Lightscape At Chicago Botanic Garden
Wander through an enchanted, illuminated trail during Lightscape from Nov. 12 through Jan. 2 at Chicago Botanic Garden. This special after-dark event transforms a one-mile path into a holiday wonderland, complete with a choir of singing trees, a waterfall of cascading light, a soaring cathedral made of thousands of twinkling bulbs, dazzling light shows, and more.
Pirates Cove Theme Park
Designed for fun-loving kids ages 1-9, the Pirates Cove Theme Park is a popular Elk Grove attraction. Castles, carousels, ships, and slides capture the attention of little buccaneers and maidens. Theres a picnic area and snacks can be purchased here, too.
Price: $$
Closed until further notice.
Tip: Gym shoes and socks are strongly recommended. This place is packed with activity, and your kids will be on the go for hours.
Get To Know Chicagos Architecture
The city of Chicago is famous for its architectural wonders, and in order to learn and appreciate it to the fullest, its best to take an architectural tour.
These tours range from walking tours to bike tours to Segway tours, but none have been praised more than the architectural boat tours, including Chicagos First Lady, Wendella, Odyssey, and Shoreline. Cruising down the Chicago River on one of these boat tours may be informative and interesting, but the highlight for the kids will no doubt be being on the boat!
Book your architecture cruise with TripAdvisor. They have a low rate guarantee and as a TripAdvisor affiliate Trekaroo will receive a small commission to help feed our kiddos!
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Things To Do With Kids In Chicago Today
Visit the Lakefront Trail. Its got water, sand, beach volleyball, and boats. No, this isnt Club Med, this is Chicago. How many cities can boast an 18-mile paved path that you can run, walk or bike along? The lakefront is the crown jewel of Chicago and one of the most fun ways to experience the city. Literally located across the street from world-class hotels and shopping, the beach is easily accessible and fun to explore. The trail is open 24/7, but the parks and beaches alongside it close by 11p.m.
Take a ride on the Architectural Boat Tour. There is no better way to see downtown Chicago than to sit back, relax and cruise the river that winds through the city. Adults love it because Chicagos history is mob-filled and fascinating and kids love it because anything on a boat is seriously cool. Both daytime and twilight cruises are available.
Things To Do In Chicago Il: Chicago Detours
Chicago Detours offer a new way to experience the Windy City’s beautiful architecture and landmarks as part of guided architectural walking neighborhoods highlighting local favorite places and hidden gems. The company, which was launched in 2010 by Amanda Scotese, strives to create fun, educational guided walking tour experiences for visitors of all ages, including architectural history tours highlighting the historical stories behind the landmark buildings of the city’s downtown neighborhoods. Culinary architecture tours are also offered throughout the morning and evening hours, stopping at several popular dining spots for light bites and beverages. Tours last approximately two and a half hours, covering a walking distance of no more than a mile. Group bus tours are also offered for small groups with advance reservations.
53 W. Jackson Blvd., Ste. #1357, Chicago, IL 60604, Phone: 312-350-1131
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Go See Some Live Music
Music venues around town have reopened for live events, with heavy hitters City Winery, Carols, , Rosas, Reggies, Green Mill, Montrose Saloon, Uncommon Ground, FitzGeralds, Kingston Mines, and Empty Bottle leading the charge. So what the hell are you waiting for? If youre looking for something with a more romantic vibe, check out the candlelight concert series from Fever and catch classical music in unique outposts like Stan Mansion and Salvage One. Pretty hard to screw up that date night.
Check Out The Public Art Downtown
Looking to get out of the house? Yes, you can go see The Bean, but dont stop there. Swing by the Chicago Picasso, or Calders Flamingo, then head down to the southern end of Grant Park to walk among the giant, headless sculptures that make up Agora. Take a selfie with the Art Institute lions, and be sure to check out the installations along the Chicago Riverwalk between Lake and Franklin. The concentration of world-class public art downtown is astounding and not to be missed. And, even better, Art on theMARTthe worlds largest permanent digital art installationcontinues its screenings on the south façade of the Merchandise Mart through November 25.
