By Leah Still
Fun Things to Do With Kids in Chicago
has a multitude of attractions and offerings for kids. Its museums, parks,
beaches and history are family-friendly and usually easy to find. You and your kids can enjoy many of Chicago's finest spots on Michigan Avenue or Lake Shore Drive, both of which are easily accessed by public transportation. You'll do a lot of walking, though, so don't forget to pack warm layers if you're heading to Chicago during the winter.
Pro Ball Game
Historic Wrigley Field is a Chicago landmark.
If you have a sports enthusiast or two in your family, root for the home team at a Cubs or White Sox baseball game. Or if you and your kids are in Chicago in the fall or winter, wee the Bears play football or the Bulls play basketball. Whatever your sport of choice, you'll make your budding sports fan's day.
Cubs: www.cubs.mlb.com, (773) 404-2827; White Sox: www.whitesox.mlb.com, (312) 674-1000; Bears: www.chicagobears.com, (847) 615-2327; Bulls: www.nba.com/bulls, (312) 455-4000
Navy Pier
The Ferris wheel stands tall on Navy Pier. Photo by Logan Still.
Chicago is full of educational museums that your family can tour, but if you're looking for something a little more energizing to entertain your kids, head to Navy Pier on Lake Michigan. At Pier Park you'll find the Ferris wheel, carousel and 18-hole miniature golf course. The Chicago Children's Museum is also on Navy Pier.
600 East Grand Ave., navypier.com, (312) 595-7437
Lincoln Park
Paddle boats, a beach and acres of green space can all be found in Chicago's Lincoln Park. Your kids will also enjoy the lions, zebras, bears and other animals at the Lincoln Park Zoo. As you walk around, keep an eye out for statues of many well-known figures, including Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant.
2045 Lincoln Park West, www.chicagoparkdistrict.com, (312) 742-7726
Shedd Aquarium
If you've found yourself in Chicago in the blistery winter, go warm up at the Shedd Aquarium. Right on the water, the Shedd not only provides a lovely view of Lake Michigan, but also kid-friendly entertainment in the form of penguins, beluga whales, dolphins and other marine life. Make sure to snag a good seat for the dolphin show.
1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, www.sheddaquarium.org, (312) 939-2438
Chicago-style Pizza
Chasing after your kids down Michigan Avenue can work up an appetite. Don't leave Chicago without treating your family to the city's famous pizza. You'll find the original at Uno Chicago Grill (formerly Pizzeria Uno), where the famous deep-dish pizza was invented in the '40s.
29 E Ohio St., www.unos.com, (312) 280-5120
Movies in Grant Park
If you and your family are in Chicago during the summer, consider catching an outdoor movie in Grant Park after sunset. With its location between Lake Michigan and Lake Shore Drive, Grant Park is a picturesque place to spend an evening. On your way, check out Millennium Park and the Buckingham Fountain for family photo ops.
337 E. Randolph St., www.chicagoparkdistrict.com, (312) 742-7648
American Girl Place
The American Girl Place is Mecca for young readers of the American Girl series. If your kids are fans of the books (and dolls and magazine and movies), they won't want to leave Chicago without a stop here. You'll find the store at the famous Water Tower Place, where you can also treat your little girl to afternoon tea.
835 N. Michigan Avenue, www.americangirl.com, (877) 247-5223
About the Author:
Leah Still has written about travel, fashion and home design since 2003. Her work has appeared in various print and online publications, including "SKI" magazine, Southernaccents.com and Gusto.com. She has a journalism degree from the University of Missouri and broadens her education with both domestic and international travel.
Photo Credits:
Leah Still
