Kid-friendly Chicago: Family fun in Chi-Town

Description:

Only one block off the Magnificent Mile and half a mile north of the Loop business district, the newest Hilton in Chicago appeals to both business travelers and families. The thoroughly modern and comfortable lobby exemplifies the entire hotel. The guest rooms feature oversized desks, retractable stands for laptop computers, two phones, modem ports and microwaves. An indoor pool and whirlpool are on the hotel's premises. Children 17 and under stay free with adults.

Description:

Built during World War I, this 3,000-foot-long pier was a Navy training center for pilots during World War II. Now, the military aura is long gone, replaced with a combination of carnival attractions, a food court, and boat dock, making it a bustling tourist destination (whether or not that's a good thing depends on your tolerance for crowds). If you do make it all the way to the end of the pier, though, you'll be rewarded with great views of the city.

Midway down the pier are the Crystal Gardens, with 70 full-size palm trees, dancing fountains, and other flora in a glass-enclosed atrium; a carousel and kiddie carnival rides; and a 15-story Ferris wheel, a replica of the original that made its debut at Chicago's 1893 World's Fair. The pier is also home to the Chicago Children's Museum, a 3-D IMAX theater (tel. 312/595-5629), a small ice-skating rink, and the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. The shops tend to be bland and touristy, and dining options include a food court, an outpost of Lincoln Park's popular Charlie's Ale House, and the white-tablecloth seafood restaurant Riva. You'll also find a beer garden with live music; Joe's Be-Bop Cafe & Jazz Emporium, a Southern-style barbecue restaurant with live music; and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. & Market, a casual family seafood joint. Summer is one long party at the pier, with fireworks on Wednesday and Saturday evenings.

The Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows may sound dull, but decorative-art aficionados shouldn't miss this remarkable installation of more than 150 stained-glass windows set in illuminated display cases. Occupying an 800-foot-long expanse on the ground floor of Navy Pier, the free museum features works by Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Sullivan, John LaFarge, and Louis Comfort Tiffany.

If the noise and commercialism get overwhelming, take the half-mile stroll to the end of the pier, where you can enjoy the wind, the waves, and the city view, which is the real delight of a place like this. Or, unwind in Olive Park, a small sylvan haven with a sliver of beach just north of Navy Pier.

You'll find more than half a dozen sailing vessels moored at the south dock, including a couple of dinner-cruise ships, the pristine white-masted tall ship Windy, and the 70-foot speedboats Seadog I, II, and III. In the summer months, water taxis speed between Navy Pier and other Chicago sights. Allow 1 hour.

Description:

Located on tourist-filled Navy Pier, this museum is one of the most popular family attractions in the city. The building has areas especially for preschoolers as well as for children up to age 10, and several permanent exhibits allow kids a maximum of hands-on fun. Dinosaur Expedition re-creates an expedition to the Sahara, allowing kids to experience camp life, conduct scientific research, and dig for the bones of Suchomimus, a Saharan dinosaur discovered by Chicago paleontologist Paul Sereno (a full-scale model stands nearby). There's also a three-level schooner that children can board for a little climbing, from the crow's nest to the gangplank; PlayMaze, a toddler-scale cityscape with everything from a gas station to a city bus that children under 5 can touch and explore; and an arts-and-crafts area where visitors can create original artwork to take home. Allow 2 to 3 hours.

Description:

This amphibious tour shows you the best of Chicago from land and water. After a 45-minute narrated road tour, this vehicle becomes a vessel, splashing into Burnham Harbor for 35 minutes of aquatic sightseeing. The bright yellow duck vehicles were originally built to transport troops and equipment between water and land during World War II. More than 2,000 DUKW transports brought troops and supplies to the Beaches of Normandy. Tours depart from the "Quack Shack" at Clark and Ontario Streets (near the Rock 'n' Roll McDonald's).

Description:

When Louisa May Alcott penned her classic book Little Women, she probably never imagined that an American retail center would someday pay such a complete tribute to young girls, too. Just around the corner from the Magnificent Mile shopping district, this three-story complex features a playhouse showcasing The American Girl Review, a cafe offering delicious meals, and a shop featuring American Girls dolls and clothing. Girls aged seven and up will find this an irresistible getaway.

Description:

Pizzeria Uno invented Chicago-style pizza, and many deep-dish aficionados still refuse to accept any imitations. Uno's is now a chain of restaurants throughout the country, but this location is the original. You can eat in the restaurant itself on the basement level or, weather permitting, on the outdoor patio right off the sidewalk. Salads, sandwiches, and a house minestrone are also available, but let's be honest -- the only reason to come here is for the pizza. As with Gino's East , pizzas take about 45 minutes to make, so if you're starving, order an appetizer or salad.

Uno was so successful that the owners opened Pizzeria Due in a lovely gray-brick Victorian town house nearby at 619 N. Wabash Ave., at Ontario Street (tel. 312/943-2400). The menu is exactly the same; the atmosphere just a tad nicer (with more outdoor seating).

