Chicago Attractions-Sights

ODYSSEY INDEPENDENCE DAY WEEKEND FIREWORKS DINNER CRUISES!
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There is so much to experience in Chicago, it’s difficult to know where to begin. You may want to start with an overview of the city. First, see the expanse of the Chicagoland area from 1,000 feet above at the John Hancock Observatory or the Sears Tower Skydeck. At Navy Pier, Time Escape is a 3-D motion simulation experience allowing you to travel through Chicago’s history, present & future. There are boat tours departing from Navy Pier and other city locations, and city bus tours, which point out significant landmarks and provide interesting information about Chicago and its history. See our Tours page for more tour information and see our Navy Pier page for more exciting things to do while you’re there. You can even take a Progressive Dining Tour by Chicago Dine-Around. We also have Chicago Attraction Discount Coupons

The Museum Campus, near Soldier Field, is home to The Field Museum and the Adler Planetarium, two excellent museums. See our museums section for more information. Also located at Museum Campus is the Shedd Aquarium, which is the world's largest indoor aquarium with more than 8,000 aquatic animals representing more than 700 species from all parts of the world. You can take a water taxi between Museum Campus and Navy Pier.

Two of the finest zoos in the country are located in the Chicago area and both are highly recommended. First, on the city’s north side is Lincoln Park Zoo. This free zoo is open every day of the year. While it is one of the oldest zoos in the country, it is also one of the most modern. Brookfield Zoo, located in Brookfield, Illinois, just west of Chicago, is situated on 216 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, featuring over 2,000 animals.

No matter what time of year you visit Chicago, there is bound to be special events that you won’t want to miss. Many of the special events are held in the summer, but check our Events Calendar to see all that Chicago is offering during your stay. Just a few annual favorites -- the Taste of Chicago, the Chicago Blues Festival, the Chicago Air & Water Show and Venetian Night.

For other choices, see the following pages:

• Things-To-Do
• Things-To-Do in Chicago for Kids
• Chicago Events

Other Chicago Attractions

Frank Lloyd Wright's Unity Temple
875 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL, 60301
708-383-8873
An icon of modern architecture and one of the most famous buildings in the world, Frank Lloyd Wright's Unity Temple is a masterpiece of design. Completed in 1909, Unity Temple has been attracting visitors from all over the world since it first opened its doors. Wright's first public commission, it is the last public building standing from his prolific Prairie Period. Each year more than 30,000 visitors come to Unity Temple for its all-important architectural influence, its perfect acoustics, and the brilliance of its architect. Open 7 days a week for self-guided tours; guided tours on weekends; group tours by appointment. Mon-Fri, 10:30 am to 4:30 pm; Sat-Sun 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. $8 adults; $6 senoirs 65+ and youths 22 and under; children under 5 free.

