The Adler Planetarium features numerous space exhibits, three theaters (featuring a variety of 3D shows) and the Doane Observatory, where visitors can see the moon, stars or special events, such as eclipses and comets. The planetarium also offers summer camps (for a fee) for children and teens to explore science and space.
Adler Planetarium
1300 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60605
312-922 7827
adlerplanetarium.org
The Chicago Children's Museum features numerous engaging exhibits for children of all ages, such as Play It Safe, a firehouse-themed area that children can explore and learn about safety, BIG Backyard (a garden area filled with over-sized insects, mushrooms and flowers), the Inventing Lab and a Dinosaur Expedition. The museum is open 365 days a year and offers free admission on the first Sunday of every month (for children 15 and younger).
Chicago Children's Museum
700 E. Grand Ave (at Navy Pier)
Chicago, IL 60611
312-527-1000
chicagochildrensmuseum.org
Lincoln Park Zoo is open 365 days a year (no charge for admission) and features a variety of animal exhibits including, lions, bears, sea lions, penguins, zebras and more. Children (ages 6 and under) can enjoy weekly story and song days every Monday and Wednesday and visitors of all ages can participate in the zoo's summer conservation camps and programs, such as animal photography and wildlife exploration. Several restaurants, snack shops, ice cream parlors and gift shops are located throughout the zoo for guest enjoyment.
Lincoln Park Zoo
2200 N. Cannon Drive
Chicago, IL 60614
312-742-2000
lpzoo.org
The Art Institute of Chicago is open seven days a week (with free admission on Thursdays) and features a variety of collections and exhibits, that include paintings, sculptures and photography. Guests can choose to learn more about art and the exhibits by attending free lectures, performances or going on guided tours of the museum. There are also three restaurants and a coffee bar located conveniently at the museum for guest convenience.
The Art Institute of Chicago
111 S. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60603
312-443-3600
artic.edu
The Magnificent Mile features 124 restaurants, 56 hotels, several hundred retails stores, hair salons and spas. Notable areas include the Water Tower Place, an eight-level atrium that houses over 100 stores, The Shops at North Bridge, a four-level shopping complex with over 50 stores and 20 restaurants, and The Peninsula Spa, a 15,000 square-foot state-of-the-art spa and fitness center that overlooks The Magnificent Mile area. Restaurants range from casual to upscale and visitors can also access trolley, boat and bus tours of Chicago from the area.
The Magnificent Mile
The Greater North Michigan Avenue Association
625 North Michigan Ave, Suite 401
Chicago, IL 60611
312-409-5560
themagnificentmile.com
