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Chicago is wonderful place to visit. With it's world class attractions, there is plenty to do for the entire family. Up and down the shore, to the neighborhoods and sporting events, activities and places to go abound.

Navy Pier
600 East Grand Ave.
312-595-7437 or 800-595-7437
Navy Pier (http://www.navypier.com)

Navy Pier is a premier destination and great place to enjoy an experience on Lake Michigan. There is something for everyone here. Put Navy Pier on the top of the list for your visit to Chicago.

Amazing Chicago's Funhouse Maze
Navy Pier
888-893-7300 or 630-990-4570
Amazing Maze (http://www.amazingchicago.com /)

Adults and kids alike will love this outing. The Maze has no time limit and there's plenty to have fun with. More than just just getting lost and finding your way out, sensory elements add to the fun. Children under seven must be accompanied by a paying adult.

IMAX Theater
Navy Pier
312-595-5629
IMAX (http://www.imax.com/chicago/i ndex.htm)

IMAX theaters present the most immersing movie going experience available. State of the art filming and projection technology combine visual and audio to provide an exciting sensory experience. The theater has a continually changing schedule and tickets should be purchased in advance to insure seating.

Chicago Children's Museum
Navy Pier
312-527-1000
Childrens Museum (http://www.chicagochildrensmu seum.org)

Designed for children up to the fifth grade and their families, this museum is a place where learning and playing come together. Twelve permanent exhibits teach various subjects through a play experience. There are frequently changing programs and temporary exhibits.

Navy Pier Park
Navy Pier
312-595-7437 or 800-595-7437
Pier Park (http://www.navypier.com/thing s2do/rides_attract/pier_park.h tml)

The 150 foot ferris wheel has 40 gondola's which hold six people and provide a lake-side view of skyline. The carousel was designed specifically for the park and recreates the original built in 1920. There are also Wave Swinger and Lighthouse Tower rides. Don't miss out on Miniature Golf or Remote Control Boats.

Navy Pier Entertainment
Navy Pier
312 595-7437 or 800-595-7437
Pier Entertainment (http://www.navypier.com/thing s2do/entertainment/entertain_h ome.html)

The Variety Showcase is free entertainment. Jugglers, magicians, comedians, clowns and artists put on daily shows and appearances everyone will enjoy. Special events include St. Patrick's Day, Cinco De Mayo Day, and Capella Weekend. Cirque Shanghai's hour long show feature's acrobatic and gravity defying leaps and stunts, mesmerizing young and old alike.

Grant Park

Grant Park
337 E. Randolph St.
312-742-7648
Grant Park (http://www.chicagoparkdistric t.com/index.cfm)
Grant Park and Museum Campus Map : (http://www.chicagoparkdistric t.com/docs/4fbe599a-f2fe-439c- 92ec-9f83dccbc923_document.pdf )

Grant Park is Chicago's front yard. Located on the lake and covering about 27 city blocks, the park has a skate board area, tennis courts, jogging, walking and bicycle paths, art museum, fountain, a band shell, and a dog friendly area.

Grant Park's Buckingham Fountain
Columbus Dr. & Congress Pkwy.
312-747-2474
Buckingham Fountain (http://www.cpdit01.com/resour ces/buckingham_fountain.cfm)

Th is impressive fountain is one of the worlds largest and displays shoot 150 feet into the air. Major displays last for twenty minutes and begin at the top of every hour. Evening displays are highlighted by colored lights and music. One of Chicago's most popular attractions.

Grant Park's Petrillo Music Shell
East Jackson & Columbus
312-747-2474
Petrillo Shell (http://www.grantparkmusicfest ival.com/index.shtml)

This band shell hosts free outdoor concerts including pop, country, blues, gospel, classical and more. A favorite Chicago activity is to sit on the lawn, have a picnic and enjoy the music as the sun sets behind the Chicago Skyline.

Millennium Park
E. Monroe & N. Michigan Ave.
312-742-1168
Millennium Park (http://www.millenniumpark.org /)

A cultural center of art, music and landscape, Millennium Park features its own free concerts and other attractions for visitors of all ages. The Crown Fountain in the southwest corner is a favorite of kids and families. A must see Grant Park attraction.

