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Family-Friendly Chicago Itinerary Including Buckingham, Centennial, and Crown Fountains: May 9-12, 2025

Viewed by 95 travelers

Day 1: Grant Park & Iconic Fountains

Chicago, USA on May 9, 2025

1:00pm

Check-in & Settle at Hyatt Regency O'Hare

Get comfortable at your hotel and prepare for an exciting Chicago afternoon.
Included, 1h

2:00pm

Travel to Grant Park via Blue Line

Walk 7 minutes to O'Hare CTA Station, board Blue Line to Jackson Station (approx. 45 minutes), then walk east 10 minutes to Grant Park.
USD5 per person (CTA day pass advisable for multiple trips), 1h

3:00pm

Explore Grant Park & Millennium Monument

Discover the spacious park, featuring the impressive Buckingham Fountain—one of the largest fountain structures in the world, operating with water shows during daylight hours.
Free, 45m

3:45pm

Visit Centennial Fountain

Walk a short distance within Grant Park to see the Centennial Fountain, a beautiful and less crowded water feature with lovely surroundings perfect for photos and kids to enjoy.
Free, 30m

4:15pm

Return to Hyatt Regency

Take Blue Line from Jackson Station back to O'Hare and walk to hotel.
Included in day pass, 45m

5:00pm

Dinner at Giordano's near O'Hare

Sample Chicago’s classic deep-dish pizza just minutes from your hotel for a family-friendly, convenient meal.
USD20 per person, 1h
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Day 2: Navy Pier & Crown Fountain

Chicago, USA on May 10, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Yolk - O'Hare Area

Enjoy a flavorful breakfast nearby to energize the family.
USD15 per person, 1h

10:30am

Daytime at Leisure or Local Exploration

Relax or explore local sights as preferred until late afternoon.
Varies, 7h

4:45pm

Travel to Navy Pier & Millennium Park

Walk 7 minutes to O'Hare Station, take Blue Line to Washington Station, transfer to Pink Line or walk 15 minutes east to Navy Pier and Millennium Park.
Included in day pass, 45m

5:30pm

Dinner at Riva Crabhouse on Navy Pier

Dine on lakefront seafood favorites with kid-friendly options nearby lively Navy Pier atmosphere.
USD25 per person, 1h30m

7:00pm

Centennial Wheel Ride at Navy Pier

Take a scenic ride on the iconic Ferris wheel overlooking Lake Michigan as dusk falls.
USD16 per adult, USD10 per child, 1h

8:00pm

Visit Crown Fountain at Millennium Park

Walk to Millennium Park to see Crown Fountain’s unique interactive video art with water jets, a favorite for kids in warmer weather, operating until 10pm.
Free, 30m

8:30pm

Return to Hyatt Regency

Take suitable CTA lines back to O'Hare and walk to hotel.
Included in day pass, 45m
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Day 3: Lincoln Park Zoo & Water Fun

Chicago, USA on May 11, 2025

9:00am

Morning at leisure

Enjoy a relaxing morning at your hotel before venturing out in the afternoon.
Free, 6h

2:45pm

Travel to Lincoln Park Zoo by L Train

From O'Hare station, take Blue Line downtown to Washington, then Brown Line to Armitage Station; walk 12 minutes to zoo entrance.
Included in day pass, 1h15m

4:00pm

Explore Lincoln Park Zoo

Enjoy the free zoo with family-friendly exhibits until closing at 6pm.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Lincoln Park Water Fountain Visit

Let the kids enjoy the interactive water fountain nearby in Lincoln Park, a perfect way to cool off and play.
Free, 30m

5:30pm

Dinner at Café Ba-Ba-Reeba!

Savor tapas with diverse kid-friendly dishes close to the zoo, blending flavors and fun atmosphere.
USD25 per person, 1h30m

7:00pm

Evening Walk in Lincoln Park

Enjoy a peaceful family stroll within Lincoln Park or the Conservatory before heading back.
Free, 1h

8:00pm

Return to Hyatt Regency

Use Brown and Red Lines via Armitage and Fullerton stations to O'Hare, then a short walk to your hotel.
Included in day pass, 1h
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Day 4: Architecture & Sky Views

Chicago, USA on May 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hyatt Regency

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the hotel to start the last day energized.
USD15 per person, 1h

9:30am

Starbucks Reserve Roastery Visit

Travel to downtown via Blue Line and enjoy unique coffee blends and treats at this flagship roastery with something for everyone.
Varies by purchase, 1h

10:30am

Chicago Riverwalk Architecture Walking Tour

Discover Chicago’s famed riverside architecture through a guided 1.5-hour walk, suitable for all ages.
USD40 per adult, USD25 per child, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Beatrix

Relax at Riverside Beatrix offering wholesome dishes and a kids menu in River North near the riverwalk area.
USD20 per person, 1h

1:00pm

Willis Tower Skydeck Visit

Experience breathtaking city views and step onto the iconic glass ledge; last entry at 3:30pm.
USD35 per adult, USD28 per child, 1h

2:00pm

Walk along Lakefront Shorewalk

Enjoy calm lakeside views and let kids run freely before heading back to the hotel.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Return to Hyatt Regency O'Hare

Take Blue Line from downtown back to O'Hare and prepare for departure or rest.
Included in day pass, 45m
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