Big-city sophistication combined with small-town hospitality makes Chicago a perfect family vacation destination. Chicago’s influential architecture, cuisine for every budget and outstanding museums are reason enough for a visit with your family. Enjoy a day watching the White Sox play (and the antics of their dedicated fans); or check out Chicago’s lakefront and park system that are as beautiful and relaxing as they are kid – and budget – friendly. Here are just a few fun activities for a family vacation in Chicago.
Chicago Children's Museum
The engrossing, imaginative exhibits here emphasize doing – be it digging up a dinosaur bone or designing a water channel. A central, three-story rope tunnel immediately snares the attention of older visitors, though there are age-appropriate attractions for infants to pre-teens. Perfect for a family vacation; if this place can’t exhaust the younger set's energies, nowhere can.
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Chicago Air & Water Show
This massive display of military power features historic aircraft flybys, a staged amphibious attack, and precision flying teams. Prime beachfront viewing spots are from Oak Street to Montrose Beach and if you’re planning a family vacation this summer, you can catch the show in mid-August.
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Shedd Aquarium
Upon arrival, head straight for the Oceanarium to watch the thrilling dolphin and beluga whale show. Staff trainers frequently choose children in the audience to help reward the marine mammals with a snack after each trick. At the daily Tide Pool Touch and Reptilian Animal Encounters, kids can also indulge their urge to lay hands on the animals.
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Lincoln Park Zoo
Free admission makes this the perfect place to visit if you’re on a family vacation in Chicago. Many exhibits, including the working Farm in the Zoo and the Children's Zoo, allow kids to pet the animals. In summer a motorized "train" makes a scenic loop around the park, while on the pond, swan-shaped paddleboats float among the ducks.
Discover the Top 10 exhibits at Lincoln Park Zoo
Field Museum
Visit the Field Museum for a fascinating insight into global cultures and environments past and present. This vast museum is home to all sorts of cultural treasures, fossils, and artifacts, as well as to myriad interactive exhibits including the Underground Adventure. Enter this larger-than-life "subterranean" ecosystem to get a bug's-eye view of the world. Wander through a jungle of roots, and listen to the chatter of a busy ant colony.
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