Have you ever been to the Windy City? Chicago is such a unique city and worth a visit with your family. I’m so happy I took the opportunity to go on a Macaroni KID publisher trip in August. Let me tell you about all my favorite things to do there!
I love that Chicago is a large and diverse iconic city with abundant history and culture, but also lacks the hustle-and-bustle that other cities like New York and Boston have. It was a surprisingly relaxed vibe and the people you meet are incredibly friendly and helpful. What a bonus! There’s so much to see and do in Chicago with your family - awe-inspiring architecture, incredible parks, affordable family events/activities, a vibrant music scene, exciting theaters, engaging museums, safe walking/biking paths, delicious restaurants and a breathtaking cityscape.
My favorite places to vacation are ones that have a variety of things to do so that your trip can be “anything you want it to be”. Chicago definitely fits this description. It’s a fun trip to take with your significant other, a group of friends or your kids.
The author was hosted by Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk, Blue Man Group, and Chicago CityPASS® to facilitate writing this article. All thoughts and opinions expressed are their own.
We stayed at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk, located directly on the vibrant riverwalk. It was an ideal location with easy access to local restaurants, coffee shops, ice cream options and shopping. The rooms were comfortable and the pool, fitness areas and views of the cityscape were great. There was easy access to Uber from the lobby and a quick walk to the nearest bus stop. Staff were also very accommodating and informative.
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Within walking distance to the hotel, was a perfect first attraction on our list of fun things to do using our Chicago CityPASS®, an affordable discounted ticket to 5 total attractions in the city. The Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture River Tour was a fun way to get a tour of the city and set the tone for our trip. We got a chance to sit back, relax and enjoy a boat ride down the river with a knowledgeable tour guide who pointed out lots of fun ideas for tourists and a bit of history to take with us.
Chicago CityPASS® includes access to 5 total attractions: Shedd Aquarium and Skydeck Chicago plus a choice of three others. It is an affordable option with a savings of 48% off ticket prices!
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My absolute favorite attraction was Shedd Aquarium, located in Museum Campus. What a fun place! I could have spent all day observing the beluga whales, sea lions, dolphins and penguins. They have hands-on areas with stingrays and play areas for kids. There are animal spotlight shows, informative 4D experiences and tons of habitats to explore. It’s a must-see!
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The Field Museum is a natural history museum. The building is massive and the exhibits extraordinary, especially the expansive dinosaur area. If you have a kid who loves dinosaurs, you need to bring them here! There are tons of skeletons, information to read, interactive displays, and even SUE, the world’s biggest and most complete T. Rex fossil to date. You also get access to the 3D theater included with your ticket.
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Traveling from one spot to another in Chicago is pretty easy with different transportation options. From the Museum Campus, we took a water taxi to Navy Pier for lunch. This is where the iconic ferris wheel, known as the Centennial Wheel, is located in addition to other rides and games, shops, restaurants and activities. It’s a beautiful spot to sit for a meal while people-watching and enjoying the tranquility of Lake Michigan and the city skyline.
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Walking and/or biking is also a great option in Chicago. I love to explore a city on foot and see what I can find. One morning we took a stroll through the city from the hotel to Museum Campus to check out some of the attractions. On the way, we discovered Maggie Daley Park, which features a rock climbing wall, a play garden, mini golf, ice skating (seasonally), a picnic area and a roller skating/scooter riding area. What a cool place to spend a few hours with your kids! We also walked by the famous Buckingham Fountain. We were mesmerized by the water displays and determined to capture the perfect picture.
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You know we also had to stop for a famous deep dish pizza and Chicago-style hotdog. I couldn’t leave the city without trying them!
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A great time of day to use your CityPASS® at Skydeck Chicago at the Willis Tower is in the evening during sunset. You take a high-speed elevator up to the 103rd floor (over 1300 feet) and view the city from a unique perspective from a ledge that extends over 4 feet from the building. It’s clear enough to see all the buildings around and below you, and the sun in the background makes for some pretty images as your souvenir.
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If you have any interest in space, the Adler Planetarium is a great stop to add to your list. You can learn about the planets, constellations, moon travel, light pollution and more. Check out the family-friendly shows like Destination Solar System, where you are on an imaginary trip to space and see a new perspective of the Chicago night sky during Skywatch Live! Your kids will appreciate the Planet Explorer play area where they can explore, climb, crawl and learn about outer space.
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Of course, a trip to a city would not be complete without attending a show and Blue Man Group at the Briar Street Theatre is the perfect entertainment for all ages. I’ve seen the boys in blue a few times in Boston, but the show is updated often and it felt like seeing it for the first time. It’s always a fun mix of music, comedy, and art that’ll make you want to dance and smile until the end.
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Want to know what else is cool about Chicago? Their zoo is FREE! We took a few hours to visit the zebras, monkeys, gorillas, and lions at the Lincoln Park Zoo. It is a serene environment with exhibits both inside and out and an indoor playground area for kids to escape the heat or cold for a bit. The zoo also features beautiful landscape, gardens and views of the city from walking trails and restaurants. It’s worth a stop for sure!
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If you’re looking for a fun family getaway, I recommend you put Chicago on your list. Book a trip and make new memories in a new city! You won't regret it.