Description:

Locations all over the city, thin crust and deep dish, and mostaccioli to die for--Giordano's is known for being at the top of Chicagoans' "best of" lists, particularly when it comes to pizza.  Stuffed to the brim of its flaky golden crust, the deep dish at Giordano's won't disappoint--try the Special (sausage, green pepper, and onion) or the Hawaiian (Canadian bacon, pineapple, and onion).  Definitely start off by sharing a family-style salad to get your greens in, and if you can possibly manage to save room for dessert, savor some tiramisu.  Not in the mood for pizza? Try one of their meatball or Italian sausage sandwiches. 

Description:

How do they get those omelets so amazingly fluffy and huge? That is what you will be asking. The answer, of course, is by using a mixer to beat the eggs into submission. You will also gasp when you see just how enormous that bubbly apple pancake (more like a huge apple fritter) is when it is set on your table. In fact, you may be surprised that the table doesn't collapse. Try the German pancake, too. It looks lighter, but looks, as they say, can be deceiving. Whatever you order, expect high quality food. It is no wonder this is one of Chicagoans' favorite breakfast haunts, with super-long lines on the weekend to prove it.

Our Local Expert Says:

A perfect choice for those looking for a family fun activity. Most of the day could easily be spent here viewing the animals, having a picnic in the open park areas, then walking to the lake to play on the beach. Plus, admission is FREE!

Description:

As the only zoo in the City of Chicago, the Lincoln Park Zoo is free and open to the public 365 days a year. Founded in 1868, it is also one of the nation's oldest zoos. The Lincoln Park Zoo does an impressive job with its various exhibits, most notably the Regenstein Center for African Apes, where you can look a gorilla in the face (from the other side of the rail or glass, of course). The Lincoln Park Conservatory is directly to the north of the zoo, where you can take in some flora to complement your fauna fix from the zoo. A nice pre or post-zoo meal can be had at R.J. Grunt's, directly across the street. During the Christmas season the zoo lights up with a free light show every evening.

Description:

Built into a slope that was once the site of an ancient sand dune -- and part of the shoreline of Lake Michigan -- this museum bills itself as "an environmental museum for the 21st century." Most of the exhibits are very hands-on, making this a good stop for active kids (most exhibits are designed for children rather than adults).

Shaded by huge cottonwoods and maples, the sand-colored exterior, with its horizontal lines composed of interlocking trapezoids, resembles a sand dune. Rooftop-level walkways give strollers a view of birds and other urban wildlife below, and paths wind through gardens planted with native Midwestern wildflowers and grasses. Inside, large windows create a dialogue between the outdoor environment and the indoor exhibits designed to illuminate it. My favorite exhibit by far is the Butterfly Haven, a greenhouse habitat where about 25 Midwestern species of butterflies and moths carry on their complex life cycles (wander through as a riot of color flutters all around you). If you're traveling with little ones, I'd also recommend the Extreme Green House, a bungalow where kids can play while learning how they can be environmentally friendly, and RiverWorks, a water play exhibit that gives children an excuse to splash around while building dams and maneuvering boats along a mini river. Allow 1 to 2 hours.

Description:

For the intimate, bordering on cramped size of this place, it is a great surprise when a member of the sincere, friendly Mayan Palace wait staff delivers burritos larger than footballs. Furthermore, one pitcher of Margaritas offers enough drink to keep the entire restaurant boisterous long past closing time. Though immense portions and cheap prices are always welcome in Chicago, the many Mexican restaurants offering huge burritos for cheap seem to lack a certain…goodness. For the Mayan Palace, however, size does not sacrifice quality. Every item on this menu is big in quantity, quality, and price. Additionally, a central perk of Mayan Palace is that on Tuesdays and Thursdays the massive, delicious margaritas are half price.

Description:

Only one block off the Magnificent Mile and half a mile north of the Loop business district, the newest Hilton in Chicago appeals to both business travelers and families. The thoroughly modern and comfortable lobby exemplifies the entire hotel. The guest rooms feature oversized desks, retractable stands for laptop computers, two phones, modem ports and microwaves. An indoor pool and whirlpool are on the hotel's premises. Children 17 and under stay free with adults.

Our Local Expert Says:

Great activity for the entire family, located on Museum Campus.

Description:

The Shedd is one of the world's largest indoor aquariums, and houses thousands of river, lake, and sea denizens in standard aquarium tanks and elaborate new habitats within its octagon-shaped marble building. The only problem with the Shedd is its steep admission price ($24.95 for adults). You can keep your costs down by buying the "Aquarium Only" admission, but you'll miss some of the most stunning exhibits. A CityPass can save you money if you visit enough of the other included attractions.

The first thing you'll see as you enter is the Caribbean Coral Reef. This 90,000-gallon circular tank occupies the Beaux Arts-style central rotunda, entertaining spectators who press up against the glass to ogle divers feeding nurse sharks, barracudas, stingrays, and a hawksbill sea turtle. A roving camera connected to video monitors on the tank's periphery gives visitors close-ups of the animals inside, but I'd recommend sticking around to catch one of the daily feedings, when a diver swims around the tank and (thanks to a microphone) talks about the species and their eating habits.

