Fun things to do in Chicago with my 12 year old daughter?
Find Hotel
dancingpoodle12 asked:
my daughter and I are taking a trip to chicago in February does anyone know any great hotels that are close to local attractions and have a pool anything helps THANKS
Javier
my daughter and I are taking a trip to chicago in February does anyone know any great hotels that are close to local attractions and have a pool anything helps THANKS
Javier
March 2nd, 2009 at 8:59 pm
David
There is so much to experience in Chicago, it’s difficult to know where to begin. You may want to start with an overview of the city. First, see the expanse of the Chicagoland area from 1,000 feet above at the John Hancock Observatory or the Sears Tower Skydeck. Next you can head over to Navy Pier to experience the Amazing Chicago Funhouse Maze, which takes you through a journey of Chicago landmarks and history. Also at Navy Pier, Time Escape is a 3-D motion simulation experience allowing you to travel through Chicago’s history, present and future. There are a variety of boat tours departing from Navy Pier and other city locations, as well as city bus tours, which point out significant landmarks and provide interesting information about Chicago and its history. See our tours section for more tour information and see our Navy Pier section for more exciting things to do while you’re there.the Museum Campus, near Soldier Field, is home to The Field Museum and the Adler Planetarium, two excellent museums. See our museums section for more information. Also located at Museum Campus is the Shedd Aquarium, which is the world’s largest indoor aquarium with more than 8,000 aquatic animals representing more than 700 species from all parts of the world. You can take a water taxi between Museum Campus and Navy Pier.Two of the finest zoos in the country are located in the Chicago area and both are highly recommended. First, on the city’s north side is Lincoln Park Zoo. This free zoo is open every day of the year. While it is one of the oldest zoos in the country, it is also one of the most modern. Brookfield Zoo, located in Brookfield, Illinois, just west of Chicago, is situated on 216 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, featuring over 2,000 animals. No matter what time of year you visit Chicago, there is bound to be special events that you won’t want to miss. Many of the special events are held in the summer, but check our Events Calendar to see all that Chicago is offering during your stay. Just a few annual favorites — the Taste of Chicago, the Chicago Blues Festival, the Chicago Air & Water Show and Venetian Night. navy pier.Index of Chicago Stuff - Places to Visit
Auditorium Theatre - Built in 1889, and was immediately acclaimed as one of the most beautiful and functional theatres in the world. Located downtown Chicago. Buckingham Memorial Fountain - One of Chicago’s most popular attractions. The fountain, one of the largest in the world, is located at Columbus Drive (301 East) and Congress Parkway (500 South) in Grant Park. Located downtown Chicago. Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau - Chicago is a business center, with a diverse, powerhouse economy. It is also a tourism center, with world-renowned shopping, dining, museums, architecture, theater, music and more. For business. For pleasure. We’re your kind of town.Chicago Blackhawks - NHL hockey Chicago style Chicago Bulls - Chicago’s NBA team
Chicago Cubs - The National League Baseball team in Chicago
Chicago White Sox - The American League Baseball team in Chicago
Chicago Wolves - AHL hockey in Chicago’s northwest suburbs.
Chicago Landmarks - Information on designated Chicago historical landmarks.
Chicago Symphony Orchestra - Rich in tradition. Innovative in vision. The CSO is a musical force in Chicago and around the world. Located downtown Chicago.
Chicago Trolley Co. & Chicago Double Decker Co. - Chicago Trolley and Double Decker customers have unlimited access to any of the designated stops on the route. The tour takes about an hour and forty-five minutes, but for those who would like to explore a bit of the city, there will be another Trolley or Double Decker along shortly to continue your tour and take you back to your starting point. Located downtown Chicago.
DuPage Children’s Museum - The mission of the DuPage Children’s Museum is to stimulate curiosity, creativity, thinking and problem solving in young children through: self-directed, open-ended experiences - integration of the arts, science and math - the child-adult learning partnership. Located in the western suburbs of Chicago.
Lyric Opera of Chicago - Lyric Opera of Chicago is recognized internationally as one of the truly great opera companies of our time. Located downtown Chicago.
Navy Pier - Navy Pier offers endless entertainment and attractions to Chicagoans and their guests of all ages. One of the best places on the Chicago’s lakefront to visit!
the Goodman Theatre - Chicago’s oldest and largest theater. Features drama and musical performances. Located downtown Chicago.
