever looking for fun family activities to enjoy in Chicago.
Chicago Millennium Park
Millennium Park is open every single day of the year and is a top attraction for families. During the summer you can see kids enjoying the Crown Fountain and during spring you will definitely appreciate the Lurie Garden attraction. Winter brings in the Ice Rink and during every single season you can enjoy The Bean, an attraction that is pretty unique.
Chicago Millennium Park – Source https://flic.kr/p/3cdcN
Chicago Navy Pier
Navy Pier is practically iconic in Chicago. It is a destination that should be on your must-visit list. You have access to various interesting rides that are attractive for children. Besides that, there are regular summer fireworks shows, Segway tours, a pretty good IMAX theatre, restaurants and a Wave Swinger, which is a type of attraction that is a little old fashioned but highly popular.
Chicago Navy Pier – Source https://flic.kr/p/de2JDU
Visiting Museums With The Entire Family
Chicago is actually one of the best cities in the US for those that love museums. There are over 40 that are great and that you can visit. It is practically impossible not to find something that the entire family would love. You will want to seriously consider the Museum Campus. It includes the Adler Planetarium and the Shedd Aquarium.
Field Museum in Chicago – Source https://flic.kr/p/dfdcjy
If the children love dinosaurs, you should visit Field Museum due to the fact that you can visit the most complete, best preserved and largest of the T Rex skeletons from all around the world. If there are members that love science, the Chicago Museum Of Science And Industry has to be put on the list.
We should also mention the Chicago Art Institute. The audio tour here is particularly great and since you are going on an art trip, the free admission at the Ryan Education Center is something that is great, especially in the event that there are some special events that are available. Many interactive workshops appear on a constant basis and there are many family programs that are offered.
Going Sightseeing In Chicago
Chicago offers some tremendous views from an altitude, more than many expect. Skydeck Chicago can be considered. It is located in the impressive Willis Tower and the reason why you want to visit is that there are some glass boxes that basically extend out of the building, at an altitude of 1,000 feet. The former John Hancock Observatory, now 360 Chicago, offers a 360 degrees view of 4 states, allowing views that compare lakefront views with the city skyline.
Sightseeing In Chicago – Source https://flic.kr/p/4TuGub
The Performing Arts Chicago Experience
The theatre scene in Chicago is really impressive, with shows and various activities that are perfect for the entire family. We can say that the best theatrics are available at the Lookingglass Theatre. If you want something more classic, like the work of Shakespeare, the Chicago Shakespeare Theater is where you need to be at.
The Chicago Theater – Source https://flic.kr/p/gejr4g
Some of the theatres in Chicago offer shows that are particularly created for a young audience. For instance, you will want to go to Lincoln Park for the representations of the Emerald City Theatre. Obviously, the Chicago Children’s Theatre is also a popular destination for such shows.
You may already know that Chicago is renowned for its musicals scene. There is a show named Chicago that is played all around the world. Performances that are practically dazzling can be enjoyed on Broadway, with various stages you will love. Combine that with a dancing night at the Joffrey Ballet and you have quite an interesting performance art day ahead of you.
Exploring Nature In Chicago
Children, teenagers and adults alike love nature explorations. The animal lovers will want to visit the Brookfield and Lincoln Park zoos. Both of them are always open. As two extra recommendations, you will want to also consider the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and the Garfield Park Conservatory.
Chicago Lincoln Park Zoo – Source https://flic.kr/p/8oALkw
Having Fun At The Beach
There are some really great lakefront beaches in Chicago that you would love, together with parks that will allow you to have a lot of fun in the sun during every single summer season. Lake Michigan is normally lined up with family beach towels and children use their sand toys to build castles. You can be a part of various water activities at Ohio Street Beach and the Navy Pier. Families can choose out of 23 swimming beaches. All of them are free for the public and open from Memorial Day up to Labor Day.
Chicago Lake Beach – Source https://flic.kr/p/6XGLRk
Visiting Toy Stores
This is particularly great for smaller children. Little girls should end up visiting the American Girl Place since it is the first toy store of this particular kind in the country. If you are visiting the Water Tower Place, make sure that you also go to the LEGO Store. Chicago has a very interesting LEGO experience for children that love such toys. You can even go to the LEGOLAND Disney Center. It is a huge indoor playground found in Schaumburg.
Taste of Chicago – Source https://flic.kr/p/cwMDFh
The last recommendation that we have to make is for those that want to go to Navy Pier. Here, you can visit Build-A-Beer Workshop. Also, the Disney Store In Block 37, located on State Street, is perfect for little girls.
Activities For A Fit Family
If your family is fit and enjoys exploring in a more athletic way, you can take the Chicago tour via Segway, bike or even Trikke. Such excursions are better than the walking tours as they cover more attractions. Alternatively, you can go on a really interesting kayak tour that is perfect for kids as well as adults.
