Chicago: The Windy City
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago Climate
If you come to Chicago during the Summer you will experience very humid air, which on warm days will make it even hotter. It is usually fairly warm if not hot during the summer, but make sure you bring warmer clothes just in case. There can be a fair amount of rainfall. If you come during the spring you will experience a lot of rain and and a fair amount of winds. In the winter it is cold and you will get a fair amount of snow so pack accordingly. In the fall it is fairly windy so bring the right coat.
Tourist Attractions
Chicago has many great attractions for the whole family. If you want to see some art, head down to the Cloud Gate which resembles a bean which is why many tourists and citizens will refer to it as a bean. This peace of art mirrors its surroundings and if you crawl inside you can see your refection mirrored in the bean. Cloud Gate is located in Millennium Park (201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602) which has many other attractions. If you want to cool off on a hot summer day head to Crown Fountain, also in Millennium Park (S Michigan Ave, Chicago, 60601). This fountain has digital faces that actually spit water. Harris Theater for music and dance too is located in Millennium Park (205 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601). You can see some great shows and check out the cool design as the building while you're at it.
Cloud Gate (The Bean)
This is Cloud Gate, a great bit of art.
Crown Fountain
Here you can refresh in a digital face's saliva.
Harris Theater
Enjoy a show while you're at the park.
Kids
Let your kids enjoy a day at Lincoln Park Zoo (2001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614). You can visit the animals, and while your at it there is a nice play structure for the kids to crawl through. Also this Zoo is free so you can stop by without wasting money. Lincoln Park also has statues, great trees for climbing and a nice sized indoor garden you can stop by while you're there.
A Habitat
A family looking at a Habitat
Kids
Some kids enjoying an underwater exhibit.
The Play Set
Crawling through the structure can be difficult if you are taller but, no matter what your height you will have fun.
Teens
Navy Pier (600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611) is a great place for teens, and others to enjoy a day of fun. There are rides and boats. You can enjoy your day on the Ferris wheel, or watching the boats and enjoying the view. There is also a bunch of shops where you can pick up Chicago merchandise or some yummy snacks.
Ferris Wheel
This is the Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier. There is a beautiful view from the top and its fun!
The Pier
You can see boats...or take pictures with giant anchors.
The Swing
Everyone loves the swing ride, you can enjoy this and many more.
Adults
900 North Michigan Shops. There are over 70 shops at 900 North Michigan. There are shops for everyone. If you need a day to relax or just to spoil yourself head on over.
Elders
It's a little bit of a drive but if you head down to Wheaten, a suburb, you can stop by Cantingny(1s151 Winfield Rd, Wheaton, IL 60189). It's a museum about military history. You can walk through exhibits with uniforms and guns, but you can also walk through interactive exhibits. Kids will love the outside exhibit where you can climb on real tanks, so you can bring your grandchildren along if you please.
Interaction
This is one of the interactive exhibits at Cantingny.
Tanks
This is one of the tanks that you can climb on, or take pictures with, or just look at.
Phone Calls
This is another interactive exhibit where you can listen to to an actual phone call from one of the wars.
Restaurants
If you are looking for a restaurant that will give you a little fun head over to Portilios. This Hot dog joint is most often gangster themed. Yes I admit it does seem a little dark but, they are so much fun. You can see shadows of gangsters in phone booths, on the windows all over the place. It is a very fun themed restaurant and you will be sure to enjoy the food.
Yummy!
Enjoy the great hot dogs.
Building
It is unique.
Yum!
It so good.