hicago, Illinois, is remarkably compact, pedestrian friendly and safe. This beautiful city was the birthplace of the skyscraper and is home to some stunning architecture. Nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan, the city skyline towers above the water. The effect is breathtaking. An abundance of open space and parkland along the lake gives this towering city and those lucky enough to call it home, space to breathe and play. The Lake front is home to many of Chicago's best family attractions, many of which are free!

Today, Chicago is a modern cosmopolitan city. A center for commerce and trade, with a history stretching back to well before the birth of the nation. It played a key role in the economic and social development of the USA, and as America's second city, it still does. This windy city is rich in cultural diversity, boasting many great ethnic neighborhoods and restaurants.

There are plenty of bargains available throughout the city, and many ways to stretch your vacation dollars. Great deals like the Chicago City Pass, offer a substantial discount for the museum loving family. Savings of 49% off the cost of admission to The Field Museum, The John Hancock Observatory, John G. Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium and Museum of Science and Industry, allow families to soak up the wealth of educational experiences Chicago has to offer. In addition, many attractions throughout the city offer free days, so check the web sites carefully.

Anyone who is new to the city should definitely consider starting out with the hop on hop off tour, to get an overview of the city and it's neighborhoods. Distances can appear deceptive when you look back from the lake front at the buildings and often what appears to be a manageable walk will turn into an epic trek!

The Chicago Trolley and Double Decker Bus Company

If you are looking for a great way to get around the city and take in all the major sights, without wearing out the little legs of the kids, this is the perfect answer. They offer a great Hop on, Hop off narrated tour, that runs on a continuous loop around the city.

The guides are generally amusing, have a great knowledge of the city and the drivers are safe and considerate. Each guide gives their own particular slant to the commentary, depending on their own personal knowledge, so if you find yourself covering the same stretch a few times, there is usually enough new information to keep you interested. The stops are well marked and spread throughout the city. The Sears Tower is a popular place to start the tour, but if you are staying at a Downtown Hotel Check with the concierge for the nearest stop.

Sears Tower Sky Deck

The Sears Tower is an iconic landmark and a definite must see attraction. Counting the antenna, it stands 1730 feet tall and is currently the tallest building in the western hemisphere. It is a great place to take kids, they are encouraged to explore the sky deck, search for all the landmarks and even have a printable scavenger hunt and coloring pages to print out at home and bring along. Anyone who loves facts, figures and records will love this attraction. The tower is soon to be renamed the Willis Tower, but the view will never change!

Millennium Park

Millennium Park may not have been ready on time. However, it has both feet firmly planted in the present and an eye towards the future. This destination is totally free of charge, and on a warm day it's the best place to be. It is home to a phenomenal fountain that is part children's playground, part public art installation. Pack a towel, The Crown Fountain's attraction on a sunny day is hard to resist.

The Millennium Park is one of the most intriguing and exciting sculpture gardens in the world, and at every turn you are greeted by unusual and thought provoking sights. Stroll through the gardens, gaze at The Cloud Gate, or catch one of the free concerts at The Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Millennium Park is a definite must see, and of course is one of the stops on the bus and trolley tours.

Navy Pier

Navy Pier is packed full of family friendly attractions and admission to the pier is free. However, it is home to many phenomenal attractions that are not free, so either come prepared to liberally use the word no or bring your ATM card!

As with most locations on the Lake Front the views are simply stunning. This is the spot to find the perfect boat tour for your group, and home of the Seadog Speedboat. It is also an ideal place to rent a bike or even a Segway and set off on a wheeled adventure around the city and it's many pathways.

Kids of all ages will love the intriguing fountains in the Crystal Gardens that send jets of water shooting over your heads. Just outside the towering glass house, is a great selection of fun old fashioned fair ground rides. The carousel is always a favorite for the younger kids, and the Ferris Wheel, although at times painfully slow, offers a birds eye view of the area.

Navy Pier is also home to a theater hosting headline events, art exhibitions, The Children's Museum and a wide array of restaurants. During the Summer there are Firework Displays off the the end of the Pier, making this one of the best attractions night and day.

The Chicago Children's Museum

Located at Navy Pier, the Children's Museum is always a big hit. Featuring an unbeatable array of hands on exhibits and activities, it is the perfect place to exhaust the kids. As a bonus, the first Monday of every month is free, making this excellent museum one of the best deals in town.

Seadog Boat River and Lake Architecture Tour

While not suitable for really young babies or toddlers, this is by far and away the best boat tour for anyone over the age of 5! The boat leaves from Navy Pier, as do many of the other tours, however, with the bright yellow paint job it is easy to find. The first part of the tour takes you back through the Lock System into the Chicago River, where you get a great ducks eye view of the city sky line.

The Architectural part of the tour is really well done, informative and interesting. At the end of the tour, you pass back through the Lock, which kids and adults alike usually find fascinating, and head out onto the lake. This is where the Seadog tour really stands out from the others. The Seadog is in fact a giant speedboat, and to the blast from the past soundtrack to Top Gun, you jet across the water at a wave thumping surf splashing speed. It is a fun and exhilarating way to see the city. As you head back towards the city, the view of the Skyline is spectacular.

The Field Museum

Perfectly located along the Chicago Lake front, along with a number of other museums, you will find The Field Museum of Natural History. The area is know locally as the Museum Campus. This imposing building is home to a plethora of artifacts and exhibits that will ignite the imagination of visitors, young and old. As you enter, you are greeted by Sue, the largest and best preserved Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton. Along with the world class permanent exhibits, The Field Museum plays host to many top notch traveling exhibits.

Shedd Aquarium

The Shedd is a huge facility located within the Museum Campus and is home to a wide array of sea life. The most amazing attraction, and one to plan your visit around, is the feeding of the sharks in the main habitat. It is an awesome sight as you watch the divers feed the sharks. They have specially designed breathing masks allowing them to take questions from the audience during their dive.

Adler Planetarium

This is a fun and educational attraction, great for kids of all ages. They have a great program presented by Sesame Street's Big Bird, who along with his friends will take you through an amazing journey through time and space.

Museum of Science and Industry

Although the museum is located South of the city and is not part of the Museum Campus area, it is worth the trek, particularly for older kids and science buffs. Opened in 1933, it is the largest science museum in the western hemisphere and is home to exhibits as diverse as a German U505 Submarine, a state of the art Omnimax Theater and the well loved Coal Mine experience.

American Girl Shop

For any one traveling with daughters, granddaughters or nieces, American Girl Place is heaven. There is an adorable restaurant to take tea along with your favorite American girl doll, and a great hair salon and doll hospital to give even the best loved treasure a new lease on life.

Lincoln Park Zoo

A historic Zoo with a serious passion for conservation and animal care. Admission is free and the Zoo is open year round, making it an unbeatable destination for the Whole family.

Buckingham Fountain

Set amidst stunning flower gardens, between the city and the lake, this spectacular fountain shoots jets of water into the air every hour for 20 minutes. Come sunset a lighting display is added for dramatic effect.

Chicago is a city of festivals, and if you are lucky enough to be there during the 4th of July, Air and Water Show, Jazz Fest or Taste of Chicago you are in for a real treat. The City comes alive, as locals and visitors alike, party in the streets. It gets busy, so be prepared to keep a tight hold on young children. Your visit to Chicago is bound to busy, there is so much to see and do. This beautiful city will charm you with it's elegance and style, educate you and refresh your spirit with it's lake front style.

Learn more about this author, Julie Wood.
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