Though sometimes the population of the Northwestern Class of 2011 Facebook group makes you think otherwise, most incoming freshmen aren’t from Chicagoland. Whether move-in will be you and your family’s first or fifteenth time in Chicago, there’s always plenty more to see to prove that even though you’re living in a big city — or at least close to one — you will in fact not get shot, have your wallet stolen or join a biker gang.
Maybe you could even convince your family to go on a summertime trip before the first snow falls. The city even runs free trolleys from the loop to many popular tourist destinations from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Things to check out in Chicago with the family
The Lincoln Park Zoo: It’s the largest free zoo in the U.S., located in front of a beautiful backdrop. A short walk from the shores of Lake Michigan, it’s the perfect locale for a picnic.
The Art Institute: Located in the Loop, right next to Millennium Park, it features one of the largest collections of art in the U.S., with an especially awe-inspiring collection of impressionist and post-impressionist art. (Seurat’s Sunday Afternoon? It’s there.) The garden café features light fare that’s tasty with a great view for a good price.
The Shedd Aquarium: The largest indoor aquarium in the world offers dolphin and other water-animal shows throughout the day. Sometimes you can even pet the animals. It’s a bit pricy at $25 per ticket, but that’s what the parents are for, right?
The Field Museum: The Field Museum has an impressive collection of mummies and other ancient Egyptian artifacts as well as Sue the dinosaur (we also have a dance there during New Student Week).
Architecture tours: Normally I wouldn’t recommend a cheesy tour filled with other tourists, but for those of us who are history or architecture geeks, or who would just like a great way of seeing more of Chicago that just the Loop and the Magnificent Mile, this is a great way to do it. It’s about $24 for an hour-long tour, not too shabby. I’ll recommend Shoreline because that’s who I’ve ridden with, but there are many other companies offering similar services.
Oak Street: A little north of the traditional path of big-box stores (ie. Virgin Megastore, The Gap, etc.) on the Magnificent Mile (N. Michigan Ave.), these stores have international shopping that’s flavored a little spicier (and pricier) than normal mall fare. Oak Street features the best designer shopping in Chicago. Though more for window shopping than for actual purchasing, Barney’s, Luca Luca, BCBG, Prada and many more can be found there. The sales girls are usually nice enough to let you take a picture or two of yourself in that gorgeous Marc Jacobs dress and jacket — just so you can prove to your friends that you touched one.
Other shopping hints: For those actually looking to make a few purchases, H&M and especially Filene’s Basement offer great bargain shopping just a little south on Michigan Ave. Also south of Oak St. on Michigan Ave. is Teuscher, a Swiss chocolate stop, in the 900 North Michigan Ave. stores. Although their champagne truffles are $2 each, they’re divine (putting the neighborhood Godiva shop to shame) and definitely worth a try.
The Hancock Observatory: Just off the Magnificent Mile, this is one of the tallest buildings in Chicago. Though not as tall as the Sears Tower, which also has an observatory deck, Hancock is a little more centrally located, usually a little less busy and offers a better view of Lake Michigan. Plus, there’s a Cheesecake Factory on the ground floor.
A Cubs game: Wrigley Field is one of the oldest fields in the league and is always packed. Though they might not win (the White Sox aren’t going to either this year) it’s a great time for friends. Just out of the field is plenty of nightlife from jazz to dance clubs to some of the best rockclubs in the city. There are also great restaurants all along Clark St.
To be avoided
Navy Pier : Overpriced and without any great draw, it’s a few knick-knack shops, a Bubba Gump and a Ferris wheel. Though it has a great view, isn’t worth the price of admission.
Overrated
The Magnificent Mile: If you want to purchase a Mac or have a specific Gap top you want, it’s a close location to some other worthwhile places. Otherwise, it’s mostly stores you can find in a neighborhood mall. You’re much better off trying one of the stores on the far northern end of Michigan Ave. (they’re also closer to the beach) for expensive distinction, and some other quirkier neighborhoods in Chicago for one-of-a-kind pieces.
Next week: Eight things to do in Chicago when the family isn’t around.