Now that the kiddos are out of school, it’s time to start thinking of cool things for them to do during summer break. When it comes to exciting attractions and activities, Chicago is the ultimate playground for children of all ages. The city is a fantastic place for families to spend quality time, whether they’re exploring museums, running around outside, or eating at fun restaurants. Parents, if you need inspiration, check out these amazing options to discover together.

Time to Learn Something New

Even if the little ones are on vacation, there are still plenty of opportunities to stimulate their minds. Downtown Chicago is a good place to start. Set along Lake Michigan and part of the Museum Campus in Grant Park, the Adler Planetarium is out of this world. The planetarium happens to be the first of its kind in America, and continues to appeal to lovers of the universe thanks to fascinating exhibits such as “Mission Moon,” which follows the United States’ first steps into space through the eyes of James A. Lovell, Jr., NASA Captain and former astronaut who commanded the Apollo 13.

Nearby, Shedd Aquarium, one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world, leaves visitors in awe with incredible animal encounters including beluga whales and Pacific white-sided dolphins at the Abbott Oceanarium, and 100 species of reef fish from around the world as part of the “Underwater Beauty” exhibit. A short stroll away, The Field Museum wows with the Griffin Halls of Evolving Planet, where hands-on interactive activities and larger than life dinosaur fossils including SUE, the T. Rex await.

Time to Get Outside

Kids can enjoy an extended recess all over Chicago. Navy Pier doesn’t disappoint with rides, shops, restaurants, and attractions that appeal to the young at heart. Pier Park is where you’ll find awesome rides including the Carousel, Centennial Wheel, the Pepsi Wave Swinger, and the Light Tower as well as carnival games and sweet treats. Maggie Daley Park offers activities galore with a massive climbing wall, the Out of Site interactive, public artwork that looks a lot like hopscotch, and the Play Garden featuring whimsical spaces including The Sea featuring a custom-built ship adorned with ladders and nets, and the animal-themed Watering Hole, ideal for children ages two to five.

Time to Eat

All that exploring is bound to make the gang hungry. Chicago has a nice choice of family-friendly restaurants to grab a bite. After a fun morning at The Escape Game, Secret agents in training love going to SafeHouse Chicago, a spy-themed establishment complete with hidden passageways, gadgets, covert missions and other surprises. As for the food, the Kids Menu offers the Jr. Spy Burger, Undercover Mac & Cheese, among other dishes. Across the street from the Lincoln Park Zoo, R.J. Grunts is a family-friendly spot that caters to kids with adorable meals on cafeteria-style trays and scrumptious milkshakes.  

Seeing the sights should never cause anyone financial grief. Fortunately, travelers will be glad to know that Chicago is a pretty affordable place when it comes to awesome things to do and places to see. So here’s the low-down on how to experience the city for a fraction of the cost, or in some instances, for free. Get ready to get the most bang for your buck!

Going All In: CityPASS and the Go Chicago Card

If you want to see as much as possible, the Chicago CityPASS is totally worth it. Why? Well, for starters, it offers access to the most popular attractions at significant savings of up to 50 percent off on admission. All anyone has to do to take advantage of this deal is purchase the ticket booklets online or at any of the Chicago attractions.

Next, simply check out all the exciting options and start figuring out which ones you want to explore at your convenience over a nine-day period. Present the CityPASS tickets to each attraction and you’re all set. Plus, whenever someone shows CityPASS, they enjoy expedited entry. Sweet!

Now for the main attractions—Chicago CityPASS includes admission to five must-visit spots: the Shedd Aquarium, Skydeck Chicago, the Field Museum, Adler Planetarium OR the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Museum of Science and Industry OR the 360 Chicago Observation Deck.

Similar in concept, the Chicago Go Card offers access to multiple attractions for one low price. From bus tours to cruises and more, there are 29 options that people can experience during however many number of days their purchased on the card. Great choices include all the CiyPASS attractions plus the Hop On Hop Off Big Bus Chicago, the Shoreline Architecture River Cruise, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Chicago Theater Tour and many more.

Free, Free, Free

Did someone say free? Yes, it’s true. It’s possible to pack in a full Chicago itinerary without spending a dime. Let’s have a look at the places where you’ll never need your wallet.

Lincoln Park Zoo is where animal lovers go wild. Along with being totally gratis 365 days a year, this place is home to all sorts of captivating creatures from African penguins to Chilean flamingos, chimpanzees, and other fascinating residents. Daily activities such as Seal Training Feeding and Snow Monkey Science and fun exhibits including Penguin Cove and Macaque Forest always keep it interesting.

