The Garfield Park Conservatory, on Chicago's West Side, spans two acres and is one of the largest gardens under glass in the world. Frommer's calls it "even more impressive" than its sister facility, the Lincoln Park Conservatory. Garfield Park Conservatory's indoor lagoons and tropical landscapes include a "Persian Pool" with lily pads, rare ferns and palm trees. A Desert House is home to cacti and succulents of all sizes. The Conservatory is kid-friendly, encouraging families to participate in free activities such as the weekend "Discover the Power of Plants!" program, where kids can build a tropical habitat and grow an imaginary garden; "Family Make-&-Take" craft times; the "Little Green Thumbs" toddler afternoons; and "Wild Wednesdays," when kids can interact with animals on the last Wednesday of each month (all 2010 programs). Kids can take part in plant scavenger hunts throughout the garden's display houses and visit the indoor Children Garden's interactive displays daily. Admission is free.
Spend a rainy afternoon in Logan's Square with a cheap movie at Logan Theatre. Named the city's "best budget movie theater" in "Chicago" magazine's "Best of Chicago 2010," Logan Theatre shows movies throughout the afternoon and evening for $4 per show (in 2010). The theatre features a choice of four shows, including kid-friendly options. Find the theater in Logan Square, right across the street from the Blue Line CTA train station (Kedzie stop) and half a block from the #56 Milwaukee bus stop. Street parking is allowed, but spots aren't always readily available. Within a one-block radius of the theater are more than a dozen restaurants, including a pizza place, a variety of Mexican restaurants and a McDonald's. Shops on the block include clothing boutiques, discount fashion stores, a record store and a video store.
Spend the day at the Art Institute museum, where children under 14 get in free. A "Travel + Leisure Favorite," the Art Institute has one of the world's largest collections of Monet paintings and is home to Seurat's pointillist "Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte." Beyond Impressionism, the museum's collections range from European arms and armor to Thorne miniatures. Bring a bag for your umbrella, as umbrellas aren't allowed in the galleries.
In the heart of Chicago's "Magnificent Mile," browse or shop in more than 100 stores at Water Tower Place without ever having to go outside. Tourists can purchase a "Go Chicago" card at the front desk to get discounted and free admission to some of the city's top attractions. While at the desk, ask about the "Premier Perks" program that gives out-of-town guests free coupons to more than 50 stores throughout Water Tower Place. Seven levels of shopping include Macy's, American Eagle Outfitters, Banana Republic, Sunglass Hut, Sephora, Forever 21, Abercrombie & Fitch, The Limited and American Girl Place. After shopping, eat lunch at the Mezzanine level food court's "foodlife," which Frommer's Travel Guide calls "one of Water Tower's best features." Choices range from stir fry to burgers. Exit on Michigan Avenue to find more things to do without getting too wet. Borders bookstore, with an indoor café on the second floor, is across the street. Argo Tea and Starbucks are within a one-block radius, as are Chicago's Hershey's candy store and Ghirardelli's ice cream shop. Nearby attractions include the John Hancock Center and Museum of Contemporary Art.
