Top Family-Friendly Travel Destinations to Explore from Chicago
Chicagoland offers some pretty incredible experiences for all ages. Whether you’re visiting for an extended stay or you’ve recently relocated to the area for good, Chicago delivers world-class museums, vibrant cultural attractions, and plenty of outdoor fun. Don’t get overwhelmed when it comes to planning day trips from Chicago. Just take some cues from this rundown of the top family destinations to explore from Chicago.
Discovering Top Family-Friendly Destinations Near Chicago for Memorable Getaways
Whether you want to stay close to the city or prefer to travel a few miles, the Chicago area offers tons of destinations that are fun for all ages. Of course, the attraction at the top of the list is the Lincoln Park Zoo. Spanning 35 acres, the world-famous zoo was founded all the way back in 1868. As a bonus for parents looking for affordable things to with kids in Chicago, the zoo
offers free admission. The zoo is also open 365 days a year. The population at the Lincoln Park Zoo includes African lions, African penguins, zebras, harbor seals, snow leopards, red wolves, and Chilean flamingos.
Another worthwhile attraction for families seeking wonder and awe near Chicago is the Shedd Aquarium. The aquarium’s 5 million gallons of water hold about 32,000 animals and marine species! Highlights include a beluga whale encounter, a shark exhibit, and a penguin habitat.
Planning a Stress-Free Road Trip with Kids: Tips for Auto Transport Chicago and Beyond
As a major urban hub, Chicago has some of the best public transportation in the country. However, riding around on Chicago’s L trains isn’t always convenient when traveling with kids. Don’t overestimate how easy it will be to get from attraction to attraction using public transport if you’re not familiar with the city.
Since there are many top attractions outside the city center, planning how your family will get around is important. This means deciding on whether to use an auto transport service to bring your own car or renting a car.
With so many amazing attractions within driving distance of Chicago and the rest of Cook County, it pays to have your own car to drive around in for day trips. Relying on a rental car instead of hiring a company for vehicle relocation for your own car could cost you. According to experts, Chicago is the most expensive major U.S. city for car rentals. If you’ve recently relocated to Chicago, make sure you utilize car movers offering auto transport Chicago to ensure you can start cruising with the family as soon as possible without breaking the bank.
Exploring Chicago’s Best Parks and Outdoor Activities for Families
The ultimate outdoor destination for families in Chicago is Navy Pier. From rides to miniature golf, Navy Pier offers fun on Lake Michigan’s shore. When you climb on the iconic Centennial Wheel, you’ll enjoy views of Chicago’s skyline and the crystalline waters of Lake Michigan. A day spent at Navy Pier should also include the Butterfly House, some fun souvenir shops, and burgers and shakes at one of the many family restaurants located close by. Other great parks offering a taste of nature in Chicago include:
● Millennium Park: Perched on the Lake Michigan waterfront, Millennium Park features gorgeous gardens, interactive fountains, skating rinks, rock climbing, green spaces, and the famed Cloud Gate statue.
● Northerly Island Park: The perfect spot for a family walk, Northerly Island Park is a 119-acre peninsula offer hiking, fishing, and exceptional skyline views of Chicago.
● Maggie Daley Park: This 20-acre park is a great place to grab skate or scooter rentals for the whole family.
For something a little more outdoorsy and out of the way, make the 38-mile drive to Indiana Dunes National Park to explore 16,000 acres and more than 50 miles of sand dunes, prairies, wetlands, and woodlands. In the same vein, Starved Rock State Park located 99 miles outside of Chicago offers an incredible setting for exploration of sandstone canyons and waterfalls along the Illinois River.
Educational and Interactive Museums in Chicago for Children and Parents
The first choice for a day of learning in the Windy City is always the Chicago Children’s Museum. Interactive exhibits like the Dinosaur Expedition, Story Hub, and Tinkering Lab are designed for babies, toddlers, preteens, and everyone in between. For something that appeals to slightly older kids, Chicago’s Museum of Science is the largest science museum in the entire Western Hemisphere. Highlights at the museum include a real U-505 submarine, the Henry Crown Space Center, Colleen Moore’s Fairy Castle, Extreme Ice, and Science Storms.
Seasonal Events and Festivals in Chicago Perfect for Family Adventures
Did you know that Chicago hosts some of the biggest cultural and music festivals in the country? Music lovers will undoubtedly already know that Lollapalooza is an annual four-day music festival that takes place in Chicago’s Grant Park every summer. Other big events taking place throughout the year include Taste of Chicago (September), the Chicago Blues Festival (June), the Chicago Air and Water Show (August), the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade (November), the Chicago Jazz Festival (Labor Day weekend), the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival (Saturday before Thanksgiving), and the Windy City Hot Dog Fest (June).
Start Adventuring in Chicago With Your Family
World-class attractions are just a drive away when you’re exploring the Chicago area. While members of your family may have different preferences when it comes to what to visit, the one thing everyone can agree on is that there’s nothing like traveling in the comfort and familiarity of your own car. Do your homework to choose an auto transport company offering seamless service, an experienced network of drivers, and top-notch customer reviews to ensure that nothing stands between you and the open road.
*This is a collaborative post
