Chicago has plenty to offer for anyone, no matter if you're planning a weekend getaway or a day trip. There are plenty of free and low-cost attractions to keep everyone entertained. Chicago has something for everyone.
For something completely different, you can try one the city's professional Scavenger Hunts. These games combine sightseeing and interaction, sending players on an exciting citywide adventure. You can even tailor your hunt to include specific activities and areas. For instance, you could visit the city's most popular museums, parks, and churches. You can have fun while exploring Chicago with the games
Hard Rock Cafe can be found in Chicago's River North. This is a great place where to eat and barhop. Another option is to get a relaxing massage at one the many spas. It is also a great venue to catch live entertainment.
The WNDR Museum offers free exhibits to children 12 years old and younger, including Facing Freedom and the Great Chicago Fire. The museum's oldest train carriage is available for free. The WNDR also offers free tours on the Great Chicago Fire.
Another great place for kids to have fun is the Chicago Children's Museum. The museum's three floors include Michael's Museum, Tinkering Lab and Treehouse Trails. In addition to the many exhibits, the museum has a playground, WaterWays, and an enchanted forest. Replicas of Swedish farmhouses from the 1800s are also available, as is a 20-foot immigrant steamship. There are over 100 torture and gruesome tools in the museum.
A visit to the Lego Discovery Center can be enjoyed by children. It's fun to make building sections and the gift shop has toys and gifts for children. A 4D cinema and many other attractions are available.
You can find a family-friendly holiday light show in Chicago if you are looking for something. In winter, the park is lit up with lights and you can even go ice-skating there. The annual tree lighting ceremony takes place in downtown Chicago. You will also find many free concerts in downtown Chicago during the season.
You can also check out the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, which is usually hosting free performances. The architecture of the building is breathtaking. Tommy Gun's Garage is a great place to spend a night out. You'll get to enjoy a night of history and glamour. You can also enjoy the annual Hyde Park Art Center fundraising party, which features a cocktail hour as well as a live DJ. It also features an afterparty with open studios.
Check out the Chicago Tourist guide for more suggestions on things to do in Chicago during weekend.
FAQ
What are five outdoor activities great for families?
Whether an outdoorsman or a city dweller, there are plenty of fun ways to spend time together outdoors. There are many options available for bonding with family members and exploring the natural world, including camping, fishing, and hiking.
Here are our top picks in outdoor activities for kids of all ages.
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Hiking – Explore state parks and trails nearby. Make sure to bring snacks and water along for the trip. You can use binoculars to identify wildlife while you walk. If you plan to stay overnight, pack tents and sleeping bags to keep everyone warm.
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Camping - Camping allows you to experience nature from the comfort of your own home. Choose a campsite close to shops and restaurants so you can pack light. For nighttime adventures, bring blankets, pillows and flashlights.
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Fishing – Fishing can be enjoyed by both adults as well as children. Children love to catch fish and learn how to bait the hook. Adults also enjoy sitting back and watching their kids catch dinner. You can fish for catfish, bass, and trout in a stream, lake, or pond.
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Kayaking is a great way to get a fresh perspective on nature. Explore rivers or lakes with kayaks instead of boats. During your excursion, keep an eye out to see if there are any birds, turtles or whales.
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Bird watching is a popular hobby in America. It's easy enough to see why. You don't need much equipment and it provides hours of entertainment. To visit a national park or bird sanctuary near you, click here. Enjoy looking for hawks, eagles or other feathered friends.
Which 5 outdoor activities are best for children?
Outside activities are endless, regardless of whether you live in the city or the suburbs. These are five of the most enjoyable activities that we believe every child should experience at least once.
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Go to the Zoo - Zoos are wonderful places for quality family time. Going to a Zoo allows you to be close to the animals. It's also an excellent opportunity to teach your children about conservation. Many zoos offer educational programs that will help visitors learn about endangered species. You can find more information online or by calling ahead to ask about events and classes offered at your local zoo.
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Visit a nature center - These wonderful places are perfect for learning about the natural world. There are usually interactive displays, exhibits, and many hands-on opportunities. All the cool things they can do with will be a surprise to your kids! Plus, visiting a nature center is a great excuse to take a hike through nearby parks or forests.