The exhibits surrounding the Caribbean coral reef re-create marine habitats around the world. The best is Amazon Rising: Seasons of the River, a rendering of the Amazon basin that showcases frogs and other animals as well as fish (although the sharp-toothed piranhas are pretty cool).

You'll pay extra to see the other Shedd highlights, but they're quite impressive, so I'd suggest shelling out for them if you plan to spend more than an hour here. The Oceanarium, with a wall of windows revealing the lake outside, replicates a Pacific Northwest coastal environment and creates the illusion of one uninterrupted expanse of sea. On a fixed performance schedule in a large pool flanked by an amphitheater, a crew of friendly trainers puts dolphins through their paces of leaping dives, breaches, and tail walking. Check out the Oceanarium schedule as soon as you get to the Shedd; seating can fill up quickly, so you'll want to get here early. If you're visiting during a summer weekend, you may also want to buy your Oceanarium ticket in advance to make sure you can catch a show that day. (Note: The Oceanarium will be closed for structural maintenance from Sept 2008 until early June 2009.)

Wild Reef -- Sharks at Shedd is a series of 26 connected habitats that house a Philippine coral reef patrolled by sharks and other predators. The floor-to-ceiling windows bring the toothy swimmers up close and personal (they even swim over your head at certain spots).

If you want a quality sit-down meal in a restaurant with a spectacular view of Lake Michigan, check out Soundings. There's also a family-friendly cafeteria.

Allow 2 to 3 hours.

Our Local Expert Says:

If you are in the mood for a relaxing day, Millennium Park is the perfect place for a afternoon picnic, where you can take in the art and architecture. In the summer catch a performance at Pritzker Pavilion, while enjoying a bottle of wine with friends from the Great Lawn.

Description:

Chicago is full of must-see attractions, but at the top of the Can't Miss list is Millennium Park. It debuted in 2004, several years overdue, but it was worth the wait. It is a true gem, right downtown between Michigan Avenue and the lake. One can easily spend an afternoon just sitting on the benches at the perimeter of the Pritzker Pavilion, stare at their warped reflection in Cloud Gate ("The Bean" to locals), and watch the rotating faces in Crown Fountain spew water every five minutes or so. Immediately to the south of Millennium Park lie the Art Institute and Grant Park, which all together would make for a wonderfully relaxing day. If you only have time for one of the three, though, do not pass go, do not collect $200- without going to Millennium Park.

Our Local Expert Says:

No trip to Chicago is complete without a trip to Cloud Gate, or "The Bean" as locals call it. Soon after its unveiling in 2004, it was closed off in portions so that the rivets could be buffed out. Now it is a seamless sculpture, reminiscent of one giant fun-house mirror. When you're finished here, head over to the Crown Fountain in the spring and summer months to take in the walls of smiling faces.

Description:

This popular sculpture in Millennium Park has become a landmark of Chicago's cityscape. Ever since the public first glimpsed the then-unfinished structure in 2004, its unique appearance has drawn a great deal of both criticism and praise. Designed by British artist Anish Kapoor and forged from steel plates that have been polished to a mirror-like finish, Cloud Gate has been affectionately named "The Bean" by city residents because of its legume-like shape. At 66 feet long, 42 feet wide, and 33 feet high, this is one mighty bean, weighing in at 110 tons. The highly reflective surface and curved shape create an effect similar to that of a funhouse-mirror, distorting the shape of curious onlookers and making it a popular attraction for children of all ages. The sculpture often takes on a life of its own as its surface reflects Chicago's skyscrapers and the blue sky.

Description:

This 120 feet tall location is home to some of the largest and most well-known musical performances in United States, accomodating approximately 11,000 people at a time. Named in the fond memory of businessman Jay Pritzker, this pavilion hosts a number of rock as well as classical concerts. Latest state-of-the-art sound system adds to the experience. The Pavilion also organizes annual prestigious shows like the Grant Park Music Festival. Admission to most events is free.

Description:

The Cheesecake Factory is surely the place to go when craving a rich and delectable slice of the mouth-watering dessert, but this restaurant offers much more. Serving appetizers, lunch, dinner, late night dining, Sunday Brunch, and a full bar, the Factory is a great choice for a casual dining experience. Everyone will find something to their liking with over 200 menu selections of pizza, pasta, seafood, steaks, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and more. Be sure to save room for one of the 50 delicious cheesecakes and desserts. They also have a take out service.

Description:

Only one block off the Magnificent Mile and half a mile north of the Loop business district, the newest Hilton in Chicago appeals to both business travelers and families. The thoroughly modern and comfortable lobby exemplifies the entire hotel. The guest rooms feature oversized desks, retractable stands for laptop computers, two phones, modem ports and microwaves. An indoor pool and whirlpool are on the hotel's premises. Children 17 and under stay free with adults.