Museum Campus

Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum
1300 S. Lake Shore Drive
312-922-7827
Planetarium (http://www.adlerplanetarium.o rg/)

The Adler Planetarium and Museum are located right on Lake Michigan. The museum presents permanent and temporary exhibits, while the planetarium provides varying shows and presentations. Kids of all ages will enjoy day here.

Chicago Field Museum
1400 S. Lake Shore Drive
312-922-9410
Field Museum (http://www.fieldmuseum.org/)

T he Field Museum is home to Sue, the worlds largest and most famous T-Rex. Named after benefactor Marshall Field, the museum was established in 1893. The Field Museum will easily take a full day or more to explore.

Shedd Aquarium
1200 S. Lake Shore Drive
312-939-2438
Shedd Aquarium (http://www.sheddaquarium.org/ )

This premier attraction is the worlds largest indoor aquarium with more than 8000 aquatic animals, a Caribbean coral reef, and a flooded amazon rain forest. The aquarium puts visitors up close and personal with sharks, giant sea turtles and numerous fish.

Museum of Science and Industry
57th Street and Lakeshore Drive
773-684-1414
Museum of Science and Industry (http://www.msichicago.org/)

A premier Chicago attraction with Omnimax Theater, events and live demonstrations. Explore a real German U505 submarine or descend into the depths of a coal mine. The museum has activities for ages two through adult and the website will help plan your visit to suit the entire family.

Parades, Festivals and Events
Locations and numbers vary
Chicago Events (http://www.explorechicago.org /city/en.html)

All year long, various parades and festivals highlight Chicago's rich and diverse culture. From the Toys-for-Tots Motorcycle Parade in December to the Thanksgiving Parade in November, there's rarely a month without a parade. Festivals and events last from one to six days and during the summer; there are always events of interest to the entire family.

Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 North Clark Street
312-742-2000
Lincoln Park Zoo (http://www.lpzoo.org/)

This zoo is America's oldest and most modern animal conservation park. Experience tropical rain forests, dry thorn forests, open savannas and the animals that inhabit those environments.

Emerald City Theatre Company
Apollo Theater
2540 North Lincoln Avenue
773-529-2690
Emerald City Theater (http://www.emeraldcitytheatre .com/)

The Emerald City Theatre Company creates experiences that serve as an entry point to the arts for children and their parents. Their mission is to create innovative theater experiences that bring families closer together and inspire children everywhere.

Adventure Stage Chicago
Vittum Theater
1012 North Noble Street
773-342-4141
Adventure Stage (http://www.vittumtheater.org/ )

Adventure Stage Chicago provides theatrical presentations for young people that inspire imagination, dialogue and celebrate community among family, educators and artists. Performances are designed for kids eight and up and their families.

The Hancock Building Observatory
875 N. Michigan Avenue
888-875-8439
Hancock Building Observatory (http://www.hancock-observator y.com/en/)

An open air observatory. From the top, you can see four states and an amazing view of Chicago. Look across the lake to Michigan, north to Wisconsin, southeast to Indiana and Illinois. Kids and adults will enjoy the view.

Sears Tower Skydeck
233 S. Wacker Dr.
312-875-9696
Sears Tower Skydeck (http://www.the-skydeck.com/)

A s the elevator accelerates to 1600 feet per minute, monitors display the view from space shuttle Endeavor as it blasts off. On the Skydeck, interactive displays highlight Chicago's history, figures and landmarks. Knee-high Chicago features windows into Chicago history for tots, right at their level. On a clear day the view is spectacular, up to 50 miles.

Beaches
25 Chicago Lake-front Beaches
312-742-5121
Water Quality: 312-742-3224
Chicago Beaches (http://www.chicagoparkdistric t.com/resources/beaches/)

Vario us beaches offer a variety of activities and facilities. Check on water quality if you're planning on swimming. Beaches near lake-front attractions are good places for a picnic lunch, a place to work off energy or just relax and rest for a while.

