Chicago Things to Do Tips by jo104

Buckingham Fountain Grant Park - Buckingham Fountain Review

A lot of people want to view this iconic Chicago landmark because of the association with the film "Married with Children". I personally never watched it but this fountain is quite spectacular. From April to Mid October for 20min every hour ending at 11pm there is a water display jets of water jump 150ft into the air accompanied by a light and music display. The fountain looks like a wedding cake but was designed as Lake Michigan with 4 sea horses. These symbolise the 4 states which touch the Lake Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana & Michigan. The fountain is made out of Georgia pink marble and first opened in 1927. The designer was inspired by Louis XIV's garden in Versailles.

Address: 500 S Lake Shore Dr

Directions: east of the Loop

Phone: 312-742-7529

Website: http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/index.cfm/

Millenium Park Millennium Park Review

This park is a delight for the residents and visitor's to chicago alike. It houses the Crowne Fountain which is a very interactive fountain, the bean, and amazing BP Bridge which links 2 sections of the park together and there is even an ice skate rink here during winter.

Besides all the extra features it was the park's grounds that stunned me with the incredible Lurie garden full of native plants. When we visited there was a sea of purple with many different herbs, a millenium park greeter is on hand to tell you about the garden and there is free walking tours scheduled 11.30am & 1pm from the welcome centre.

During summer there is a permanent stage set up with sound system and seats were they hold outdoor free concerts. You are also able to bring a bottle of wine and a picnic to enjoy a show. There are security guards patroling the park to ensure no unruly behaviour. The park is very enviromently green with solar panels as well as turf laid over an excellent drainage system.

Address: Randolph St & Michigan Ave

Website: http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com

Lincoln Park Zoo - FREE Admission Lincoln Park and Brookfield Zoos Review

Lincoln Park is 50% longer then central park stretching for 6miles & there is even a beach just behind the Zoo called Fullerton Beach.

The zoo opens at 10am even though you can walk about and see some of the animals before that time these guys do not come alive until opening time which is also when all the indoor exhibits are open. It is not a terribly large zoo but there are some very worthwhile attractions. Do visit the monkeys they are ultra lively much to the childrens delight. For the squeamish there is an excellent display of snakes, frogs, bats and wallabies. There is a farm yard zoo for those smaller children who want to experience the country. Coming from south africa I enjoyed the Regenstein African journey with the biggest attraction being the meerkats. Perhaps give the penguins and polar bear a miss they are in such a small enviroment its a bit sad.

If your children are nagging you to let them ride the artisan crafted endangered species carousel rather let them ride it here then at Navy Pier as at $2.75 you can't go wrong.

I bought a good quality sweatshirt at the Wild Things shop and used my coupon to get 15% discount. They charge tax on clothing in Chicago http://www.chicagoofficeoftourism.org/chicagocoupons/attractions/attractionCoupons2.html#lincolnParkZoo.

Address: 2200 N Cannon Drive

Directions: 151 bus

Website: http://www.lpzoo.com