The grandeur of the Chicago Theatre leaves you breathless. The elegant lobby, majestic staircase and beautiful auditorium, with murals above the stage and on the ceiling, are components of “the Wonder Theatre of the World.” Opened in 1921, the Chicago Theater presents a variety of shows, concerts and events throughout the year. A symbol of State Street, the vertical “Chicago” sign and marquee are Chicago landmarks!

Don’t miss the smash Broadway hit Wicked at the Oriental Theater at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts. This incredible Broadway musical – voted “Best Musical of the Year” by Time Magazine - illuminates the Oriental Thetare until 2/5/07.

The internationally acclaimed Lyric Opera performs in the magnificent Art Deco auditorium of Chicago’s Civic Opera House. Experience the music and magic of famed operas such as Verdi’s La Traviata, Puccini’s La Boheme and Handel’s Julius Caesar at this incredible theater.

See the hottest Broadways shows at the historic Cadillac Palace Theater. Opened in 1926, the 2500-seat Cadillac Palace Theatre has been beautifully restored to its vaudeville days, but with modern technologies that present the most captivating shows from Broadway, including the Lion King and Mama Mia!

Experience the wildest playground in all of Chicago - the Lincoln Park Zoo. One of the last free zoos in the nation, Lincoln Park Zoo is natural habitat for over 1,000 mammals, reptiles and birds. Hear a lion’s roar, see gorillas climb and explore tropical rainforests and African savannas.

Located in downtown Chicago, the 24.5-acre Park Millennium Park is an extraordinary showplace for Chicago’s diverse art, music, architecture, and landscape design. Highlights include: Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Cloud Gate sculpture, Crown Fountain, Lurie Garden and McCormick Tribune Ice Rink.

Experience numerous free activities that help you enjoy the culture and character of Chicago. Enjoy free days at Chicago’s world-class art, culture and history museums, inclucing the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, Chicago History Museum, Art Institute of Chicago, Museum of Contemporary Art, Children’s Museum, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Spertus Museum, Peace Museum, Smith Museum of Stained Glass and the Museum of Contemporary Photography.

Treat your kids to Brookfield Zoo - home to 2,000 animals – including bottlenose dolphins, giraffes, hippos, and elephants, a powerful African lion and Mexican gray wolves. Families can explore nature and touch small animals and in the Hamill Family Play Zoo.

Check out Chicago’s ultimate sports-themed restaurant and fan zone – ESPN Zone. Enjoy delicious American cuisine, tasty drinks, interactive video games and fun sports activities for the whole family.

Make a difference in the lives of your children at the Children’s Museum at Navy Pier Through engaging educational exhibits, art workshops and events, CCM offers hands-on activities that make every visit unforgettable! Thursdays are Free Family Night from 5pm - 8pm.