Navy Pier. There is always something going on a Navy Pier during the warmer weather. There is often live music and street performance. There are rides to be had including a Ferris wheel and a carousel. There is miniature golf and bike, skate and Segway tours. There is the Children’s Museum of Chicago and a multitude of boat trips. There are often firework displays and there are various gift shops and places to eat. I have to confess that I am not a major fan of Navy Pier but it is one of the most visited attractions in the Midwest so I am definitely in the minority and children love it. http://www.navypier.com/

The Willis Tower, Chicago

Skyscrapers. Chicago is home to America’s tallest skyscraper, the Willis Tower.  The views from the Skydeck are excellent and children seem to particularly enjoy going out onto the glass ledge and looking down. The building is buggy friendly and there are various activities for children on the website. http://www.theskydeck.com/. If you do not want to queue you can pay extra for an express ticket.

Lincoln Park Zoo. I really like Lincoln Park Zoo. It is along with north shore of the lake and is easily reached by bus. The zoo covers a huge area; I have been there several times and still haven’t seen everything and includes a nature trail, a children’s zoo and a farm park. Best of all entrance is free. What better way to gladden a parent’s heart? http://www.lpzoo.org/

Playing in the Crown Fountain

Public Art. Chicago has some of the best public art in the world including the wonderful Cloud Gate (aka the Bean). I have watched countless children have a fabulous time pulling faces and watching their reflections distort on the shiny silver surface. Millennium and Grant Park have plenty of installations to look at and play with and the wonderful Art Institute of Chicago offers free entry to the under 14s.

Millennium Park / Grant Park. In addition to the public art these green spaces are great places to run around, have a picnic or splash in various water features. There are often family events during the summer at weekends and there is an open air ice rink during the winter.

Wrigley Field. A trip to see the Cubs play baseball at Wrigley Field is a great outing for older kids – it is not buggy friendly so I would not take a toddler. In high summer there is not much shade so make sure you take hats and plenty of sunscreen! http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/chc/ballpark/

Go to the beach. Chicago has a number of beaches along the shores of Lake Michigan and its a great option for the family on a hot day. For a full list and details of facilities go to http://www.cpdbeaches.com/

If you are looking for good indoor options then the Museum Campus is a good place to head for. This is home to the Shedd Aquarium, the Alder Planetarium and  the Field Museum noted for it’s T Rex skeleton. A little further out of town is the massive Museum of Science and Industry.