Chicago Family Vacations

For families, Chicago's charm is obvious. The mix of lush parks, Lake Michigan, slick skyscrapers and world-class cultural offerings makes it an all-ages playground for just about any demographic. Rabid sports fans are just as comfortable here as arty types, who would rather be at the opera or a gallery opening than a ball field. Italian beef and hot dogs make for fast, no-fuss meals; but if your family prefers you can also splurge on multi-course offerings made by some of the best-known chefs in the world. You can take the wee ones to grassroots children's theater productions, or treat your teen to a matinee performance of the latest blockbuster musical bound for Broadway. You can pull out the plastic at swank stores or haggle for bargains in the city’s many ethnic shopping enclaves. Chicago is a proudly down-to-earth, Midwestern city that still easily rivals the global greats when it comes to culture and sophistication. That said, a trip here will cost you: Expect hotel prices akin to other big U.S. cities, and a sales tax that's even worse, at a whopping 10.75 percent.

Chicago wasn't always this cosmopolitan - its name comes from a Potawatomi Indian word meaning "wild onion" or "skunk." When Indians first arrived, the future home of America's third-largest city was a patch of rotting marshland onions. The nickname "Windy City" was given to Chicago by New York Sun editor Charles Dana in 1893. He was tired of listening to long-winded local politicians.

Of course, Chicago's schizoid weather can be a factor in deciding what to do with the little darlings. Summertime is a cinch: You can head for the lakefront where they can build sandcastles, take a dip in the water or pedal down the bike path. You can visit the city's newest gem, Millennium Park to let the kids splash around in the fountains and climb around the sculpture locals affectionately call "The Bean." And there's Navy Pier with fun for all ages with a Ferris wheel, the Chicago Children's Museum, an IMAX movie theater, and boats offering lake cruises. The city also boasts more than 500 parks, with pools and batting cages and all manner of playgrounds.