So you're visiting Chicago with your kids, and you're curious about things to do in Chicago? Family attractions in Chicago both are easy to find and easy to access. In addition to a plethora of parks, public events, tours and world-class museums, Chicago boasts a downtown area which is both exciting and safe for kids. Active youngsters will enjoy the opportunities for recreation available in the Chicago metro area, as well, but a list of family activities can also include more reflective options, too.
Chicago events are often tied to the season: ice skating in ten different public parks; live music in Millennium Park in the summertime... Other Chicago attractions, such as landmarks like the Sears Tower Skydeck or the Hancock Observatory, can be visited any time of the year. And the spectrum of museums in Chicago can fire up the imaginations of any visitor, no matter what the weather--a visit to the Adler Planetarium, the Museum of Science and Industry, the Notebaert Nature Museum, the Field Museum, the Shedd Aquarium, or the Kraft Education Center at the Art Institute will fuel creativity for a long time. Even the Children's Museum, located at Navy Pier, is a hands-on, educational fun fest for the younger set.
Family attractions in Chicago can even include transportation! Consider hopping aboard the "El," or take a water taxi ride. And tours are available in double decker buses or via boats. The many parks in Chicago offer both recreation and culture: for example, Lincoln Park offers a free zoo and cycling opportunities; Millennium Park offers not only seasonal free concerts, but some great sculpture, too.
Some things to do in Chicago include a trip to one of the beaches along Lake Michigan, or a bicycle jaunt along the 18 paved miles of the Lakefront Trail. Another way to commune with water is by visiting the Buckingham Fountain, which features a summertime light, music and water show in the evening.
Chicago events include the wide range of professional sports games from teams like the Cubs (baseball), the Blackhawks (hockey), or the Bears (football).
Since this is Chicago, family activities just might include shopping, too. The shopping in Chicago is some of the best in the country. Check out Michigan Avenue for an endless succession of high-end and affordable stores alike. The downtown area is also prime for window shopping, with such Chicago attractions as the American Girl Place, the Disney Store, NikeTown and the Lego Store. Even Water Tower Place with its eight stories of shops just might dazzle your crew.
