Mentioned by Your Chicago Guide
Free Museum Days in Chicago
"Come meet SUE, the world's largest T-Rex, at this famous museum of science and anthropology. At this larger-than-life exhibit and many others, you and your family will travel back in time and all around the world. NEW for 2018 -- SUE is being transferred to her own "throne room" to give her a dedicated space, and to make room for a brand new critter, even bigger than a T-Rex!"
"Travel around the world, go back in time, and discover things you never knew at The Field Museum!. Whether you're a first-time guest or a frequent visitor, we're your home for endless adventures."
"We walked to the Field Museum from the RV park we were staying at and had a couple of hours to explore. We love how the museum pass gives us the opportunity to do this!. Since we get in for free."
"Shed Aquarium is located on the edge of Lake Michigan and is home to over 30,000 aquatic creatures. Various exhibits showcase marine and freshwater habitats from all over the world, from a Caribbean reef to North America’s very own Great Lakes. Learn all about the diverse diet of a shark or the aquarium’s rescue and rehabilitation program of sea otters."
"Located at lake shore Dr Chicago, this all-ages outing is great for anyone who loves the water or the creatures that live in it. The tanks here are so large that there are some unexpectedly large guests living here – whales!. It’s an experience your kids will never forget."
"1200 S Lake Shore DrHours: Mon-Sun, 9am-6pmNote: Free on select Mondays and Tuesdays. Only applicable to Waters of the World, Caribbean Reef, and Amazon Rising."
"Play and learning are bridged together at this museum, where kids can: tackle the Cloud Buster, a 30-ton, 37-foot-tall steel dreamscape that celebrates adventure and risk-taking — qualities that are inherent to childhood — excavate dinosaur bones, explore the way water moves through pulleys and pipes, pretend to fight fires, and discover how our skyline full of buildings is created through architecture and engineering."
"Head over to Navy Pier to go up on the Centennial Ferris Wheel!. A fun way to get an amazing view of Chicago and the lakefront. You can get tickets through the Go Chicago Explorer Pass or check with the Loew’s hotel – they sometimes have specials going where you can get tickets with your stay."
"You may be a bit hesitant to bring your kids to a restaurant where the theme is, well, sugar, but rest assured, there’s more to this spot than just candy (like an elaborate drink menu for adults, for instance). Kids will flip for the restaurant’s Rainbow Sliders (mini cheeseburgers with colorful buns that come with a rubber ducky you can take home) and over-the-top milkshake concoctions (Nutella Banana or Chocolate Rocky Road, anyone?). While Sugar Factory probably isn’t practical for a weeknight meal, the place just screams “birthday party” or special event."
"Everyone needs a little sweetness from time to time and the Sugar Factory will satisfy any sweet tooth. This kid friendly restaurant in River North of Chicago is perhaps best known for its world-famous Couture Pops, but its menu features an assortment of both sweet and savory cuisine, from waffles, crepes and french toast for breakfast to classic favorites like burgers, salads, and fried mac n cheese pops later in the day. Of course, the real star is the dessert menu, with colorful, sprinkled, gourmet treats that will delight kids and adults alike!"
"Technically not in Chicago, but still worth the mention due to its proximity to the airport. Popularized by trendy celebs, the Sugar Factory delivers sundaes that are as Insta-worthy as the inside of the restaurant itself. If you’re trying to splurge, order the King Kong Sundae."
"From Chicago's legendary Boka Restaurant Group is Cira, a new contemporary Mediterranean restaurant that serves some of the best lunch in Chicago. Diners who choose to lunch here w..."
"Cira is located on the first floor of The Hoxton and it’s beautiful. Their food is very Mediterranean, so you’ll find dishes like shakshuka, baklava, and a Turkish breakfast platter."
"Found in the Lincoln Park Theater District, Trattoria Gianni is a place for a meal before or after a play. It takes pride in impeccable, slow-paced service that doesn’t rush diners..."
"If you’re looking for a quiet place to unwind, Welles Park can offer a respite from all of the lights, noises and crowds of Chicago. It isn’t without amenities. Its centerpiece is an ornate, wire-topped gazebo where bands can play outdoor concerts and community leaders can give rallying speeches."
"Welles Park is a 15.84-acre park located in the heart of Lincoln Square. It is a gathering place for musicians and sports & fitness enthusiasts. The park was created in 1910 and named after Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy from 1861 to 1869."
"Located in the Lincoln Park itself, the North Pond Nature Sanctuary is yet another one of the animal exhibits that is loved and adored not just by the locals but by the tourists alike. It is believed that the same is around 130-year-old pond nature sanctuary, which in itself is an amazing thing to witness. It is located in the N Lincoln Park W, Chicago, IL 60614, USA and opens when the Lincoln Park Zoo opens as well."
"Housed in a light-filled room with high ceilings and hanging ferns, Summer House recreates the magic of Southern California even in the dead of a Chicago winter. Using seasonal and local ingredients, trained chefs create fare that’s inspired by California but with a Midwestern heart. Kids can choose from quesadillas, burgers, grilled cheese, chicken fingers, or the ever-popular Breakfast for Dinner option."
"I’ll admit, the decor of this place is what initially sucked me in – but I kept going back because off their Breakfast Tostadas. I’ve tried a few other things there, but nothing beats those tostadas!. Crunchy and a little spicy and a yolk that spills everywhere?"
"Description: Summer House Santa Monica will transport you to the warmth of California. Try the Avocado Toast with perfectly poached eggs & house made bread!. Location: 1954 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614"
"Outstanding Mediterranean and Lebanese food consistently comes from the kitchen of this longtime Andersonville favorite. The large menu includes a mix of meat and vegetarian options (vegan options too). Roast lamb with couscous, Moroccan chicken with apricots, and Mediterranean eggplant are just a few of the goodies that await."
"The huge, globally inspired menu of this Albany Park spot is filled with craveable items, like the Buffalo Cauliflower Wings, Fried Mac-and-Cheese Balls, and the Caesar Avocado Wrap. It’s all about vegetarian comfort food here, and there are many vegan (and gluten-free) options as well. Never tried jackfruit, touted as a great meat substitute?"
"With menu sections called, “I’m not really hungry but I’m gonna eat anyway” to “Wrap it up”, “Side chick”, and “It’s Mexico somewhere” you know you’re in for a treat. Location: 3300 W Montrose Ave, Chicago IL 60618"
"Such a sweet respite in the middle of our on-going saga of the pandemic; in the middle of a neighborhood; in the middle of the city (Chicago;) in the mid..."