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Family-Friendly Nature Road Trip in Chicago

Viewed by 74 travelers

Day 1: City Zoo Fun

Chicago, USA

9:00AM

Breakfast at Lincoln Park Zoo

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Lincoln Park Zoo, a family-friendly destination with a variety of animals to see.
Lincoln Park Zoo is easily accessible by car from the city center, approximately 15 minutes drive.
Cost of Breakfast, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Millennium Park

Head to Millennium Park to see the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture, enjoy the beautiful gardens, and maybe have a picnic lunch.
Millennium Park is a short 10-minute drive from Lincoln Park Zoo.
Free entry, 2 hours

2:00PM

Visit Navy Pier

Spend the afternoon at Navy Pier for family-friendly attractions, rides, and stunning views of Lake Michigan.
Navy Pier is a 15-minute drive from Millennium Park.
Cost of Activities, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Navy Pier

Enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants at Navy Pier before heading back to your accommodation.
You can easily walk to a restaurant within Navy Pier.
Cost of Dinner, 1 hour
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Day 2: Nature Escapade

Chicago, USA

9:00AM

Breakfast at The Morton Arboretum

Start your day with breakfast at The Morton Arboretum, a stunning outdoor museum showcasing a variety of trees and plants.
The Morton Arboretum is around a 45-minute drive from the city center.
Cost of Breakfast, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore The Morton Arboretum

Spend the morning exploring the beautiful gardens, hiking trails, and exhibits at The Morton Arboretum.
You can easily walk around the arboretum to explore.
Entrance Fee, 3 hours

2:00PM

Drive to Indiana Dunes National Park

Embark on a scenic drive to Indiana Dunes National Park for a relaxing afternoon by the shores of Lake Michigan.
Indiana Dunes National Park is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from The Morton Arboretum.
Park Entrance Fee, 2 hours

5:00PM

Enjoy Sunset at Indiana Dunes

Savor the sunset views over Lake Michigan at Indiana Dunes National Park before heading back to Chicago.
Find a suitable spot within the park to watch the sunset.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 3: Botanical Bliss

Chicago, USA

9:00AM

Visit Garfield Park Conservatory

Start your day at Garfield Park Conservatory, a botanical oasis with a wide variety of plant species to admire.
Garfield Park Conservatory is a 20-minute drive from the city center.
Donation-based Entry, 2 hours

11:00AM

Drive to Chicago Botanic Garden

Embark on a scenic drive to Chicago Botanic Garden, a peaceful sanctuary with stunning gardens and landscapes.
Chicago Botanic Garden is approximately a 40-minute drive from Garfield Park Conservatory.
Parking Fee, 2 hours

2:00PM

Explore Chicago Botanic Garden

Spend the afternoon exploring the various themed gardens and enjoying a leisurely stroll through the picturesque setting.
You can walk around the garden at your own pace.
Entrance Fee, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Chicago Botanic Garden

Wrap up your day with a delightful dinner at one of the on-site restaurants at Chicago Botanic Garden.
Choose a restaurant within the garden to enjoy your meal.
Cost of Dinner, 1 hour
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