My Top 10 Picks for families -

Here is part of my pathfinder. It includes my ten favorite spots for families, along with the websites where you can find more information.

1. Shedd Aquarium-
Location: 1200 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago
Time: Varies by season
Cost: $10-$15
http://www.sheddaquarium.org/

Kids of all ages will enjoy a visit to this award-winning aquarium. Don’t miss one of the most popular displays – the Caribbean reef exhibit.
Your family will be entertained and amazed by the delightful dolphins in the Pacific Northwest Coast exhibit. The dolphin show is fun for the whole family.
If you have preschoolers, you will want to experience the wonderful “Tots on Tuesday” program at the Shedd Aquarium. A full day of activities created just for kids ages 3 to 5 is offered. Check the Website for other special events, such as a sleepover where kids can “sleep with the fishes.”

2. The Art Institute of Chicago-
111 S. Michigan Ave.
312-443-3600
Admission- $12 adults
$7 children, free for 5 and under
M-W 10:30-4:30, Th 10:30-8, Sat-Sun 10-5
http://www.artic.edu/aic/kids/index.php

The Art Institute of Chicago is very welcoming to families. Strollers are provided at no cost. Kids will enjoy the Touch Gallery where they can handle some of the art. Families will definitely want to visit the Art Institute’s Kraft Education Center, which is designed with families in mind. It has kid-friendly exhibits, puzzles, games, and children’s library. Special events just for kids are also offered.

3. Chicago’s Children’s Museum-
700 E. Grand Avenue Chicago, IL 60611Admission - $7
Sun-Wed & Fri 10-5
Thurs & Sat 10-8Phone: (312) 527-1000
http://www.chichildrensmuseum.org/

Located on Navy Pier, the Chicago Children’s Museum has lots of fun and learning to offer families. If your kids like Dinosaurs, they will want to visit the Dinosaur Expedition, which re-creates a Sahara archeological dig. Many other fun exhibits are perfect for inviting kids to learn while they play.



4. Adler Planetarium-
1300 S. Lake Shore Dr.
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: (312) 922-STAR
http://www.adlerplanetarium.org/home.shtml
“Inspiring the next generation of explorers” is the theme of this outstanding planetarium. Inspire your family with a trip to the Adler Planetarium. Kids will love the StarRider Theater, the historic Sky Theater, and the many kid-friendly, interactive exhibits.

5. Sears Tower Skydeck –
233 S. Wacker Drive Chicago, IL 60606Phone: (312) 875-9696
http://www.the-skydeck.com/homeDefault.htm


If you want to give your family the opportunity to see an amazing view and to learn about Chicago’s history at the same time, take a trip to the top of the Sears Tower. The Skydeck is on the 103rd floor, and the trip to the top might just make you think you are headed for the stars. The elevators are equipped with flat screen monitors that enhance the experience.

Once you reach the Skydeck, you will find exhibits highlighting Chicago’s famous landmarks, history, and memorable characters. The kids will enjoy Knee-High Chicago, which is right at their level, literally.




6. The Museum of Science and Industry-

57th St. and Lake Shore Dr.
Admission - $9 adults, $5 kids 3-11
(800) 468-6674
http://www.msichicago.org/

This museum is a world-class museum that exemplifies what it means to make learning fun. It has something for everyone, and everyone has their favorite parts of this museum. Some family-favorite exhibits are the Coal Mine, the U-505 (a German submarine captured during WWII), and the model of the human heart through which you can walk. Your kids will also be intrigued by the baby-chick hatchery or The Great Train Story, a 3,000-square-foot model railroad. With over 800 exhibits, this museum could captivate your family for quite some time.


7. The Field Museum –
1400 S. Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60605-2496Phone: (312) 922-9410
http://www.fieldmuseum.org/

Let your kids become explorers and travel through time as they interact with an incredible amount of exhibits at this Museum of Natural History. The Inside Ancient Egypt area will allow kids to take a peek into the past. Kids of all ages will not want to miss Sue, the world’s largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex. But Sue is just the beginning - this museum has much more for your family to explore. Another must see is “Underground Adventure”, where you can experience what it would be like to be the size of an ant. Completely interactive, educational, and full of surprises, this exhibit is great fun for families.




8. The American Girl Place-
111 E. Chicago Avenue Chicago, IL 60611Phone: (877) AGP-LACE
http://www.americangirl.com/

For those who have a little girl or once were little girls themselves, the American Girl Place is a definite “must see” during a Chicago visit. More than a place to shop, the American Girl Place is an experience with so much to offer. The American Girl Café serves a memorable brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner for girls and their dolls (the doll sits in a special seat and receives her own special treats). The American Girl Theater is the place to see an original historical musical, just right for girls ages 6-12. Browse the collection of dolls, clothing, and accessories. Enjoy the American Girls bookstore. The dolls can even get a new look at the Doll Hair Salon. Whatever you choose to do, your family can create lasting memories at this special place.




9. Brookfield Zoo
3300 1st Ave. & 31st St.
(800) 201-0784
www.brookfieldzoo.org

Chicago’s biggest zoo has so much waiting for families to discover. The Brookfield Zoo has 2,700 inhabitants and covers more than 200 acres. The zoo offers family educational tours, but be sure to register for these in advance. The tours are well worth the trip. From alligators to zebras, kids of all ages will enjoy the amazing animals at this zoo.

10. Wrigley Field –
1060 W. Addison St., Chicago
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/chc/ballpark/index.jsp


Catching a game at the home of the Chicago Cubs is a great family experience. But even if you can’t watch a game, you may want to check out the ballpark tours that take place year round when games are not scheduled. The tour includes the dug out, playing field, bleachers, press box, clubhouse, and the luxury suites. The tour is a great history lesson, as well as a lot of fun for fans both young and old.