Summer is coming to Chicago, well, maybe. IT will I promise and maybe you don’t have big travel plans, don’t worry, I have some summer family fun hot spots you must try. I know it feels like summer might not make it this year since it is still chilly here in Chi-town but I promise it is coming. Now, maybe you are lucky and will head out of town, somewhere fun for the whole family. But, if you are going to stick around, I mean lets be honest, summer in Chicago is pretty great. So, if you are going to stick around I highly suggest taking a mini staycation into the big city. I always grab my kids and head into the city for a staycation at least twice a year. There is so much to see and do that every time we discover something new. Okay, here are three places that have my kids stamp of approval
Summer Family Fun In Chicago
1. The Planetarium
Okay, I know, you are probably thinking, oh great Keki, I knew that already. NO, you have to do the shows there. We arrived right when the Planetarium Planetarium opened and saw the best shows ever! So good, that even my Charlie got motion sickness when we headed into outer space. For real.
So arrive right when doors open before the crowd gets there and grab your tics to the shows. Trust me, they learn so much attending all the shows then just walking around with me.
2. Four Seasons Chicago – Most Kid Friendly Hotel in Town
Oh my gosh! Could the Four Seasons Four Seasons cater any more to my rascals. From ice cream carts to movie rentals the hotel treats the kids better than ME! Every time we left the room to head to the pool or out for dinner, we returned to special treats. A tray of popcorn and soda for the kids to get comfy at watch a movie, to the best poolside service for kids. Plus, a kids room and a traveling ice cream cart. Yup, while mommy just sits back enjoys not being nagged for 24 hours. LOVE IT!
3. Blue Man Group – Best Show in Town
So the kids got to go to the Planetarium, out for lunch, out for dinner, checked out the mag mile and they even got to enjoy all the perks of the Four Seasons (I have never stayed at the Four Seasons until I had kids), lucky rascals. With all of this, it wasn’t until we headed to Blue Man Group that I was “the best mom ever!” They laughed so hard throughout the show. BUT, I loved looking over at them and seeing their mouth jaw dropping open for most of the show. They thought the “Blue Man’s” were the most “amazing and talented” guys they have ever seen. Even more so than the amazing acrobats at the Circus. They were so impressed. I loved hearing them talk about the show for days. Oh and yeah, now I have a kid that wants to play the drums!
So, if you are around this summer, you gotta grab tickets to the Blue Man group, and go ahead, treat your family to the Four Seasons. Trust me, you will forget the fact that you didn’t get to fly to a faraway resort.
karen says
We always go to Chicago at least once a year. Easy to do from Cleveland. And – my best friend got married in the Planetarium! It was THE best reception ever! Loved the vibe…
stagingbycc@gmail.com says
oh my a wedding at the planetarium? I bet it was gorgeous
Marcie in Mommyland says
The Four Seasons looks AMAZING! I mean, a traveling ice cream cart!?! I haven’t taken our kids to a planetarium yet, but I think it’s a must in the next few years. Hoping to head to Chicago for a trip soon!
stagingbycc@gmail.com says
GREAT!
Angela Tolsma says
I love finding awesome things to do in the city you live in. I love love the Chicago Planetarium. But the hotel with ice cream cart, that’s fabulous!
daniella says
Chicago is so fun! We went for new years and also saw the blue man group!
stagingbycc@gmail.com says
oh fantastic!!
Melissa says
Who would have thought The Four Seasons would be looking for family style clientele. Chicago looks like a great town to visit and I have never seen The Blue Man Group.
stagingbycc@gmail.com says
Chicago is great, and during summer months, it is fantastic. and blue man group, amazing.
Meghan Cooper says
I love Blue Man Group. We get tickets when they come to Atlanta. My kids have such a blast dancing to the beat.
stagingbycc@gmail.com says
YES!! it was our first time and I know my kids would love to go and see them again
Terri Steffes says
My daughter lives in Chicago and she would agree with all your assessments. So much to do and see there, and such a fun city to explore!
Kristina says
Love Chicago! My dad is from there. So much to see and do for families and friends. It’s a great city!
Carolyn says
My kids love to stay in hotels and would love the special treatment at The Four Seasons. They would also enjoy a planetarium. We have never been.
Jennifer Pilgrim says
This looks like such a fun trip for your family to experience together. I know my daughter would LOVE the Blue Man Group.
Jessica Joachim says
this looks like y’all had a great time! The planitarium looks like so much fun! I have been wanting to take my daughter to the kennedy Space Center since we live in FL .
Jeanine says
Believe it or not I’ve never been to a Four Seasons before. It looks awesome, and like the whole fmaily had a great time!
Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh says
As a family we’ve never been to Chicago. My husband is from Indiana, and has been several times, we’ve just never managed to visit while visiting family in IN. It looks like y’all had a great time!
Heather Garcia says
I don’t know how, but somehow I have not yet made it to Chicago. It is definitely on my cities to visit list though. When I do the Four Seasons looks amazing!
Nikki says
Looks like you had a blast! I visited Chicago about ten years ago and loved it. I didn’t have a chance to do the planetarium. I’d like to go back and see more.
roxy says
What fun ideas!! Keeping kids occupied during the summer is certainly a challenge, and you want them to have some free time to be creative on their own too, but these ideas are wonderful for either rainy days or those times when they need a little adventure in their lives. 🙂
Amanda Love says
Everything sounds like a lot of fun! It’s so nice to prepare activities that the kids will love especially during the summer. It’s been a while since I last saw the Blue Man Group.
Vera says
Your post came right on time. Headed
To Chicago next month and will have to check out the places you suggested!
Nikki Arnold says
This sounds like tons of fun. I have not done I chicago trip, but I keep talking about it. I wanted to take my kids too, so I’m glad I now know which hotel to pick!!
Heather says
We haven’t traveled to Chicago with our daughters but I bet it would be an awesome family weekend!
lydia says
I’m only a few hours from Chicago, but whenever I go I always just shop haha! These are great ideas
Rachel says
I haven’t been to the planetarium in years. i’d love to take my kids. We also love the aquarium and the Field Museum.
Roxanne says
I’ve never been to Chicago before, but that hotel has me searching up travel dates. 😉 Looks like you all had some great fun!
Lily @militaryfamof8 says
This looks like such an amazing trip, I especially love the picture of the boys in the robe; too cute!
Angela Bethea says
Wow these places sounds so lovely. It’s been too long since I’ve been to any planetarium. Thanks for these suggestions.