A Guide to Chicago’s Bucket List for Families, Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is a popular weekend destination for families, but the city has more than enough things to do to fill a four-to-six day trip. And most of the city’s most popular tourist activities are exceptionally kid-friendly and fun for families.

Here is an itinerary of the most popular things to do on a Chicago vacation and tips for seeing them all with kids.

The Shedd is one of the best aquariums I’ve ever been to. If you have limited time this is the must-do kids activity. Weekdays bring school classes and families with small children; weekends and school breaks bring families and tourists. It’s always busy and I recommend an early start so you can leave when the crowds get too large.

I loved the Pacific Northwest part of the aquarium. As you walk in you feel like you’re heading deep into a Northwest pine forest.

The trail leads to the Oceanarium, home to Pacific sea creatures including adorable beluga whales, white-sided dolphins, sea lions and sea otters. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows make you feel like the aquarium is an extension of Lake Michigan outside.

The exhibit continues downstairs, where you can see the giant tanks from below. Also downstairs is the Polar Play Zone, with touch tanks and play activities for the 6-and-under set. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).