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Cheer On A Sports Team
Kids of all ages can enjoy cheering on the local professional teams, from baseball to football.
Here are a few of the more popular teams in this city:
Even better, admission to these attractions with a tourist pass may include Fast Track / Skip the Line entry which is a great option when traveling with families so you don’t spend time waiting in line just to get in to an attraction.
Stupidly Exclaim How Bout Them Apples At An Area Orchard
There are few events as fall-centric as apple picking, which is why this is the season to actually make it happen if youre ever gonna do it. Get out of the city and explore the picturesque surrounding farms in Illinois and Wisconsin for a fresh taste of what the season is all about. Remember, you can always DVR the Bears game. Chart a crunchy course with help from our lowdown.
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Chicago Childrens Theatre And Emerald City Theatre
Chicagos nightlife is legendary with jazz clubs, high-end theater, and comedy clubs. But that doesnt mean families cant enjoy cultural performances geared more toward childrens enjoyment. The Chicago Childrens Theatre and the Emerald City Theatre are both highly regarded and put on a range of shows each season, from adaptations of classic childrens books to modern, thought-provoking performances.
Check Out Trippy Paintings Come To Life At Immersive Van Gogh
The stateside premier of this international project continues to wow crowds at Chicagos Germania Club Building for an immersive experience featuring moving images illustrating the works of Vincent Van Gogh. The 600,000-cubic-foot experience includes bright flashing lights set to soundtracks in a historic Gold Coast building. For dessert, peep the Art of Banksy, the worlds largest traveling exhibit devoted to the legendary street artist, open now through Halloween.
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Elk Grove Village Historical Museum
Activities for young kids, youth, and teens are available at the Elk Grove Village Historical Museum all year, including the Pirates Cove Theme Park for little kids we mentioned earlier. The museum is open all year, and offers a captivating view of Elk Groves history. Outdoor activities include skating, a water park, sledding, golf, and more. Indoors, there are dance and aquatics facilities that host a wide range of programs and even an onsite preschool.
Price: Free-$$
Schedule your visit in advanced and arrive within 15 minutes of the schedule time. Face coverings are required for the duration.
Walk Over Historic Michigan Avenue Bridge
Michigan Avenue Bridge was the first double level bascule bridge to be built, opening to traffic in 1920. Historically, the bridge would open thousands of times a year, but it now operates on a limited schedule to not disrupt the traffic on Michigan Avenue that crosses the Chicago River. Seeing the bridge lift is a real spectacle, and you can watch the mechanics in motion with a visit to the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum.
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Things To Do In Chicago: Pleasant House Bakery
Located in Chicagos Bridgeport neighborhood, Pleasant House Bakery is a new bakery/café that serves an assortment of mouthwatering baked goodies, freshly baked breads and pies, pastries and desserts and homemade beverages, including homemade sodas.
Specializing in traditional savory pies and specialty sweets, Pleasant House Bakery is famous for their homemade Royal Pies, which are made with the highest quality meats and ingredients. Try the Steak and Ale, Chicken Balti or Cold Pork Pie accompanied by chips and veggies.
Pleasant House Bakery offers both dine-in and carryout options and features dinner specials throughout the week.
2119 South Halsted Street, Chicago, Illinois 60608, Phone: 773-523-7437
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How To Get Around With Kids In Chicago
Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available, but rather than scrambling to stash strollers and secure child seats in an unfamiliar vehicle, consider riding the L, Chicago’s system of elevated trains and subways. Most major sights are within an easy walk from an elevator-equipped station, indicated on system maps by an accessible icon. Tickets can be purchased at station kiosks.
Attractions tend to be quietest first thing in the morning. Some spots, like the Shedd Aquarium and the Field Museum of Natural History, have designated stroller and wheelchair entrances, where lines are often significantly shorter. If you plan to hit more than a couple of signature attractions, consider a CityPass, valid for admission to your choice of five out of seven major sights. In addition to saving your brood a few bucks, it also includes fast-track entry to spots like the Willis Tower’s Skydeck no small thing when little legs grow tired and crankiness looms.