The Morton Arboretum - The Arboretum is open 365 days a year! Excellent Living Collections consisting of more than 41,000 plants, representing 3,300 different types of plants from around the world, that provides research scientists, horticulturists, arborists, teachers, students, and homeowners with a wealth of information. Located in the western suburbs of Chicago.The Sears Tower Skydeck - The best view and best overview of Chicago. At 1,353 feet (412 meters), the Skydeck is the highest observatory in Chicago. Located downtown Chicago.Wendella Boat Tours - Chicago’s most comprehensive boat tour. It’s signature tour of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River includes a live narration featuring an overview of Chicago architecture and history. Located right on the Chicago River in downtown Chicago.MILLENNIUM PARK
Michigan Avenue between Randolph and Monroe Streets, Chicago, IL
While you’re down on the lakefront, don’t miss the newest addition to Chicago’s long-standing tradition of public art–Millennium Park. Chicago has long been known for its public art–the Picasso statue in the late 1960s, the “Cows on Parade” in the summer of 1999, and now “Cloud Gate” and the Crown Fountain, which celebrates its first birthday in July.
The Crown Fountain, designed by Spanish sculptor Jaume Plensa, is two 50-foot tall glass towers with a reflecting pool situated between them. Projected from within each tower is a face of a Chicagoan–up close and 50-feet tall! Water cascades from the top down the sides of each tower into the shallow reflecting pool below. At seemingly random intervals, the “Chicagoans” spit 50-foot streams of water at each other while visitors frolic and splash in the water. It reminds me of those long, hot, muggy Chicago summer days when I was a child and the neighborhood teenagers would open a fire hydrant so everyone could cool off–until the fire department came to turn them off. sears tower. museams. downtown.Buckingham Fountain
Grant Park, Congress Pkwy. and Columbus Drive
312/742-7529
Centennial Fountain
300 E. McClurg Ct., at Chicago River
312/751-6635
Chicago Board of Trade
141 W. Jackson Blvd.
312/435-3500
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 am-2 pm. Free admission.
Chicago Board Options Exchange
400 S. LaSalle St.
312/786-5600
Chicago Mercantile Exchange
30 S. Wacker Dr.
312/930-8249
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 7:30 am-3:15 pm. Free admission.
Chicago Stock Exchange
440 S. LaSalle St.
312/663-2980
Cuneo Museum & Gardens
1350 N. Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills
847/362-3042
Daley Civic Center
Washington and Dearborn Sts.
312/346-3278
Picasso Sculpture
ESPN Zone
43 E. Ohio St.
The Hancock Observatory
875 N. Michigan Ave.
888/875-VIEW
James R. Thompson Center
100 W. Randolph St.
312/814-6660
New Maxwell Street Market
Sundays Only
Canal and Roosevelt Sts.
312/922-3100
Merrill C. Meigs Field
15th Street at Lakefront near Adler Planetarium
773/465-0388
The National Shrine of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini
(at Columbus Hospital) 2520 N. Lakeview
773/388-7338
Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Ave.
312/595-PIER
outside Chicago call 800/595-PIER
Robie House - Frank Lloyd Wright
Architectural Landmark.
5757 S. Woodlawn St.
708/848-1976
DisneyQuest
55 E. Ohio St.
818/526-4242
Donley’s Wild West Town
Rt 20 and South Union Rd., Union
815/923-8000.
Empress Casino Hammond
825 Empress Dr., Hammond, IN
888/4-EMPRESS
Empress Casino Joliet
2300 Empress Dr., Joliet
888/4-EMPRESS
Enchanted Castle Restaurant & Entertainment Complex
1103 S. Main St., Lombard
630/953-7860.
ESPN Zone
43 E. Ohio St.
Fox River Games
1891 N. Farnsworth Ave., Aurora
630/585-5651
Majestic Star Casino
One Buffington Harbor Dr., Gary, IN
888/2B-LUCKY
Six Flags Great America
I-94 at 132 East (Grand Ave.), Gurnee
847/249-1776
USA Rainbo
4836 N. Clark St.
773/271-5668
WhirlyBall
1880 W. Fullerton Ave.
800/894-4759
880 E. Roosevelt Rd., Lombard
630/932-4800
Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum
1300 S. Lake Shore Dr.
312/922-STAR
TDD/TT: 312/322-0995
The Art Institute of Chicago
111 S. Michigan Ave.
312/443-3600
Chicago Architecture Foundation
224 S. Michigan Ave., Recorded Tour Information
312/922-TOUR
Chicago Children’s Museum
Navy Pier, 700 E. Grand Ave., 312/527-1000
Chicago Cultural Center
78 E. Washington St., 312/744-6630
Chicago Historical Society
Clark St. at North Ave.
312/642-4600
Chicago Public Library
Harold Washington Library Center
400 S. State St.
312/747-4300
DuSable Museum
740 E. 56th Pl.
773/947-0600
The Field Museum
Roosevelt Rd. at Lake Shore Dr.
312/922-9410
Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio
951 Chicago Ave., Oak Park
708/848-1976
Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum
1852 W. 19th St.
312/738-1503
Museum of Broadcast
Communications
Chicago Cultural Center
Michigan Ave. at Washington St.
312/629-6000
Museum of Contemporary Art
220 E. Chicago Ave.
312/280-2660
Museum of Science and Industry
57th St. at Lake Shore Dr.
