Yes the exhibits at the Shedd are incredible, make sure you see the baluga whales and the dolphin show. We are members there, though we haven't been since summer so we need to make another trip. The museums are all definitely cool and the sights are awesome. Chicago is a beautiful city. there's a site called Chicago Kids that provides fun activities in the city. Be sure to check out Navy Pier, they have a ferris wheel there and the children's museum is great. Depending on when you are here, check out the Taste of Chicago festival. Lots of good eats! Chicago also has some nice beaches, plenty of beautiful parks and a ton of lakeside jogging and walking paths.

Are you limiting your visit to Chicago or will you be traveling any other direction from the city? The suburbs have a lot to offer as well, including Ravinia (outdoor concert hall) and the Botanical Gardens which are gorgeous. There are plenty of malls too for the teenage set ;-)

The Illinois Bureau of Tourism has a lot to offer on their site as well, especially if you aren't limiting yourself to Chicago. There's lots of information on activities with children and family friendly resorts etc.

Also, I don't know if you already knew this, but the Lincoln Park Zoo is free to get in. There's no admission :)

I LOVE Illinois, especially Chicago. That is a great city. My husband and I spent a month in Wheaton< Illinois and we went to Chicago a lot. You HAVE to go to a Cubs game. There really is nothing like it and I'm not even a big sports fan. Have a hot dog and take in the atmosphere. Also, Shedd is great, the art institute and Navy Pier are musts. Sears Tower is a definite to do item. There are also great places outside of the city. Wheaton is nice and St. Charles, etc. Go in that direction and you will find lots. Did you see the movie, 'The Lakehouse'? Follow there walking tour day, that would be fun. ENJOY! I"m so jealous! :)

Depending on where you go in IL there is a wonderful place just across the river from Alton IL. The Magic House n St Louis just ca not be beat! The zoo in St. Louis is also the best!

Hello! My eight year old daugher is going on her 2nd grade field trip to Donley's Wild West Town. I checked out the site and it looks like a lot of fun. There are several things to do and it only takes up one day. www.wildwesttown.com  Also, the Field Museum in Chicago is wonderful. They have several types of displays. www.fieldmuseum.org  Good luck in your search and I hope you have a wonderful and safe trip.

I live just 14m west of the city and I would highly recommend the Brookfield Zoo as opposed to the LP Zoo. The LP zoo is free, yes, but it has had a lot of problems in the past and is on PETA's watchlist due to animal deaths over the past 5 years. We have been members of the Brookfield Zoo for 2 years now and we absolutely love it. We lived downtown before having our 2nd daughter and I highly recommend the visit to the Pier, the Field Museum, and all the other recommendations posted above. The Pier, The Field, The Shedd, and The "Bean" (a very cool architectural statement in Millenium Park that kid's love) are all close together and within walking distance. Michigan Avenue is perpendicular to the Park and also easily accessible. The popcorn place mentioned above is Garrett's, and yes, it is world famous and worth a visit. Christine~ I co-host the December 2006 board on BZ if you need to find me with any other questions you may have: MeganGBZHost@babyzone.com

Christine, there's a great article here that may help you too!

Visiting Chicago: Fun Things To Do With Your Kids

I lived in Chicago my entire life and I would recommend the children's museum at Navy Pier.  The Brookfield Zoo is really nice too but not quite in the city.  The aquarium is awesome,  wouldn't miss that., but I really suggest you hit the children's museum too.  Good luck, enjoy the city, it's a nice one.