Chicago: Have a Hot Time in Chi-town

Catch a Show

The reputation of Chicago’s theater scene has grown steadily since our world-class Steppenwolf Theatre produced the likes of John Malkovich, Joan Allen and Gary Sinise, and The Goodman Theatre transferred many shows to New York stages. CSI star William Petersen started here at the now-defunct Remains Theatre, and Friends star David Schwimmer co-founded the Lookingglass Theatre, which in 2003 moved into the historic Water Tower Water Works building on North Michigan Avenue, one of the few buildings to survive the great Chicago fire of 1871.

Steppenwolf Theatre Company, www.steppenwolf.org, tel. 312-335-1650
The Goodman Theatre, www.goodmantheatre.org,
Lookingglass Theatre Company, tel. 312-337-0665 tel. 312-443-3800

Stop at the Hot Tix windows at 72 E. Randolph St. or 163 E. Pearson St. (the service accepts credit cards now) to find out whether dozens of productions—from the raucous Blue Man Group (my kids' favorite) to the innovative Chicago Shakespeare Theater (which has a great Short Shakespeare program that gives kids a fast-paced, action-filled introduction to the Bard) or the always bitingly funny (but rarely child-friendly) Second City—is offering half-price tickets for performances that day. If not, take a chance on any of the lesser-known theaters. We have never been disappointed, whether it was a big national touring production of Wicked or a small experimental show at an Off-Off-Loop theater—but ask whether the production is family-friendly before buying a ticket for the kids. www.hottix.org

To ensure kid-friendliness, opt for one of Chicago’s wonderful children’s theater groups. Our favorites are the wonderful Chicago Kids Co., which understands that little ones need to get involved in the show, and Emerald City Theatre Co. in Lincoln Park, which always has some terrific show on stage.

• A performance of the classic ‘A Christmas Carol’ at the Goodman Theatre.
• Michael Brosilow

Chicago Kids Co., www.chicagokidscompany.com, tel. 773-205-9600, Tickets: $10 Emerald City Theatre Co., www.emeraldcitytheatre.com, tel. 773-935-6100. Tickets: $15-$37, adults; $12-$27, kids, depending on the show.

Museums

Chicago is home to a wealth of museums. There are the traditional favorites such as the venerable Art Institute of Chicago on Michigan Avenue, home to an impressive collection of Impressionists and a terrific Kraft Education Center that offers hands-on activities for kids. My daughter loved it until she turned 11 and realized she was far too sophisticated to spend her time down there when there were masters to see in the galleries upstairs.

There’s also the funky (and free) National Museum of Mexican Art, just west of the Loop in Pilsen. My kids have always been drawn to the vibrant colors inside the museum (you might want to preview the exhibits—some can be a little racy) but they are just as enamored of the art on the street in this pulsing ethnic community. Many neighborhood buildings sport rich mosaics or beautiful, sometimes religious paintings. Before you head back downtown, stop in at any of the storefront restaurants for a taco and a horchata, a Mexican rice-flavored drink.

Art Institute of Chicago, www.artic.edu. Admission: Free Thursdays from 5-8 p.m. Otherwise it’s $12 for adults; $7 for students and seniors, free for kids 12 and under. This used to be a “suggested donation.” Now it’s a mandatory fee.
National Museum of Mexican Art, www.nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org, tel. 312-738-1503, free.

• The historic Old Water Tower at night.
• Josh Jackson

For the scientifically-minded, the Museum of Science and Industry near the University of Chicago campus in Hyde Park is not to be missed. My kids, museum regulars, love the coal mine (which can be a little dark, a little loud and little scary for young ones), the chick hatchery and the Fairy Castle. My husband never leaves without a long walk through the U-505 submarine, a special exhibit that requires an additional $5 fee.

Museum of Science and Industry, www.msichicago.org. Admission: $11 adults, $9.50 seniors, $7 kids ages 3-11.

Most major Chicago museums offer free days. For a list, visit http://www.choosechicago.com/free.html. If you can’t make it to town for a free day, consider buying a CityPass ($49.50 for adults, $39 for kids ages 4-11). It’s good for nine days and includes admission to the Museum of Science and Industry, John Hancock Observatory (worth a trip only on a bright and sunny day when it feels like you can see forever), the Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium and Field Museum.