Kathryn & Ben
Things To Do
Starved Rock State Park
For outdoor lovers, this is the best hiking around!! You can find canyons, bluffs, waterfalls, and river views! A Brooks Family staple while growing up :) It is a few hours away but if you like the outdoors it'll be worth it!
Brookfield Zoo
My favorite zoo! They have so many animals :) Held to the standards of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, this zoo is wonderful.
Chicago City Pass
This pass includes some big ticket activities you wont want to miss!! The Shedd Aquarium is by far my favorite place. They have beluga whales, pacific white sided dolphins, lots and lots of fish, sea lions, sea otter, penguins, frogs etc. I cannot recommend visiting here enough. Ben and I also got engaged right outside before a beluga encounter! The pass also includes the Field Museum, my second favorite place to visit growing up! You could spend days in this place and not see everything, but it has a lot of history and cool stuff! The Museum of Science and Industry, the Art Institute, and Adler Planetarium are other places I went to growing up. I personally have never done the architecture river tour (I have heard great things!) or the 360 observation deck. Depending on what your interests are you can't go wrong with any of these! :) You can get into the city using the Metra Train, the "L" (basically the subway), or driving (rec. use Spot Hero to find cheaper parking).
Other Chicago Things
-Millennium Park has the famous "Bean" statue! There are also gardens and art work you can walk around and see. -Buckingham Fountain is another fun place to walk around -Chicago Lakefront is a long path you can walk or bike. Nice views of the water and the city sky line. The waterfront over by the planetarium/aquarium will give you a great view of the whole city! -Navy Pier is another fun place to go! Home to the iconic Ferris Wheel and lots of Chicago foods all in one place. -Soldier Field, home of the Chicago Bears! Right across the street from the Field Museum.
Chicago Food Recommendations
-Deep Dish Pizza (Lou Malnati's, Giordano's, Gino's East) -Portillo's (big beef sandwiches, burgers, fries, chopped salad etc. They have branched out recently to a few other places, but this is a Chicago area food chain) -Chicago Style Hot Dogs (If you're in the city, find a hot dog cart and grab a dog! We frequent the hot dog stand outside the front of the Shedd Aquarium.)
Lincoln Park Zoo
If you are already in the city, this is a free zoo you should check out! Also a member of the Association of Zoo and Aquariums (holds them to the highest standards).
Wrigley Field
Up for a Cubs game? Definitely check out Wrigley Field! September 23 and 24 the Cubs take on the Mets at 6:40 p.m.
Chicago Botanic Garden
Another place with lots of greenery!
The Brooks Family "Home" Disc Golf Course
Considered the "home" field for the Brooks family, this is a fun local course to play at.
Canyons Disc Golf Course
A family favorite. A great course with great scenery!
Cantigny
Beautiful grounds to walk, has a military museum and artillery on display, as well as a golf course!
The Morton Arboretum
Another great place to stroll around and admire all of the greenery!
Bahá'í House of Worship
One of 8 continental Bahá'í Houses of Worship in the world! A beautiful building with incredible architecture and gardens. A unique place to visit!