By David B. Ryan
The greater
Chicago area is home to over nine million people, according to the 2000 US Census. Many families living in surrounding suburbs come into the city with their children to enjoy performances, activities, sports and art. These activities are all accessible using Chicago's expansive system of rapid transit. Admission days and hours vary according to the season. It is recommended that visitors check opening and closing times using "Time Out Chicago" (see Resources).
Watch Baseball
Chicago has a unique baseball culture and is home to not one, but two major league teams. Wrigley Field, constructed in 1914, is a baseball landmark known to every baseball fan. Join the Cubs at Wrigley and the White Sox at US Cellular Field, called "The Cell," by locals or "New Comiskey Park" by diehard fans, for an afternoon or weekend evening of baseball. Check each season's baseball team calendars for special interest games that are geared for families and young people. These include music performances and extensive fireworks displays. CTA rapid transit takes fans directly to both parks. Prices vary according to age and seating location. Check the website for special ticket packages that include discounts and multiple game and family packs.
Wrigley Field
1060 W Addison St
Tel: (773) 404-2827
US Cellular Field
333 West 35th Street
Tel: (866) SOX-GAME
Observe the Chicago Cityscape
Chicago's syline can be seen from the observatory located at the top of the historic Hancock Building. The view from 94th floor observatory, nearly 1,000 feet in the air, covers over 80 miles of the area. Admission is $14.95 for adults. Children between the ages of 3 and 11 pay $10.50. Narrated tours are available for an additional fee.
Hancock Building
875 North Michigan Avenue
Tel: (312) 751-3681
Take a Walk on the Sky Deck
The Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower) also has a sky deck that allows viewers to see 50 miles around the city from the 103rd floor of the tallest office building in the country. Entrance fees begin at $15 and Chicago residents receive a discount. Children under 3 are free.
Willis Tower
233 South Wacker Drive
Tel: (312) 875-9696
View Outer Space
The Adler Planetarium features the three-dimensional show "IBEX: Search for the Edge of the Solar System," which is narrated by teens. General admission is $10, but children 3 through 14 pay $6 for the show. Three sky shows are put on at the planetarium and young people may purchase a Galaxy Package for only $15. This pass allows admission to all displays and one Sky Show program.
Adler Planetarium
1300 South Lake Shore Drive
Tel: (312) 922-7827
Dine at Navy Pier
Navy Pier is a place for teens to hang out, shop, enjoy carnival rides and eat a variety of fast food and snacks. An IMAX theater is also located in the pier complex. The pier has free open admission. The price of film tickets depends on the show, age of the viewer, and the time and day of the showing.
Navy Pier
600 East Grand Avenue at Streeter Drive
Tel: (312) 595-7437
Visit the Zoo
Chicago is home to the Lincoln Park Zoo that incorporates the Pritzker Family Children's Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the United States. Nearly 1,000 animals live at the zoo, including primates, lions and a puma and red panda. Admission is free.
Lincoln Park Zoo
2200 North Cannon Drive
Tel: (312) 742-2000
Hike in Nature
The North Park Village Nature Center is located on 46 acres on Chicago's northwest side. Teens may walk through diverse ecosystems and experiment with nature themes using interactive displays. Formal classes and a camping experience are also available. These focus on various themes throughout the year. Admission is free.
North Park Village Nature Center
5801 North Pulaski Road
Tel: (312) 744-5472
Resources
About the Author:
David B. Ryan has been a professional writer since 1989. His work includes various books, articles for "The Plain Dealer" in Cleveland and essays for Oxford University Press. Ryan holds degrees from the University of Cincinnati and Indiana University and certifications in emergency management and health disaster response.
