Place

What to do with Children in Tow

Chicago can boast of being a very child-friendly city with all there is for them to see and do.

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Overview & visitor information

Chicago can boast of being a very child-friendly city with all there is for them to see and do.

Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum This is the only museum that currently has two full size planetarium theatres. A permanent exhibition, Shoot for the Moon, highlights the exciting stories of space exploration and America’s bold plans to return to the moon. In Mission: Moon, young visitors discover the thrills and dangers of being an explorer, and imagine their own futures in space.

Address: 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60605 Phone: (312) 922-STAR

Chicago Air and Water Show celebrates three days of “daredevil thrills” in water and air for one weekend in August, on the shores of Lake Michigan.

Address: 1600 N. Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60610 Website: http://www.chicagotraveler.com/attractions/chicago-air-water-show.html

Chicago Children's Theatre encourages and engages “the child in all of us,” through theatrical programming.

Address: 1464 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 Website: http://www.chicagochildrenstheatre.org/

DuPage Children’s Museum strives to encourage creativity, thinking, curiosity and problem solving.

Address:301 North Washington Street Naperville, IL 60540 Phone: (630) 637-8000 http://www.dupagechildrensmuseum.org/welcomeˍabout.html

Tots on Tuesdays at the Shedd Aquarium are fun filled Tuesdays of activities created just for children. It includes crafts, animal touch programs, costumed characters, story times, singing and dancing.

Website: http://www.sheddaquarium.org/eventcalendar.html Address: John G. Shedd Aquarium 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60605

Wonder Works Museum is a children’s museum in Oak Park. It aims to provide an atmosphere in which social, intellectual and emotional development is encouraged in children.

Address: 6445 West North Avenue, Oak Park, Illinois 60302 Phone: 7-8/383-4815

Lincoln Park Zoo

The Lincoln Park Zoo is a free, green oasis in the midst of the city, just minutes north of downtown. A unique learning experience, it is sure to enthrall children with the variety of fauna housed within. Hear the majestic lion roar, watch gorillas climb trees, observe a beaver build a dam or wander through tropical rainforests, dry-thorn forests and spacious savannas. Marvel at the wonders of Regenstein African Journey, where hippos swim, monkeys swing, giraffes graze and meerkats stand at attention when visitors arrive. The zoo also emphasizes on conservation of the rare and beautiful creatures of the wild. Children are sure to enjoy Farm-in-the-Zoo, a kid-friendly countryside farm located at the zoo’s south end.

Address: 2001 N. Clark Street, Chicago Tel: 312-742-2000 Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

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Chicago Architecture Foundation

Museum

Chicago's architecture is unparalleled. As the grand avenues of Paris are exemplary of the nineteenth century, and the canals of Venice of the Renaissance, so do the skyscrapers and neoclassical monuments represent modernity. The Chicago Architecture Foundation works to advance knowledge and public interest in architecture and design.

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Chicago Cultural Center

Building

The Chicago Cultural Center was built between 1893 and 1897 as a public library. It is built in the Neoclassical style, with touches from the Italian Renaissance. When the new Harold Washington Library was built in 1991, it was converted into a cultural center. The Cultural Center is also renowned for its intricate and ornamental details, including white Carrara marble staircases, delicate mosaics, glass, stone, and mother of pearl adornments, and vaulted ceilings. There are two large domes on the third floor, including one made of Tiffany-stained glass.

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Fine Arts Building

Building

The Fine Arts Building, also known as the Studebaker Building, was built in 1885 for the Studebaker company by architect Solon S. Beman. It is a striking example of Romanesque architecture. Studebaker soon vacated the building, and it was renovated into a hub of fine arts. As the name would suggest, it is filled with offices, art galleries, lofts, recording studios, and shops, nearly all related to the world of art.

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Sears (Willis) Tower

Town

Until the completion of the new World Trade Center in New York City, the Sears Tower is the tallest building in the United States, standing 442m (527m to the spire). It was built between 1969 and 1973 as headquarters for the Sears corporation, formerly the largest retailer in the world.

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Adler Planetarium

Building

The Adler Planetarium was built in 1930 by philanthropist Max Adler and is part of Chicago's Museum Campus. It was the first modern planetarium in the western hemisphere. Though it has since become a little dated, there is still a lot to see here.

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Buckingham Fountain

Park

One of the world’s largest fountains, the Buckingham Fountain is located in the middle of Grant Park. It was a gift to the city from Kate Sturges Buckingham, in memory of her brother Clarence Buckingham. The Beaux-Arts-style design, finely wrought bronze sculpture and innovative use of technology make this one of America’s finest fountains. The fountain runs during warm-weather months with a light and water display from 9:00pm to 10:00pm.