Chicago Amusement Parks/Entertainment

Amazing Chicago Funhouse Maze
600 E. Grand Ave (Navy Pier)
Chicago, Il 60611
888-893-7300
Squeezing, stomping, spinning... double over laughing... delightfully dizzy, twisting and turning – an exhilarating sensory experience for the whole family. Located on Navy Pier. Open daily at 10am. Child pass $9.95; Adult pass $12.95; group rates available.
Bristol Renaissance Faire
In Kenosha, WI
Each year the Bristol Renaissance Faire beckons Midwesterners back to a time when knights were noble, maids were merry, and turkey legs were titanic. Each Saturday and Sunday more than 1,200 period performers, artisans and merchants inhabit the wooded village near Kenosha, WI, taking visitors along for a rollicking romp through Elizabethan England. More than 200,000 guests are expected to attend the nine-week festival, partaking in 16th Century games, rides, arts, crafts, food, music, and one-of-a-kind encounters with a colorful cast of era characters.
Chemically Imbalanced Comedy
Various locations in Chicago
Chemically Imbalanced Comedy is a production company out of FrankieJ's MethaDome Theatre specializing in improvisational and sketch comedy shows.
Chicago Ghost Investigations
446 North Wells Street, Suite 272, Chicago, 60610
773-935-6332, email: ghostsofchicago@sbcglobal.net
Chicago Ghost Investigations seeks the unknown and invites you to do the same. Twice daily, we take our guests to conduct investigations at some popular and little known haunted locations. Armed with several types of sensors, detectors, imagers and cameras, you will be able to explore the unseen. We will teach you how to use ghost hunting equipment which will enable you to locate the spirit activity. We will also teach you a psychic technique which will allow communication between you and the spirits. Our veteran paranormal investigators will be with you for guidance. Remember, this is your investigation, how far you get is entirely up to you! Reservations are preferred. Tours depart from the Old Water Tower at Chicago and Michigan Avenues,1:30pm and 7:30pm, private parties are available.
ChicagoKids.com
ChicagoKids.com is a comprehensive resource for kid-friendly destinations in the Chicago area with detailed information on thousands of Chicago area destinations, events and activities.
The FireZone
548 Zenith Dr., Glenview, IL 60025
847-597-8122, email: chris@bigredfun.net
The FireZone is a one-of-a-kind fire safety activity center and event facility for all ages and occasions. The FireZone is an interactive environment, allowing a uniquely fun, hands-on look into the world of firefighting. The FireZone features a firehouse theme with real firefighters, fire engines, educational displays, firefighter activity stations and programming to allow an imaginatively fun, learning experience.
KiddieLAND
North Avenue & 1st Avenue, Melrose Park, IL 
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
2001 N. Roselle Rd. Schaumburg Estates, IL 60195
The Schaumburg, Illinois Castle features 85,000 square feet of splendor and has 1,430 permanent seats inside the Grand Ceremonial Arena. The Illinois Castle has welcomed over three million guests.
The Noble Horse Theatre
1410 North Orleans, Chicago Il 60610 312-266-7878
The Noble Horse presents Quadrille. A spectacular dinner performance with over 30 horses and riders from around the world. Daring Cossack riders, Arabian horses in lavish costumes and the famous white stallions.
Opera in Focus
3000 Central Road, Rolling Meadows, IL.
Opera in Focus is a puppet production company that performs selections from Opera and Operattas at the Rolling Meadows Park District Theater.
Poplar Creek Golf & Country Club
Located in Hoffman Estates, this state-of-the-art suburban-Chicago golf facility provides golfers with an 18-hole Championship Golf Course that will challenge even the most adept pro. Two PGA Professionals provide group and individual instruction on the local range.  Other services include: Business or Group Golf Outings, Party, or Wedding Receptions in one of their full-service reception rooms. Golf in the winter months at the Hoffman Estates Golf Dome.

Chicago Area Zoos & Such

Cosley Zoo
1356 Gary Avenue Wheaton, IL 60187 (630) 665-5534 Fax: 630-260-6408
Cosley Zoo is situated on five acres and exhibits domestic farm animals and native Illinois wildlife. In addition to the animals, visitors will find a gift shop, shaded picnic area, washrooms and seasonal concessions. All paths are paved with bricks and suitable for strollers and for persons with disabilities.
Wildlife Prairie State Park
Wildlife Prairie State Park is located 10 miles west of downtown Peoria, IL on I-74. Discover the animals that called Illinois home during the pioneer days. This unique 2,000 acre zoological park is home to wolves, bison, waterfowl, black bear, elk, cougar, otter and much more.
Glenn Oak Zoo
2218 N. Prospect Rd. Peoria, Il 61603 309-686-3365 
The Zoo is home to nearly 100 species of animals from around the globe. Come see the newest members of the Zoo family, listen to the songs of the crowned cranes or lemurs and watch the lions play in the grass. Glen Oak Zoo also offers daily sea lion programs and critter chats, free parking and a gift shop stocked with unusual and exciting merchandise.
Phillips Park Zoo
1000 Ray Moses Drive
Aurora, Illinois 60505
Zoo exhibits include: Bald Eagles, Gray Wolves, Cougars, a Fox, an Arctic Fox, a Platinum Red Fox, North American River Otters, Llamas, Elk Bull and herd, Goats, a Pot-bellied Pig, Reptiles, Swans, Ducks, Turkeys, Peacocks and more. Open year round 9 am to 5 pm daily, but closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Years Day.
Serpent Safari
6170 W. Grand Avenue, Gurnee IL 60031
847-855-8800 Email: serpentsafari@aol.com
Indoor reptile zoo featuring rare and giant reptiles including "Baby" the largest snake in the world - 403 lbs! Meet a Nile crocodile, rare albino alligator, rare albino iguanas, 250-lb. Anaconda, cobras & much more! Photos with pythons and boas. Gift store with nature and reptile products. Pet store to take home a favorite new pet.

SPIRIT OF CHICAGO FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS DINNER CRUISE!
	Splash aboard the Spirit of Chicago! Get front row seats to Navy Pier’s spectacular fireworks show! Celebrate America's Birthday this year with a premium bar package, festive buffet and DJ Entertainment all for one price! There's no better place to celebrate than on the water with Spirit!  Reserve your seats today.