Love Shopping and Dining?
For great shopping and dining visit the Magnificent Mile, stretching along Michigan Avenue from Lakeshore Drive to the Chicago River. While on the Magnificent Mile be sure to get a look at the famous Water Tower, one of the few buildings to survive the great fire of 1871, which destroyed almost everything else in its path. Today it is one of Chicago's most recognizable symbols. Art Lover?
The Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Ave, contains many works by great masters, including the famous painting of the stone-faced farm couple, "American Gothic." The Art Institute also has a great collection of Asian art, an exhibition of ancient artifacts and a fun collection of miniature rooms decorated in the styles of the 1200s up to the 1930s. For The Children
Located steps away from the Art Institute is a fun, free treat for the kids called Milennium Park. In summer the park features a wading area with two large walls at either end. Huge faces are projected on each wall, and at regular intervals they purse their lips and water comes squirting out of the wall. The kids love it! Bring a bathing suit or a change of clothes and a towel, or purchase a towel from vendors at the park. Field Museum
The Field Museum, 1400 South Lake Shore Drive, includes rooms and rooms of nature and culture exhibits from all around the globe. There is also the Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton named Sue, the largest and most complete T.Rex skeleton on display in the world and an ancient Egypt exhibit. Animal Lovers?
Near the Field Museum is Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. Lakeshore Dr., with a wide range of sea creatures on show, including sharks, Beluga whales, sea turtles and stingrays. The Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200 N. Cannon Dr., is a fine zoo located in the city's tony Lincoln Park neighborhood. The zoo has all sorts of animals, from cows and chickens to giraffes and apes. Best of all, it's free! Great City View
For great views of the city, visit the skydeck at the Sears Tower, 233 S. Wacker Dr., or the observatory at the John Hancock center, 875 N. Michigan Ave. The Sears Tower is the tallest building in the United States, but the view from the Hancock Tower is great as well. Do Not Miss Navy Pier!
Finally, Navy Pier is a complex including shops, an IMAX theater, a Shakespearean theater, a Children's museum, carnival rides and more. There's something for everyone! For more great ideas on affordable and short getaways, check out last minute family vacation deals located at Last-Minute-Vacation-Guide.com |
