Family Friendly Things to Do in Chicago
Good Things About Chicago
Family Vacation to Chicago
Michele Norfleet, Leaf Group
Take the family to Navy Pier in Chicago. (Photo: Medioimages/Photodisc/Photodisc/Getty Images )
Indoor Activities in Chicago
Top Ten Sights to See in Chicago
A family vacation to a big city may not seem like a good choice for families. Think again. Chicago, like most cities, offers a wide range of events and attractions for adults, but the kids aren't left out. Whether your family enjoys sports or museums, you will find plenty to keep the whole group interested and amused.
You have your choice of hotels suitable for families when staying in Chicago. W Chicago City Center accommodates families and even their pets, where your pet will have his own pet bed, toys and a "turn-down treat." At Palmer House Hilton, kids stay free, and cribs and child care are available. The Millennium Knickerbocker offers the option of a two-room suite, making its accommodations a good choice for families with children. At Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers, kids can enjoy in-room movies and video games. The hotel is located within walking distance of the Navy Pier, museums and shopping.
For hands-on fun, take the family to the Chicago Children's Museum located at Navy Pier. The museum is open daily except for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The exhibits in the museum allow children to learn by doing. Whether learning about fire safety, insects or dinosaurs, a stop at the Chicago Children's Museum can entertain everyone. Your visit may involve a full day's adventure, if you plan to take in the whole facility, including the climbing schooner and water play area. The whole family, kids to adults, will find something of interest at the Museum of Science and Industry. Coal mining comes alive for visitors at the museum's Coal Mine. Marvel at the miniatures and intricacies of a Fairy Castle. Take in a variety of topics about planet Earth at Earth Revealed, where you can explore the earth's climate and weather with a technological display projected on a 6-foot model of the earth. All ages will enjoy the Swiss Jolly Ball, an oversized pinball machine. No matter your age or interests, you are sure to find something to enjoy in the more than 20 permanent exhibits at the Museum of Science and Industry.
If your family likes animals, take in the sights at Chicago's Brookfield Zoo. From birds to butterflies, big cats to bears, this zoo has animals to please the whole family. The children's zoo area includes farm animals and a petting zoo. Kids can also get up close and personal with hawks and snakes. At the Brookfield Zoo, you will view animals in exhibits designed to resemble their natural habitats. The zoo is open year-round. Even during Chicago's frigid winters, the zoo is still an enjoyable option as it contains many indoor exhibits.
Chicago's Navy Pier is a lakefront playground. Take in amazing views of Chicago and Lake Michigan on the 15-story high Ferris wheel. Enjoy live music, entertainment and restaurants or board a tour boat for a cruise on the lake. Shop for souvenirs in the Family Pavilion or enjoy a movie at the IMAX theatre.
If your family enjoys professional sports, Chicago has lots to offer. Take in a Cubs game at Wrigley Field, or spend an afternoon watching the White Sox. Basketball fans can search out tickets to watch the Bulls. The Chicago Bears play football at Soldier Field and hockey fans can see the Chicago Blackhawks. Tickets for all events are subject to availability, so if you plan to go, check this out in advance.
Chicago Kids: Hotels
Chicago Children's Museum: Exhibits
Museum of Science and Industry: Exhibits
Chicago Zoological Society: Brookfield Zoo
Navy Pier: Things To Do
Chicago Traveler: Chicago Sports
Michele Norfleet is a freelance writer who writes on travel, home and garden and education topics. She has coauthored a handbook for teachers on school-wide discipline and has contributed tips for special-needs students in the basal curriculum for RCL Benziger. Norfleet holds a master's degree from Southern Illinois University and has experience as a special-needs teacher and speech pathologist.
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