Romantic Restaurants, Getaway Places in Oak Brook

"The Field Museum houses some 30 million artifacts and includes everything but the kitchen sink – beetles, mummies, gemstones, Bushman the stuffed ape – all tended by a slew of PhD-wielding scientists, as the Field remains an active research institution. The collection's rock star is Sue, the largest Tyrannosaurus rex yet discovered. She even gets her own gift shop. Special exhibits, such as the 3-D movie, cost extra."

"The Field Museum traces its roots back to the Columbian Exhibition of 1893, when its collection was on display for visitors in Jackson Park. Marshall Field donated $1 million to house the collection in a permanent Neoclassical building in Grant Park in 1921. Only a fraction of the museum’s 40 million objects are on display—the most iconic being SUE the T."

"South LoopGo under the sea at a world-class aquarium Joining The Field Museum and Art Institute as great Chicago institutions in 1930, Shedd Aquarium is one of the oldest museums in the city, and the building itself is an ode to all things aquatic -- from fossils in its floors to Neptune’s trident atop its dome. About 32,000 animals call Shedd Aquarium home, and you can see them all: penguins, turtles, whales, otters, good old-fashioned fish, and more. What to know before you go: Shedd Aquarium is open 9am to 5pm weekdays and 9am to 6pm on weekends during the fall, and 9am to 6pm daily June 11-August 19."

"The adults will be able to appreciate the splendor of the Beaux-Arts building, while the kids will be absolutely mesmerized by the marine life. The Amazon river tanks are an especially big hit with the younger lot. The reef exhibits also put up an incredible display of colorful coral."

"Chicago residents are admitted for 50% off throughout the year, and in addition, Illinois residents are admitted free on select days throughout the year. Proof of residency is required."

"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."

"There is no admission fee to enter the Navy Pier, which offers free fireworks shows throughout the year and hosts a lineup of free entertainment and music each season. Head to the Navy Pier to see local arts and crafts vendors presenting their wares and to enjoy the scenic views of Lake Michigan."

"Navy Pier is one of Chicago’s most popular attractions, and one of the most popular destinations in the Midwest. While there are fees at many of the attractions at Navy Pier, there are some that are free. One of the best reasons to visit is the view, which is (of course!) free!"

"Come with friends or a spouse at Debonair Social Club located in a serene environment in Chicago, Illinois, and experience a thrilling evening outing. This place has a relaxed ambiance and a vibrant atmosphere with a social and friendly staff providing excellent customer care services. Several well-known deejays such as Alkaline Trio, Black Widow, Danny Brown, Electric Six, Larry T, The Smiths, and many others can be found at this club entertaining the crowd."

"Located in Milwaukee Avenue and stands as the exclusive nightclub in the area, Debonair Social Club boasts a world-class music system combined with skilled DJs. This two-floor club is one of the oldest nightlife destinations in the area. It is recommended to visit this hotspot on weekends."

"This easygoing late-night bar in Wicker Park is a neighborhood staple, complete with bottle service and dance parties until 2am on the weekends. Don’t miss DJ’s spinning tracks upstairs and downstairs for sick vibes. This is the perfect dance club in Chicago to meet someone new."

"Restaurants Hamburgers River North. It's easy to please everyone and Shake Shack, especially now that the burger empire has three locations in Chicago. Kids can choose from hamburgers, a crispy chicken sandwich and flat-top dogs, all of which are crafted with premium ingredients."

"Begyle bills itself as a community-supported brewing company thanks to its popular subscription service that sends members a new growler or two every six months to a year. The space is dog- and family-friendly, and there are a couple of Skee-Ball machines in the back room for tipsy competitors to enjoy. Try the Sunny Afternoon, a citra-hopped pale ale with tropical fruit notes (perfect for summer sipping), or opt for the Imperial Pajamas Coffee Stout, a rich beer with notes of cherry and chocolate, which includes beans from Passion House Coffee Roasters."

"A neighbourhood bar where lots of locals chill out with a good brew and good friends. This is a smaller, no-frills place where you can drink good, artisanal beer. I recommend Begyle Brewing Co. because you’re likely to avoid the worst of any tourist crowd and get a chance to rub elbows with locals."

"Begyle Brewing offers an approachable and diverse collection of brews. They built a community-supported brewer program for beer lovers. It is a 6 or 2-month  growler fill subscription."

"Located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, Prysm is one of the highest-rated hybrid venues. From live music performances by renowned DJs to special events to an enticing bar menu, Prysm’s massive 10,000-sq.-feet floor has space for all. Time to hit the dance floor, we say!"

"Prysm Chicago has state-of-the-art facilities and equipment to create an upbeat evening for all of the guests. There are guest DJs that play their magic on the dance floor. Furthermore, the club covers an area of 10,000 square feet."

"Compromise on Italian without spending too much by going to Pizza Rustica. This cozy BYOB feels just like an Italian trattoria and serves huge pizzas with doughy crusts featuring toppings like Italian sausage, mushrooms, pineapple, artichokes or spinach. Salads are heading and pasta is made by hand."

"A name like Yummy Yummy should be catnip to any aficionado of cheap old-school Chinese takeout. Nonsensical phrases are often the first sign that you’ve found a jewel in the rough, and Yummy Yummy shines in an area of the city where great Chinese is sorely lacking otherwise. Don’t plan on eating in unless you can grab one of the five or so tables in the cramped “dining room,” but that should not stop you because all your childhood favorites (assuming you grew up eating Chinese takeout like some of us) are here, and few places do them better."

"Sure, you can get this wonderful Chinese dish at a lot of places around Chicago but no one does it quite like Furama. Browse their extensive menu for all sorts of dishes, a variety of dumplings, egg tarts, pork buns, and more. Order online to get a free crab rangoon with $15 purchase or free potstickers with a $20 purchase!"

"Furama Restaurant is an Uptown favorite for authentic Chinese cuisine. Since 1985 this family-owned and operated restaurant has wowed Chicagoans and tourists alike. Furama is constantly recognized for its large variety of Cantonese and dim sum items."

"Phoenix Restaurant is a Chinese restaurant serving savory and real tasting Oriental cuisine in Chicago, Illinois. The restaurant is in a suitable area and reasonable costs make their restaurant a refined pick for take-out or dine-in from the Chicago society. Phoenix Restaurant is well recognized for its selection in taste and more precious quality ingredients that are wholesome."

"Upscale urban style meets traditional comfort at the Michelin-guide-mentioned Phoenix, one of the best restaurants in Chicago for Chinese cuisine. Order classics from soup to dessert or try the more contemporary casseroles, all presented for viewing in authentic bamboo baskets and cooked fresh to order. Phoenix Restaurant | 2131 S."

"Finish your ride at the waterfront behind the Alder Planetarium, for your very last photography stop. With dreamy views of the skyline framed by the glittering lake, it’s considered one of the best spots in the city to watch the sunset and makes for the perfect ending to a whirlwind Chicago getaway."

"The Adler Planetarium has a lot to offer curious visitors. With nine special exhibits, multiple theaters, and the historic Atwood Sphere experience, you’ll enjoy a plethora of things to do, whether you’re traveling with kids or a group of adults."

"Taking you on a journey through the stars to unlock the mysteries of our galaxy and beyond, the Adler tells amazing stories of space…"