American Girl
111 E. Chicago Avenue
800-360-1861
American Girl (http://store.americangirl.com /agshop/static/home.jsf)

Americ an Girl is the place to shop for young girls who love dolls. Dolls, doll clothes and accessories are present in abundance. There is a doll hospital where injured dolls get fixed up good as new and return with hospital gowns, good health certificates and band-aid stickers.

Water Tower Place
835 N. Michigan Ave.
312-440-3166
Water Tower Place (http://www.shopwatertower.com /html/index7.asp)

On Chicago's famous Magnificent Mile, the top shopping destination is Water Tower Place. There are eight levels surrounding an atrium that offer more than 100 stores, restaurants and distinctive specialty shops. Anchored by Macy's, Water Tower is the place to shop in Chicago.

The Chicago Architecture Foundation
224 South Michigan Avenue
312-922-3432, ext. 241
Architecture Tours (http://www.architecture.org/t ours.aspx)

The Chicago Architecture Foundation offers tours throughout the city, highlighting the city's rich architecture including famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. There are bus tours, walking tours and boat tours.

Chicago Trolley Tours
806 North Michigan Avenue
773-648-5000
Trolley Tours (http://www.coachusa.com/chica gotrolley/)

These are perfect tours for kids . Ride a double decker bus or trolley through Chicago's loop area. Hop off anytime, get a bite or use a restroom. When the next trolley or bus comes along, get back on to finish the tour. The total tour length is 13 miles, lasting about an hour and half.

Chicago Greeter
Chicago Department of Tourism
312-744-8000
Chicago Greeters (http://www.chicagogreeter.com /)

Chicago Greeter is a free service of the Chicago Department of Tourism. Groups are restricted to parties of six or fewer. Chicago Greeter tours operate on foot and by public transportation. Volunteer residents, or "greeters", take visitors on tours of specific neighborhoods to show and highlight what makes Chicago such a great place to live.

Professional Sports

Chicago is home to five professional sports teams and all the venues are kid friendly. Tickets and seating are limited - check web sites for venues, schedules and to purchase tickets. Parking is difficult so use public transportation from downtown.

Baseball Chicago White Sox
333 W. 35th St.
312-674-1000
White Sox (http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.c om/index.jsp?c_id=cws)

One of two professional baseball teams in Chicago, the White Sox belong to the American League. A day at the ballpark with hot dogs, soda and popcorn, watching the White Sox and enjoying a taste of the city can't be beat.

Baseball Chicago Cubs
1060 W. Addison St.
773-404-2827
Cubs (http://www.cubs.com/)

The Cubs play at historic Wrigley Field. A family day here can't be beat for good fun and entertainment. The Cubs were home to greats like Sammy Sosa, Ernie Banks, and Ryne Sandberg and announcers Harry Carray and Jack Brickhouse.

Football Chicago Bears
1000 Football Drive
847-615-2327
Bears (http://www.chicagobears.com/i ndex.html)

Soldier Field is the historic lake-front home to the Chicago Bears. Football weather may be warm, wet, or frigid and snowing so plan for appropriate clothing. Ticket sales begin in early July. For family football fans, a Bears game at Soldier Field is great fun.

Basketball Chicago Bulls
1901 West Madison Street
312-455-4000
Bulls (http://www.nba.com/bulls/)

Six time world champions, the Bulls play home games at the United Center, just west of the loop. For an exciting evening, take the kids to a Chicago Bulls basketball game.

Hockey Chicago Blackhawks
1901 West Madison Street
312-455-4000
Blackhawks (http://blackhawks.nhl.com/)

Th e NHL's Blackhawks play home games at the United Center. Hockey is physical with fast action and exciting play. There's fun and excitement for the entire family at a Blackhawks Hockey game.

Chicago's many attractions, venues and recreation areas offer families with children numerous opportunities for fun and exploration. Bring the kids, have some fun and just enjoy yourselves.

Learn more about this author, MJ Logan.
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