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Explore the mysteries of the skies and stars with your grandchild at Adler Planetarium. Located on the shore of Lake Michigan (and conveniently next to The Field Museum), it's a great way to spend the afternoon learning together. The Planetarium offers learning and entertainment for visitors of all ages, from The Zula Patrol (geared for the youngsters) to the Egyptian Nights Sky Theater Show. Perfect for the budding Galileo in your clan, it also offers a variety of interesting programs, like Family Week and Far Out Fridays.
Info: Chicago Resident Admission: ages 4-17 $5, 18-64 $8, 65 and older $6; Non-Chicago Resident Admission: ages 4-17 $6, 18-64 $10, 65 and older $8
Hours: daily 9:30am-4:30pm
Summer: daily 9:30am-6pm;
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Age: Child, Pre-teen, Teen
Museums & Exhibits
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Grandchildren swept away by this historically correct line of dolls, costumes, and accessories will be even further overwhelmed by the sheer volume of American Girl-related shopping, doll grooming, eating, and theater-going available at the American Girl Place. Have a proper tea party together in the café and check out the American Girl Revue, a show about girls’ contributions to American life over the past few centuries.
Info: Admission: varies by activity
Hours: Monday-Thursday 10am-7pm, Friday 10am-9 pm, Saturday 9am-9pm, Sunday 9am-7pm;
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Age: Toddler, Child
Shopping
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If your grandchildren know little else about American Indians than what they've seen in old westerns and television ads, a trip to this cultural center is definitely in order. The American Indian Center of Chicago strives to preserve cultural, traditional, and community bonds for native and non-native Americans through compelling art exhibits, workshops, and of course, authentic pow-wows. Visit the medicinal garden together and learn about the various healing herbs and plants native Americans had been using long before there were pharmacies.
Info: Admission: free
Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm;
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Age: Child, Pre-teen, Teen
Museums & Exhibits
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Ann Sather
929 West Belmont Avenue
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 348-2378
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Lovers of sticky buns, take warning! Chicago's Swedish cuisine restaurant Ann Sather has a requisitely delicious menu of Swedish waffles with lingonberries and whatnot, but remember to save room for their infamous cinamon rolls. Lord have mercy! Delicious and gooey just begins to describe the treats here. Though they're open for lunch, breakfast is the real meal at chez Sather, so get ready for some meatballs and potato pancakes, not to mention full tummies upon exit.
Info: Parking: free
Hours: Monday-Friday 7am-3pm, Saturday-Sunday 7am-4pm;
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Age: Toddler, Child, Pre-teen, Teen
Kid Friendly Eats
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The aptly named That's Weird, Grandma is a great show to take your grandchildren to see. The show is the product of the Barrel of Monkeys team teaching creative writing to Chicago public school students, then adapting the writing into a critically acclaimed assortment of scenes and songs. The result is a barrel of laughs, and the entire show is safe for all ages.
Info: Admission: ages 15 and older $10, 15 and younger $5
Hours: Monday 8pm;
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Age: Child, Pre-teen, Teen
Live Performances
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You and your grandchildren can step into 19th century farm life on the grounds of this "living museum." There are loads of demonstrations in weaving, blacksmithing, sewing, and pottery to inform, entertain and make your grandkids appreciate the modern conveniences of life. Diversions like carousels, hayrides, and trainrides are available, and when you're ready to just kickback and nosh in the shade, the picnic grove is the perfect spot.
Info: Admission: ages 2-12 and 55 and older residents $3.75, non-residents $6; ages 13-54 residents $4.25, non-residents $7
Hours: (May-Labor Day) Monday-Friday 9:30am-3:30pm, Saturday-Sunday and holidays 11am-5pm;
Seasons: Spring, Summer
Age: Toddler, Child, Pre-teen, Teen
Attractions & Landmarks
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Exploring any city by bike offers a fun and different perspective on otherwise mundane surroundings, so even better to be in Chicago and bask in its unique lakeside views and architectural diversity. When the weather is warm you and your grandchildren can join any number of Bobby’s Bike Hikes, a fun bicycle tour of the city given by knowledgable, unimposing, and friendly guides. The rides are tailored to suit families of all ages and fitness levels, and they’re comfortingly serious about bicycle safety.
Info: Price: varies by tour
Hours: Tours and hours vary;
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall
Age: Child, Pre-teen, Teen
Outdoor Fun
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A king among zoos, The Brookfield Zoo can easily make for a full day of fun for you and your grandchildren. It has all the animal exhibits you could think of, a stunning dolphin show at Seven Seas, interactive courses your children can participate in privately (like feeding Humboldt penguins) and extensive activities for children that fall under the Explore! A Child's Nature Program. There is not a child in the world who wouldn't pass out cold (with a smile on his face) after leaving Brookfield Zoo.
Info: Admission: ages 12-64 $11, 65 and older and 3-11 $7, 2 and younger and members free
Hours: Winter: 10pm-5pm
Summer: 9:30am-6pm;
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Age: Toddler, Child, Pre-teen, Teen
Animals & Nature
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A wellness hub for the toddler set, Bubbles Academy offers art, yoga, and creative movement classes for baby, toddler, and early walking grandchildren. The approach is simple: a bright, inspirational environment to foster the creative and developmental growth of young kids with their caretakers in tow. Stretch and breathe with your grandchild as you're guided by a member of the expert faculty, and feel free to bring along older grandchildren as well; there is a viewing room and play area from which they can watch their younger siblings and play on their own.
Info: Admission: varies by class
Hours: Open Classes: Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday;
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Age: Toddler, Child
Classes & Workshops
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With giant seahorses, an amazing water display every hour, and major lights and music at night, Buckingham Fountain is one of those local landmarks that grandchildren shouldn't miss. In the warm months, you and your grandchildren can kick back on the surrounding greenery of Grant Park and wait for the next show to begin. Sit close and you might catch some secondhand mist, always a nice thing when it's hot outside.
Hours: (April-October) daily 8am-11pm;
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall
Age: Toddler, Child, Pre-teen, Teen
Outdoor Fun
