Having Fun in Chicago

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

02 Mar 2009 05:32 PM

My family always has fun during our trips to Chicago. The Windy City offers dozens of kid-friendly attractions that are as educational as they are fun-filled. If you have never visited the Midwestern metropolis or you are returning sans wheels this spring, then consider taking advantage of one of the city's best-kept secrets. Chicago Neighborhood Tours allows you to sit back and let someone else do the driving while you enjoy the sights on themed bus rides.

This year the city's Office of Tourism has added several new themed half-day bus tours to its offerings. Take a look:

HYDE PARK AND KENWOOD TOUR

This tour has been updated to showcase President Barack Obama's Kenwood home. The current president's former Chicago neighborhood has attracted millions of visitors since he took office and the city's Office of Tourism is cashing in by having its buses drive past his family's home and other hangouts. The tour also includes looks at the University of Chicago, Hyde Park's St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, the Oriental Institute Museum, and Jackson Park's Osaka Garden.

ALBANY PARK TOUR

The new tour through Albany Park includes stops at the Cambodian American Heritage Museum, the River Park Dam and Waterfall, North Park Village and the Superdawg Drive-In.

"LAND OF LINCOLN" TOUR

This tour offered April 4th and August 1st, travels to Civil War gravesites at Oak Woods Cemetery, the Stephen A. Douglas Tomb and Monument, Grant and Lincoln Parks, and the Chicago History Museum's collection of Lincoln memorabilia.

In addition to the new tours, other fan favorites will also be returning this spring including Great Parks of Chicago (April 4 and October 3); Historic Bronzeville (April 25 and September 12); Pilsen & Little Village (June 6 and September 26); and Devon Avenue (June 6 and August 8).

Read about other fun family-friendly activities in Chicago:

Reasons to Visit Chicago During the Summer Months

Springtime in Chicago

Chicago's Must-See Attractions

Five Reasons You Should Visit Chicago

Five More Reasons You Should Visit Chicago

Shedd Aquarium Savings Tips

Day Trip: Brookfield Zoo

Visiting Chicago's Sears Tower

Mother-Daughter Vacations

Visiting Chicago's "Concrete Beach"

Marathon Vacations

Grilling Up A Mother's Day Treat

"Taste of Chicago"-The Ultimate Food Festival

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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