My 10 year-old daughter’s list of her favourite things to see and do in Chicago.
This is a guest post written by my 10 year-old daughter, Emma, who is eager to share her thoughts about some of the destinations that we visit. Emma has been asking to write blog posts for quite some time so this post will be the first in a series that we’ll call Emma’s Favourite Things.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase then we receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
The first time that I went to Chicago was when I was a baby and I don’t remember that but I’ve been lots of times since and I love going there. These are some of my favourite things to do when we are in Chicago.
American Girl Place
My most favourite thing to do in Chicago is go to American Girl Place which is a huge doll store! There are a bunch of different types of dolls too like historical dolls from different time periods in American history. You can also get a doll that looks like you and there are matching outfits for you and the doll. You can even get braces and earrings for your doll. There are also Bitty Twins which are toddler dolls. There’s a bookstore at American Girl Place with great stories to read and my favourites are the American Girl Mysteries.
There is a café at American Girl Place too where you can eat lunch or dinner. You can bring your doll in and they have little seats, cups and plates for the dolls as well. And if you don’t have a doll or if you don’t have your doll with you then you can borrow a doll.
11 Tips for An Unforgettable Visit to an American Girl Store
Navy Pier
When I went to Chicago with my mom this summer I went to Navy Pier for the first time. There’s a really big ferris wheel that I went on with my mom, my friend and her mom. There are also other rides like the merry go round and a big swing ride. I liked the merry-go-round but I didn’t go on the swing because it looked too scary!
Chicago Children’s Museum
The Children’s Museum is also at Navy Pier and it’s a fun place to play. There are a bunch of different sections. The ones that I liked best were Kids Town, Big Backyard, the water play area, the special pets exhibit and the ship that we could climb on. My friend and I had a lot of fun playing there!
Shedd Aquarium
I always like to go to the aquarium because there is so much to do there! There is a Caribbean reef where you can see fish, stingrays, sharks, and sea turtles. There was also a jelly fish exhibit at the aquarium when we were there. I like going to the show as well because the dolphins and beluga whales are really fun to watch.
Field Museum
The Field Museum has a lot of really cool exhibits and if you like dinosaurs then you are going to love this museum because Sue the T-Rex is in the lobby!
The Art Institute of Chicago
I like to go to art galleries so I really like the Art Institute of Chicago. There are a lot of paintings there that I like by famous artists like Van Gogh and the impressionists. When we went this summer we also saw the Fashion, Impressionism and Modernity exhibit which had beautiful dresses just like the ones in the paintings.
Eating Pizza
We ate deep dish pizza at Gino’s and it was really good! The really cool thing though was that people have written their names all over the restaurant and I got to write my name on the wall too!
Boat Tours
Last summer, my mom and I went on a boat tour around Chicago that was a lot of fun. We had a really nice tour guide and we saw a bunch of famous buildings and learned the history of them.
Millennium Park
We also like to go to Millennium Park and see The Bean. It’s really cool because you can take pictures of your reflection in it. We also saw the Crown Fountain that squirts water.
Wrigley Field Tour
On our last trip, we went on a tour of Wrigley Field where the Chicago Cubs play baseball and saw different parts of the park and learned some history about it. And I got to sit in the dugout where the Cubs players sit!
Chicago Tribune Tower
One of the things that I think is really cool in Chicago is the Chicago Tribune Tower. It’s a tall building that has a little chunk of a bunch of famous landmarks sticking in its walls. My favourite pieces were the Great Wall of China, the pyramids of Giza and the Parthenon.
I have so much fun every time that I go to Chicago and I can’t wait to go back again!
Emma is 10 years old and entering grade 5 this September. She loves to read books and write stories; learn about the world; and sing, dance and perform in musicals. Emma has wanted to go to China since she was three years old and she hopes her parents are going to take her soon!
Related Articles
It’s Fun to be a Girl at American Girl Place Chicago
Keryn @ walking on travels
Emma- I have my fingers crossed on China for you lady! I’ve been telling your mom to take you for years 😉
Beth @ Cloud Surfing Kids
Great post, Emma! I like hearing about places from a kid’s perspective. Looking forward to hearing more! I’m going to share your journeys with my 5 year old, Ella (Cloud Surfing Kids). I’m sure she will be inspired by you!