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Field Museum

Museum

Chicago's Field Museum of Natural History was founded in 1893 during the Colombian Exhibition. It was moved to its current location in 1921 and is named for Marshall Field, the museum's first benefactor and retail giant Marshall Field. The magnificent Classical Revival building is located along Lakeshore Drive in Chicago's Museum Campus, along with the Shedd Aquarium and the Adler Planetarium.

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Grant Park

Park

Located between the Loop and Lake Michigan, Grant Park is known as Chicago's front yard. It covers 319 acres. The park was built after the 1871 Great Chicago Fire on landfill and the 1893 Columbian Exhibition was held here. It is named for former president/Civil War general and Chicago-area native Ulysses S. Grant. The recently completed Millennium Park is at the northwest corner of the park, and acts as a gateway.

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Millennium Park

Park

Millennium Park is one of Chicago's newest attractions. The 24.5 acre park was built between 1997 and 2004 over what had been a rail yard. Today it receives more than 4,000,000 guests annually and is a treasured part of Chicago. Many consider it the most important municipal project since the Colombian Exhibition ended in 1893.

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Museum of Contemporary Art

Museum

Founded in 1967, Chicago's Museum of Contemporary Art features a large collection of modern art from World War II to the present. The current modernist building, designed by German architect Josef Paul Kleihues, opened in 1996 and in terms of square footage was the largest museum of modern art in the world. The highlight of the building is the main staircase, which leads to the beautiful atrium overlooking Lake Michigan.

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Everest

This restaurant is one of the finest restaurants in the nation. It is located on the 40th floor of the Chicago Stock Exchange. The moment you enter this restaurant, you get transported back to an era of old-fashioned French aristocracy of the 1920’s. In contrast is the strikingly modern and impressive view of Chicago, courtesy the full-wall windows on the western side of the restaurant. Said to give the finest total dining experience, the restaurant also has a rather impressive wine list.

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Grand Café Lux

When the grandeur and luxury of European cafes blends with the practicalities and spirit of an all-American restaurant, what you get is the ultimate in fine dining experience. Café Grand Lux is an unusual eating place where global cuisine is served in elegant yet relaxed surroundings. Savor flavors from a wide and varied selection ranging from Thai, Malaysian and Caribbean, to classic American and European specialties. A hallmark of the Grand Lux experience is the on-site bakery where your chosen dessert whether it be Molten Chocolate Cake or warm Rustic apple pie, will be baked to order.

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Shanghai Terrace

This is an award winning restaurant where guests can enjoy a four, eight or fifteen course meal. It includes spas as well as guest rooms. Cuisine: Chinese Address: 108 East Superior Street (at North Michigan Avenue) Chicago, Illinois 60611 -2508, USA Phone: (312) 337 2888 Website: www.chicago.peninsula.com

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Signature Room

Located on the 95th floor of the John Hancock Tower, this restaurant gives guests a breathtaking view of the magnificent mile. It also includes extraordinary food and beverages.

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Alinea

Foodies will not want to miss this unique dining experience. Chef Grant Achatz has used gastronomy to create one of the world's best restaurants. Each meal consists of twenty fixed miniature courses, each with its own fanciful presentation. The Black Truffle Explosion is legendary. If you have the money -- it'll set you back around $200 per diner -- definitely check it out. Alinea pushes the limits of what food can be.

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Atwood Café

Located right in the heart of Chicago’s Central business District, this restaurant offers a cozy intimacy. Enjoy dining in the vibrant dining room with a view of the bustling Chicago streets. Cuisine: American – serves contemporary American “comfort foods.” Address: 1 W. Washington Street, Chicago, Illinois 60602 Phone: (312) 368-1900 Website:www.atwoodcafe.com

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Bon Apetito!

Cuisine: Italian Address: 2600 Navy Blvd Intersection of Patriot and Navy,Glenview, IL 60026 Phone: (847) 724-8400 www.bestitalianusa.com

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Bravo Cucina Italiana

In the heart of Glenview sits Bravo Cucina. A very spacious restaurant with a lot of seating. The high ceilings and well decorated walls give the feel of a Roman ruin. Classic Italian food is served here. Their signature dish, Pasta Bravo, comprises of rigatoni tossed with wood-grilled chicken and mushrooms in a roasted red pepper cream sauce.

