Chicago CityPASS Family Vacation Ideas| Travel Deal

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Illinois: Chicago, CityPASS Family Vacation Ideas – Sea Otters, NASA Missions, and a Submarine. Chicago City Pass Shedd Aquarium

With a CityPASS booklet it is easy to create your own urban adventure. Just add deep dish pizza, a trip to Navy Pier, and a Chicago Shakespeare Theater show and let the memories happen.

Here's the deal. The Hancock Observatory delivers a view of the region, as does the Skydeck which join a lineup of Chicago’s most treasured museums: Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum for a peek beyond the Milky Way; the Museum of Science of Industry, full of the gusto of scientific inventions and explanations; The Field Museum, an unforgettable trove of modern and ancient discoveries; The Shedd Aquarium, displaying the world’s aquatic creatures and the shifting greens and blues of Lake Michigan’s vistas, and the Art Institute of Chicago.

What’s included? The John Hancock Observatory, Skydeck, Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum, Museum of Science of Industry, the Field Museum, the Art Institute of Chicago and the Shedd Aquarium. Valid nine days from first use, ticket holders breeze past most main entrance ticket lines.

Whales, sea otters and dolphins, oh my! Perched on the shoreline a dramatically beautiful Lake Michigan, Shedd Aquarium is one of the world's largest indoor aquariums. The Shedd VIP ticket offers encounters with amazing whales, frolicking sea otters and lively penguins, streamlined sharks, exotic eels and thousands of amazing animals representing hundreds of species. Talk to one of the divers while they are underwater feeding more than 300 reef animals. A sea turtle, rays, sharks and a rainbow of schooling fishes all call the Caribbean Reef home. Bonus points: Your VIP ticket is valid for aquarium galleries as well as Amazon Rising, Oceanarium, Wild Reef and special exhibits. Not to be missed: Follow the call of the whales through a spruce and cedar rain forest to the water’s edge where dolphins leap and splash, colorful sea stars cling to rocks and beluga whale chip in Shedd Aquarium’s Oceanarium. Just for families: Every Tuesday the Shedd offers activities created especially for the preschool set. Activities include: Story times, crafts, animal touch programs, videos, costumed characters, dancing and singing. On Saturdays during the year there are new programs designed to encourage learning together as a family. Activities are geared for children ages 5 to 10 years, but all are welcome. Participants will create make-and-takes, engage in hands-on activities and take a sneak peek behind the scenes. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

Telescopes, starry skies, and NASA missions. Visit the Adler Planetarium, the most advanced planetarium on Earth! The Adler lets you explore the outer reaches of space without leaving Chicago. Follow astronauts into orbit and experience the beauty of starry night skies. Learn about current NASA missions, discover the Milky Way and investigate what lies beyond our world. Enjoy Galileo's Cafe' which overlooks Lake Michigan and is annually voted "Best View of Chicago." Bonus: It's a multi- theatre facility with tons of show times and a variety of shows. Plus, you get one 3-D show complimentory with your CityPASS. Not to be missed: The“Shoot for the Moon” interactive exhibit explores the different facets of a journey to the moon. This interactive children's exhibit includes mission control and lunar exploration and will keep your kids occupied for hours.. Just for families: Astrovernights include telescope viewing (weather permitting), unique demonstrations, hands-on activities and shows in the Sky Theater. Participants will partake of a late-night snack before sleeping in the galleries, and then wake up to a continental breakfast in Galileo's Café.

A submarine, a 727 jet and Newton’s Laws. Entertaining, interesting and educational, at the Museum of Science and Industry there is always something to see and do with you kids. Activities offer snippets of real life. Report to work in a coal mine; tour a real WWII submarine; take off on a 727 jet; or visit a real toy-making factory. Museum of Science & Industry has been voted one of the country's top 50 family attractions by Zagat Survey's, US Family Travel Guide and dubbed one of the "7 Wonders of Chicago" by Chicago Tribune readers. Bonus points: When your family needs a little down time check out a film on the five-story Omnimax® screen. Not to be missed: BODY WORLDS 2: the Anatomical Exhibition of Real Human Bodies is a new exhibit offering everyone a chance to see and understand our own physiology and health and to gain new appreciation and respect for what it means to be human. Just for families: Check out the live demonstrations of biology, physics and chemistry – something for everyone, even in the most diverse family. Demonstrations include: See Your Own DNA, Spin City: Newton’s Laws, Super Sonic Showcase and more.

