WEEKEND in CHICAGO

           CHICAGO, the Windy City, this is my home sweet home! I guess it's just right to start bragging about my own city. It's summer and there are lots of awesome and affordable family things to do in here. A weekend getaway will be nice, there's plenty of outdoor activities to do. Even better if you have few extra days to visit the other cool places in the suburbs.

 DAY 1:

Nice view of the Willis Tower (former Sears Tower) and John Hancock Building

       >  First stop, go to the Solidarity Drive between Adler Planetarium and Shedd Aquarium to take a picture the best view of the Chicago Skyline. Usually you can find a parking on the street and pay a small fee if you don't plan to go to the museums. You may also check out the free days in the museums and event calendars at choosechicago.com.

     > Next, go to the Millenium Park to see the CLOUD GATE (famous Chicago Bean Sculpture),  JAY PRITZER PAVILION (picture below) and LURIE GARDEN. You can bring your picnic blanket and snacks to relax on the grassy areas of the park if you don't want to spend $$ for food.  Keep walking and cross the bridge until you reach the Maggie Daley Park (http://maggiedaleypark.com/) where kids can spend hours of playing. This is newish and I've never been here. Something to check out when we go there next time.

This handsome guy, by the way, is my younger brother!

> Have you had enough walking yet? If not, head to Grant Park to see more sculptures and the astounding Buckingham Fountain.

 

                                                                                                      

> And because you're heading back to your parking lot, last stop for the day, CROWN FOUNTAIN. Don't forget to bring your kid's swimsuit and towel. I usually recommend this last because it's so hard to get the kids to stop playing in the water.

DAY 2:

     > Today you can go to NAVY PIER. After you park, go inside and head towards the front of the pier to go to the Chicago Children's Museum. Check out their website: chicagochildrensmuseum.org for hours and admissions.  FYI, Every first Sunday of the month is free admission for kids 15 and under. There's so many hands-on activities for kids and parents too! After that, you can go to the Crystal Gardens across the museum to walk around or check if there's exhibits or events.

   

    > Once you go out the Navy Pier's front yard, you will see the Polk Bros Park where kids can play. There's water fountain there too so bring towel and change of clothes just in case they want to play.

    > Next, head towards the right side of Navy Pier where you can walk along lake Michigan and see some more architectural designs. There's also bands playing sometimes so you can just buy your ice cream or churros to hang out and watch.

    > I recommend riding the Ferris Wheel for an awesome view of Chicago. There are also other rides such as Wave Swingers, Carousel, Light Tower Ride, and there's Miniature Golf as well. Check out https://navypier.com/ferris-wheel-rides/# for prices.

     > If you feel like spending a few more bucks, try the sightseeing boats that cruise along Lake Michigan. There's so many to choose from. Just go to navypier.com and check for cruises.

     > Last, but not the least, if you feel like doing some exercise, rent a bike or quadcycle and stroll along Lakeshore Drive. You can bike all the way from Navy Pier to North Avenue Beach or back to the pier and keep going up to Museum Campus, totally depends on how many calories you want to burn.

     > Do you still have energy? Drive along Michican Avenue's MAGNIFICENT MILE  or walk around to do some (window) shopping. Check out themagnificentmile.com for list of high end stores in the area including the American Girl Doll Shop. Don't forget to take pictures of the John Hancock Center, Water Tower Place, and the Tribune Tower.

   

EXTRA DAYS:

    >  If you have an extra day in Chicago, I will recommend going to LINCOLN PARK ZOO (lpzoo.org). This park is free and you can spend at least half a day in there. Outside of the zoo is the Lincoln Park Conservatory where you can find different plants from all over the world. Admission is free as well.

    > Are you feeling hot? After the zoo, go to NORTH AVENUE BEACH. It is open from May to September from 11am-7pm. Admission is free but parking is not. So if you plan to do both the zoo and the beach, try to look for a parking in between so it's not too far to walk and you don't have to pay for parking twice.

 

OTHER TIPS:

     > When you're in Chicago, make sure to try our Chicago deep dish pizza either from Lou Malnati, Giordano, Gino, Home Run Inn or Uno's Pizza. Also try our Italian beef and Chicago hotdog from Portillos Restaurant. The chocolate cake there is to die for and it's my favorite! And don't forget to bring home some Garrett Popcorns from Navy Pier or Michigan Avenue.

     > Parking is expensive so check out parkwhiz.com or spothero.com to find cheaper parking spots.

     > For all other deals in Chicago such as hotels and discounts on things to do, check groupon.com or livingsocial.com

 
If you're my families and friends and you decide to have a vacation in Chicago, just email or text me. You guys are more than welcome to visit and stay in our casa.

HAVE FUN AND ENJOY CHICAGO!

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