Child's play in Chicago

We break down some of the city’s best places to enjoy the day with your family this summer

By Megan Green

As long as we have to wait for summer to get here, it leaves much more quickly. That means one thing: Your children are out of school for a bit longer and ready to have some fun.

Chicago offers many entertaining, interesting and (don’t tell the kids) educational experiences for all ages. There are enough activities to last all summer and help avoid that “couch potato syndrome” when on vacation.

To help get you started, we’ve searched far and wide for a collection of the very best spots to experience with your children in Chicago this August.

Bring the sunscreen, walking shoes and your camera for a day — or week — you’ll remember forever.

The Hancock Observatory (875 N. Michigan Ave. www.hancock-observatory.com)
Get some of the best views of Chicago at the Hancock Observatory, located on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Building. Once there, check out the “Soundscopes.” These talking telescopes not only allow you to have a clearer view of the city, but they also let you know which attractions you’re looking at and even provide sound effects. General admission to the Observatory is $15 for adults, kids ages 4-11 are $10 and kids under the age of four are free. Every admission includes the new “Sky Tour.” This multimedia tour guide is narrated by actor David Schwimmer and teaches visitors the interesting history and locations around Chicago. The “Sky Tour” is available in both child and adult versions and in six different languages. The Hancock Observatory is open during the summer from 8 a.m. until 11 p.m.

Shoreline Sightseeing (312-222-9328. www.shorelinesightseeing.com)
Shoreline Sightseeing offers several different boat rides and cruises around Lake Michigan and down the Chicago River. Visitors can choose from architecture cruises, fireworks cruises, a skyline lake tour and more. Each tour or cruise offers a different and fun experience for kids and adults alike. Prices range from $12-$15 for kids (under 12), $24-$28 for adults and $21-$25 for seniors. There is a discount for ordering the tickets online.

Tall Ship Adventures (312-595-5555. www.tallshipwindy.com)
To feel like you’re sailing the high seas, check out Tall Ship Adventures. Not only do these ships offer cruises like the fireworks sail and moonlight sail, but they also boast unique tours like “The Life of a Tall Ship Sailor” and “Real Pirates of the Inland Seas.” The Tall Ship Windy and its sister ships sail daily, usually beginning at 11 a.m., and the last tour of the day can start as late as 11 p.m. General admission for regular sails are $10 for kids (ages 3-12), $24 for adults and $20 for seniors and students with an ID. The rates increase slightly for special events, firework shows, groups and private charters.

The Field Museum (1400 S. Lake Shore Dr. www.fieldmuseum.org)
From dinosaurs to underground adventures, this museum has some fun for everyone. The current featured exhibit at the Field Museum is “Real Pirates,” offering an exciting inside look at the history of pirates, their ships and their rich bounties. The Field Museum is open daily from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. General admission for children (ages 3-11) is $13. Adults are $23. Seniors and students with an ID are $20.

Museum of Science and Industry (5700 S. Lake Shore Dr. www.msichicago.org)
The Museum of Science and Industry offers visitors the opportunity to go inside a real submarine, watch a baby chicken hatch, visit a coal mine and much more. Through September 27, you can also enjoy “Harry Potter: The Exhibit” to get up close and personal with more than 200 authentic pieces from the “Harry Potter” movies and experience various sets and characters along the way. The Museum of Science and Industry is open Monday-Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The general admission for kids (ages 3-11) is $9. For adults, the admission is $13, and seniors pay $12. The admission prices vary for special exhibits and Omnimax movies.

Shedd Aquarium (1200 S Lake Shore Dr. www.sheddaquarium.org)
This summer, make friends with a beluga whale, dolphin, penguin or any of the other 32,000 animals at the Shedd. With exhibits like “Wild Reef: Sharks at the Shedd,” “Amazon Rising” and “Caribbean Reef,” this aquarium is not to be missed, especially now that the new $50 million Oceanarium renovation is complete. Until Labor Day, the Shedd is open daily from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. The admission for children (ages 3-11) and seniors is $17.95. Admission for adults is $24.95.

Navy Pier (600 E Grand Ave. www.navypier.com)
Originally opened in 1916, Navy Pier has rides, cruises, restaurants, movies, stores and just about anything else you need to have a good time. This tourist hot spot attracts eight million visitors annually, and summer is its specialty. Every Wednesday and Saturday during the summer you’ll see fireworks at sundown, and costumed characters and entertainers perform all along the pier. Also calling the pier home is the Chicago Children’s Museum (www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org), which offers a kid-friendly educational experience. The Chicago Shakespeare Theater (www.chicagoshakes.com) often has children’s productions during the summer. If you don’t have time to take in a show or go to a museum, at least check out the dozens of eateries and live music.

Millennium Park Family Fun Festival (201 E. Randolph. www.millenniumpark.org)
Millennium Park, one of Chicago’s newest crown jewels, has many fun things to do during the summer. Designed especially for kids, the Family Fun Fest is scheduled from June 10 through Sept. 4 and hosts free performances, hands-on activities, music, reading circles and other special events. For more information on the specific events, performances and activities during the Family Fun Festival, visit Millennium Park’s website.

Lincoln Park Zoo (2001 N. Clark St. www.lpzoo.org)
Lincoln Park Zoo is a great — and free — way to see many animals your children likely would never encounter otherwise. There is a restaurant and shops to fulfill your food and souvenir needs, and for added fun for the kids, check out the zoo train and carousel. Through Labor Day, the zoo is open weekdays 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and weekends 10 a.m. until 6:30 p.m.

Emerald City Theatre (2540 North Lincoln Ave. www.emeraldcitytheatre.com)
This theatre offers a full schedule of children’s plays and creative camps and experiences. For the season schedule and information on tickets, the camps, classes and shows, visit the website.

ComedySportz Chicago (929 W. Belmont Ave. www.comedysportzchicago.com)
This family-friendly, competitive improv show has been a Chicago tradition for years. With performances Thursday-Saturday, Comedysportz offers the audience a chance to interact with the players, volunteer to be on stage with them and even help choose the winning team. Tickets are $21 unless otherwise noted.

Baseball games
No Chicago summer would be complete without taking in a baseball game. Whether you are a Cubs fan or a Sox fan (or just enjoy a day at the ballpark), be sure to spend at least one day checking out America’s favorite pastime at historic Wrigley Field or U.S. Cellular Field, home of the 2005 World Series champion White Sox. For tickets and game information, visit www.chicago.cubs.mlb.com or www.chicago.whitesox.mlb.com.

Beaches (www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/resources/beaches)
The 26 miles of Chicago lakefront and free beaches are a great place to have some inexpensive fun while enjoying the lake breeze during the hot summer months. Many beaches have volleyball nets, food, bike rentals and other entertainment. Swimming is permitted, and a lifeguard is on duty each day from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m.

 

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