Chicago family attractions
July 6th, 2009 by admin
For those scared of heights, the Sears Tower Skydeck was probably never on their list of “must-see’s.” But the new glass floored observation point will undoubtedly thrill those looking for the ultimate view from the United States’ tallest building.
“I’m not going out on that thing” is one common reaction to the just opened addition to the Skydeck, named “The Ledge.” But even more common is an exclamation of amazement (with perhaps a tinge of fear) from those who have stood looking between their feet 103 floors straight down. And yes, a very high percentage of the younger visitors do seem determined to lie down on The Ledge as you can see from the photo above taken opening weekend.
Anytime you make changes to an iconic structure it must been done with care. “The Sears Tower has always been about innovation. For this new Skydeck experience, we have kept with that tradition.” said Bill Baker of SOM, the building’s original designers. ”Cantilevering out from the site of America’s tallest building, the viewing platform will all visitors to see the incredible city of Chicago literally beneath their feet.”
According to Randy Stancik, the GM of Skydeck Chicago, it was clear ”the Ledge” was going to be a hit long before it opened on July 2nd. He knew from all the forehead prints on the windows that people were straining to get a look down the side of the Tower.
Maybe you have never been, or maybe you’re a Chicago native who has been to the top a number of times. Either way, with the Ledge you have a whole new reason to go. If you need another, the Sears Tower Skydeck is one of 30 attractions included in the Go Chicago Card or make it one of your three choices with a Chicago Explorer Pass – two great ways to experience the best things to do in Chicago while saving money in the process.
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Chicago Card.
May 20th, 2009 by admin
The Art Institute of Chicago. Griffin Court, Photo credit: Charles G. Young, Interactive Design Architects
The Art Institute of Chicago just got bigger. A lot bigger. With the May 16th opening of the 264,000 square foot Modern Wing, the museum is now over a million square feet.
The new wing is dedicated to the display of the Institutes’s collection of 20th and 21st century works. The area devoted to modern European painting and sculpture features works by Matisse, Klee, Kandinsky, and Picasso to name a few, while the Contemporary Galleries boast works from Jasper Johns, Jackson Pollock, and Ellsworth Kelly as well as many others. In addition, the museum’s architecture and design collection has been given a vastly expanded space and the wing’s displays of modern and contemporary photography compliment its existing displays that trace photographic art from its beginnings.
The design of the new wing has been described as a “triumph” by the Associated Press. Pritzker Prize-winning architect Renzo Piano led the $300 million dollar effort, which in addition to gallery space, offers visitors a a restaurant, a cafe, an open-air sculpture terrace, gift shop, and a pedestrian bridge linking the win to Millennium Park.
Admission to the Art Institute of Chicago is included in a Go Chicago Card or can be selected as part of a Chicago Explorer Pass.
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Chicago Card.
March 17th, 2009 by admin
February 25 through October 25, 2009 the Field Museumwill have a fascinating exhibit on display about the Whydah, an early 18th century slave ship that became a pirate ship after her capture by Sam Bellamy in 1717.
The exhibit is entitled Real Pirates: The Untold Story of the Whydah from Slave Ship to Pirate Ship and features items recovered when the ship with discovered lying off Cape Cod in 1984. Visitors will see fascinating artifacts ranging from weapons and day-to-day items of shipboard life to an impressive haul of treasure (the Whydah was Bellamy’s flagship when she sank). The 8400 square foot exhibition also features a number of interactive displays on pirate life as well as on the ship’s short-lived life as a slave ship.
Admission to Real Pirates is a separate fee from general admission to the museum (general admission is free with your Go Chicago Card). The Field Museum recommends you book your exhibition tickets in advance through their web site due to popularity of the exhibition.
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Chicago Card.
April 30th, 2008 by susan j
Springtime in Chicago photo uploaded by
Spring is the perfect time to visit Chicago. The city is reawakening after the winter, and some of Chicago’s most popular attractions are reopening for business. Here are some our picks:
What’s your favorite springtime activity in Chicago? Leave a comment and let us know!
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Chicago Card.