773/684-1414
outside of Chicago 1/800-GOTOMSI
Shedd Aquarium/Oceanarium
1200 S. Lake Shore Dr.
General Information
312/939-2438
Ticketmaster: 312/559-0200
Brookfield Zoo
8400 W. 31st St., Brookfield
708/485-2200
Lincoln Park Zoo
Cannon Dr. at Fullerton Pkwy.
312/742-2000
Medival times, rainforest cafe. visit…….. for great restaurents and night clubs…
chinatown, greektown. in summer we have taste of chicago, it’s so cool
shpping down town especially, we have nice stores and monumentx…..
the great india is called Devon
Devon Avenue (IPA pronunciation: [d??v?n]) is a major east-west thoroughfare in the Chicago metropolitan area. It begins at Chicago’s Sheridan Road, which borders Lake Michigan, and it runs west until merging with Higgins Road near O’Hare International Airport. Devon recontinues on the opposite side of the airport and runs intermittently through Chicago’s northwestern suburbs. The street is located at 6400 N in Chicago’s address system.
A view of Devon Avenue’s “Little India”.Devon Avenue was originally known as Church Road[1], but it was renamed in the 1850s by English immigrants from Devonshire [2]. Since then, the street has been settled by many other immigrant groups, which is perhaps most evident between Kedzie and Ridge Avenues in West Ridge, Chicago. Here, one travelling eastward will encounter, in succession, an Orthodox Jewish neighborhood, an Indian neighborhood, a Pakistani neighborhood, and a Bangladeshi neighborhood. Indeed, portions of Devon in this area have been renamed in honor of Golda Meir, Mahatma Gandhi, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.Devon’s Desi corridor is one of the best-known and largest communities of its kind in North America. South Asian shops, restaurants and grocery stores abound along this strip, and it has become a popular tourist destination. Vivek Mukherjee of Rediff.com writes, “There are similar desi markets in New Jersey, at the famous Oak Tree Road or in the Bay Area, but nothing like Devon Street. [...] Devon Street’s sidewalks are even speckled with the paan stains” Other points of interest along Devon Avenue include Superdawg, Loyola University Chicago, Bryn Mawr Country Club, Edgebrook Golf Course, Thillens Stadium, and the Misericordia Home, which serves children with mental disabilities
Amazing Chicago Funhouse Maze
At Navy Pier, 600 N. Grand , Chicago 60611 1-888-893-7300
Part cultural journey, part funhouse, Amazing Chicago’s Funhouse Maze brings the sights and sounds of Chicago to Life! One inside this fun-filled attraction, you’ll discover a whole new side of Chicago! Twisted underground tunnels, Dazzling Skyscrapers & Mirror Mazes.
Bristol Renaissance Faire
In Kenosha, WI
Each year the Bristol Renaissance Faire beckons Midwesterners back to a time when knights were noble, maids were merry, and turkey legs were titanic. Each Saturday and Sunday more than 1,200 period performers, artisans and merchants inhabit the wooded village near Kenosha, WI, taking visitors along for a rollicking romp through Elizabethan England. More than 200,000 guests are expected to attend the nine-week festival, partaking in 16th Century games, rides, arts, crafts, food, music, and one-of-a-kind encounters with a colorful cast of era characters.
Chemically Imbalanced Comedy
Various locations in Chicago
Chemically Imbalanced Comedy is a production company out of FrankieJ’s MethaDome Theatre specializing in improvisational and sketch comedy shows.
Chicago Ghost Investigations
446 North Wells Street, Suite 272, Chicago, 60610
773-935-6332, email:
Chicago Ghost Investigations seeks the unknown and invites you to do the same. Twice daily, we take our guests to conduct investigations at some popular and little known haunted locations. Armed with several types of sensors, detectors, imagers and cameras, you will be able to explore the unseen. We will teach you how to use ghost hunting equipment which will enable you to locate the spirit activity. We will also teach you a psychic technique which will allow communication between you and the spirits. Our veteran paranormal investigators will be with you for guidance. Remember, this is your investigation, how far you get is entirely up to you! Reservations are preferred. Tours depart from the Old Water Tower at Chicago and Michigan Avenues,1:30pm and 7:30pm, private parties are available.
ChicagoKids.com
ChicagoKids.com is a comprehensive resource for kid-friendly destinations in the Chicago area with detailed information on thousands of Chicago area destinations, events and activities.
The FireZone
548 Zenith Dr., Glenview, IL 60025
847-597-8122, email:
The FireZone is a one-of-a-kind fire safety activity center and event facility for all ages and occasions. The FireZone is an interactive environment, allowing a uniquely fun, hands-on look into the world of firefighting. The FireZone features a firehouse theme with real firefighters, fire engines, educational displays, firefighter activity stations and programming to allow an imaginatively fun, learning experience.