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Take your kids on a bicycle ride. Your kids will love riding bikes as much or more than you did growing up. Biking is not only good exercise. It's also great for getting to know your neighbors and discovering hidden gems.
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Play a Sport Game - These games are not just for children who grew up with them. Sports games still entertain people of all ages. Finding the right game for your group is key. Families can spend quality time together by playing basketball, soccer, hockey and baseball.
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You can watch a movie under the stars if you have a large backyard. All you need is a lawn chair or blanket, a picnic hamper with food and beverages, and perhaps even a grill. It's so relaxing to be outside under the stars! Grab your blankets and get out there.
What outdoor activities are the most enjoyable for children aged 8-10?
The best outdoor activity for an eight-to-ten-year-old kid is probably riding his bike. He will be happy to have his independence and freedom on two-wheels. If you live near a park, lake, or playground, consider taking him there. You can even take your child there if you have a helmet or protective gear.
There is nothing more exciting than feeling the wind in you hair while racing down a hill. Sharing a bicycle with other children is a great way to give them something to do. Cycling allows children to make friends and bonds with others, which is something that can be difficult for many kids who feel isolated when they are playing sports by themselves.
When kids ride bicycles, they learn many important lessons. They learn to control their speed and balance. They also find time to exercise and burn calories without even realizing it. Bike riding helps them to stay healthy and active.
It is very easy to maintain a bicycle. There's nothing complicated about fixing a flat tire or replacing a chain. Bikes require little maintenance. Kids are more likely to have fun with their bikes than worry about maintaining their brakes or inflating their tires properly.
Bicycles cost less than cars. A typical bike will cost between $25-$200. You can afford to buy multiple bikes for your family, and everyone will enjoy the joys of bicycling.
Your kids can ride their bikes to the park, beach, playground, or trail. These places will provide hours of enjoyment for you all, and you won’t have to worry about storing your bike after you get back.
Bicycles are versatile. Bicycles can be used outdoors or indoors. You can use them to explore new places or make friends. You can even use bicycles to get around in areas that prohibit motorized vehicles such as New York City.
What activities are possible for parents and their children?
It might seem like there's not much that parents can do with their children today. You'd be wrong to think that there isn't much for parents to do with their kids these days.
Children can learn valuable lessons from their parents while still having fun. You could, for example, explain to your child that throwing a football is an important skill and helps with coordination.
You can also show him how you balance your bike without using training wheels if he really wants to.
There are endless ways to help your child develop skills and make memories together. Do not worry if your kids don't know what you should do. Start doing things together, and you'll be amazed at the results.
Statistics
- A 2020 National Recreation and Park Association survey found that about 82 percent of people in the U.S. consider parks and recreation “essential.” (wilderness.org)
- The U.S. outdoor recreation economy supports about 5.2 million jobs, generates nearly $788 billion in consumer spending, and accounts for 2.1 percent of GDP. (wilderness.org)
- According to the Outdoor Foundation, about half the U.S. population participated in outdoor recreation at least once in 2018, including hunting, hiking, camping, fishing, and canoeing among many more outdoor activities. (activeoutdoors.info)
- Later in life, they are also more likely to result in delinquency and oppositional behavior, worse parent-child relationships, mental health issues, and domestic violence victims or abusers10. (parentingforbrain.com)
- Remember, he's about 90% hormones right now. (medium.com)
External Links
How To
What is the difference of a swing versus a slide
A swing is an enclosed structure of wood or metal. A slide is a piece of equipment that lets you slide down a slope. Both slides and swings are indoor or outdoor-friendly.
Swinging can be a great exercise as it strengthens core areas like your back, abdomen, and stomach. It's fun to slide because you have the chance to feel lighter.
There are important differences between slides and swings.
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Although swings can be more expensive than slides for the same reason, slides are generally safer. They usually come equipped with safety features such as brakes and rails.
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Swings are portable while slides need to be permanently installed.
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Swings have more space than slide's.
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Swings are suitable for indoor and outdoor use. But slides can only be used outdoors.
You should be cautious about where you place your slide. It's important to make sure that the slide is properly anchored and doesn't fall.
Keep in mind that slides can be dangerous for children under five years old. If you are planning to gift one to your child, make sure to check with the local authorities before purchasing it.