Finding things for young kids to do when on vacation is always a challenge. Fortunately, Chicago has a number of attractions that will keep children entertained for hours. The city boasts a zoo, a theater, an aquarium and a museum with young children in mind.
The Chicago Children's Museum has a number of exhibits geared to younger kids. The Allstate Foundation has an exhibit called \"Play It Safe\" that simulates a real firehouse including a fire truck, a fire pole and a firefighter's barracks. The exhibit attempts to teach children proper fire safety. The museum is also host to artwork made by children as well as an oversize urban fantasy garden, a dinosaur exhibition and a place for children to build their own skyline. Special exhibits rotate through the museum on a periodic basis.
Chicago Children's Museum
700 East Grand Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
312-527-1000
chicagochildrensmuseum.org
The Shedd Aquarium allows children to experience the waters of the world in a fun and educational way. There are animals from all of the world's waters including oceans, river and lakes. The aquarium hosts a Caribbean reef exhibit as well as a simulation of an Amazon River forest flood basin. Children can also see the animals of the South Pole at Shedd Aquarium's Polar Play Zone. The live show Fantasea features marine fauna engaged in performance with their trainers.
Shedd Aquarium
1200 South Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60605
312-939-2438?
sheddaquarium.org
The Lincoln Park Zoo exists to both educate the public about wild animals and zoologists about the importance of protecting wildlife world wide. The mammals on exhibit range from the common American beaver to the exotic African lion. The Lincoln Park Zoo boasts 16 primates in its collection. Birds run the gamut from barn owls to king penguins. Children can learn about the American toad in their backyard or the Kenyan sand boa. All this and more can be seen at the Lincoln Park Zoo's 16 permanent animal exhibits.
Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 N Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60614
312-742-2000
lpzoo.org
The Northbrook Theater Children's Company offers an opportunity for young kids to see other kids engaged in the dramatic arts. Plays are aimed at family audiences and recent performances as of 2010 include \"Disney's Aladdin\" and \"Thoroughly Modern Millie, Junior.\"
Northbrook Theater Children's Company
3323 Walters Ave.
Northbrook, IL 60062-3216
847-291-2367
northbrooktheatre.org
Navy Pier is a historic attraction in Chicago with plenty to do for young kids. The area includes over 50 acres and has rides that are little kid-friendly, such as the Ferris wheel where children can get a view of the lake from high up. The emphasis at Navy Pier is on fun for the whole family.
Navy Pier
600 East Grand Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
312-595-7437
navypier.com