Jeff Titelius
Well Emma, you certainly know how to travel well and which sights to see! I have never been to Chicago but thanks to your recommendations, I think it jumped up a few notches on my list of “places to travel to next.” I bet the aquarium and the museums were fun!! And what about that pizza??!! How yummy was that??!! A very nice post young lady and I look forward to more of Emma’s Favourite Things soon!
Lisa Goodmurphy
Thanks, Keryn – I hope she listens to you!
– Emma
Lisa Goodmurphy
Thank you! I hope Ella likes it – our names are almost the same!
– Emma
Lisa Goodmurphy
Thank you! The pizza WAS so good and you should definitely go to Chicago! It’s lots of fun! 🙂
-Emma
Traci
Emma; thanks for providing a kid’s perspective of Chicago! We’re thinking about visiting the city this fall, but I wasn’t sure if there would be enough to interest my kids. You’ve convinced me that there are!
Cathy Sweeney
Great post, Emma. I’m so glad that your first post was about Chicago — one of my FAVORITE cities and my old hometown. Somewhere on that wall at Gino’s is my name — from a very long time ago. I love your list of favorites. They’re some of mine, too.
Marlys
Great perspective of a visit to a city. Bravo, Emma, for providing us a different view of Chicago.
Mary {The World Is A Book}
Great job, Emma!I love all the places you listed here and all wonderful ideas for kids visiting Chicago. My kids haven’t been since they were toddlers so this is an awesome starting point. Why am I not surprised American Girl is at the top of the list here 🙂 You and my daughter will get along so well. Keep writing and I’m looking forward to reading more from you. Crossing my fingers for China for you!
Marcia
Hey Emma, you’ve done a magnificent job and I’m going to keep this list for when I go to Chicago later this year. I liked the Art Institute too but you’ve given me a few more things to see when I get there.
Btw, I had a good chuckle when I saw that the first thing on your favourite list is American Girl. A pretty cool place, isn’t it? Took my niece there for one of her birthdays and she had a blast.
Thanks for sharing your list with us. Looking forward to your next post. Keep smiling!
Marisol@TravelingSolemates
Hi Emma, what a delightful post! Thanks for taking me on a virtual tour of your favorite places of Chicago. I really enjoyed it. I think you’re a natural blogger:)
budget jan
I always like hearing about what Emma likes – I think she must be a kindred spirit of mine as I quite often agree with her view on things.
Great first post Emma.
Stephanie SassyModernMom
I’ve only been to Chicago in the winter. Looks like I need to pack up the family and head back in some warmer weather. It looks far more inviting!
Salika Jay
Hi Emma, this is a beautiful post. I enjoyed reading it. I would love to have a slice of that pizza too 🙂 All the best for your future travels, and I hope to read about them too 🙂
Satu VW
Such a lovely post, I look forward to more of Emma’s writing!! 🙂
Chasing the Donkey
The best guest blog post I have ever read!
Freya
Great post and photos Emma ! I have never been to Chicago but for sure would love to go. Your tips come in very handy ooh and I love pizza as well.
Sophie
Well done, Emma. And best of luck with the China plans 🙂
Lesley Peterson
Wow, that would be my dream trip to Chicago, for sure! I’d love to check out the Bitty Twins and pick up some American Girl mysteries. The aquarium and art institute look fascinating, too!
Laurel
Yeah Emma! Great post! I think I would want to visit all these places, even though I’m an adult.
Renee
Such a great post!! We’re headed to Chicago tomorrow with our 10 yr old and will be sure to look up these places. Thank you!
Amanda O.
I’m from Chicago and I’m glad you love it as much as I do! Your list is spot-on, and definitely a “must” for all kids visiting the area. And it looks like even someone who was born & raised here can learn something new – I had no idea the Tribune Tower had pieces of famous landmarks…and I used to work there!
Lisa Goodmurphy
Traci, we have been to Chicago quite a few trips and Emma only really remembers the last few so there are more attractions that your kids would love as well. Both the Science and Technology Museum and the Planetarium were big hits with my kids when we visited and I’m sure that your son, in particular, would love both of them. Chicago is a great city for families – enjoy!!
Lisa