KiddieLAND
North Avenue & 1st Avenue, Melrose Park, IL
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
2001 N. Roselle Rd. Schaumburg Estates, IL 60195
The Schaumburg, Illinois Castle features 85,000 square feet of splendor and has 1,430 permanent seats inside the Grand Ceremonial Arena. The Illinois Castle has welcomed over three million guests.
The Noble Horse Theatre
1410 North Orleans, Chicago Il 60610 312-266-7878
The Noble Horse presents Quadrille. A spectacular dinner performance with over 30 horses and riders from around the world. Daring Cossack riders, Arabian horses in lavish costumes and the famous white stallions.
Opera in Focus
3000 Central Road, Rolling Meadows, IL.
Opera in Focus is a puppet production company that performs selections from Opera and Operattas at the Rolling Meadows Park District Theater.
Poplar Creek Golf & Country Club
Located in Hoffman Estates, this state-of-the-art suburban-Chicago golf facility provides golfers with an 18-hole Championship Golf Course that will challenge even the most adept pro. Two PGA Professionals provide group and individual instruction on the local range. Other services include: Business or Group Golf Outings, Party, or Wedding Receptions in one of their full-service reception rooms. Golf in the winter months at the Hoffman Estates Golf Dome.
Chicago Area Zoos & Such
Cosley Zoo
1356 Gary Avenue Wheaton, IL 60187 (630) 665-5534 Fax: 630-260-6408
Cosley Zoo is situated on five acres and exhibits domestic farm animals and native Illinois wildlife. In addition to the animals, visitors will find a gift shop, shaded picnic area, washrooms and seasonal concessions. All paths are paved with bricks and suitable for strollers and for persons with disabilities.
Wildlife Prairie State Park
Wildlife Prairie State Park is located 10 miles west of downtown Peoria, IL on I-74. Discover the animals that called Illinois home during the pioneer days. This unique 2,000 acre zoological park is home to wolves, bison, waterfowl, black bear, elk, cougar, otter and much more.
Glenn Oak Zoo
2218 N. Prospect Rd. Peoria, Il 61603 309-686-3365
The Zoo is home to nearly 100 species of animals from around the globe. Come see the newest members of the Zoo family, listen to the songs of the crowned cranes or lemurs and watch the lions play in the grass. Glen Oak Zoo also offers daily sea lion programs and critter chats, free parking and a gift shop stocked with unusual and exciting merchandise.
Serpent Safari
6170 W. Grand Avenue, Gurnee IL 60031
847-855-8800 Email:
Indoor reptile zoo featuring rare and giant reptiles including “Baby” the largest snake in the world - 403 lbs! Meet a Nile crocodile, rare albino alligator, rare albino iguanas, 250-lb. Anaconda, cobras & much more! Photos with pythons and boas. Gift store with nature and reptile products. Pet store to take home a favorite new pet.
Chicago’s Most Romantic Valentine’s Day Dining
Give your special someone an unforgettable cruise aboard Odyssey. A three-course dinner complemented by an array of fine desserts. A live band playing all of your favorite songs. Dancing. And incredible views of the world famous Chicago skyline drifting past your table.
Pianist Performance
Chicagoland Pianist Kathie Nicolet is currently appearing in the Drake Hotel Chicago’s Palm Court on Sunday/Wed/Thursday evenings from 6-9:30pm. Learn more about this artist.
Fridays, open run
Supernatural Chicago
Excalibur nightclub, 632 N. Dearborn 312.266.1944
Explore Chicago’s paranormal past in an hour of interactive theatre — at a truly haunting nightspot! Hear true stories of the unexplained, then feel them come to life through audience-involving demonstrations of telepathy, clairvoyance, mediumship, and magic. All within the reputedly haunted Excalibur nightclub. Fridays, 8pm. Open run.
Jet Vodka Lounge
1551 N. Sheffield Avenue
Chicago, IL 60622
Phone: 312-730-4395
Open Wednesday through Saturday, 8pm ? Late and Monday, 8pm ? Late
Step into our simulated Boeing 777 as you lift-off into one of Chicago?s most unique venues to date. Over 130 of the finest vodkas are served from around the world in personal ice tables to keep your drink cold. Sit back in your leather seating arrangements boasting spacious legroom while enjoying state of the art lighting and sound system.
Hogs n Honeys
1551 N. Sheffield (the corner of Kingsbury and Weed Street)
Chicago, IL 60622
Phone: 312-377-1733
Open Wednesday through Friday, 9am ? 2am and Saturday, 9am ? 3am
“Where the music rocks loud, the bull throws hard, the bar gets danced on, and everyone gets wet!” Be the center of attraction by taking a ride on the mechanical bull or grab a friend and do a pole dance on the bar. Get comfortable and get ready to bring out your wild side!
Clubs By Type
Blues
B.L.U.E.S. 2519 N Halsted St tel 773/528-1012. Opened in the 1970s, it’s still going strong, though a little over-touristed. The tiny stage has been graced by all the greats.
