I am a total autumn & winter gal — but waking up today with the bright sunshine, blue skies and hearing the early-morning chirping of the birds that were out and about definitely put me in a springtime mood!
We’ve been planning some upcoming outings, especially since the wee girl has her spring break from school in a couple of weeks. They will most definitely include the Chicago lakefront & downtown areas…so many options.
We’re a short car ride or quick train ride from all the wonderful things Chicago has to offer, so we frequent this great city of ours quite regularly. Our 7-year-old has her favorite museums, zoos & aquariums & we’ve held family memberships to several of them for many years — much more cost-effective than paying the admission fees upon each and every visit. Best part is that we get the added benefit of not waiting in the long, general admission lines since we can use the “members” lines instead. It’s also super convenient that two of her favorites happen to be right next door to each other.
We typically visit the Shedd Aquarium in the morning, have lunch and then walk over to The Field Museum for the afternoon.
I’m planning to go more in-depth in future articles about the various museums in the Chicago area, but for now, here’s a taste of a few of our favorite photos from recent visits to the Shedd Aquarium & The Field Museum.
After our mornings at the Shedd Aquarium, we head next door to The Field Museum. Kids are so used to being told where to go and what to do, so we typically let our daughter guide the way during our museum excursions and decide which exhibits to see. We’ve found that this decision-making factor during our adventures has been a great way to pique her interest in the exhibits, even from toddlerhood. It’s been cool to see what she gravitates toward during each visit. I’m so glad that we’re raising a museum-lover!
Her favorite exhibit at The Field Museum is the Evolving Planet. This wonderful section takes you through 4 billion years of life on Earth and all of the various Mass Extinctions. Since she was about 18 months old, we cannot tear her away from this area.
Hope you’re planning some fun upcoming adventures with your friends & family! If you’re in the Chicago area, make sure to head to some of our wonderful museums this season. You won’t be sorry!
I have always wanted to visit Chicago. Seems like a fun city. I love visiting museums they are so fun. When I lived in New York City, I would visit museums at least two to three times a month.
Lots of super cool things to do in Chicago, Shamira! How cool that you lived in NYC – I would’ve totally been in those museums 2-3 times a month like you were! Hope you get to Chicago sometime!
Your photos are all so beautiful and vivid! Visiting museums, zoos and aquariums are what I love to do when on a holiday! Awesome!
Thank you, Vet!! 🙂 I love shooting them! We do the same things when on a holiday – so glad to hear you do, too! Hope you get to visit Chicago sometime! 🙂
WOW! Wow! These photos are so amazing and make me want to take the kids there right now! They haven’t been to Chicago yet but I know they’d love it. So much to do there!
Thank you so very much, Marlynn! I’m so glad you enjoyed them! Hope you get to bring your kids here, soon! So much fun!!
How fun! Chicago is a great city. Can’t wait to read about your upcoming adventures!
Thank you so much, Rachel! I’m so glad you’re looking forward to future posts! 🙂
Wow, I really needed this post! My husband just signed a contract last week and…we’re moving to Chicago! Or at least the suburbs ha! I’ve only been once, years ago without kids. Now, with three young kids, I’m so curious to see what there is to do with a family in the city. I’m a California girl at heart, so moving to the midwest is going to be an adventure for sure! Thank you for sharing all the wonderful things to do in Chicago in the warmer months!! I can’t wait to explore our new city!
Oh wow, Ashleigh!!! How exciting!! We’re in the suburbs, too. There are so many things to do in the city (and suburbs)…feel free to drop me a line for any ideas – I’ll be posting more local things in the coming weeks on the blog, too. Sending happy moving vibes your way!! 🙂
I really enjoyed the beautiful photos of your trip to the Shedd Aquarium and The Field Museum. What a wonderful way to spend a relaxing day in Chicago! I look forward to your upcoming in-depth articles about other fantastic Chicago museums!
Thank you so much, Denay! I loved shooting them! 🙂 So glad you’re planning to follow along for my future articles! 🙂
You can’t beat Chicago in the spring!
xx katie // a touch of teal
Spring and fall are my favorite times downtown, Katie! So much fun!! 🙂
Gorgeous pictures and great tips. Your descriptions made me feel like I was visiting these places for the first time!
Thanks so much, Janet! xoxo 🙂
I have never been to Chicago but always read and hear it is a beautiful city with lots to do! Lovely bright and beautiful pics – and I love aquariums – would love to visit!
Thank you so much, Clare! Hope you add Chicago to your list of places to visit. So many fun things to see and do! I’ll be posting more about it soon, so hope you check back to learn more! 🙂
I love your photos! Though I have no idea how you can do the Shedd and the Field in the same day! My legs are always about ready to give out after the Field haha So fun 🙂
Thanks so much, Alexandra!! 🙂 The way we’re able to do both is because we’ve gone to both a LOT since we’re members so we don’t attempt to see each and every exhibit each time we’re there. Plus we take some fun people-watching breaks. 🙂
I just moved from Chicago after living there a year – never got around to visiting any museums, but I really wanted to! I’ll have to go back one day…
Aww, bummer that you didn’t get to visit any of the museums while you were here, Cassandra! Hope you get to visit sometime!