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Chicago Children’s Museum
The
engrossing, imaginative exhibits here emphasize doing – be it digging
up a dinosaur bone or designing a water channel. A central, three-story
rope tunnel immediately snares the attention of older visitors, though
there are age-appropriate attractions for infants to pre-teens. If this
place can’t exhaust the younger set’s energies, nowhere can.-
700 E. Grand Ave.
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Open 10am–5pm Tue–Sun (to 8pm Thu & Sat)
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Adm.
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Lincoln Park Zoo
Free admission encourages repeat visits to the Lincoln Park Zoo.
Many exhibits, including the working Farm in the Zoo and the Children’s
Zoo, allow kids to pet the animals. In summer a motorized “train” makes
a scenic loop around the park, while on the pond, swan-shaped
paddleboats float among the ducks. -
Navy Pier
Kids
make a beeline for Navy Pier’s old-fashioned carnival rides including a
10-storey Ferris Wheel and musical carousel. The ships that line the
docks, from sleek, tall-masted schooners to powerful motor boats will
also grab their attention. All the restaurants here are family friendly,
and even the sculptures that line the Pier in summer are designed to
withstand climbers .
Navy Pier
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Elevated Trains
Chicago’s
elevated trains (the El) provide an inexpensive roofline tour of the
city. The Brown Line in particular warrants riding en famille from
Chicago Station south over the Chicago River and around the Loop,
threading between the massive buildings of the financial district. Sit
in the first row of the front car for an exciting view of the city ahead
of you . -
Shedd Aquarium
Upon
arrival, head straight for the Oceanarium to watch the thrilling
dolphin and beluga whale show. Staff trainers frequently choose children
in the audience to help them reward the marine mammals with a snack
after each trick. At the daily Tide Pool Touch and reptilian Animal
Encounters kids can indulge their urge to lay hands on the critters . -
Westfield North Bridge Mall
Level
3 of this tony Michigan Avenue mall is primarily devoted to children’s
retailers including clothiers Oilily Children, Benetton Kids, The
Children’s Place, and Hello Kitty! specialist, Sanrio. Across the hall
from the Lego store, the Lego Construction Zone sets out Lego bricks for
play. The fourth floor food court sells kid-favored foods like hot dogs
and pizza.-
520 N. Michigan Ave.
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Open 10am–8pm Mon–Sat, 11am–7pm Sun
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Emerald City Theatre Company
In
Chicago there’s a theater company for every demographic and Emerald
City is its troupe devoted to young audiences. Expect lively productions
such as Where the Wild Things Are as well as holiday season shows in weekend-only midday matinees at Lincoln Park’s Apollo Theater.-
Open Oct–May
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773 529 2690
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Adm.
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Museum Of Science & Industry
Though
this museum dazzles kids and adults alike with its submarine ship and
replica coal mine, it’s The Idea Factory that’s designed just for
Junior. With the pulling of gears and shifting of knobs, kids experiment
through play with balance, construction, magnetism, and more. A
current-fed waterway encourages boat building. Arrive early on weekends
or expect to have to wait for access . -
Wrigley Field
A
baseball lover’s park, Wrigley is a small and intimate stadium that’s
far less intimidating for children than many larger stadia .
A ticket to anywhere in the grandstand allows you to walk around and
get to the rooftop terrace with its great views: the outfield stands can
get rowdy, but a neighboring family section bans the beer that fuels
the “bleacher bums.” -
The Café at American Girl Place
Vendor
of dolls with educational aims, American Girl Place feeds its fantasy
world, literally, in a café where dolls are welcome in clip-to-the-table
chairs. Lunch leans to simple crowd-pleasers like tomato soup, while
dinner supplies standards like chicken potpie. In between, the
imaginative tea proffers chocolate pudding in a flowerpot or
heart-shaped sandwiches. Reservations recommended .