by Julie Wood

Created on: March 13, 2009   Last Updated: September 06, 2010

Chicago, 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

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