Kid-Friendly Chicago: Where the Wild Things Are

57th St and Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60637 (map)

This hands-on museum entertains and educates year-round with exhibits like a live chick hatchery and a giant, walk-through heart. This summer, the main attraction is "Harry Potter: The Exhibition," which gives fanatic fans of all ages a peek inside the famous wizard's magical world, with items from the sets of the "Harry Potter" films. Runs through September 27, 2009.

1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605 (map)

Guaranteed kid-pleaser: the marine mammal show in the Oceanarium. Beluga whales, dolphins, sea otters and sea lions leap and play in a dramatic, glass-enclosed pool that seems to blend magically into Lake Michigan beyond. Stop at the Polar Play Zone, where tykes can touch colorful sea stars or dress up as penguins and let their imaginations run wild in the Icy South play area.

8401 31st St, Brookfield, IL 60513 (map)

Two million people trek through this southwest suburban zoo each year, and it's easy to understand the attraction of the painstakingly recreated animal habitats and special programs like live musical performances and Zoo Camp. Plus, if the little ones get tired of walking somewhere between the polar bears and the alligators, they can hop on the open-air Motor Safari for a narrated tour.

323 E Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601 (map)

Long a business traveler favorite, this Chicago River-hugging hotel is reaching out to the next generation of Trumps and Forbeses with their VIK ("Very Important Kid") package. Boasting an overnight stay in a designated Kids Suite with decorations and entertainment, the package also includes four tickets to one of three Chicago museums: the Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium or Field Museum.

171 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601 (map)

Children get the star treatment when their parents book the Lil' Celebrities package at this downtown boutique hotel. A swag bag of goodies, including a kids' guidebook to Chicago and a pair of hip shades fit for a Hollywood A-lister, awaits budding superstars. But the red carpet magic doesn't stop there. Youngsters can play chef and create their own pizzas, not to mention build their own ice cream sundaes from a sundae bar that is set up right in their room!

400 Iris Ln, Highland Park, IL 60035 (map)

Families with budding musicians will appreciate the kid-friendly events throughout the summer concert season at this North Shore outdoor music venue, including an "instrument petting zoo" where kids can try out the musical instruments they see on stage. Kids ages 12 and under can join the Kids' Club, which entitles them to special discounts and gifts, while concert-goes under age 5 get into all performances by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for free.

2200 W Euclid Ave, Arlington Heights, IL 60005 (map)

Pack a picnic basket and ready your bets, because every Sunday from May 24 to September 6, 2009, is Family Day at this suburban horse-racing park. To keep kids entertained, each week boasts a new theme, from partnerships with area sports teams to attractions like Legoland and live music. Even better? Children ages 17 and under get into the park free year-round.

111 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 (map)

Every little girl's dream, this three-floor entertainment complex has tea parties, live musical theater and a hair salon just for dolls. New dolly delights lie around every corner. Just be prepared for the inevitable cry of "Mommy, will you buy this for me?"

600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 (map)

With a 150-foot Ferris wheel, an 18-hole miniature golf course and the Chicago Children's Museum on the premises, it's a no-brainer for hours of all-ages entertainment. The Chicago Shakespeare Theater, also located on the Pier, often features family programming, like this summer's musical production of Disney's "Aladdin," running from July 1 to August 30, 2009.

1559 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 (map)

At this neighborhood wine bar known for its inventive, seasonal weekend brunch, tots get to feel like grown-ups with flights of fruit juice and flavored milk to match mom and dad's mimosa and bloody mary flights. Team that with blueberry pancakes or a breakfast sandwich with homemade sausage, and you've got a weekend kid-magnet.

5201 S Harper Ave, Chicago, IL 60615 (map)

Hyde Park parents will appreciate this upscale American restaurant's family-friendly promotions. Children age 12 and under can sup on mini cheeseburgers or fried shrimp for free, Monday through Thursday from 5pm to 6:30pm, when parents order an entree. What's more, on Sundays, the wee one's brunch is half-price.

640 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610 (map)

Although there's no kids' menu per se, the entire menu at this retro, '50s-style diner reads like a childhood fantasy: grilled cheese, macaroni, chicken tenders and burgers, plus miniature hot fudge sundaes. Singing and dancing servers sporting bobby socks and poodle skirts take your order and dish out a little good-natured ribbing on the side.

60 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611 (map)

At this vibrant pan-Asian restaurant, tykes with an international palate enjoy downsized portions of grown-up dishes like crispy orange chicken and pad thai while parents dig into build-your-own stir-fries and Asian-inflected cocktails.

2005 W Roscoe St, Chicago, IL 60618 (map)

The young and young-at-heart flip over cleverly named specialties like the Green Eggs & Ham...Sam breakfast, including eggs scrambled with spinach pesto, scallions and smoked ham. Weekend dinner brings entrees like fried chicken and waffles and puff pastry pot pies filled with chicken and fennel or ginger beef.