Chicago Things to Do Tips by melissa_bel

The Sears tower is probably going to be on top of your list!
In the city that invented skyscapper, it hosts the second tallest building in the world, 1,450 feet high (443 meters), 110 stories... It's also a place of business with a lot of offices. For tourists like you and I, the skydeck is all that we're going to see: it's at 1,353 feet (412 meters), at the top floor. If the sky is clear, you'll be able to see 4 states! The skydeck also has a museum about the Tower's past. It's quite impressive when you look down and see cars not much bigger than ants!
Although the view from the Sears Tower is great, you'll know that the most beautiful cityscape is seen from the other "big girl" : The Hancock Center Tower.

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Address: 233 S. Wacker Drive
Website: http://www.sears-tower.com/

Chicago has 2 zoos. The big one, Brookfield Zoo, in the suburbs and the urban Lincoln Park Zoo located in one of Chicago's green lung and affluent neighbourhood: Lincoln Park. The best part: it's free! Created in 1868, it's one of the oldest in the country and is undergoing a lot of changes. After building a moreadequate habitat for African animals, it is rebuilding its Ape center and, according to one of the zoo-keeper I met, they will have new guests. It will open this July. Amongst the sights to see: the new Regenstein African journey, the Primate house, the bird house and my personnal favourite, the Lion House, hosting big cats such as lion, rare Siberian Tigers, an even rarer Afghanistan leopard etc.
A great family exursion.

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Address: 2001 N. Clark St.
Website: http://www.lpzoo.com

One of the best feature of the Chicago lansdcape is Lake Michigan. "Forever open and free", the lakefront will remain uncluttered. AAAnd it's a glorious sight when the sun is shining and the Lake has that deep turquoise hue... And Chicago has 29 miles of it! My best spot is North Avenue Beach. The largest beach close downtown. You'll see the Beach House, a 1938 Art Deco building, renovated recently that adds a playful feeling to the beach. In summer, activities start early with jogging and yoga. Then the activity picks up and you'll find the whole array of beach activities: Beach-volley, pick-nick... The boathouse has a restaurant (Castaway) and a convenience store if you need something like water or a new pair of sunglasses.You can also rent bikes, chairs...There is even a chess pavillon!
It's a nice feeling to be on the beach and then gaze at the cityscape so close.
Lifeguards are on duty during the summer season.
It's likely you won't have the opportunity to swim though. The Lake is really cold until late August and it can happen that bathing is prohibited because of bacteria proliferation. Make sure to check information.

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Address: 1603 N. Lake Shore Drive
Directions: From the Clark street-North avenue intersection, cross Lincoln Park, take the bridge over Lakeshore Drive and there you are!

The John Hancock Center Tower is maybe not Chicago's most beautiful building but is one of the most recognizable. After the Sears Tower, and the Aeon Building, the Hancock is the third tallest building in Chicago and in the US. While the Sears Tower is a place of business, the Hancock is a place to do business to but also to live. Yes, that 100 floors and 1,127 feet tall building has year-round resident. And I understand the prized appartement are the one where the windows are crossed by those X beams so characteristical of this building. It has everything you need too (Post office, dry-cleaning, newstand... even a grocery store! The ground floor has restaurants and business. But people come here for the view, the best view in town. You have the choice, you can either pay the admission price for the observation deck (open from 9 am to 11 pm): Adults pay $9.50, Seniors (62+); $7.50 and children under 12 years-old; $6.00. The alternative is enjoying a drink or a meal at the Signature room on the 95th and 96th floor and 96th-floor (restaurant on the lower floor and lounge on the upper floor) . It's not cheap (more than 6 bucks for a beer) but you can have a drink with a view! On the other side, if you really want a 360 degrees view, then the observation deck will be your pick. You may also notice that the building is... yes... swaying. Especially if the wind is strong. Don't worry though, the worse thing you can get is maybe a little motion sickness.
I recommendto go at sunset when the sun disappears and the Chicago lights are coming on, it's really, really a sight to see!

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Address: 875 N. Michigan Ave.
Website: http://www.hancock-observatory.com/