1-day visitors pass is $5, includes unlimited bus and train (El) transportation, including PACE buses (suburban). Children 7 and under ride free. The El is the ultimate fun ride, but when you board and exit, take your children firmly by the hand. The train does not wait. If they are small enough to carry, that's even better. But make sure each child is in the firm grasp of an adult.
Elevators:
Not all elevators wait either! A good elevator boarding policy is adult first, then all kids, then another adult last. That way no one is left behind without a parent. Children should be taught that if they get on an elevator and the door closes before a parent gets on, they must stay on the elevator and not get off at any floor. Just stay in the elevator and the parents will come to them.
Things to Do with Kids
Field Museum of Natural History has dinosaurs and Egyptian mummies, Pompeii, and an "underground" exhibit with larger than life bugs. Some exhibits require additional admission and tickets. An annual family membership is the best deal, even if you don't plan to visit again, as it includes admission to the special exhibits.
Museum of Science and Industry has a German submarine, a coal mine, walk-through interactive model of a human heart, and a fairy-castle doll house with diamond chandeliers.
If your kids are small enough to fit in a stroller, then rent one for $2. There is so much walking, and you can easily spend an entire day here. Pushing a stroller takes little effort, it's a place to carry your own stuff, and it makes for happy children!
American Girl Place is the ultimate destination for girls 6 - 13. The Cafe' is truly one of a kind, and the musical production is a must-see. If you forget your doll, the Cafe has loaner dolls to sit at your table. You can get your photo with your dolls on a souvenier magazine cover. There is a doll hair salon. The concierge has Gameboys to loan (free) to brothers who are dragged along. Make Cafe and Theatre reservations weeks in advance if possible. The food here is excellent, by the way!
Hancock Observatory- For a great day for grownups and kids on Michigan Avenue, I would recommend a visit to the Hancock Observatory followed up by lunch or dinner at Foodlife across the street at Water Tower Place. The Hancock Observatory is the skydeck at the top of the 100 floor John Hancock Center located at 875 N. Michigan Avenue. Although the Hancock is not as tall as the Sears Tower, those of us who live in Chicago feel the view is just as good, or even better. Plus it has a better location right in the center of things on Michigan Avenue. The view of Chicago's skyline and Lake Michigan is spectacular. It also has an open air deck area. It is open everyday from 9am-11pm. Cost is $9.75 per adult and $6.00 per child. Click here for more info. Afterwards, go across the street to Water Tower Place. This is a very upscale vertical mall. Unfortunately, there are no good toy stores here for kids, but you will find a great restaurant for kids. Foodlife, a Lettuce Entertain You brand restaurant, has something for everyone. It is like a food court, but with a fabulous variety of great food. You enter and receive a card to use to keep track of your purchases. When you buy food, it is put on your card. You only have to pay once when you leave. There are different counters and stalls, all with different cusine. You can get everything from pizza and hamburgers to cajun and exotic food. There are desserts and ice cream. You get endless refills on drinks of your choice, from pop to exotic flavored ice tea. The great thing about this restaurant is that kids can get bland, kid type food, while parents can enjoy something a little more exciting. There is something for everyone. It is more expensive than a regular food court, but not outrageously so. It is also casual enough for families to relax and enjoy. Click here for more info.
Architecture River Cruise - A 90 minute narrated river cruise. See Chicago from a different view. Interesting and educational for adults… “A boat ride” for the kids. It is a good combination for a weekend summer morning.
Go Chicago Card is a fun multi-attraction pass popular with visitors looking to see several Chicago attractions for a lower price than general admission. The card is pre-loaded with family-friendly tickets to the Field Museum, Sears Tower, John Hancock Observatory, Lincoln Park Zoo, Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium, 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley pass, Shoreline Sightseeing Architectural River Cruise and Navy Pier Attractions and plenty more. The card is available for adults (13 +) and children (ages 3-12) and comes with a free guide book with Chicago maps and attraction information. The best part of the card is that many families get into the attractions faster, save money, and can also enjoy many shopping and dining deals included on the card. A best bet if your family is staying for a long weekend or week. Available in Chicago for purchase in places like Marshall Fields and Shedd Aquarium or you can get it on their website before you travel.
Chicago Cruises and sightseeing tours is a full service travel company with over 100 boat tours and excursions in Chicago, Illinois.
The Chicago Greeter program offers visitors (groups of up to 6) a chance to hook up with a local for a FREE tour of 25 neighborhoods, architectural attractions, hidden gems, or whatever special requests the visitor might have. This is a great option for a family since the program offers family oriented tours if the visitor requests! The program even includes a FREE VISITORS PASS for use on the CTA's "EL" or Bus system! The program also offers an INSTAGREETER© option; this option allows visitors who didn't have time to make a reservation to meet up with a Chicago Greeter representative at the Chicago Cultural Center and spend an hour with them walking around the loop! It is a fantastic way for visitors and locals alike to discover the hidden gems of Chicago!
The Noble Horse Theatre is located in the heart of Chicago and has indoor shows in the arena of a riding stable built in 1871 and lovingly restored in 2000. The shows are suitable for all ages and the facilty is handicap accesible. They offer matinees and dinner shows with special presentations of The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow for the Halloween season and The Nutcracker for the Christmas season.
