Chicago, also referred to as the Windy City, is a city located in northeastern Illinois. Because it is regarded as one of the largest metropolitan cities in the United States, it is a common area for tourists to visit. It has many entertaining attractions, such as shows presented in Chicago's Theater or shopping areas along the Magnificent Mile and State Street. But even though Chicago can be seen as a very busy city, there are still many areas that provide activities for parents and babies to explore together.
Stroll Through Parks
Carry your baby and take a walk through one of the many parks that Chicago has to offer. One of the parks, located in the uptown neighborhood of Chicago, is Chase Park. This park provides a new playground that is 7,481 square feet and features two sets of swings, as well as two distinct play areas with equipment designed for preschool-aged children.
Another park, referred to as Chicago's "front yard," is Grant Park. It is among the city's most prominent parks. It includes three world-class museums as well as paved areas with lush green space. Take the baby on a stroll down toward the center of the park by the Clarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain or take advantage of the park's lakefront views.
Explore Zoos
Explore the zoo and allow your baby to be fascinated by animals. One of the largest attractions in Chicago is the Lincoln Park Zoo. Located in the northern area of Chicago, the zoo is open everyday and offers free admission. Visitors can hear an echo of a lion's roar or see gorillas climb on trees, all from a safe distance. Immerse yourself with the baby in the zoo's tropical rain forest, dry-thorn forests or spacious savannas.
A lighter area to explore is the Farm-in-the-Zoo located on North Clark Street, Chicago. This is an old-fashioned red barn and provides hands-on activities that allow kids to feed the dairy cows or pet the goals. Entertain your baby by milking cows, churning butter or walking between the animal pens.
Do Hands-On Activites in Museums
Museums are always place to provide a fascinating atmosphere for adults, children and even babies. At The Art Institute of Chicago, families can explore, discover and enjoy art together through art-making activities, exhibitions and games. At The Family room, you can sketch artwork with your baby, buy postcards at the shop and engage your baby's eyesight with the various paintings, shapes or objects.
Another museum that offers activities for children is the Chicago Children's Museum. The Chicago Children Museum is one of the city's top cultural attractions and is the second most visited children's museum in the country. The Pritzker Playspace is a site for infants and children through the age of five. It provides them with early learning programs, where babies can discover ways to play with a variety of building blocks or even play with paint, clay, water, paper and other materials that provide a hands-on sensory experience.
Get Up Close and Personal with Nature
Take your baby to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Center. It is located only about a half-block way from the Lincoln Park Zoo. Kids and parents can get up close and personal with winged insects from inside Butterfly Haven, learn about energy conservation at the Extreme Green House or take a walk through the Wilderness Walk, complete with sound, wildlife and realistic lighting. There are also programs, called Early Childhood Classes that are available for $10 where children can have fun with arts and crafts. Classes in October feature the Nature Pals Playgroup - In The Dark, where toddlers can make an owl mask and color them or check out their bat boxes. Another October class is the TreeMendous Treasures!, where toddlers can identify, hug and get to know the local tree-treasures up close.
Learn about Planets
Founded in 1930, The Adler Planetarium is America's first planetarium. It is home to an exquisite collection of artifacts and three full-size theaters. Carry your baby and walk through one of the many space exhibitions that the planetarium has to offer and get acquainted with the stars, planets and galaxies of the universe. The planetarium also offers a show called The Zula Patrol show. It targeted for an audience of toddlers and pre-kindergarten children, and allows little ones to learn about space and science through showing and educating them about the various wild weather of various planets. Even though your baby may not understand, she may still be fascinated by the show, which is presented in a round 360-degree planetarium theater.
