Chicago's loop is the center of the action, and no family should miss a trip to Millennium Park with the kids. Plan to return to this area several times to see everything. To get here, take a bus to Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive. Busses 3, 6, 145, 147 or 151 will take you here. El stops are: State, Washington, Monroe an Jackson

Millennium Park

Address 201 E. Randolph Street, Chicago, Tel (312) 742-1168 Call, Hours Daily 6am-11pm, Cost Free

Start your day with playtime at Millennium Park. During the summer, expect to find outdoor music or to stroll through the park and enjoy public art displays and incredible architecture. Kid will love playing in the water at the Crown Fountain towers and running around the mirrored "Cloud Gate" sculpture.

Art Institute of Chicago

Address 111 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL, Tel 312-443-3600 Call, Hours Daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's days, Cost Adults: $12; Kids 12-18 $7; Under 12 Free

The Curators at the Art Institute have gone to extra effort to make the museum fun for kids. Ask at the information desk for one of the several booklets designed to help kids enjoy the museum, or start your visit down at the Kraft Education Center where kids can touch the artwork and even create some of their own.

Frontera Fresco

Address 111 North State Street,Chicago, IL 60602, Location 7th floor of Macy's State Street, Hours Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Closed Sun, Cost Everything is priced under $7.50

Celebrity chef Rick Bayless makes his award winning Mexican food available to families with this casual but authentic restaurant located inside Macy's food court. If Mexican food isn't your child's style, you'll also find a La Brea Bakery and a gourmet hamburger stand here.

Garrett Popcorn

Address 26 West Randolph, Chicago, IL 60601, Tel 312.201.0455 Call, Open Daily

Garret Popcorn sells fresh hot-air popped premium-quality Popcorn, CaramelCrisp and CheeseCorn. It has been featured twice on Oprah's "Favorite Things" and you should expect to wait in line for a bag. Order a mix of CaramelCrisp and CheeseCorn for a sweet and salty treat.

Gold Coast Dogs

Address 159 N. Wabash, Chicago, IL, Tel (312) 917-1677 Call,

Gold Coast Dogs routinely wins awards as Chicago's Best Hot Dog restaurant, and since Hot Dogs are one of the foods Chicago is known for, you won't feel like you are taking the easy way out by bringing them here. I particularly like the Gold Coast Char Polish Sausage, fully loaded chicago style with a selection of vegetables and pickles.

Sears Tower Skydeck

Address 233 S Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL, Tel 312-875-9447 Call, Hours Open Daily. Less crowded after 5pm

A fast elevator ride, great views of the city, and the Knee-High Chicago exhibit on the inside walls that is interesting for kids and adults.

Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers

Address 301 East North Water Street, Chicago, IL 60611, Tel (312) 464-1000 Call,

This is the conference hotel for BlogHer '09.

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