Chicago: Tips for Affordable Family Fun

Let the kids run across the winding 925-foot BP Bridge, which connects the park to the lakefront. Then corral them for a family photo reflected in the shiny Anish Kapoor sculpture, Cloud Gate, or “The Bean” as it’s affectionately known around town. Admire the Frank Gehry-designed Jay Pritzker Pavilion stage. Occasionally, you can catch a free concert there. During the winter, there’s ice skating at the 16,000-foot rink, which also is free, provided you remembered to bring your own skates. The rental will set you back $7.

Free walking tours are available from the Millennium Park Greeters through the end of October at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Or just wander around and let the kids run free on the expansive lawns or, weather permitting, splash in the Crown Fountain. On a hot day, you’ll want to roll up your pant legs and join them.

Lincoln Park Zoo

One of the last free zoos in the country, Lincoln Park Zoo is set just west of the lake in Chicago’s huge Lincoln Park. My kids can’t leave before they cover both extremes of this small and accessible zoo. That’s because the newborn animals are housed at the Farm in the Zoo at the southern end of the zoo, but we also have to trek to the north end to say hello to the polar bears before calling it a day. The zoo has recently undergone major renovations, including the addition of the terrific Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo. But be careful. I’ve found that once the kids get inside and start climbing the Treetop Canopy, a 20-foot-high wood-and fabric tree, it can be tough to get them back outside to look at the animals.

• Kids always enjoy watching the polar bears at the Lincoln Park Zoo.
• kthypryn

Beaches and bike paths

Last, but not least, take advantage of the city’s gorgeous lakefront parks and 33 beaches. North Avenue Beach is just steps away from Lincoln Park. Stroll down the paved sidewalks to Oak Street Beach—located at the beginning (or end, depending on your perspective) of the Magnificent Mile shopping corridor—which is famous for its volleyball games and other sponsored events. There’s also a 20-mile continuous bike path along Lake Michigan. But this is not for amateurs. Beware of the serious bikers, bladers and runners who race along the shore, not always on the lookout for youngsters negotiating the path on training wheels.