History buffs head to the Chicago Cultural Center to learn something new. The best part is that there is a free 45-minute building tour on select days during the week. Spanning Washington and Randolph Streets, the Chicago landmark building has the distinction of being on the National Register of Historic Places and for being home to the world’s largest Tiffany dome.

Gorgeous greenery is on view at the Garfield Park Conservatory. Here, visitors will encounter tranquil gardens and displays of thousands of exotic plants across its 14 acres.

Those are just a few of the affordable and absolutely free things to check out throughout Chicago. Now just imagine what else you can do around the city with all of those savings—enjoy a decadent dinner, go shopping along the Magnificent Mile or maybe see a show downtown at the Theatre District.

June through late September is a fine time to be in Chicago—since summer offers all sorts of exciting escapades. Breezy beaches, events outdoors, refreshing cocktails on rooftops, dining alfresco, and relaxing city tours, definitely keep locals and visitors on the move. So whether you’re traveling from afar or treating yourself to a staycation, here are five things to do this season. Just don’t forget the sunscreen!

Hit the Beach.

While Chicago may not be the first destination that comes to mind when talking about sun, sand, and surf, to many people’s surprise, the city is home to quite a few lakeside beaches. So dip your toe in the water, play a friendly round of volleyball or work on your tan. Whatever you want to do, there’s a beach for you. Try North Avenue Beach in Lincoln Park or the less busy Oak Street Beach near the Gold Coast and Streeterville neighborhoods.

Hear Tunes at an Outdoor Music Festival.

Chicago is festival central during the warmer months, so be sure to keep these upcoming events on the radar. Music fans will certainly be in their element at Pitchfork Music Festival July 19-21, 2019 in Union Park as well as at the headliner of all headliners Lollapaloozahappening at historic Grant Park August 1-4, 2019. Other happenings not to miss include the free Millennium Park Music Series and Grant Park Music Festival, to name a few.

Raise Your Glass on a Rooftop.

The city is known for its soaring skyline and killer views, and what better way to enjoy them than from a lively rooftop bar. Hot spots around town include Devereaux on the 18th floor of the Viceroy Hotel and Cindy’s perched 13 stories overlooking Millennium Park atop the Chicago Athletic Association.

Enjoy a Meal Alfresco.

Sunny days are here and everyone is all about the fresh air, food, and drinks. When in the mood to eat outside, head to Parson’s Chicken and Fish in the Logan Square and Lincoln Park neighborhoods to get comfy under the umbrellas as you dine on Southern and South American cuisine. Boasting a hipster vibe circa the fifties and sixties, Beatnik on the River on N. Wacker offers an eclectic menu of dishes from around the world, not to mention a gorgeous terrace featuring prime waterfront views of the Chicago River.

Take a Tour.

Summer is the best time of year to see the sites thanks to the pleasant weather. There is an experience for everyone, whether you’re into history, architecture, movies, and more. Walking Tours are run by many different Tour Companies. Inside Chicago offers the chance to explore the city inside and out with interesting excursions such as “The World Within: Inside the Dazzling Interiors of the Loop” and “Chicago After Dark: Secret Gardens, Live Music and Fireworks.” Cinema lovers should sign up for the Chicago Film Tour, which offers the chance to see locations from North by Northwest, My Best Friend’s Wedding and more, as well as learn fun facts along the way. If you want the open air experience without the walking try out a Big Bus Double Decker Bus Tour

When it comes to the dining scene in Chicago, certain foods and spots just stand out. Maybe the Michelin three-star molecular gastronomy darling Alinea comes to mind, but the reality is that deep-dish pizza and hot dogs also get rave reviews on the regular—and with good reason. Here’s a look at where to get a taste of the two staples that have become very much part of the city’s cultural fabric.

Cheesy Goodness

No offense to thin crust pies, but deep-dish pizza dominates this town. In fact, loyalists say the thicker the better. The Chicago-style creation has a rich history and was invented at the original Pizzeria Uno location back in 1943. However, in case you’re not sure of what exactly makes deep-dish different from any other kind of pizza, here’s a little primer. Along with the obvious thick, two- to three-inch crust, the actual construction strays from the standard with deep-dish pizza layered first with cheese, meat, vegetables and sauce going on last. Next, it’s baked to perfection, and ready to get in your belly. Food lovers who want to explore their taste buds as well different neighborhoods have plenty of guided options. Chicago Pizza Tours offers The Big Shoulders Tours, a fun three-hour experience that makes stops around The Loop, River North, Streeterville, and The Magnificent Mile to compare and contrast Stuffed, Sicilian, Deep-Dish, and Pan pizza from Bella Bacino and Dough Bros, among others. For a little lesson on the city’s past, consider the Chicago Food and History Tour by Tastebud Tours. This fascinating excursion includes a stop to Pizano’s Pizza and a chance to see famous sites in the Downtown Loop area. 

