Things to Do Around Chicago, Illinois for Families

Also known as the World's Aquarium, The Shedd Aquarium is a Chicago treasure your family will love. Not only does it have an astounding Wild Reef display featuring sharks and corals but also a unique fishing village and mangrove exhibit that will really put you in a different time and place. Take a tour of the animal hospital and stick around for the divers who feed our finned friends.

John G. Shedd Aquarium
1200 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60605
Tel: (312-939-2438)

Navy Pier is a great shopping area along the lakefront where you'll also find plenty to keep kids of all ages smiling throughout the day. In the summer you'll find lots of live entertainment, boat tours and, of course, the huge Ferris wheel. Kids will love the carousel and miniature golf course as well. There are plenty of restaurants and food carts throughout the area, so spend a whole day.

Navy Pier
600 East Grand Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
Tel: (312-595-PIER)
Toll Free: (800-595-PIER)

Located conveniently on the Navy Pier, the Chicago Children's Museum is an interactive playground that both educates and entertains. Your family will enjoy the "outdoor" treehouse trails, building a dam and numerous daily special events.

Chicago Children's Museum
700 E. Grand Avenue, #127
Chicago, IL 60611
Tel: (312-527-1000)

A great way to enjoy the Chicago skyline, people watch and see some cool animals as well, the Lincoln Park Zoo is a must-see family stop. This historic zoo is both a leader in animal care and wildlife conservation and is home to lions, polar bears and the rest of the usual zoo-crowd. It is a terrific way to enjoy a Chicago summer day, but it is also open year-round with special attractions for four-season visitors.

Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL
Tel: (312-742-2000)

No visit to Chicago would be complete without a visit to the famous Sears Tower. Your family will love the breathtaking view of Chicago and Lake Michigan as well as views of Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan. Kids will keep busy with the Skydeck Scavenger Hunt (you download off the Sears Tower Website), which points out notable sights throughout Chicago.

Sears Tower
233 S. Wacker Dr. Suite 3530
Chicago IL 60606 (Enter Skydeck on Jackson Blvd.)
Tel: (312-875-9447)