Chicago is a great family getaway. The Windy city has everything from children friendly venues to professional sports. The vibrant downtown and surrounding areas has a lot to offer. Whether you visit for one day or stay for a week, there is much to do in this Midwestern city. This article takes a look at vacationing in Chicago, with your teens. Vacationing with teens can be very challenging. Chicago can easily bridge the generation gap.
Let’s start with where to stay. There are twenty quality hotels located in the downtown area. Depending on the season and events in the area, will determine your price. Excellent hotels, that I would recommend, would be the Marriott Magnificent Mile, Hyatt Regency and the Trump International. Staying at any one of these is an experience in itself. They are all within easy commuting distance of the following attractions. Most of these offer free continental breakfasts. You can’t beat free food at some of the best hotels in the America. Check with your desk clerk for times and menu items.
Begin your stay by going first to the Art Institute of Chicago. It has something for everyone. Admission is free for children 14 and under.
Your next stop should be the Museum of Science and Technology.
Navy Pier is within walking distance and a place not to miss. Located on Lake Michigan, just East of Chicago’s Downtown, Navy Pier has been a Chicago landmark since it first opened in 1916. The highlight of the Navy Pier is a 150 foot high Ferris Wheel.
If your teen is into sports, visit the ESPN Zone. ESPN Zone is a combination sports, entertainment and dining venue featuring the Sports Arena for interactive sports and the Screening Room for viewing sporting events. They also have a studio store for shopping. This is something all teens will enjoy.
Staying with the idea of sports, Chicago is loaded with professional sports. They have the Bulls, Bears, Fire, White Sox, and Stanley Cup hockey champs the Blackhawks. Then, you have the Cubs. It doesn’t matter who your favorite team is, no trip to Chicago is complete without a trip to the “Friendly Confines” of Wrigley Field. For fans in Chicago, it is a way of life.
All teens like amusement parks. Besides Navy Pier, there is Safari Land, Gameworks. and Six Flags. You will need transportation to these areas, as they are just outside of the downtown area.
Michigan Avenue offers the best shopping and entertainment than any street in the Midwest. You can start there by visiting the Hancock Observatory. It is a 360 degree view of the city. It is called the Magnificent Mile. Michigan Avenue has seasonal activities, as well as popular attractions open the year around. When it comes to shopping, you won’t go wrong. However, be sure to have your credit cards ready. Make sure you take in the 900 Shops. Shops there include Bloomingdale’s, Gucci, J. Crew, Michael Kohrs and Coach. Shops at North Bridge offer many specialty stores, too. The great thing about Michigan Avenue, is that, it is a walking shoppers dream.
Vacationing with teens means eating out. The downtown Chicago area has 504 restaurants. Everything, from a Chicago hot dog on the street corner, to elegant five star dining. Elegant dining includes Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab, Cite and the Everest. If your taste is for Italian food, check out Maggiano’s Little Italy, Scoozi or Quartino. If you want to show your teen’s what it was like being a teenager in the 50’s, take them to Ed Debevic’s. Old time Rock and Roll has never been better than at Ed’s place.
Chicago after Dark. Take in the Adler Planetarium. there you will education and awe your teens. You can save money there with discounts and coupons. It is close to the Navy Pier. This is perfect for a closure to the day for your teens. They can return to Pier to finish the day, before heading back to the local hotel, for a late night swim.
Did I say finish the day? Yes, the teens are in bed, but there is still time for you and your spouse to privately enjoy the Windy City. The Marriott has a Starbucks and a lobby bar and lounge. The Hyatt has the Bristo at 151, DaddyO’s Pub and the Big Bar. big is the word of the day at the Big Bar. Big glasses of beer and big sandwiches. The Trump Hotel has the Rebar. It is a sophisticated lounge, with a great view of the Chicago river. After a busy and fun-filled day, it is good for adults to find some relaxing time. Here is a tip, schedule a cab. Tell the driver that you and your spouse are looking for a close by lounge that is safe. Many cab drivers know where to go, because they are locals. Don’t forget to tip them for the advice and trip.
Finally, don’t forget the Lake Shore. The beach has everything, from beach volleyball and roller skating to just walking the shores of Lake Michigan. It doesn’t matter what time of the year you visit Chicago. They have something to offer the year around. Don’t forget your camera.
Vacationing with your teen age children is a great way to strengthen family bonds. By doing advanced planning, your family can have a great time in the city of Chicago. Chicago is loaded with ethnic cultures and fine arts to take advantage of. Although located in the Midwest, it is the third largest city in the United States. Just as Cubs fan say, you too will find Chicago, “A way of life.”
