Chicago is home to seven professional sporting teams, including hockey's Blackhawks and football's Bears. Teens can watch the Cubs score home runs at Wrigley Field or the Bulls slam-dunk at the United Center, where visitors can ogle the life-size statue of Michael Jordan.
Navy Pier, Chicago's lakefront playground, features more than 50 acres of outdoor attractions, theaters and restaurants. Teens can ride the classic rides of Pier Park, such as the 150-foot Ferris wheel, the musical carousel or the 13-foot lighthouse ride. The IMAX Theater plays new movies in 3-D. Along the boardwalk, teenagers can explore the shops and restaurants, perhaps stopping at Harry Carey's Tavern, which features sports memorabilia and tasty sandwiches, burgers and pizzas.
Millennium Park's McCormick Tribune Ice Rink features free skating from November to March.
February is the month for themed events, including late-night ice parties with themes such as Valentine's Day and Lady Gaga. On Saturday and Sunday mornings, instructors teach beginning and intermediate skating, as well as speed skating and curling. While skating is free, skates are available to rent for $10, as of 2011.
The Christian Youth Theater is a nonprofit theater program for children 4 to 18 years old in nine suburbs of Chicago, including Aurora, Oak Park and Rockford. Each season, each suburb puts on a production, and children in a theater class may audition. Teen classes include improvisation and Stomp 1, which involves learning how to use percussion instruments. Students will use these skills as they audition and rehearse for productions such as "Peter Pan," "The Chronicles of Narnia" or the "Little Mermaid." The company also hosts drama camps during spring break and the summer.
