Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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designed for children 3 to 7; kids can climb a two-stor y treehouse, coast down a wiggly
“worm” slide, and peer through “bug” binoculars that re-create how insects see the world.
The sunny B utterfly Cafe offers fr esh, healthful meals cafeteria-style. I n summer get
there early to enjoy coffee and a muffin—and the lovely surroundings—with joggers and
other locals. Allow 1 hour.
Fullerton Ave. and C annon Dr.
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773/755-5100.
www.chias.org. Admission $7 adults , $5 seniors and
students, $4 childr en ages 3-12, fr ee for children 2 and under . Free admission Thurs. M on-Fri 9am-
4:30pm; Sat-Sun 10am-5pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Dec 25, and Jan 1. Bus: 151 or 156. Free trolley service
from area CTA stations and parking garages Sat-Sun and holidays. Visit museum website for route infor-
mation and schedule.
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WATER PARKS
Coco Key Water Resort
Ages 2 to 12.
The Chicago area's first major indoor water
resort opened at the end of 2006 in northwest suburban Arlington Heights and offers the
usual water park fare of four water slides, indoor adv enture river for tubing, and plenty
of opportunities to get spray ed and splashed. I t's all done in a decor that r eplicates the
tropical appeal of K ey West. One unique feature: You can rent a private cabana for the
day, a good option for chilling out and getting away from the noise and commotion, plus
a television, a refrigerator, and a safe for y our valuables. For the adults, the Wet Rooster
Bar is a nice feature, as it sits slightly above the water activities, allowing you to relax with
a tropical-themed drink while keeping an ey e on your kids. (If you're hungry, the usual
fast-food fare is available from A&W or Pizza Hut.) A zero-depth splash pool with bur-
bling fountains and a wading pool with water basketball should keep the littlest ones
happy. For the older kids, ther e are four body- and raft-water slides that seemingly star t
at the ceiling and wind their thrilling ways do wn.
It's for all ages, but during my visit, it seemed the y oungest that could r eally take
advantage of the activities would be about age 2; kids older than 12 might lose inter est
in this sor t of thing! There's an extensiv e arcade adjacent to the water par k. The resort
itself is attached to the S heraton Chicago Northwest, which underwent a major renova-
tion while the water par k was being built. The water par k makes for a gr eat getaway
within an hour of the city, particularly nice on a wintr y weekend. Allow a full day.
3400 W. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights.
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847/394-2000.
w ww.cocokeywaterresort.com. Admission
(day pass) Mon-Thurs $25 adults and childr en; Fri-Sun and holidays $39; free for children 2 and under.
Sun-Thurs 10am-9pm; F ri-Sat and holida ys 10am-10pm. Take I-90, I-94, or I-290 nor th t o Arlingt on
Heights. Approx. driving time from Chicago Loop 45 min.
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KID-FRIENDLY TOURS
If you're in town for a limited time, an organized tour may be the best way to get a quick
overview of the city's highlights. Some tours—such as the boat cruises on Lake Michigan
and the Chicago Riv er—can give you a whole ne w perspective on the city 's landscape.
Because Chicago caters to sophisticated travelers from all over the world, many tours go
beyond sightseeing to explore important historical and architectural landmarks in depth.
These specializ ed tours can help y ou appr eciate buildings or neighborhoods that y ou
might otherwise have passed by without a second glance.
