Category: Things to do with kids: Outdoor Fun

Hurry down to Grant Park as fast as you can! You and your children can leisurely stroll through the stalls there (at least 60 local restaurants set up each day), and enjoy all the city’s delicious food. From Greek and Italian, to pizza and dogs, there’s no end to the food you’ll find. Eating is one of Chicagoans’ favorite hobby, so join your children, and devour a delicious meal. You can even soak in some great tunes while you’re at it; John Mayer and Kenny Rogers will be performing this year, just for starters (no pun intended).

Contact number: (312) 744-3315

Location: 1000 South Columbus Drive, Chicago, IL 60605

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An exercise in architectural modernity, Millennium Park is not only a wonderful venue for outdoor events, but also a visually stunning, urban masterpiece. Among the park’s highlights are Frank Gehry’s Jay Pritzker Pavillion, Jaume Piensa’s interactive Crown Fountain, and Anish Kapoor’s Cloud Gate. Your children will enjoy a city picnic while dining in the futuristic setting. Attend one of the park’s several events throughout the summer; the treasure hunts are big with kids.

Contact number: (312) 742-1168

Location: 210 East Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60601

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Glide along the skyline and view the city’s lakefront landmarks with your children on a hip and safe Segway human transporter. Stops include the Field Museum, the Lakefront Bike Path, Millennium Park, the Shedd Aquarium, the Adler Planetarium, Buckingham Fountain, and the Rose Gardens of Grant Park. A Chicago Architecture Foundation docent will guide you and your child through the lakefront’s architecture and open-space revolution. Your tour includes expert training on the Segway, which can glide over snow or grass and is environmentally friendly. Sunshine might be preferable but is not required; so rain ponchos and snowsuits are available seasonally.

Contact number: (800) 979-3370

Location: South Michigan Avenue and East Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, IL 60604

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Explore locally grown produce and food artistry with your children and teach them the value of sustainable farming in today’s world. The Green City Market is the result of collaboration between the city and local sustainable farmers and food artisans. It guarantees that its products are environmentally friendly, as well as delicious and nutritious. Support small family farms, enjoy chef demos, participate in forums on sustainability, and introduce your children to cooking with organic foods in the Edible Garden.

Contact number: (847) 424-2486

Location: 1750 North Clark, Chicago, IL 60614

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Probably the crown jewel of the city’s scenery is its gorgeous lakefront. There are 26 miles of beaches along the lake on which you and your children can walk, rollerblade, play, and swim. Admission is free and the beaches are some of the best maintained public grounds in the country. Chicago is so cold in the winter that the locals are pretty much obligated to make the most of warm weather, so pack a picnic and enjoy a day in the sun.

Contact number: (312) 742-3224

Location: 10 East North Boulevard, Chicago, IL

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On one of these rides, you and your child will gently bounce along to the clippity-clop rhythm of hoof steps and soak in city scenery aboard a classic Chicago Carriage. Flank the North Branch of the Chicago River’s natural wonder on a sunny summer day or snuggle together along a snow-frosted Magnificent Mile, surrounded by a halo of twinkling holiday lights. J.C. Cutters travels outside city bounds, as well, and will customize a path just for you. Reservations are highly recommended.

Contact number: (888) 664-6014

Location: North Michigan Avenue & East Chestnut Street, Chicago, IL 60611

Learn more here.