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+ Best Things To Do In Chicago With Kids Today
Chicago is one of the most exciting cities in the world. There are tons of activities for adults but the city isnt necessarily known for its activities for kids. Its not always an option to leave the kids at home and with that in mind, we scoured the town to find the best activities for children of all ages. Here are 21+ things you can do in Chicago with your kids this weekend.
Meet Your Favorite Artist At Lollapalooza
For 4 days in August, hundreds of thousands of music-lovers come together in Grant Park to celebrate Lollapolooza. Rock bands, hip-hop artists, and DJs perform across multiple stages, and as a family-friendly festival, a Kidzapalooza area offers music and workshops more suitable for little ones. Relax in between shows at Chow Town with more than 30 food vendors, browse the art market, or visit the autograph tent for the chance to meet your favorite artist.
Hot Tip: Keep your valuables safe in a crowd with these travel money belts.
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Catch A Show At The Chicago Theatre
Built in 1921, the Chicago Theatre is one of the citys major historic landmarks and was originally known as the Balaban and Katz Chicago Theatre. When strolling down North State Street, you cant miss the famous illuminated vertical marquee that spans 7 stories of the building. As well as featuring various stage shows, concerts, and comedy, you can book a tour for behind the scenes access to the dressing rooms and stage area.
Enrich Your Childs Mind In Chicago Museums Libraries And More
Theres no shortage of fun and educational museums and cultural attractions in the Chicago area. Weve gathered the info on some of the best in the area. The best part? Most are free or low cost. The art institute of Chicago, the adler planetarium, navy pier, and museum of science are some of the attractions in Chicago, IL.
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Art Activities At The Art Institute Of Chicago
Kids can create their own Pop-inspired drawings at the Art Institutes Family Drop-In Drawing. Head to the Modern and Contemporary galleries to let your little ones channel their inner Andy Warhol through art activities, then see his works for yourself at the major new Warhol retrospective thats showing at the museum this fall.
Dates: Nov. 2, 3, 15, and 17, 2019Time: 11 a.m. 2 p.m.Tickets: Free with museum admission, view ticket options
Best Things To Do With Kids In Chicago
- Things to do
- Lincoln Park
What is it? One of the country’s last free zoos, situated on the shores of Lake Michigan.
Why go? The 35-acre attraction connects visitors with animals from all over the worldfrom aardvarks and African penguins to trumpeter swans and zebra tilapiaand a variety of seasonal events and special programming keep families coming back again and again.
- Parks and gardens
- Millennium Park
What is it? Located in the heart of the Loop, this 20-acre public park houses one of the most epic playgrounds we’ve ever seen.
Why go? When the sun is shining, set the kids loose at the Play Garden or let them put their skills to the test on the Climbing Wall, with supervision from the park staff. The fun doesn’t stop when winter rolls around return for a lap or two around the Skating Ribbon when the snow starts to fall.
- Museum Campus
- price 3 of 4
What is it? One of the world’s largest indoor aquariumsand home to thousands of scaled, finned and feathered animals.
Why go? For a chance to get up close and personal with schools of colorful fish, playful otters, beautiful stingrays, not-so-scary sharks and hard-shelled turtles. There are 13 exhibits to explore and additional experiences you can tack on during your visit, like 4-D shows, Animal Chats with Shedd experts and Animal Encounters.
- Museum Campus
- price 2 of 4
What is it? A deep dive into natural historyand one of Chicago’s most beloved institutions.
- Things to do
- Lincoln Park
- Literary events
- Streeterville
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Take In The Spectacular City Views From 360 Chicago
360 Chicago is an observation deck on the 94th floor of the John Hancock building. The excitement starts from the moment you step into the elevator as you shoot up 1,000 feet in just 40 seconds. The observation deck offers magnificent views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding skyline, and those brave enough can upgrade to the TILT experience to look down over the Magnificent Mile. Skip the queues and book your ticket with 24-hour cancellation.