T. rex, an Egyptian tomb and a bug's life. Chicago City Pass T Rex

The world-renowned Chicago Field Museum is an unforgettable experience for all ages. Meet Sue, the largest, most complete T. rex ever found, explore an ancient Egyptian tomb, or feel what it would be like to be the size of a bug. You'll discover the astonishing diversity of life on earth and connect with cultures from every corner of the globe and also enjoy an unbeatable view of Lake Michigan and Chicago's downtown skyline. Bonus: The museum’s has great signage and very friendly personnel.You also get a discount in the gift shop with your CityPASS. Not to be missed: The “Create a Play in One Day!” program is a phenomenal experience. Participating children (ages 5-11) write a short dinosaur play under the tutelage of professional actors, cast it with their new friends from the workshop, and perform for the general public at the Museum that same day. Just for families: The Field Museum’s “Dozin’ with the Dinos” overnight program is a night of family workshops, tours and performances. Come explore ancient Egypt by flashlight, prowl an African savannah with man-eating lions. Need to know: If you want to avoid crowds get there before 12pm.

In the clouds over Chicago. The Hancock Observatory is the place for the big picture. On a clear day from the deck it is possible to see almost 80 miles and four states, but can you name the states? Located on the 94th floor of the world-renowned John Hancock Center, the observatory is in the heart of Chicago's premier shopping and entertainment district - The Magnificent Mile. You will find an open-air viewing deck, walking audio tours narriated by David Scwhimmer (of 'Friends' fame), talking telescopes, interactive and historical exhibits, and photo opportunities. Bonus points: The CityPASS ticket is valid for Hancock Observatory general admission and Sky Tour (audio tour) - exchange your ticket for a SkyTour voucher. Not to be missed: Don't just see the sights—hear them with Soundscope talking telescopes, sound effects so real you'd swear you were there to hear the fans cheering at Wrigley Field.

Enjoy Art Chicago Style. The Art Institute of Chicago's Modern Wing, a 264,000-square-foot (24,526 square meters) addition that opened in May 2009, houses new galleries for the museum's renowned collection of modern European paintings and sculpture, as well as its collection of contemporary art, including film, video and new media. A complimentary audio tour, provided with CityPASS admission, helps visitors expertly navigate the galleries. The institute's recent expansion also incorporates a number of new visitor amenities: an interior garden, an open-air sculpture terrace, a pedestrian bridge to Millennium Park, a mezzanine café, and much more. Chicago City Pass Sky View

The Sky's the limit. Another great place to see the sights of the city is the Skydeck. Located 1,353 feet up on the top of the Willis Tower (formally the Sears Tower), it's an experience not to be missed. Enjoy the museum detailing the history of Chicago or dare to enter one of the sky boxes which are completely glass boxes that extend 4.3 feet out from the Skydeck. Just don't look down.Just for kids: The museum has kid friendly facts at a kids friendly height along the walls of the museum. There is also a section of the website were you can download a scavenger hunt for the kids to do on the trip. Need to know: The Skydeck is crowded during its peak hours so plan according. Note from Mom: We got to the top in less than 15 minutes with our CityPASS, while those without waited more than an hour.

CityPASS Chicago The pocket sized pass booklet includes: The Hancock Observatory or Museum of Science of Industry, Skydeck, Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum or The Art Institute of Chicago, The Field Museum, and The Shedd Aquarium. Call toll-free 1-888-330-5008 or CityPASS Chicago

Details

Shedd Aquarium. 1200 South Lake Shore Drive, on Museum Campus. (312) 939-2438 or www.sheddaquarium.org

The Field Museum & Underground Archive. 1400 South Lake Shore Drive, on Museum Campus. (312) 922-9410 or www.fieldmuseum.org

Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum. 1300 South Lake Shore Drive, on Museum Campus. (312) 922-STAR or www.adlerplanetarium.org

Museum of Science and Industry. 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive. (773) 684-1414 or www.msichicago.org

The Hancock Observatory. John Hancock Center, 875 North Michigan Ave. (312) 751-3681 or www.hancockobservatory.com

Skydeck Chicago. 233 South Wacker Drive. (312) 875-9696 or www.theskydeck.com

The Art Institute of Chicago. 111 South Michigan Avenue. (312) 443-3600 or www.artic.edu

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US and Canada: CityPASS Family Vacations with Deals and Benefits.
Guaranteed good and worth the family vacation time, CityPASS offers the best cities and the best attractions and museums for less. Destinations include: New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, Seattle, San Francisco, Southern California, Hollywood, Atlanta and Toronto,Canada.