Blue Chicago 536 N Clark St tel 312/661-0100.
Jazz
Andy’s 11 E Hubbard St tel 312/642-6805. Very popular with the after-work crowd; informal with moderate prices.
The Cotton Club 1710 S Michigan Ave tel 312/341-9787. A sophisticated, live-music venue and disco,
Rock clubs
Cubby Bear 1059 W Addison St tel 773/327-1662. A sports bar during the day - right next to Wrigley Field - this place transforms itself after dark into one of the city’s most boisterous and eclectic live venues, popular with aging dinosaurs …
Folk, country and world music clubs
Fitzgerald’s 6615 W Roosevelt, Berwyn tel 708/788-2118….
Dance
Circus 901 W Weed St tel 312/266-1200. This celebrity hangout features cartoonish, technicolor decor and a live trapeze act.
Crobar 1543 N Kingsbury St tel 312/413-7000. The exclusive, hyper-trendy warehouse club near the river…
Theater and comedy
While it was once every Chicago actor’s and playwright’s ambition to end up in New York, many are now quite content to remain here. The city now supports numerous theater companies, many of them - notably Steppenwolf, John Malkovich’s former…
Classical music, opera and dance
Under Daniel Barenboim, who is committed to including more contemporary music in its repertoire, the profile of the world-renowned Chicago Symphony Orchestra - based at the Orchestra Hall, 220 S Michigan Ave (tel 312/435-8122 or 312/435-8172,…
Sports
Staunchly blue-collar Chicago must be among the best US cities for watching sports, as Chicagoans are, for better or worse, loyally supportive of their teams. The city’s most successful outfit in recent memory was the Michael Jordan-led …
Drinking
If not quite as wild as in the bootlegging days of speakeasies and Prohibition, Chicago remains a consummate boozer’s town and is one of the best US cities for bars, catering to just about every group and interest and many open to 3 or 4am,…
Romantic Valentine’s Day Dining
Give your special someone an unforgettable cruise aboard Odyssey. A three-course dinner complemented by an array of fine desserts. A live band playing all of your favorite songs. Dancing. And incredible views of the world famous Chicago skyline drifting past your table
TWO GREAT WAYS TO GET ATTRACTION DISCOUNTS!
Go Chicago Card 1, 2, 3, 5 or 7 days USD from $55 p/p
Go Chicago Card is the perfect way to save on your Chicago Vacation. You’ll get unlimited FREE admission to over 25 attractions and tours for one low price! Enjoy some of Chicago’s top attractions including Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium, a selection of Grayline Tours, Navy Pier attractions as well as discounts at some of Chicago’s top retailers and restaurants!
Click here for more information and Booking Details »
Chicago CityPass Six Famous Attractions USD $50 p/p
Six famous attractions, one low price, no ticket lines! Chicago’s CityPass contains a passport to five of the city’s best attractions, and saves you 50% off box office prices if the attraction tickets were purchased individually. See the Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum, The Art Institute of Chicago, The Field Museum, the Museum of Science and Industry, the Shedd Aquarium and the Hancock Observatory!
Complete List of Chicago Tours, Cruises & Attraction PassesTour Name Duration Starting From
Chicago Theater Stories Walking Tour From 1 hour USD $10 p/p
Stroll around the downtown theater district and hear stories from the Golden Age of Chicago theater, a century defined by a pioneering spirit and cataclysmic events. Against this backdrop, colorful personalities forge rivalries, emote passion and vie for audience adulation.
Downtown Deco 2 hours USD $12 p/p
Discover the opulent exteriors and interiors of the Roaring ’20s Jazz Deco and the classic finishes of Art Moderne buildings. Learn of Chicago’s influence on the international Art Deco movement, and trace the history of lively architectural heritage.
This tour is seasonal and operates from April to October.
Historic Loop Skyscrapers 2 hours USD $12 p/p
Trace Chicago’s invention of the skyscraper and tour the buildings of the famous Loop district. Learn how a group of daring 19th Century architects and engineers revolutionized structural design, developing the high-rise form in the heart of the “First City of Architecture.”
Modern Loop Skyscrapers 2 hours USD $12 p/p
Explore Chicago’s international, modern and postmodern movements, from Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s powerful minimalism to today’s eclecticism. A great tour for architecture buffs as well as anyone with a simple interest in the buildings of Chicago. Tiffany on Wednesdays 2 hours USD $17 p/p
Discover four late 19th Century Chicago Loop landmarks: the Art Institute, the Marquette Building, the Chicago Cultural Center and Marshall Field’s which hold a wealth of art-glass fixtures, vaults and domes by Louis Comfort Tiffany and his contemporaries.This tour includes general admission to the Art Institute for the tour and one other day, plus a visitor’s gift courtesy of Marshall Field’s on State Street.
