I have been a Chicago-burbs gal for almost 30 years now, but I love to visit the City whenever possible. There is so much to see and do in Chicago, so my “bucket list” is always changing. I’ve been to all of the must-do’s several times, but I’m always up for another visit, especially when it’s with someone that has never been before or introducing our girls to something new. Seeing some of my favorites like The Shedd Aquarium or The Art Institute or even catching a Blue Man Group show with friends and family that have never been makes it feel like that first time fun all over again.
The author was hosted by Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk, Blue Man Group, and Chicago CityPASS® to facilitate writing this article. All thoughts and opinions expressed are their own.
Equipped with a Chicago CityPASSⓇ, you can start off the trip with a Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture River Tour. This is a must do for anyone visiting Chicago. Stunning views, fascinating information on all of the old and new architectural history that Chicago holds (which is truly amazing), and the ability to check out all that the Chicago Riverwalk has to offer. the first time.
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On the subject of Chicago CityPASSⓇ, this is great way to see all that the City of Chicago has to offer, while still staying on whatever family budget you have set. This is one of my favorite ways to save money without compromising fun. What’s included with Chicago CityPASSⓇ you may ask … Chicago CityPASS Includes admission to 5 attractions!
Visit each attraction below.
Plus get admission to 3 more attractions of your choice from the list below.
- Field Museum
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Museum of Science and Industry
- 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck
- Adler Planetarium
- Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture River Tour
All you have to do is put the app on your phone, schedule your reservation to attractions of choice, show them your tickets at entrance, and sit back and enjoy the show. You can also use the app to modify/cancel/reschedule any of reservations should something happen or you’re just having too much fun at your current location to leave. Plus, the tickets are valid for 9 days from the scanning of your first entrance. And, if you’re like my family and like to take quick day trips to the City, you can go two weekends in a row and still save money and not miss any of the fun available. We like to go and enjoy a couple of attractions on a Sunday (traffic is better and crowds are smaller) and then go back the next weekend (since you have 9 days from the first attraction scan) for a Saturday & Sunday to grab your last 3 options.
And if you’re staying right on the Riverwalk at a hotel like the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk, you are able to walk right up to our hotel and grab a quick snack and cool drink before heading to your next destination. The Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk is an awesome hotel for business travelers and families alike. With nice restaurants, lounges, and cafes to choose from, as well as a pool, a gym and on-site parking, it has a little bit of everything for everyone.
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A great way to end your day is to take in an early showing of Blue Man Group at the Briar Street Theatre, which in my opinion is another Chicago must-do when visiting for either a quick trip or an extended stay. Even though I have seen it before, it’s one of those shows that you can see multiple times and be highly entertained every time. And it’s super fun with someone that hasn’t seen it before, especially kids - they will absolutely love it! The show fully engages the audience without even saying a word … it’s truly an awesome experience for all ages.
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After grabbing a bite to eat after the show from one of the many near-by restaurants, it’s fun to head over to 360 Chicago to take in the city lights of Chicago at night. It’s a site to be seen for sure. Being able to see the entire City from every direction at night is awe inspiring to say the least. And if you have adventurous ones in your group, they may enjoy TILT - Chicago's highest thrill ride. You literally TILT outward 1,000 feet over Michigan Avenue. With its glass floor, it's truly a view you won't get anywhere else in the City.
For day two, after a restful night of sleep, it's always a great idea to pick up something quick to eat at the hotel and head to the Shedd Aquarium - one of the great attractions on the Museum Campus. The Shedd is one of my girls’ favorite Chicago attractions - one loves to touch the stingrays and the other can’t get enough of the dolphin and beluga whale shows. Kara, my roomie, was amazed as well and decided then and there that she would be bringing her husband and 3-year-old back to Chicago for a family getaway soon. There are other Chicago CityPASS®️ attractions all within walking distance of each other on the Campus and Navy Pier is a quick water taxi ride away as well.
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To round out a great day of museum hopping, my family always thinks it's fun to visit the Art Institute of Chicago. It's always so exciting to see some of the amazing pieces that can only be found at a big-city museum and I am always ready to visit some of my favorite artists, like Van Gogh, O’Keefe, Pollock, Frank Loyd Wright, just to name a few. You may ask, would kids really enjoy this stop? My answer is Yes! My oldest and I attended her 4th-grade field trip there earlier in May and the kids loved every minute of it. They had just read the book The Sixty-Eight Rooms (that is based on the Thornes Rooms in the Children’s Galleries of the Chicago Art Institute) and were all excited to go see the rooms in person. The museum also has a very fun scavenger hunt for kids that takes you through the museum looking for things that help younger visitors really enjoy and come to love art at a different level.
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If you have a little extra time after the Art Institute, it's a brief walk over to Millennium Park to see Cloud Gate ... a.k.a. The Bean. Kids, and adults for that matter, love checking out this iconic Chicago landmark and snapping a few unique pics. It's a must stop for all of the social media buffs.
After a busy day of sightseeing, it's always a good idea to head back to your hotel, like the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk, to relax and freshen up -and may let the kids take a dip in the pool- before heading down to the Chicago Riverwalk to take in some local cuisine and entertainment and to plan how you'll spend your next day in Chicago.
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