US & Canada: CityPASS Family Vacatons - Lights, Cameras, and Deals.
If you've seen the movie then see the city. Visiting North America’s movie locations is a ‘wrap’ with a pocket-sized vacation pass created to make a vacation easier to handle once its underway.

US: Great Lakes, Spring Break Family Vacations with Waterparks, Museum Encounters, and a Pizza Party.
Getaway ideas to cure spring fever may be found through the Heartland States. From Minnesota and Illinois to Indiana and Ohio, we have ideas that spell fun. Whatever your family’s passion, we have spring break vacation ideas to fit the quest.

Illinois: Route 66, Family Vacation Idea - A Roadtrip Across America.
From Chicago to LA more than 2,400 miles the route weaves through remarkable places with effortless formality. It is the road that inspired songwriter Bobby Troup’s famous lyrics "get your kicks on Route 66...."

Illinois: Chicago, Family Vacations – Clown Fish, Dinosaurs, and Gnomes in a Garden.
From the beauty of Lake Michigan and Grant Park to the fireboats on the Chicago River, Chicago is an awesome place. The parks are better than ever and the Sears Tower is still a thrill when it is not in the clouds.

FAMILY VACATION IDEAS

Best Western Hawthorne Terrace - Chicago, IL

Family fun in America’s “Second City” shopping, theater, and city sights. [Read More]

Best Western Grant Park - Chicago, IL

Great urban location with affordable rates. [Read More]

Crowne Plaza Ohare - Chicago, IL

A family friendly, certified Green Earth Hotel. [Read More]

Best Western Plus River North Hotel - Chicago, IL

Family getaway to the Windy City! [Read More]

Hampton Inn Majestic Theatre District Hotel - Chicago, IL

If your taking the kids to the theater or to the Aquarium, stay with us. [Read More]

The Whitehall Hotel - Chicago, IL

Family-friendly vintage elegance in the heart of downtown Chicago. [Read More]

Fairfield Inn & Suites Downtown Hotel - Chicago, IL

Our Chicago vacation packages make travel fun and affordable. [Read More]

CityPASS - Chicago, IL

An Easy Urban Family Vacation - A Family Vacation Idea. [Read More]

Dana Hotel and Spa Chicago

Family escape in the Windy City. [Read More]

Hotel Indigo Gold Coast Hotel - Chicago, IL

Family Fun. Share the museums of Chicago with your kids packages. [Read More]

Hyatt Regency O’Hare - Chicago, IL

Your Windy City family vacation begins here! [Read More]

Hyatt Regency - Chicago, IL

Discover the Windy City with the family. [Read More]

Quality Inn Northlake - Chicago, IL

We specialize in creating memorable Atlanta vacations. [Read More]

Hyatt Chicago Magnificent Mile - Chicago, IL

Explore Chicago at our Magnificent Mile Hotel book our American Girl Package. [Read More]

Hyatt Regency McCormick Place - Chicago, IL

Stay with us, enjoy all Chicago has to offer. [Read More]

Hampton Inn and Suites - Chicago, IL

Chicago Hotel Family Vacation Package. [Read More]

Holiday Inn and Suites O'Hare - Rosemont, Chicago, IL

We provide 24-hour shuttle service to and from O’Hare Airport. Book a Family Fun Hotel Package. [Read More]

Carlton Inn Midway - Chicago, IL

See the famous sights of Chicago on a Chicago Trolley Tour when you stay with us. [Read More]

Crowne Plaza Glen Ellyn

Check out our Free pizza package. It's always a hit with the kids. [Read More]

Crowne Plaza Chicago Metro

Perfect location near Union Station and shopping. [Read More]

Avenue Crowne Plaza Hotel and Suites - Chicago, IL

Rooms with space and a view. The perfect hotel destination in downtown Chicago. [Read More]

Silversmith Hotel and Suites - Chicago, IL

Art Institute of Chicago Museum Package. Share time away in the city. [Read More]

Silversmith Hotel and Suites - Downtown Shopping Package.

Retail therapy along the Magnificent Mile. [Read More]

Illinois: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Parks and Camping Resorts

Vacation where Yogi Bear™ makes hospitality an art. You’ve never camped like this before! [Read More]

Illinois: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Camping Resort at Pine Lakes

Family vacation deal - book a week and get one night free or reserve two nights and save 10% on the second night. [Read More]

Illinois Farm Stays - Connect with the County Life.

Share simple things with your kids. [Read More]

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