March 31st, 2008 by susan j
Chicago Botanic Gardens photo uploaded by
Running May 3-10 in Chicago, the 2008 promises fun for the entire family. This week long family arts festival covers five different Chicago neighborhoods and features live performances to inspire and entertain kids of all ages. The roster of performers includes Mirah and Spectratone International performing “Share This Place” (a multimedia video performance with live music), Lelavision (performing in English & Spanish), Teatro di Piazza D’Occasione (presented in partnership with the Chicago Park District and the Chicago Botanic Garden, picture above).
The highlight of the festival will the world premiere of José Cruz González’s new play, The Blue House, which is about a 13 year old girl discovering the secrets of Chicago’s history. The performance opens on April 5 and runs through May 3. While in Chicago, you might also take the kids to Chicago Children’s Museum, Brookfield Zoo, and Navy Pier.
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Chicago Card.
March 19th, 2008 by jamie a
Swan Lake Photo uploaded by
Celebrate the arrival of Spring on March 21 and 22 with the The Tchaikovsky Opera and Ballet Theater’s presentation of !
One of Russia’s most distinguished artistic companies, The Theatre is known for their breathtaking performances blended with their beautiful music. Founded in 1926, this company’s version of Swan Lake will be staged by Natalia Makarova of the legendary Kirov Ballet, and will continue their distinguished tradition of bringing the works of Tchaikovsky to life on the stage.
Held at the Auditorium Theatre at Roosevelt University, the show is a perfect event for the whole family. They are even offering a free children’s ticket with the purchase of an adult ticket for the March 22nd matinee show.
If you’re looking for more to do with the family during your time in Chicago, check out these great Chicago attractions!
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Chicago Card.
March 5th, 2008 by stacy b
Kid in Flight Photo uploaded by
Air travel with kids can be a pain, especially when you are traveling to another country. After reading “” from Condé Nast Traveler, you no longer have to worry about keeping children happy in the airport or on the plane.
The article provides helpful tips on preventing situations that may force your kids into a cranky state, such as protecting your children’s ears from aching during the take-off and landing.
It is also important to keep the kids entertained at the airports, especially during long layovers. Sometimes, there are not enough crossword puzzles or hand held games to prevent boredom. However, the children can indulge in kid-friendly activities at a number of airports. O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, for instance, has a children’s area called , offering fun exhibits and displays, including an interactive plane and a control tower to explore.
With these helpful tips, flying with your kids should be a breeze!
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Chicago Card.
February 28th, 2008 by jamie a
Thursday, February 28 (6-9 pm)
Check out at the River East Art Center. You’ll not only be helping a great cause, but you can also support a local arts organization all while enjoying art, cocktails, dancing, and gourmet delicacies.
Friday, February 29 (7 pm)
The Old Town School of Folk Music is hosting this Friday. Bring some friends and get your groove on!
Friday, February 29 (6-10 pm)
For a new kind of night out, check out . With cocktails, live music, DJs, and plenty of amazing art to appreciate, it’s a great way to visit the museum and have a fabulous night out.
Sunday, March 2 (4:30 pm- 8 pm)
with costumed characters and Suess-themed menu items! It’s certainly a recipe for fun for the whole family.
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Chicago Card.
February 25th, 2008 by jamie a
Navy Pier IMAX Photo uploaded by
If you’re looking for a night out with the kids, check out the limited run of
Based on the series of bestselling books, three children discover peculiar happenings after the move from their New York home to the estate of their great, great uncle, Arthur Spiderwick.
This movie brings out the fantasy fan in adults and children alike and comes to life through the magic of IMAX.
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Chicago Card.
February 22nd, 2008 by jamie a
Contenders in a Dog Show Photo uploaded by
Fellow bloggers over at Chicago Hot Blog have posted about the , which will be held February 22-24 at McCormick Place.
Hosted by the International Kennel Club, the show will feature over 150 breeds of dogs, along with Junior Dog Judging (for kids 10-18) and the Puppy Spectacular. General admission is $16, seniors are $10, children under 12 are $3, and kids under 3 are free.
May the best canine win!
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Chicago Card.
