A Family Adventure through Chicago: 6 Days of Fun & Discovery
Sunday August 20: Lincoln Park Zoo
Kickstart your Chicago adventure at the popular Lincoln Park Zoo. The morning is the perfect time to explore the zoo's wide array of animal exhibits. After, enjoy lunch at the zoo's café. In the afternoon, explore the Lincoln Park Conservatory, which houses a variety of beautiful plants and flowers. As evening comes, unwind at the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool - a serene landscaped garden within the park.
Lincoln Park Zoo: Free Admission, 3 hours
Lincoln Park Conservatory: Free Admission, 1 hour
Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool: Free Admission, 1 hour
Restaurants
For breakfast, head over to Eggsperience Pancakes & Café, located just a short walk from Lincoln Park Zoo. Enjoy a variety of delicious breakfast options such as pancakes, omelettes, and french toast. Average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
For lunch, check out RJ Grunts, a popular American comfort food restaurant located in Lincoln Park. Indulge in burgers, sandwiches, and salads, all served in a laid-back atmosphere. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
For dinner, treat yourself to a delightful Italian meal at Sapori Trattoria. This cozy restaurant offers a range of pasta, seafood, and meat dishes. Don't forget to try their delicious tiramisu for dessert. Average cost for a meal is about $30 per person.
Monday August 21: Navy Pier
Start your day at Navy Pier, a bustling hub of entertainment and attractions. Spend your morning at the Chicago Children's Museum, then catch a movie at the IMAX Theatre. In the afternoon, take a thrilling ride on the Centennial Wheel for unparalleled views of the city. Come evening, indulge in a dinner cruise on Lake Michigan, a magical experience the whole family will enjoy.
Chicago Children's Museum: $15 per person, 2 hours
IMAX Theatre: $18 per person, 2 hours
Centennial Wheel: $18 per person, 1 hour
Lake Michigan Dinner Cruise: $90 per person, 3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Yolk, a popular restaurant known for its delicious breakfast options such as eggs benedict, pancakes, and omelettes. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
For lunch, try Giordano's, a famous Chicago deep-dish pizza place located near Navy Pier. Enjoy their mouthwatering pizzas filled with gooey cheese and flavorful toppings. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
For dinner, make a reservation at The Signature Room, an upscale restaurant on the 95th floor of the John Hancock Center. Savor exquisite dishes while reveling in breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Average cost for a meal is about $50 per person.
Tuesday August 22: Museum Campus
Explore Chicago's Museum Campus in the morning, starting with the Adler Planetarium. Lose yourself in the wonders of the universe before heading to the Field Museum to meet Sue, the T-Rex. In the afternoon, visit the Shedd Aquarium to marvel at a variety of aquatic creatures. As the sun sets, relax at the Buckingham Fountain and enjoy its light and music show.
Adler Planetarium: $19 per person, 2 hours
Field Museum: $24 per person, 3 hours
Shedd Aquarium: $39.95 per person, 3 hours
Buckingham Fountain: Free, 1 hour
Restaurants
For breakfast, stop by Yolk, a popular spot known for its delicious pancakes and omelettes. Average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
Grab lunch at Giordano's, a renowned pizzeria offering mouthwatering deep-dish pizzas. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner at RPM Steak, an upscale steakhouse known for its prime cuts of meat and elegant ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about $60 per person.
Wednesday August 23: Millennium Park
Begin your day at Millennium Park, home to the iconic Cloud Gate (aka "The Bean"). Take plenty of family selfies before heading to Maggie Daley Park for some outdoor fun. In the afternoon, visit the Art Institute of Chicago, which has a fantastic family program. In the evening, enjoy a concert at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.
Cloud Gate: Free, 1 hour
Maggie Daley Park: Free, 2 hours
Art Institute of Chicago: $25 per adult, $19 per child, 3 hours
Jay Pritzker Pavilion: Price varies, 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, check out Yolk, a popular brunch spot known for its hearty portions and delicious pancakes. Expect to spend around $15 per person.
For lunch, head to the Gage, a classic gastropub with an extensive menu featuring salads, sandwiches, and hearty comfort food. A meal here will cost around $20 per person.
For dinner, treat yourselves to a memorable dining experience at Girl & the Goat, where you can indulge in eclectic small plates and creative cocktails. Be prepared to spend around $40 per person for a meal here.
Thursday August 24: Magnificent Mile
Start your day shopping along the Magnificent Mile, Chicago's premier commercial district. Then, head to the American Girl Place for lunch and doll-shopping. In the afternoon, visit the 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck for breathtaking city views. Wrap up the day with a delicious dinner at Gino's East, home to Chicago's famous deep-dish pizza.
Magnificent Mile: Free to explore, variable shopping costs, 2 hours
American Girl Place: Variable costs, 2 hours
360 CHICAGO: $25 per adult, $15 per child, 1.5 hours
Gino's East: $20 per person, 1.5 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe, known for their creative pancake flavors and fluffy omelettes. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
For lunch, try Giordano's, a Chicago institution famous for their deep-dish pizza. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Indulge in a mouthwatering dinner at Girl & the Goat, known for their innovative and eclectic menu featuring seasonal ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about $40 per person.
Friday August 25: Brookfield Zoo
On your last day in Chicago, visit the Brookfield Zoo for an exciting and educational end to your adventure. Spend the morning exploring the various exhibits, and in the afternoon, enjoy the zoo's interactive experiences. Cap off your trip with a relaxing dinner at the zoo's onsite restaurant.
Brookfield Zoo: $21.95 per adult, $15.95 per child, 4 hours
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Original Pancake House, located just a short drive from Brookfield Zoo. This cozy restaurant offers a wide variety of pancakes, waffles, and omelettes. The average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For lunch, head to Black Sheep, a trendy gastropub known for its creative American cuisine. Enjoy dishes like burgers, sandwiches, and salads in a stylish and relaxed atmosphere. The average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner at Gaetano's Restaurant & Bar, a classic Italian eatery that serves hearty and flavorful dishes. From pasta to seafood, Gaetano's offers a diverse menu that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. The average cost for a meal is about $25 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For an authentic Chicago experience, visit some of the city's lesser-known but beloved attractions. The Garfield Park Conservatory, a stunning indoor garden, is a local favorite. The Andersonville neighborhood offers a diverse selection of family-owned shops and restaurants, while the Chicago Riverwalk provides a peaceful, scenic route to explore the city. For unique souvenirs, don't miss the Randolph Street Market, an antique treasure trove open one weekend a month.