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Catch 35

Known as one of Chicago’s premier seafood restaurants it has been given a perfect rating from Chicago’s top food critics and magazines. It has a deep range of seafood selections and an elegant and classy atmosphere. Its location close to the Theatre District is an added advantage.

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Petterino’s

Ideally located in the theatre district, just round the corner from the Ford theatre and adjacent to the Goodman theatre, it is hugely popular with theatre afficiandos looking for a good meal before the show. Dark wood booths create an old world look. With an elegant atmosphere and variety of dishes, what you have is a winner!

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Four Seasons (Near North Michigan Avenue)

Guest rooms at Four Seasons start at the 30th floor! The hotel is very close to the shopping centers. Rooms provide dozens of amenities including Ethernet services, a refrigerator and Wi-Fi. Hotel facilities include room service, bar, pool, gym, concierge, laundry service as well as three restaurants.

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Hard Rock Hotel

This energetic hotel is loud and flashy with plasma screen TVs everywhere. Their tower room has an amazing view of Michigan Avenue, Millennium Park and the Chicago River. They have DVD, internet, dial-up services in the rooms. In the restaurant they have a bar. Other facilities provided include access to the gym, room service and public Wi-Fi.

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Ritz-Carlton

Moderate Hotels

The Chicago franchise of the Ritz-Carlton is located is located above the heart of the Magnificent Mile. Every guest has access to the fitness center, including daily fitness classes, the pool and whirlpool, high-speed wireless internet, and the business center. The rooms are comfortable and the service is just what you'd expect from the Ritz-Carlton. There are also two excellent restaurants and a bar.

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Sofitel

The Sofitel is a four-star hotel located just off Chicago's Magnificent Mile. It's within a few blocks of the city's best restaurants and shopping. Rooms feature luxurious marble bathrooms, high-speed internet, and HDTVs. Amenities include a gym and pool. There is also a bar and a restaurant. The Cafe des Architectes serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and has a lovely outdoor terrace.

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Peninsula

Luxury Hotels

The Peninsula is one of three five-star hotels in Chicago. It's located just off the Magnificent Mile, home to Chicago's finest shopping and restaurants. In fact, the ground floor of the hotel is occupied by Banana Republic and Tiffany & Co.

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Elysian Hotel

Luxury Hotels

The Elysian Hotel has often been rated Chicago's best, standing out even amongst the city's crop of five-star hotels. The Elysian has an excellent location at the northern end of the Magnificent Mile, just a few blocks from the historic Water Tower. It's in the Gold Coast, Chicago's most upscale neighborhood.

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Best Western Hawthorne Terrace

This hotel’s front terrace is a place to be in the summer, particularly when there are festivals taking place on the streets! There are 83 rooms at this hotel, and each room is fitted with whirlpool tubs, dial-up and Wi-Fi internet. The hotel has a gym and laundry facilities also.

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Embassy Suites

Embassy Suites is located in the heart of Chicago’s downtown area, within minutes of all the main tourist attractions and businesses. The 367 suites are spacious and finely decked out. The hotel has a fully equipped fitness center, an on-site restaurant and wine bar, complimentary 24 hour business centre, indoor heated pool, complimentary full breakfast, high-speed wireless and wired internet access. Each one bedroom suite features a separate living room with a sofa bed and dining/work table, remote-control console television, two phones with high speed internet access and private voicemail. The separate bedrooms are furnished with handsome furniture, remote control TV, am/fm radio, and a hospitality corner with a microwave, coffeemaker and refrigerator. Smoking suites are also available

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Essex Inn

This hotel is the accessible and family-friendly. It is a five minute walk from the Museum Campus. It also offers great package prices with attractions such as the Shed Aquarium and the Sears Tower. It has a rooftop swimming pool, open year-round, along with sliding–glass doors that open to views of Lake Michigan and Grant Park. Some rooms have kitchens, refrigerators and Wi-Fi. There is room service, a restaurant, pool, gym, and laundry service available in the hotel.

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Hilton Garden Inn

With a location that’s so central, you can’t get better than this. Located in the heart of downtown Chicago's Magnificent Mile, it is surrounded by world-class dining, art galleries, nightclubs, and entertainment, two blocks from famous North Michigan Avenue shopping, four blocks to Navy Pier and the Loop business and financial district, minutes to McCormick Place Expo Hall, Millennium Park, popular museums, and lakefront. The hotel offers excellent dining and snacking option in its on-site restaurant, Weber Grill and Pavilion Pantry.