Chicago, also known as the Windy City, offers plenty of options for family sightseeing and touring. There are many venues with the mission of educating and entertaining children, and they are also fun for adults. From the zoo, to museums, to the park, young children will not lack for fun activities in Chicago.
Theater
Chicago has a few theaters that offer shows designed to entertain children. Adventure Stage Chicago is a popular choice for parents, as it specifically offers only children's shows. Chicago Critic reviewed Adventure Stage by saying: "So well done and fresh that I'd advise you to take your children, as it will engage them and inspire them to become 'theatre lovers.' It is also fine adult fare. Kudos...I'll not miss another of their shows." Take a look at the schedule for when you are going to see if one of the plays might appeal to your child.
The Aquarium
Chicago's Shedd Aquarium offers an entire calendar of activities designed for preschoolers every Tuesday, called "Tots on Tuesdays." Children can dress up like penguins in the Polar Play Zone or explore Camp Shedd, an outdoor play area that looks like an animal's habitat. Other exhibits include the Amazon rainforests and Caribbean reefs.
Lincoln Park Zoo
One of the oldest zoos in the country, Lincoln Park Zoo offers many entertaining activities for children (and it's free). The children's zoo, called Farm-in-the-Zoo, has Story Time every Monday and Wednesday mornings, where zoo employees tell stories and sing songs. The rest of the children's zoo allows petting of farm animals and features a children's train ride. The main zoo also has a popular carousel for $2.75 a ride.
Museums
Chicago's Children Museum at Navy Pier has interactive exhibits aimed at children ages 10 and younger. Kids can build dams and skyscrapers, explore the outdoor trails, do arts and crafts with employees, dress up like a firefighter and learn safety and watch seasonal shows at the museum's stage. Thursday evenings and the first Sunday of every month are free admission.
Parks and Beaches
Millennium Park is a mainstay for visitors of all ages. There are often story and song shows in the Lurie Garden, as well as other events for children; check the park's schedule, which is always being updated. If you want to take the little ones on a daycation to the beach, Chicago's Foster Beach, Olive Park Beach and Montrose Beach are all popular and convenient locations.
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