Tour Name Duration Starting From
North Side Tour 2 hours USD $20 p/p
Large, crowded and plenty to do - it’s the Windy City! This is the tour for those looking to experience the vitality and excitement of Chicago. Explore the bustling activity of the city’s main business section, the “Loop” and historic center of the city, famous architecture and tallest buildings in the world. If Chicago is you scene, then this is the tour for you!
South Shore Tour 2 hours USD $20 p/p
Chicago has its own unique charm and characteristics, full of interest, history, and beauty. The business and financial district, the Loop, the exclusive shopping areas and neighborhoods - it’s all here on this tour of the South Shore. Chicago is a place where it is impossible to get bored and if it sounds like your kind of town, book this tour and go wild!
Chicago Segway Tour 3 hours USD $65 p/p
Hop on the most innovative tour to hit Chicago in years! Gliding around the Windy City on your very own Segway, you’ll see all the famous sights - Buckingham Fountain, Navy Pier, Lake Michigan and more. Be one of the first to take part in this unique, unforgettable experience!
This tour is seasonal and operates from 15 April to 31 October, 2005 Grand Tour 4 hours USD $30 p/p
Offering a comprehensive tour of everything Chicago has to offer, this tour combines the vitality and excitement of Chicago’s North Side and the interest, history, and beauty of the South Shore. Tour through the business and residential districts and visit this charming city’s beautiful parks. There is so much to see and do in Chicago - book this tour and experience it all!
Land and Lake Tour 4 hours USD $35 p/p
Why not see Chicago from the water, as you cruise along the skyline in a beautiful streamliner yacht! As well as the business district, the Loop, the exclusive shopping areas and neighborhoods, this tour includes a shoreline cruise along the lakefront. View the Chicago river, bridges, the famous Chicago Locks and enjoy the visual surprise of the 15-mile stretch of sandy beaches and green parkland. This is an absolute must whilst in Chicago…
This tour is seasonal and operates from May to September
Tour Name Duration Starting From
Grand Tour and Sears Tower 5 1/2 hours USD $40 p/p
Experience the rich and fascinating mix of attractions which make Chicago the vibrant center of cultural activity that it is today. This tour captures the best that Chicago has to offer, PLUS, Chicago Experience and Skydeck visit with a non-stop ride to the Skydeck observatory. There you will see a panoramic view and the famous skyline of Chicago, the city that taught the rest of the world how to build skyscrapers!
Chicago Trolley 1 day USD $25 p/p
See all the sights of Chicago at your own pace! With this all day pass you can get off the Trolley at any scheduled stop to visit Chicago’s most popular attractions, then pick up the tour where you left off or get on at any other regular stop on the thirteen-mile route. The tour is about an hour and a half if you do not get off. This is the best way to see the sites in a day!
Go Chicago Card 1, 2, 3, 5 or 7 days USD from $55 p/p
Go Chicago Card is the perfect way to save on your Chicago Vacation. You’ll get unlimited FREE admission to over 20 attractions and tours for one low price! Enjoy some of Chicago’s top attractions including Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium, a selection of Grayline Tours, Navy Pier attractions as well as discounts at some of Chicago’s top retailers and restaurants!
Chicago CityPass Six Famous Attractions USD $50 p/p
Six famous attractions, one low price, no ticket lines! Chicago’s CityPass contains a passport to five of the city’s best attractions, and saves you 50% off box office prices if the attraction tickets were purchased individually. See the Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum, The Art Institute of Chicago, The Field Museum, the Museum of Science and Industry, the Shedd Aquarium and the Hancock Observatory!
Seadog Speedboat Lake Cruise 30 minutes USD $17 p/p
Feel the need for speed? This exhilarating speedboat ride departing from Chicago’s Navy Pier will take you out onto Lake Michigan for the ride of a lifetime. Experience the roar of Seadog’s 2000 horsepower engines as you race along Chicago’s famous lakefront.
This tour is seasonal and only operates from May through to September, 2005
Seadog River and Lake Architecture Tour 1 1/4 hours USD $25 p/p
Chicago is renowned for its stunning and original architecture and the most relaxing way to view it is on a cruise on the Chicago River. Learn all about Chicago’s history and landmarks, before the grand finale - a thrilling, speedboat ride on Lake Michigan. Departing from Chicago’s Navy Pier.
ComedySportz of Chicago 90 minutes USD $17 p/p
Finally, a fun, fast-paced comedy show that’s great for the whole family and all ages! ComedySportz is a hilarious, audience-interactive comedy competition between two teams of professional comedians, who perform a series of scenes, games and songs, all based on suggestions from YOU, the audience! The eternal battle of Red vs. Blue is improvised as the teams battle for laughs and points. The show is never the same twice!
