Chicago, Illinois is a great place to visit if you are searching for a quick family getaway that offers fun and excitement. Those who have children are sure to keep them entertained with Chicago’s infinite possibilities that are available year-round. The city and surrounding municipalities also have zoos, museums and other activities that are bound to make even the pickiest child happy.
Chicago Museums
Just frequent Chicago’s Downtown and you will see that the city offers a multitude of exceptional museums. The Shedd Aquarium is a regular highlight. The aquarium is comprised of an Oceanarium, Wild Reef exhibit and Amazon River. The Museum of Science and Industry, on the other hand, is perfect for children who like science and technology. The Adler Planetarium is ideal for children who enjoy astronomy. The Dupage Children’s Museum in Naperville is interactive, hands-on museum that is designed to cultivate inquisitiveness, imagination and analytical thinking through play.
Navy Pier
Navy Pier is an attraction that every family must visit at least one. There are many attractions for various ages. Some attractions are seasonal so, check out their website prior to planning your trip. Navy Pier features a 148 ft Ferris Wheel, a 44 ft high musical carousel with 36 hand-painted animals, the Aeroballoon (an anchored helium-filled balloon that floats above the lake), an 18 hole miniature golf course, a funhouse maze, a beer garden and a 40ft high wave swing.
Navy Pier also houses three theaters and two museums. The theaters are: an IMAX theater, the skyline stage that is used as an ice skating rink during wintertime and as a 1500-seat theater during summer and a 7 story Shakespeare theater complex. The museums are: the Children’s museum and the Smith museum of Stained Glass Windows.
Chicago Zoos
The Brookfield Zoo is extraordinary. See over a hundred species of animals here. Exhibits include: Tropic World, Wolf Woods, Living Coast, Feathers and Scales and Australia House to name a few. Admission is $13.50 for adults 12 and older; $9.50 for children 3-11 and seniors over 65, children 2 and under are free.
The Lincoln Park Zoo is an intimate zoo that has one of the oldest and beautiful wildlife habitats in the U.S. The zoo is operated by the Lincoln Park Zoological Society and boasts a new children’s zoo. The zoo is open 365 days a year and admission is always Free.
Another free admission zoo is the Phillips Park Zoo that is operated by the city of Aurora, 45-minutes southwest of the city of Chicago. The zoo exhibits include: Bald Eagles, Cougars, Llamas, Goats, Reptiles and more. The zoo is open year round 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
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I would love to go to the Chicago Zoo!
Diane recently posted…Adovia Dead Sea Mud Soap Review
That looks like a lot of fun places to go. I love going to my local zoo.
Michelle F. recently posted…Quiet Book How To Series: Simple Quiet Book Cover Tutorial
I am not too far away from there and we are looking where to go on summer vacation. This is a great list. Thanks for sharing!
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I lived in the Chicago suburbs for five years. There is SO much to do for fun!
Virginia @thatbaldchick recently posted…Gifts for Mom- Bokos
2 zoos with free admission. That’s a dream for a parent of 5. A family outing can get very costly. I wish these were closer. The down side is I think my kids would always want to be at the zoo. We would enjoy the Navy Pier as well. If we ever vacation close I will keep this post in mind. Thank you.
That does sound like a great place to visit!! I may have to add it to my long list!
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