Hot Dog Like No Other

In this city, a quintessential thing to do is to head out to Wrigley Field to enjoy two iconic institutions: the Chicago Cubs and a Chicago-style hot dog. The latter is not a measly old frankfurter in a boring bun either. Au contraire. Instead, the midwest version is all beef in a natural casing served in poppy seed bun and topped with very specific ingredients: yellow mustard, green relish, chopped onions, tomato wedges, pickle spears, sport peppers, and a pinch of celery salt—no ketchup, not even a small drop. Curious about how the Chicago-style hot dog came to be? Well, in leaner times, hot dogs proved to be a convenient, cheap, and satisfying staple, but really caught people’s attention after two immigrants sold them from a street stand during the Columbian Exposition. Eventually, local vendors got around to putting their own flavorful spin on them, but only one version would remain the top choice until this day. The enticing Best in Chow Food Tour by Chicago Food Planet takes groups to River North and Streeterville to try the famous Chicago-style hot dog at Portillo’s, originally founded as a hot dog stand in 1963 by two brothers and has since grown into a casual restaurant chain. There are more exclusive Chicago eats to try during this three-hour experience including deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati’s, the Italian beef sandwich at Al’s Beef, Garrett Popcorn made where else but Chicago, and the scrumptious Chicago-created brownie at Copper Fox. Bobby’s Bike Hike Chicago offers the Chicago Favorites Walking & Food Tour which includes stops to beloved food establishments as well as the chance to see landmarks including Cloud Gate, aka “The Bean” in Millennium Park and the State Street Historic District, along with other popular points of interest.

There is much to discover in Chicago food land. Whether you’re into deep-dish pizza or hot dogs, there is no shortage of tasty bites around town. Oh, and be sure to mark your calendar for the Chicago Hot Dog Fest  August 9-11, 2019 in Lincoln Park presented by the Chicago History Museum, which is steps away. 

Make your way over to the most visited cultural destination in the Midwest. Whether it’s your first or 15th time, there’s always something new going on at Navy Pier any time of the year. Since opening in 1916, the popular attraction overlooking Lake Michigan continues to attract tons of visitors—9 million a year and growing—drawn to the eclectic experiences ranging from fun rides to exciting theater, dining, and thrilling tours on the water.

Amusements for All

One attraction that stands out as quintessential Chicago is the iconic Centennial Wheel which offers a bird’s eye view of the marvelous skyline. When it comes to rides and games for the entire family Pier Park is the place where you’ll find the Pepsi Wave Swinger, classic Carousel, Climbing Walls and Virtual Rush: Chicago, among others. Be sure to get your tickets and have a blast!

Arts and Entertainment

As for culture, Navy Pier features fine productions and programming at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. Along with classic works by William Shakespeare, the company presents contemporary plays and family programming.

Families are also welcome at the Chicago Children’s Museum, the ultimate paradise for learning and play. Highlights include the Tinkering Lab, Dinosaur Exhibition and the Pritzker Playspace where kids are encouraged to interact with everything they encounter.

Meanwhile, grown ups head to the Miller Lite Beer Garden for cold drinks and free live music performances from May through October.

Terrific Tours

Navy Pier is also a starting point for several tours, all of which are a fantastic way to take in vibrant Chicago. Depending on whether you want to be on the water or not, there’s an option for everyone such as the Sea Dog River and Lake Architectural Tour which travels through the historic Chicago Locks and up the Chicago River and features views of famous buildings including the Tribune Building and Lyric Opera. There’s also Big Bus Chicago, Bike & Roll Chicago and for the super adventurous, Vertiport Helicopter Tours. 

Happening Events

On any given season, chances are there is a big event going on at Navy Pier. Summertime is all about the fireworks, and that’s not just for Fourth of July! Fabulous colors illuminate the Chicago sky during the biweekly Aon Summer Fireworks shows which take place on Wednesdays and Saturdays from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Film fans have Water Flicks, a free outdoor movie series at Polk Park, a free outdoor movie series from late June through early August. There’s also the Chi-Soul Fest and Make Music Chicago as well as public programs that get people moving like Stroller Grooves and Rush Hour Workouts where all are welcome.

So what are you looking forward to doing most the next time you visit Navy Pier?