Tommy Gun’s Garage 3 hours USD $50 p/p
Tommy Gun’s Garage is an audience interactive speakeasy which offers a musical comedy revue with Gangsters, Flappers and YOU! After dinner join “Vito”, “Gloves”, da “Mugs” and da “Molls” for non stop comedy and dangerous fun, as dey entertain you with singing, dancing and a LOT of audience participation. Uniquely Chicago but extremely popular means book now and you wont miss out!!
Special Offer - All kids 12 years and under receive a free Tommy Gun’s Garage souvenir! -
Seadog Fireworks Cruise 1 hour USD $25 p/p
What could be better than a balmy summer evening on stunning Lake Michigan? Nothing! Head on down to Navy Pier for a fun speedboat cruise along Chicago’s stunning foreshore. The highlight of your evening comes as you settle back into the best seat in the house for a spectacular fireworks display!
Chicago Dinner Cruise 3 hours USD $111 p/p
Step aboard Odyssey and enjoy a three-hour escape to the signature elegance and total entertainment experience only a true luxury cruising vessel can provide. Enjoy creative appetizers, entrees and desserts prepared onboard daily and enhance your meal with award-winning wines. Dance the night away to live music or just sit and admire the unmatched skyline views drifting by.
few years ago, during a trip outside the U.S., I learned something quite amazing. There are people today, in the 21st century, whose only knowledge of Chicago is Al Capone, gangsters and crooks. Yes, it’s true, Chicago was known as a lawless city back in the roaring 20’s, but what a different city Chicago is today.
The great city of Chicago offers something for everyone – from world class shopping, fine art galleries, museums and theatre to unique neighborhoods rich in distinctive heritage, with their city parks and local gathering places. All along the lakefront, from Wrigleyville to Oak Street Beach to the Gold Coast to Soldier Field, Chicago is bustling with things for you to do. And the Chicagoland suburbs offer nearby attractions, such as riverboat casinos, amusement parks, concert venues and more.
What would you like to do while visiting Chicago? Spend a day at Navy Pier and take a lakefront boat tour? Shop the Magnificent Mile? Visit Museum Campus that includes the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium and the Adler Planetarium for an experience that is both fun and educational? For more information on the exciting choices Chicago offers, just click on the icons to the left. And don’t forget that Chicago is known for its terrific dining experiences. At some point during your trip, you’ll want to try a Chicago hotdog, beef sandwich or deep-dish pizza!
If you are looking for something for the children while in Chicago, see our Things-to-do for Kids page. It includes activities both in and around the city.http://www.chicagotraveler.com/things-to-do.htm
Museums
The Field Museum (General admission, plus admission to Underground Adventure) The Field Museum is home to Sue, the world’s largest, most complete, and most famous T-rex plus more than 35 other world-renowned exhibitions. With the Go Chicago Card, you are granted general admission to the museum, plus admission to the Underground Adventure.
The Art Institute of Chicago One of the great art museums of the world, the Art Institute of Chicago presents a collection spanning 5,000 years of artistic expression.
The Notebaert Nature Museum Grab your field journal and your sense of adventure on a journey to the secrets of our natural world at the Notebaert Nature Museum.
Chicago Children’s Museum# Three floors of hands-on exhibits, daily programs, and multicultural performances and workshops offer unlimited learning adventures to kids through age 10 and their families. Museum of Contemporary Art One of the nation’s largest facilities devoted to the art of our time, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) offers exhibitions of the most thought-provoking art created since 1945. Museum of Science and Industry Whether you explore the real German WWII submarine, unravel the secrets of DNA, or travel to the bottom of a mineshaft, you’ll experience the wonders and fun of science like never before. Swedish American Museum In the heart of Andersonville– Chicago ’s historically Swedish neighborhood–this museum celebrates Swedish culture, art, and traditions through year-round
Adler Planetarium Explore the Universe at America’s First Planetarium - the only museum in the world with two full-size planetarium theaters. Shedd Aquarium (Free All Access Pass!): Dive the depths at Shedd Aquarium, the world’s largest indoor aquarium with more than 20,000 animals representing 1,500 species.
John Hancock Observatory# Experience spectacular views spanning up to 80 miles and four states from 1,000 feet over Chicago ’s Magnificent Mile!
Frederick C. Robie House Designated by the American Institute of Architects among the Top Ten Buildings of the Century, the Robie House remains a cornerstone of modern functional form.
Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio Tour The surrounding area contains the world’s largest concentration of Wright-designed structures, with 25 of his buildings in the village.
Sears Tower Sky Deck# You’ll see the best view and best overview of Chicago. At 1,353 feet (412 meters), the Skydeck is the highest observatory in Chicago.
Kohl’s Children’s Museum# Kohl Children’s Museum is a hands-on learning laboratory for children ages birth to 8.
Brookfield Zoo# To inspire conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature.
Lincoln Park Zoo# Free admission, free train and carousel ride and 10% off your gift shop purchase.
for hotels
travel in groups
March 2nd, 2009 at 11:23 pm
Luis
Here is an indoor water resort.
