The best family holidays are jam packed full of excitement and adventure. Pick a city with a good mix of indoor and outdoor activities for the most enjoyable experience. There are many things to do in Chicago that will keep the whole family entertained. From museums to amusement parks, Chicago attractions have something for everyone.



The Shedd Aquarium

One of the coolest (pardon the pun) Chicago attractions is the Shedd Aquarium. The Aquarium is home to sharks, fish from all over the world, penguins, and even a Komodo dragon lizard. The best way to explore the Aquarium is to work your way through the various exhibits in both the Oceanarium and the Wild Reef. If you're short on time, there are mapped out tours available for download via the Aquarium's website.

Navy Pier

There are a few Chicago attractions that you could spend all day at -- Navy Pier is one of them. One of the most popular Chicago attractions, Navy Pier sees over 8 million visitors every year. Fast speed boats take off from the Navy Pier Dock Street, Pier Park contains an 18 hole miniature golf course, and for older children Segway tours are a great way to get around. Stick around on the warm summer nights to see the free fireworks displays.

The Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum

Let your kids explore outer space at The Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum. The Adler, as it is more commonly known, showcases the Gemini 12 spacecraft that was launched into space in 1966. Along with a collection of antique astronomy instruments, the Museum has two Planetarium theaters. The theaters screen short features in 360 degree surrounds, which are specially made for children's viewing, throughout the year. Each 'Far Out Friday' the Adler opens the Doane Observatory. The Doane is the largest public telescope in Chicago. Astronomers and the public alike, can view stars, planets and take part in special observing events for cosmic collisions and comet watching.

Sears Tower

Get a bird's eye view from the Sears Tower. At 1450 feet high, the Sears Tower is the third tallest building in the world. Up on the SkyDeck, you'll experience Chicago sightseeing at its best. Public telescopes can be rented for a sharper view. Wrapping around the SkyDeck, peep-hole exhibits have been specially designed at 'knee-height' to take kids on a journey through history and sports.

Museum Of Science & Industry

Finally, the Museum of Science & Industry is not only fun to visit but highly educational as well. Recently, the Museum added a life-sized Smart Home, which showcases the best environmentally friendly ideas for the home. Especially for kids, the Museum puts on Live Science demonstrations including a science theater show entitled Poop Happens (exploring the digestion process), and gives kids a chance to be a CSI for the day, learning about DNA and fingerprints.

If you do plan on visiting most, if not all, of these Chicago attractions, it would be worthwhile purchasing a Chicago City Pass for discounted entry into the attractions. Alternatively, if you're short on time, research Chicago tours online before you go.