Ten Fun Activities Before Summer Ends!

Summer is speeding by, and we think this is the perfect time to share some of our favorite Chicago summer activities with you and your family! We’ve consulted our best local resources and have found ten unique hot spots that we think you'll find both entertaining and educational!

We know that summer is a busy time for all, but if you are looking for some new, great ideas to keep your kids entertained, check out the activities below to help spark your daily routine:

O’Leary’s Chicago Fire Truck Tours
Tour Chicago on an antique fire truck!
Tours board at the InterContinental Hotel on Michigan Avenue and run one hour. They include two firehouses and the Chicago Water Tower.

By Appointment Only - $10 for kids/seniors, $20 for adults
For more information call: 312.287.6565

InterContinental Hotel Chicago
505 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611


Portage Park Tot Pool
This is a free Chicago Park District Fun Spot!
It's zero gravity and has a variety of splashing and spraying gadgets. It’s a great and safe place for small, not yet swimming, children to the pool!

Website: www.chicagoparkdistrict.com

4100 N. Long Ave.
Chicago, IL 60641
773.685.7235


Sleuthing Thursdays
Pick up a free “hunt sheet” and search for the secret plants at the Garfield Park Conservatory.
When you’re finished the front desk will award you with a prize!

300 North Central Park Avenue
Chicago, IL 60624
773.638.1766 ext. 28


Chicago Loop Train Tours
The CTA & the Chicago Architecture Foundation offers building tours from the el train!
The tour is free and runs 40 minutes at 10am or 10:40am. Tickets are based on first come first serve the day of the tour at the Chicago Cultural Center.

Tours run: 5/5/2007 – 9/29/2007
All Ages welcome

77 East Randolph St.
Chicago, IL
312.744.2400


Pirate Dinner Cruise on Tall Ship Windy
This pirate cruise sails most Wednesdays and Saturdays this summer!
It runs an hour and a half and included a full three-course menu. There’s even a canon fire!
Be sure to check the website below for exact dates & additional information.

Price: $35 children under 12/ $45 adults

Website: www.tallshipwindy.com

600 East Grand Avenue
Chicago, IL
Navy Pier: 312.595.5555


Family Explorations in the Children’s Garden
Look for dinosaur bones, dig in the soil, or search for rare, secret plants!
In the Children’s Garden at Garfield Park Conservatory, activities change weekly. Entry is Free for all ages!

300 North Central Park Avenue
Chicago, IL 60624
773.638.1766 ext. 28


Green Scene Adventure Days
Live music, arts & crafts, animal activities and much more all for free at the Lincoln Park Zoo!
These jam-packed adventure days are happening on August 24th & 25th from 11am-3pm, be sure to stop by for some great, free entertainment!

Lincoln Park Zoo
Lake Shore Drive & Fullerton Parkway
Chicago, IL
312.742.2053


Wiggleworms’ Concerts in Millennium Park
Meet at the Family Fun Performance Stage to be entertained by one of the famous Old Town School of Folk Music’s Wiggleworms!
All summer long at 10am daily, Wiggleworms are wowing the crowds! Shows run from 6/5/2007 – 9/3/2007, and are free for all ages!

Millenium Park
201 East Randolph
Chicago, IL
312.742.1168


Chicago River and Kayak
Rent a kayak or canoe, and tour the Chicago River as a family!
Boats are available by the hour and day, or you can join a special guided tour. Lessons are also available. Visit the website below for more information.

Website: www.chicagoriverpaddle.com

Rentals and Launch Spot:
3400 North Rockwell
Chicago, IL 60618
773.704.2663


Bees at Work
There are seven working bee hives set up in the Demonstration Garden!
Activities and Workshops include: beekeeping, honey tasting, honey harvests, candle making, lip balm making, and more!
All products made are also available for purchase. Learn about the Bees on Saturdays from 9:30am-10am (weather permitting).
This is fun and free for the whole family!

Garfield Park Conservatory
300 North Central Park Avenue
Chicago, IL 60624
773.638.1766 ext. 28


We are dedicated to helping our families and nannies, and will continue to share all of our valuable resources with you in the future!
Enjoy the rest of the summer!