There are lots of museums in down town.
The Shedd Aquarium is the worlds largest indoor aquarium. There is a Mcdonalds musuem in the suburbs.
March 3rd, 2009 at 4:49 pm
Juan
Hit the Lincoln Park Zoo, and eat a good pizza at Gino’s East.
Hershey’s Store, Museum of Science and Industry thats a fun place.
March 3rd, 2009 at 9:35 pm
Micheal
Diva Queen has the best answer.
March 6th, 2009 at 7:19 am
Marcus
I live in the far western suburbs of Chicago.
My wife and I have done that same thing and Chicago is a great city to explore this way.
Here are my suggestions for a romantic weekend — I’ll give you more suggestions than you could possibly actually do.
HAVE A GREAT TIME ENJOYING THE FOOD: You have to go get some Chicago food — at one of the great restaurants. One thing that people associate with Chicago is great food. My suggestion would be to try either (1) Magnum’s or (2) Morton’s for steak (expensive); (3) Giordano’s or (4) Uno’s Pizza (cheap), (5) Maggianno’s for Italian (moderate).
RIVER CRUISE: You can take the (6) Chicago River Cruise part of one evening. It has an archetectural tour that goes down the Chicago River which is beautiful in the evening. They do have these going (weather permitting in February). At least do a dinner cruise from any number of ship that leave nightly from Navy Pier. These would be warm and you get beautiful views of Chicago’s skyline.
STROLLING HAND-IN-HAND: (7) Strolling down Michigan Avenue in the evening is fun in itself — seeing the beautiful store fronts and people-watching. You have to at least (8) walk through Millineum Park and see it — especially the Bean.
TROLLEY BUS TOUR/CARRAIGE RIDE: (9) Take a trolley bus tour of the city as well — the kind that Vince Vaughn did as tour narrator in the movie “The Break-up”. Again, if weather is too cold, take the horse drawn carraige rides that you can catch arounf the Water Tower Place on Michigan Avenue — snuggled under the warm blankets they provide.
LAUGHTER: You should take in (10) Zanie’s Comedy Club in Old Towne. I’ve laughed so hard there that the muscles in my cheeks hurt afterward. It is a fun and relatively inexpensive night out — and is right in the heart of where John Belushi, Dan Ackroyd, Bill Murray and Chevy Chase all cut their comedic teeth while in Chicago at the beginning of their careers.
GO TO A WEDDING THAT YOU PARTICIPATE IN: While in (11) Olde Towne you also should try to take in Tony and Tina’s Wedding at Piper’s Alley right in OT.
STROLL THROUGH THE ZOO: (12) Lincoln Park Zoo is still free so that would be a great family outing that wouldn’t cost much.
DRINKING AND DANCING: If you like the (13) Bar Scene you can go clubbin’ in Rush Street — where there are just blocks and blocks of bars and restaurants. After (14) Rush Street go around the corner to Division Street and keep the clubbin’ going.
AUTHENTIC CHICAGO BLUES SCENE: As it gets a bit later you have to go check out a Blue’s Club. (15)Rosa’s is the place you need to see. It is just what people think of as they imagine an authentic Chicago Blues club. It has been spotlighted in USA Today recently.
(16) Kingston Mines is on Halsted is another blues club (North of the city)
….
THE LOVABLE LOSERS: At this time of year you can take in either a Cubs or White Sox game in the evenings. (17) aT THIS TIME OF YEAR, YOU CAN AT LEAST WALK AROUND wRIGLeY Field and get the ambiensce of the neighborhood and get a bite to eat.
NAVY PIER CARRASOL RIDE: Ride the Ferris Wheel to get a unique view of the city from Navy Pier. People like to stroll at (18) Navy Pier, but that isn’t a great place in my opinion it is overrated. It is really good for children. If you haven’t seen it you might enjoy going once. (19) You could go ice skating at Navy Pier.
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN CHICAGO’S CULTURE: As for culture that your kids would also enjoy you can’t miss the (20) Field’s Museum, (21) the Chicago Art Museum, (22) the Museum of Science and Industry and (23) Shedd Acquarium (check out the white Beluga Whales). You can get a pass from your concierge to go to all of these places for one reasonable price for families.
Check out the (24) Picasso Stature — given to the city of Chicago from Picasso in the mid-sixties. It is at Daley Plaza.
THE CABLE GUY: Finally take a page out of Jim Carrey’s movie and go to (25) Medieval Times in Schaumburg. See the jousting and eat with your hands.
One thing for sure — you will love Chicago. In my opinion, there isn’t a finer city to do what you want to do with your wife. I’m envious…..enjoy.
It is a great city — very clean and the people are friendly.
Good question.
March 8th, 2009 at 10:20 pm
Barbara
Depending on your daughter’s interest, check out the American Girls Store. At 12 she might be too old, but I am almost 30 and I still love going in.