Chicago has plenty of parking downtown, which makes it easy to plan a day trip and explore the city. From shopping along the famous Magnificent Mile, enjoying the city view from the Sears Tower, and experiencing the many museums, there's something for everyone in Chicago if you leave the car in city parking and take a walking tour downtown.



Find City Parking And Walk Along The Magnificent Mile

If you're looking to stimulate the American economy, find a spot to park downtown and enjoy the shops along the Magnificent Mile. The Mile is located along North Michigan Avenue and features over 460 different retail shops. You'll find clothing and furniture to everything in between with merchandise that fits into nearly everyone's wallet. You'll find stores like the Gap and Crate and Barrel and specialty boutiques like Burberry and Louis Vuitton. Since parking downtown is nearby, you won't have to worry about carrying your purchases all along the Mile.

Enjoying The View From The Sears Tower

At 110 stories high and 1,450 feet, the Sears Tower is the tallest building in the United States. If your feet hurt from walking all over the Magnificent Mile, head across the street and take in the view from the Tower's Skydeck. On a clear day, you'll be able to look out over Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin, all from the best view in Chicago. The Skydeck even offers special cut out windows at a children's eye level all around the deck so the entire family will be able to easily enjoy the view.

Ticket prices vary from $9.50 for children to $12.95 for adults. They can be purchased ahead of time online or on the day of your visit at the ticket window.

Take In The Many Chicago Museums

Chicago offers quite a few different museums. The Museum of Contemporary Art offers many different permanent and temporary modern art exhibits so the museum always has something new to offer, even if you've visited before. It is just a block from the Magnificent Mile and is located on East Chicago Avenue. The museum is closed to visitors on Mondays, and admission prices vary, though admission is free on Tuesdays. If you remember your ticket from the city parking garage, the museum will even validate it so you can get a discount on parking fees.

If you'd rather spend the day learning about science than modern art, find the Museum of Science and Industry. The museum is in the Hyde Park neighborhood and you'll find plenty of nearby parking downtown. You'll find many different exhibits on transportation methods, genetics, the Earth, and farming. The Museum of Science and Industry is open every day of the year, except Christmas and admission fees vary from $9 for children to $13 for adults.

It's easy to find fun, family activities all within walking distance of Chicago, Illinois, parking downtown. You'll find museums, shopping and the famous view from the Sears Tower if you leave the car in city parking and let your feet do the exploring.