Trifter

Navy Pier

A great place to take the kids, especially in the spring and summer months. As it sits along lake Michigan, there’s a Ferris wheel outside along with indoor shopping and food. Parking is quite expensive, be prepared to pay anywhere from $20 to $30. This is true for most of downtown, Chicago. During the weekday it is impossible to find inexpensive parking.

Millennium Park

A recent addition to Chicago, Millennium Park sits on Michigan Avenue. In the winter months there’s an ice rink. During the hot summer months, bring a spare change of clothes for the kids, there’s a fountain they’d love to get wet under. Underground parking is available.

Michigan Avenue

A trip to Chicago would not be complete without seeing the Magnificent Mile on Michigan Avenue. Shop the stores, visit the Art Museum, and ride the trolley.

Lincoln Park Zoo

Be sure to bring the kids to Lincoln Park Zoo. Admission is always free. Grab a bite to eat at the zoo or be sure to take your own picnic lunch.

Wrigley Field

On the Northside of Chicago sits Wrigley Field, home of the Cubs. Many films have used the outside of the stadium and you will likely recognize the bright red sign. Tickets are difficult to come by, even for die-hard fans that live in Chicago. If you do manage to find tickets (stubhub, ticketmaster) don’t leave before the 7th inning stretch as someone (sometimes famous) will sing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.” You will also notice that residents surrounding the stadium will be on their roofs, with stadium seating watching the game from home!

The Museum of Science and Industry

Chicago hosts many museums located along Lake Michigan. Most are near Solider Field (home of the Chicago Bears). The Museum of Science and Industry however is located near the southside, right off I-55. They typically have temporary exhibits worth noting when you visit. They’ve hosted both CSI and Star Wars.