Play Golf
Head to the Hilton Chicago/Indian Lakes Resort for separate golf lessons for you and your youngsters. The pros at the resort welcome children of all ability levels.
Hilton Chicago/Indian Lakes Resort
250 W. Schick Road
Bloomingdale, IL 60108
(630) 529-0200
indianlakesresort.com
Great America
Go wild with your kids at Six Flags Great America. You can fill an entire day with the dozens of exciting rides, live shows and water park thrills.
Six Flags Great America
1 Great America Parkway
Gurnee, IL60031
(847) 249-4636
sixflags.com
Chicago Children's Museum
Visit the Chicago Children's Museum for hours of hands-on fun. The many interactive exhibitions include a water playground, a climbing schooner, a kids' town and a dinosaur expedition.
Chicago Children's Museum
700 E. Grand Ave. #127
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 527-1000
chicagochildrensmuseum.org
The Field Museum
Explore natural history in fun ways at The Field Museum. Don't miss the children's educational play area, the exhibits on everything from DNA to rocks and fossils, and especially Sue, billed as the world's largest Tyrannosaurus Rex.
The Field Museum
1400 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 922-9410
fieldmuseum.org
Pro Sports
Take the kids to a professional ball game. They'll get a kick out of a watching a Cubs or White Sox home run, a Bears touchdown, or a Bulls 3-pointer. For tickets, visit the teams' websites.
Professional teams
chicago.cubs.mlb.com
chicago.whitesox.mlb.com
chicagobears.com
www.nba.com/bulls
Lincoln Park Zoo
It's hard to know where to go first at the Lincoln Park Zoo, which features more than 1,000 animals. You can get lost (figuratively) at the lion house, bear habitat, swan pond, farm area or children's zoo.
Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 742-2000
lpzoo.org
Hancock Observatory
Education and fun go hand-in-hand at the John Hancock Observatory. Explore the sky walk, use a talking telescope, walk along the 80 feet of murals depicting Chicago history, and stage a daring photo high up.
John Hancock Observatory
875 N. Michigan Ave. Suite 1330
Chicago, IL 60611
(888) 875-8439
hancock-observatory.com
Curio Cafe
Go to the Curio Cafe for a kid-friendly meal. You'll find toys, a play area and a special children's menu, as well as savory fare for adults.
Curio Cafe
3400 N. Lawndale Ave.
Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 463-2233
curiocafe.net
Garrett Popcorn
The whole family will love the crunch at Garrett Popcorn. Plain or buttery is delicious, and so are the flavors such as caramel or cheese.
Various locations
garrettpopcorn.com
Original Rainbow Cone
Don't miss this ice cream parlor for milk shakes, sundaes, floats and the Rainbow Cone featuring orange sherbet plus chocolate, strawberry, pistachio and cherry-nut ice creams.
Original Rainbow Cone
9233 S. Western Ave.
Chicago, Illinois 60620
(773) 238-7075
chicagokids.com (search for "Rainbow Cone")
About The Author
Barbara Dunlap is a freelance writer in Oregon. She was a garden editor at "The San Francisco Chronicle," and she currently specializes in travel and active lifestyle topics like golf and fitness. She received a master's degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia and has been a Knight Foundation Fellow.
