• Home
  • Blog
    • Archives
  • About
  • Disclosure
    • Privacy Policy

Family Rambling

not all destinations can be found on a map

  • Travel
    • Family Travel
    • Adults Only
  • Exploring the Midwest
  • Explore the USA
  • Ireland Travel
  • Blogging Biz
This site generates income via partnerships with carefully selected travel brands and/ or purchases made through links to them. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See why this is important.
You are here: Home / Uncategorized / Family Fun in Chicago

Family Fun in Chicago

By Jody Halsted April 18, 2011

  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
  • Pocket
  • Print

A Chicago family vacation doesn’t have to break the bank.  If you’re planning a stop at a more expensive destination- like the Field Museum or Shedd Aquarium- balance it out with fun, free activities.

Save up to 51% on Chicago’s 5 best attractions with CityPASS – Shop Now!

Explore Millennium Park

Millennium Park is most well known for the Cloud Gate Sculpture- aka “the bean”.  And I’ll freely admit that it what drew my family.  Though we made an effort to arrive early and- hopefully- beat the crowds it didn’t work out quite that way.  Thankfully “the bean” is absolutely massive and there is more than enough space to grab your own photo opp if you’re patient.

Reflected in the Cloud Gate Sculpture (aka "the bean"), Chicago

My family- reflected in “the bean”

You can explore the Cloud Gate sculpture from all sides- including underneath! And be sure to step back and see the Chicago skyline so clearly reflected. It’s really incredible.

Downtown Chicago reflected in the Cloud Gate Sculpture (aka "the bean")

Downtown Chicago reflected in the Cloud Gate Sculpture

Though the Cloud Gate sculpture may be what draws so many to Millennium Park, there is much more to see.  The Crown Fountain is made of two 50-foot block towers set on either side of a reflecting pool.  During the summer you can cool your feet in the water- but watch out for the towers- they spit!  Almost as distinctive and eye catching as “the bean” is the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.    Many events, hosted by the city, are held here.  Whether you use a chair or sit on the Great Lawn, there is no charge for city hosted events.  Bring a blanket and a picnic basket for an enjoyable, affordable evening.  Directly behind the Great Lawn is the Lurie Garden.  Though it was bare during our visit we could see the promise of the beauty to come; small purple flowers were already peeking out of the dirt.  To the east, the  BP Bridge is worth your time.  Stroll across the bridge or just take in it’s sinewy lines as it crosses to Daley Bicentennial Plaza.  Millennium Park is acres of  galleries, promenades and green space that invite you to explore and relax.

Navy Pier- Chicago’s Boardwalk

While Navy Pier is filled with souvenir shops, restaurants, boat tours and amusements there is also much you can do that is free- or costs very little. My eldest was fascinated with the viewing telescopes.  For 25¢ you’ll get about 5 minutes with of time- who knows what you’ll see in Lake Michigan?  Or stroll to the end of the pier and see just how big a ships anchor really is.  It’s a great photo opp.

Ship anchor at Navy Pier

Caelan wasn’t overly thrilled when I asked her to pose…

Another really fun photo opp is the alphabet sculpture.

Letters Sculpture at Navy Pier

Unlike Brenna who requests to have her photo taken…

And no visit to Navy Pier is complete without one turn on the Ferris Wheel.  A single ride is $6.  They do take a souvenir photo before you board, but you can easily skip the booth as you leave if you’re not interested.

Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier

Semi-open carriages make this fun on hot or chilly days

Be sure to step inside Festival Hall or one of the most unique- and surprising- free museums you’ll ever find.  The Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows adorns the corridors.  Thirteen of the windows were created by Louis Comfort Tiffany; others come from local buildings.  The history of the windows is given, so far as it is known.  My girls were fascinated by these works of art which led to discussions of why they were made, how they were created and where they had been before coming to the museum.  This was the best “find” of our trip.

Eat at Ed’s

You’ve got to eat anyway, so why not make it an experience?  At Ed Debevic’s you’ll get good food, served with attitude.  This is totally touristy- as well as very popular with groups.  If you want to miss the crowds go for a late lunch or early dinner.  But, to catch the best fun, you’ll want to visit when it’s busy.  You’ll catch the most attitude from your servers- and maybe get to see them do a little dance on the counter!

Clock at Ed Debevic's

Even the clock has attitude!

Portion sizes are large, the food is good and the shakes are thick.  If you plan to save room for one of their amazing desserts share a meal- if your server doesn’t bully you into buying your own.  Our server, Vega$, held the attitude to low with us (probably due to the girls’ ages), but really dished it out to the family with teens seated next to us.  It’s all part of the fun.

These are just a few fun and affordable ideas of family fun in Chicago.  What are your favorite Chicago activities?  Share them in the comments!

Looking for an easy, affordable way to get to Chicago?  If you’re in the Midwest I recommend MegaBus!

Though it’s not a budget hotel, the Omni Chicago is great for families!  Every room is a suite and the central location makes it easy to reach many things you’ll want to do!

Chicago_468x60

  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
  • Pocket
  • Print

Related

«
»

3 Comments · Filed Under: Uncategorized · Tagged With: amusement park, Chicago, dining, Food and Restaurants, museum, Water Park

About Jody Halsted

Jody Halsted is an award winning writer and podcaster specializing in travel, Ireland, camping, and RVing.
Based in the Midwest, Jody is a rambling soul who would love nothing more than to split her time between her RV and Ireland, but until then she ‘lives the dream’ in Iowa with her husband, two daughters, and a small menagerie of furry friends.

Award Winning Writer & Podcaster • Twitter • Instagram • Facebook • Pinterest

Comments

  1. Francesca says

    April 18, 2011 at 8:22 am

    Yay, looks like you all had fun in my city! Great photos, too.

    Reply
    • Jody says

      April 18, 2011 at 11:07 am

      We did! Thanks for your tips!

      Reply
  2. bradc44 says

    October 22, 2012 at 7:53 am

    Millennium Park was one of our first projects. Still looks great.
    http://www.itec.com

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Where do you want to go?

Welcome!!!

Hi! I am so glad you’re here! My name is Jody Halsted and you’ve found my little home on the web.
Want to know a bit more about me? It's all right here....

Subscribe to Podcast

Apple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsSpotifyAndroidStitcherBlubrryby EmailRSSMore Subscribe Options

Shopping Online?

Ebates Coupons and Cash Back

Trusted Travel Gear

Family Travel Deals

Generic_250x250

Flat $15* off on Flights with our Columbus Day Deals! Book Now!

Proud to be Featured at

Top 20 Family Blogger award
Alltop, all the cool kids (and me) 25 Best Travel Blogs
Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy

Copyright © 2021 · Design by Design Chicky

Copyright © 2021 · Sprinkle Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.