Chicago skyline [Image by David Mark from Pixabay]Nestling on Lake Michigan in Illinois, Chicago is one of the largest cities in the US. The city is renowned for its striking skyline of bold architecture and skyscrapers and for its iconic art galleries and museums. However, looking at architecture and exploring dry and boring museums probably won’t keep the kids happy on vacation in Chicago. Read on to find out some of the best kid-friendly attractions in Chicago that parents will no doubt enjoy too. Among them are wildlife from around the world, a visit to marine creatures and a fun park for all the family to play in.
Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago
Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago [Image @lincolnparkzoo/Instagram]Also known as Lincoln Park Zoological Gardens, this 35-acre zoo nestles in Lincoln Park in Chicago. It was founded in 1868, making it the fourth oldest zoo in North America and it is also one of few free-admission zoos in the country. Nestling on the shores of Lake Michigan, the zoo hosts animals from all over the world. Here, the kids can see lions, kangaroos, African penguins, Western lowland gorillas, lofty giraffes and more. In fact, the zoo is home to 200 unique species. Meanwhile, here the family can see the critically endangered eastern black rhinos and the believed to be extinct Jamaican iguanas.
Besides seeing all the amazing animals, the zoo has special programming and seasonal events, including Play! at Farm-in-the-Zoo. Specially laid on for the little ones, children aged 1 to 5 will explore the smells, sights and textures in nature. Meanwhile, mom and dad can experience the Lincoln Park Zoo’s annual Summer Wine Fest with 50 different varieties from 20 wineries.
Shedd Aquarium, 200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive
Shedd Aquarium [Image @shedd_aquarium/Instagram]Staying with animal life, but this time the aquatic kind, Shedd Aquarium is among the world’s largest indoor aquariums. Meanwhile, it is home to thousands of aquatic creatures, including penguins, playful otters, cute turtles, stingrays, beluga whales and sharks. Here, the kids can explore nine exhibits to see and learn about marine life. These include 4-D shows, Animal Encounters and Animal Chats with Shedd experts.
Maggie Daley Park
Aerial view of Maggie Daley Park [Image by Joe Stoltz from Pixabay]Staying with parks, Maggie Daley Park pays tribute to the late First Lady of Chicago with 20 acres of fun. The park is located in the heart of the Loop and is packed with fun for the whole family. The play garden is a unique place for the kids to have fun, while the Climbing Wall puts everyone’s skills to the test. Moreover, a mini golf course allows children and parents to tee off for some family competition. What makes the park really great is that the fun doesn’t stop once summer is over, as the park features a Skating Ribbon when the snow starts to fall. Start thinking ahead for a winter family vacation in Chicago!
Take the kids on a family vacation to Chicago, Illinois, this summer, where the whole family can have plenty of fun and entertainment. Read about the Chicago Fireboat Tours here and find out more about this exciting city on Chicago’s official tourism website here.