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UltimateMama’s recent visit to the local library was a smashing success.  Her 9 year old devoured the following books:

School’s Out by Johanna Hurwitz

No Talking by Andrew Clements

The Candy Smash by Jacqueline Davies (part of the Lemonade War series)

Ava and Taco Cat by Carol Weston (yes for all you smarties that is a palindromic name!)

UltimateMama and her family love Chicago in June!  If you are looking for a family friendly itinerary for the Windy City then your first stop should be buying the official Chicago CityPASS.  Admission includes:  Shedd Aquarium, Skydeck Chicago, The Field Museum, Museum of Science and Industry or 360 Chicago, and Adler Planetarium or Art Institute of Chicago.  I will say we hit everything except 360 Chicago as we ran outta time.  The positives about CityPASS include:  no long lines for tickets/entrance, significant cost savings, and easy way to plan your itinerary.

Our family loved seeing “American Gothic” at the Art Institute and over 30,000 aquatic animals in their habitats at the Shedd Aquarium on the same DAY!  Whether you remember it as the Sears Tower or Willis Tower, Skydeck Chicago offers a step onto the LEDGE for amazing Chicago views over 103 floors up — if you plan it right you could stop for breakfast at Lou Mitchell’s first.  Take your watch to the Museum of Science and Industry as you may lose track of time with the submarine, tornado, mirror maze, and more.  Don’t miss the sky shows at Adler Planetarium.

Make sure you take some pictures by Chicago’s “Cloud Gate“- and get there early before all the tourists.  Grab some deep dish Chicago style pizza at Ginos East.

A short cab ride away from the hustle and bustle is the Lincoln Park Zoo which was the highlight of the trip according to my girls.  Did I mention it is FREE and open daily?! And, if you are lucky enough to catch a Chicago Cubs baseball game you are in for a treat.  Wrigley Field is a must visit ballpark that everyone will enjoy.

If you are staying at the Four Seasons Chicago hotel a nice little breakfast place is Tempo Café only a short walk way.  Be sure to hit the Ralph Lauren restaurant for a nice upscale dinner.  Rosebud is good for a more casual dinner. For an absolutely elegant dining experience head to the Trump Chicago’s Sixteen Restaurant!