What to See and Do in Chicago - #7

Yes I'm way behind on posting about family fun things to do in Chicago.  First it was our family fun trip to California and then our family fun trip to Chicago.  Actually, the trip to Chicago was also about planning TAFRU, but I always love the opportunity to head into the city.  Still, my time away meant time away from a lot of things, including posting here.

Now onto more things to do in Chicago.

Chicago History Museum

I realize that not everyone is interested in history and even more are probably not interested in Chicago's history, but for you history buffs out there, this one may be worth the trip.

The museum takes care of, shows and interrupts over 22 million authentic pieces of Chicago and U.S. history in both permanent and temporary exhibits.

Permanent exhibits include - Chicago:  Crossroad of America, Sensing Chicago, The Dioramas, and Treasures.

Current temporary exhibits on display are - I Do!  Chicago Ties the Knot, My Chinatown, Lincoln at 200, and Lincoln Park Block by Block.

To see descriptions of these displays, click here. 

The museum also hold various events during the year such as tours, films, lectures and seminars.

What to See and Do In Chicago - #6

Chicago Children's Museum

When the Chicago public schools cut funding, the Jr. League of Chicago stepped up to the plate and in 1982 the Express-Ways Children's Museum was created.  Originally located in the Chicago Public Library, they moved to their current location at Navy Pier in 1995.  It has since become one of Chicago's top cultural attractions and the second most visited children's museum in the country. 

The Chicago Children's Museum in primarily for kids birth thru 5th grade, although older children and adults find the children's museum to be fun and entertaining as well.

For more information about exhibits, programs, hours and admission, please visit their website. 

What to See and Do In Chicago - #5

Buckingham Fountain

Located at Columbus Dr. and Congress Pkwy., this is one of the largest fountains in the world.

For 20 minutes, every hour on the hour, beginning at 8 a.m. from April - October, the fountain begins its spectacular display as it shoots water 150 feet into the air accompanied by a music and light show. 

In my opinion, a must see when visiting Chicago.

What to See and Do In Chicago - #4

My plan was to post "What to See and Do In Chicago" on Mondays, but yesterday just wasn't a great day in our house and our Ethiopian princess hasn't been feeling well and needed a lot of cuddle time. However, it's now quiet so on to #4.

Brookfield Zoo

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my. But that's not all you'll find at the Brookfield Zoo.

Tropic World will introduce you to the spider monkeys from South America or the white cheeked gibbons from Asia.

How about a visit to Great Bear Wilderness to see the Bald Eagle, Gray Wolf or Bison?

If you enjoy winged creatures you can visit the Butterfly exhibit, Perching Bird House or Feathers and Scales.

This is just a small sampling of the exhibits available at Brookfield Zoo.

Just a short drive from downtown Chicago or on Metra's Burlington Northern Line which stops just two blocks from the zoo.

There really is a lot to see and do at the Brookfield Zoo, so check out their website for more information.

What to See and Do In Chicago - #3

For those of you who like to be really active while seeing the sights, this one may be of interest.

Bike and Roll

How about a bike tour of Chicago. There are many to choose from.

- The Amazing Lakefront Bike Tour
- Friendly Neighborhoods Electric Bike Tour
- Chicago River and Parks Tour
- The Presidential Tour
- Bikes at Night Electric Bike Tour

You can rent adult bikes, children's bikes, pull behind kid trailers, hand cycles, tandem bikes, quadcycles, etc.

There are many locations throughout the Chicago area, so finding a bike rental location shouldn't be a problem.

For more information, visit Bike and Roll and get ready to ride.

What to See and Do In Chicago - #3

Take me out to the ball game
Take me out with the crowd
Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack
I don't care if I never get back
Let me root, root, root for the home team
If they don't win it's a shame
For it's one, two, three strikes you're out
At the old ballgame


Now that I have everyone singing along, let's talk baseball. And not just any baseball, but Chicago baseball.

Chicago Cubs


They started out in 1876 as the Chicago White Stockings and in 1902 the Chicago Daily News began referring to the team full of young players as the Cubs. In 1907 they won their first World Series and were the first team to win back to back World Series titles when they won again in 1908. While the Chicago Cubs have been in other World Series games, the title of World Series champion has eluded them since that time. However, that doesn't stop die-hard fans from flocking the stadium each and every year to watch the Cubbies and hope that next year will be the year!

The Chicago Cubs do have some magnificent history - Great players like Ernie Banks, Billy Williams, and Ron Santos; one of the most popular baseball parks ever, Wrigley Field; and announcers such as Harry Caray and Jack Brickhouse.

Chicago White Sox

This team was also formally known as the Chicago White Stockings. That's correct, White Stockings was the original name of two professional baseball teams in Chicago. The White Stockings American League team eventually shortened their name to White Sox.

In 1906, the White Sox captured the American League crown as well as the World Series crown when they beat who else - the Cubs. Chicago baseball was the sport to watch from 1906 - 1908. However, the Sox didn't win another division championship until 1959 and waited another 26 before taking the title again. World Series champions also eluded the Sox, but they were finally able to claim that title when they beat the Houston Astros in the 2005 World Series.

The history of the White Sox has had its ups and downs and I'm not just talking wins and losses. They have had players like Joe Jackson, Frank Thomas and Red Faber, but they have also had some turmoil, such as the charges filed against 8 members of the White Sox for fixing the World Series game in exchange for cash.

The White Sox play at U.S. Cellular field, which was formally known as Comiskey Park.

With two baseball teams that have been around since the late 1800's, there is certainly a lot more that could be written here. However, I'll let you click on the links and read about one or both of these beloved Chicago teams at your leisure. And if the opportunity arises, take a trip out to the ball park, have some peanuts, a hot dog, iced cold soda or beer and enjoy some Chicago baseball.

Mark Your Calendars

Thanks to everyone who participated in choosing a date for TAFRU 2011-Chicago.

The winning date, with 42% of the votes, is July 15-17, 2011.

I hope you'll mark your calendar and plan some vacation time to attend TAFRU in Chicago next summer. Looking forward to a great turn-out next year!!