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Are you ready to take your family on a fun-filled vacation to Chicago? Congrats! Chicago is one of my favorite cities. While Chicago is the biggest city in Illinois, there are some other cool attractions outside the city. After you visit all of the major tourist attractions, explore some of the cheaper options the Praire State has to offer.
The Chicago Museum of Science and Industry is the largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere. It is located in the only remaining building from the 1893 World Fair. The 14-acre exhibit lets you board a World War II German submarine, stare down a replica 40-foot tornado, run in a human-sized hamster wheel, or experience life in an underground coal mine. Plan a full afternoon to discover everything this tourist spot has to offer.
2. The Field Museum in Chicago
If your kids are fans of dinosaurs, make this museum the number one stop on your vacation plans. The center has a collection of over 40 million artifacts and specimens, but the biggest draw is the SUE exhibit. SUE is the world’s most complete Tyrannosaurus rex, and it will leave dinosaur fans in complete awe. In addition to SUE, the museum will send you back in time to experience life before humans walked the Earth.
3. Lincoln Park Zoo
The Lincoln Park Zoo was founded in 1868, and it is one of the last remaining zoos offering free admission for all guests. Make it a point to stop by this Chicago landmark and observe 1,200 different animals, including polar bears, seals, penguins, and giant apes.
4. Chicago Botanic Garden
The Chicago Botanical Gardens is a fun-filled family activity all year round. The massive 385-acre garden is home to over two million different plant species. Families can enjoy a day of biking, bird watching, or plant bingo. During the summer, the garden holds several events, such as live music and farmers markets.
5. Grant (Ulysses) Park
Known as Chicago’s Front Yard, this 300-acre park is Chicago’s version of Central Park. The park is home to several museums, including the Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum of Natural History, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Adler Planetarium. During the winter, people can hit the ice skating rink, while summertime brings music festivals, picnics, and outdoor sports. Be sure to catch the water show at the famous Buckingham Fountain, one of the world’s largest fountains.
6. Oak Street Beach
There might be nothing better than a fun day at the beach. Oak Street Beach is unique because it has a soft, white sand beach with a big city skyline directly behind it. Here, you can spend the day making sand castles, throwing frisbees, playing beach volleyball, and splashing around Lake Michigan.
7. Millennium Park
Millennium Park might be the most famous park in Chicago because it is home to the famous Cloud Gate, aka The Bean. No vacation to Chicago is complete without a picture in front of this shiny metallic structure. The park also has fun activities like ice skating rinks in the winter and a massive outdoor music auditorium.
8. Pier Park
Pier Park guarantees to provide fun-filled memories for you and your family. The park is home to Chicago’s famous Centennial Wheel. This 200-foot climate-controlled gondola ride has become part of the Chicago skyline. The park also has a 4,000-square-foot funhouse, swing ride, musical carousel, and other class fair games. Plus, this park is a part of Navy Pier, so families can spend the day enjoying the rides and shopping inside this iconic landmark.
9. Chicago’s Children’s Museum
Make sure you plan a good portion of your day dedicated to the Children’s Museum on your future visit. There are endless exhibits for kids to have fun exploring. Numerous obstacle courses, such as Circusville, Cloud Buster, Treehouse Trails, and the Kovler Family Climbing Schooner, are also available for your little ones to explore. Add art studios, tinkering labs, and a Dinosaur Expedition, and you might have to drag your kids out of the place.
10. Sloomoo Institute
Where was this museum when I was a kid? This museum is dedicated to all things slime. In this specialty play area, kids can run, jump, and crawl through all of the slimy goodness. The museum encourages visitors to come explore the various textures and scented slimes for a unique sensory and AMSR experience.
11. Maggie Daley Park
During the spring and summer, Chicago is a great place to enjoy some fresh air while playing outside. Maggie Daley Park offers the perfect place for kids to get some energy out. There are Alice in Wonderland and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory-inspired playgrounds, a skating ribbon, a mini golf course, and a rock climbing wall.
12. Go Urban Kayaking
How fun would it be to explore the gorgeous Chicago skyline by kayak around the Chicago River? Start in Monroe Harbor and take a guided tour through the city’s waterways while learning about some of its historical landmarks. That sounds so much better than walking the busy streets and dodging traffic.
13. Visit Wrigley Field
People from Chicago take their sports seriously, and The Cubs baseball team might be the most beloved in the city. Wrigley Field, built in 1914, is the second oldest field in the United States. Full of history and charm, it is a must-see for anyone who loves baseball or sports in general. The team plays a lot of day games, so hit the bleachers with your glove and try to catch a home run to take home as a souvenir.
14. Learn All About Abraham Lincoln
President Abe Lincoln famously called Illinois home. Many monuments and memorials are dedicated to the 16th president. Just outside of Chicago in Springfield, you can visit Abe’s former home. History buffs can tour the Greek Revival-style house where he lived with his wife, Mary, prior to his move to The White House.
15. Historic Auto Attractions
Take a drive north to the town of Roscoe to see some of the coolest vintage cars on display. The auto museum has over 80,000 square feet of classic and historic vehicles, including the most extensive Presidential and World Leader limousines collection. There is also an exhibit dedicated to famous cars from television and movies, like Ghostbusters, Batman, and Gangster Era vehicles specific to Chicago’s history. The museum is set to re-open on April 1st, so be sure to check out any new exhibits they are ready to debut.
16. Starved Rock State Park
Starved Rock State Park is located in Oglesby, right off the Illinois River. The park is known for its marvelous St. Peter sandstone rock formations. Visitors can enjoy an afternoon of horseback riding, hiking, fishing, or boating in the nearby river.
15 Most Comfortable Cars for Tall Drivers
Image Credit: Shutterstock.[/caption]
As someone of above-average height, I can tell you that driving a compact car is not only uncomfortable, but it’s also always the safest. It makes blind spots more common, making it hard to see streetlights without disjointing my neck. Car shopping has always been a hassle, and I wish I had this information before I started test-driving multiple cars. These are some of the best vehicles for those taller than their fellow drivers.
15 Most Comfortable Cars for Tall Drivers
Timeless Wisdom: 20 Seinfeld Quotes That Perfectly Capture Life’s Quirks
Image Credit: Shutterstock.[/caption]
Enter the quirky, fast-paced world of “Seinfeld,” a sitcom that entertained and offered a treasure trove of timeless quotes. From “No soup for you!” to “Yada, yada, yada,” these lines have transcended eras, encapsulating life’s quirks with wit and precision. In this collection, discover 21 ageless Seinfeld quotes that effortlessly encapsulate the essence of everyday situations, proving that the show’s humor and insight continue to resonate, remaining as relevant now as they were during their first hilariously unforgettable airing. Thanks, Jerry, for your insight…
Timeless Wisdom: 20 Seinfeld Quotes That Perfectly Capture Life’s Quirks
