The Top Family-Friendly Places to Visit in Chicago

Often, traveling with the family can be very stressful and expensive. Trying to accommodate a lot of children, and adults in one space can be very difficult, depending on the ages of the children, finding quick ways to get to the place, and finding a place for large families to go. Fortunately, if you are a family traveling to Chicago, you can find several places to accommodate you, which will be fun and family-oriented.

#5 Chicago Children’s Museum
This is a fabulous place to take children. Where else can you go that is truly a fun and interactive place for children to learn more about the natural environment and cool fun exhibits that cater to children? In the Tree house Trails, adventurous children can climb up tree houses, expend their energy, and have fun with other children. In the Big Backyard exhibit, children of all ages, can gather in a huge garden, and enjoy large insects, flowers, and other interactions. Pre-schoolers can enjoy themselves in the Play Maze exhibit where they can learn how to role-play, drive a CTA bus, and be exposed to literary and creative explorations. There are over nine exhibits especially created for the children. If you are visit Chicago and still in town on a Monday, you can attend the museum free. This wonderful museum is conveniently located in Chicago’s Navy Pier on the upper level. Visit the Chicago Children’s Museum at 700 East Grand Avenue at Navy Pier or log on to http://www.chichildrensmuseum.org
Locally call 1-312-527-1000 to find out information about special events.

#4 The Art Institute of Chicago
Feed the artistic ones with this great place. Where else can you go to learn about different artists and find family oriented exhibits that encourage all to learn together? Visit http://www.artic.edu/aic/kids/ to view the current schedule of events. The great thing about the Art Institute is that it is right down town. The not so good thing is that it is terribly crowded so take your positive attitude and pack essentials – snacks for the kids, water, and try to get there early if you can. In addition, you can trod over to the #1 family friendly place on my list – The Millennium Park, which is located in the next block to the Art Institute.

#3 The Chicago Cultural Center
This wonderful place, which was started in 1897 as a Chicago Public Library, is now the home of many cultural programs, free live entertainment, and great exhibits. It is centrally located between Washington and Randolph streets on Michigan Avenue. It is within walking distance of the CTA buses and trains as well as Chicago’s Metra train systems, which many commuters use, from the suburbs of Chicago. It is located across the street from Grant Park and Millennium Park. Where else can you find out about Chicago broadcasting, hear great live musicians, and find all the information about Chicago cultural events? On your next journey, simply stop by 78 East Washington St, Chicago, 60601 or call 1- 312 744 6630 for a listing of events.

#2 Hyde Park Art Center
This is an awesome place to rest after visiting as it is centrally located in Hyde Park, a community that is diverse and near the University of Chicago campuses. It’s very easy to get to the center as it’s only fifteen minutes from the Chicago Loop and very accessible by Metra Electric, CTA bus #1 which goes through the Hyde Park area. Not only would you get a chance to see some excellent visual art exhibits, you can stroll over to University of Chicago, and see a highly renowned university. Log on to http://www.hydeparkart.org/. On the other hand, visit the center at 5020 S. Cornell Avenue Chicago, IL 60615 or phone: 773-324-5520.

#1 Millennium Park
This is one of the best new areas developed by the City of Chicago that I adore. If you are seeking a place to rest yourselves while the children play, then head over to Millennium Park. Stroll through the nature trails, sit in the beautiful garden, allow your kids to run and play in the area where the Water Towers reside, or grab a bite to eat inside the park. This is easily accessible by CTA so call 1-312-836-7000 and tells the Customer Service Representative where you are traveling from or log on to www.transitchicago.com to use the Trip Planner that can tell you exactly how to get to the Park. It is just a great place to relax, restore, and release your energies. Log on to http://www.millenniumpark.org/ to get information on the current events.

Whether you love parks, strolling in the museum, or seeing great art exhibits, Chicago is very family-friendly. Enjoy your stay and come back again.