Chicago, Illinois, is a great city for vacations for families with children. Its location in the center of the United States makes it an easy trip by car or plane for most people, as well as having the second busiest airport in the world located in O’Hare. There are so many wonderful things to do and see with your children of all ages that it is an ideal place for your summer getaway. Use some of the following tips and suggestions to help you, as well as obtain brochures and presentation folders about the city from your local travel agent or the tourism chamber website and you should be well prepared for your trip.
Once you’ve set up your airline tickets and the dates you’d like to visit Chicago, it’s time to book your accommodations. Michigan Avenue and the magnificent mile are the best areas to consider when booking a hotel. There are many good options that are ideal for families, such as hotels that have suite rooms and those that also offer free breakfast for the rate. Some of the hotels that fit that type of hotel are Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn & Suites, and a new Comfort Suites, all located in this area of Michigan Ave. All of these rooms have a living room separate from the bedroom area and some They offer mini kitchens that can be nice to store some food if you have very young children that you don’t want to drag yourself to expensive restaurants for every meal.
There are several wonderful museums in Chicago that are truly a must see with your children. The Shedd Aquarium is located right on Lake Michigan and has an oceanarium with floor-to-ceiling windows that makes the pool water appear to continue into the open-air lake and is quite impressive. They have the largest collection of beluga whales in the world and even offer special opportunities for children to touch some sea creatures throughout the aquarium. Make sure to get there early as the lines are quite long for late arrivals.
Another great museum in Chicago to take the kids is the Field Museum of Natural History, home to one of the largest archaeological finds of a T-Rex dinosaur named Sue. They also have one of the largest Egyptian exhibits with a full pharaohs burial tomb made from limestone that has been rebuilt inside the museum and is quite a sight to see. They have quite a few interactive child-friendly views that appeal to younger children as well.
Final suggestions for families would be to go to Navy Pier and see great views of the city from the Ferris wheel, stroll through Millennium Park where President Obama gave his acceptance speech, and also see the reflective structure called the bean, which is fun. Also try to catch a Cubs game at Wrigley Field if you can.
