Ask Joyce

Joyce,

We are coming to Chicago first of June. We have two kids, 10 yr old boy and 7yr old girl. Our son is into electronics and our little girl wants to visit American Girl Store. We have thought about Field Museum, Shedd’s, Navy Pier, Sears Tower, Museum of Sci & Ind. What other things are good to take kids to in Chicago? We also want to keep the cost down as much as possible. How do you get the best deals on admission. What free things do you suggest for kids that age? How should we plan these activities so we are not going back and forth all over town. Any suggestions you can give would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Beth

Hello Beth – Summer in Chicago! We Chicagoans come out of hibernation and enjoy all that Chicago has to offer. American Girl Place is a fun emporium of all things “American Girl”. Along Michigan Avenue, your son may want to check out the Apple Store and Radio Shack.

Your museum choices are great and you may want to look into the GO Chicago Card. For one price you would gain entry into several attractions. The savings definitely add up. Since June is a busy time in Chicago, free days to the museums are rather limited. According to a schedule I received, the Adler Planetarium is free on June 12, the Museum of Science & Industry is free Jun 1-5 and June 19, and the Field Museum is free on Jun 8. The Chicago History Museum is free on Mondays. Check with your hotel concierge or their websites to confirm.

Millennium Park, where Cloudgate is located, is great for photo opportunities, relaxation and cooling off. Take the Wendella Water Taxi from Museum Campus (Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium) to Navy Pier for family activities and fireworks on Wednesday and Saturday nights. To take advantage of getting around economically, purchase a Chicago Transit Authority Visitor Pass. You can check with the concierge at the Visitor Center at the Cultural Center.

Enjoy your trip!!

Joyce Fong, Ask Joyce