Located along Lake Michigan in Illinois, Chicago is among the largest cities in the U.S. Famed for its bold architecture, Chicago has a skyline punctuated by skyscrapers such as the iconic John Hancock Center, 1,451-ft., Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower), and the neo-Gothic Tribune Tower. The city is also renowned for its museums like the Art Institute of Chicago, with its noted Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works, and The Field Museum, a renowned natural history museum.

Chicago’s signature green space, Millennium Park, is home to the reflective sculpture “Cloud Gate.” The Cubs professional baseball team draws crowds to the famous Wrigley Field. The Magnificent Mile, a 13-block stretch of North Michigan Avenue, offers upscale shopping to residents and tourists alike. To the north, the leafy Gold Coast district has trails along the lake that provide a relaxing and spiritual retreat from the grind of the “windy city.” The food scene includes trendy restaurants and casual spots offering local specialties like deep-dish pizzas and relish-topped hot dogs. Chicago also hosts two influential arts groups, the Steppenwolf theater company and Second City improv troupe.

When To Visit

Chicago’s peak season runs from June through August. Popular events throughout the year include St. Patrick’s Day, when the river is tinted green, the Pride Parade held in June, the Taste of Chicago culinary festival held in July, and the Jazz Festival, which is held every year in the month of September. During the holiday season, the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and Christkindlmarket, a German Christmas market in Daley Plaza, draw crowds from all over the United States to the city of Chicago to partake in holiday cheer.

Family Vacations & Holidays

Chicago offers families so many kid-friendly activities we have to recommend as one of the best family vacation ideas to market on your vacation calendar.

If you have visited, you know Chicago offers amazing luxury accommodations. You will find the right hotel for your children. Luxury and boutique hotels offer a ton of kid-friendly activities to keep the fun going: like video games, playrooms, bike rentals, kid-friendly city tours, indoor and outdoor pools to enjoy year round. Kids will have the hotel concierge service at their disposal.
Visit Chicago after all is one of the best family vacations ideas for leisure and adventure travelers.