Chicago is a perennially popular destination for visitors from across the nation and around the world. It’s a cosmopolitan city that offers plenty in the way of cultural attractions, gourmet dining and designer shopping. But there is another side to Chicago, one that is designed precisely for the budget conscious traveler.

Navy Pier

One of Chicago’s premier tourist attractions for those who don’t mind their fun being a little kitschy and commercial, Navy Pier offers free admission for people simply wanting to wander through and see the sights. The Children’s Museum is here as are many shops, rides and other attractions, but the people watching is always free and so are the views of the Chicago skyline.

Saint Patrick’s Day – Is it a day of family fun, celebratory Mass, colorful parades, Celtic music, traditional Irish dancing, and green, green everywhere – or is it drinking and debauchery?  The answer is … both.

Chicago Tours and Attractions

This Saint’s day is wonderfully all-inclusive - for saints and sinners!  In the days and sometimes weeks surrounding March 17, we all celebrate our Irish roots – real or imagined!  Everyone, real Paddies, Plastic Paddies and Paddie wannabees, celebrates – one way or the other, or both.

Do you have kids? Are you having guests with children this holiday season? Planning your next family vacation in the next few months? Be sure to take advantage of the Kids Go Free deals offered exclusively through TrustedTours.com. For a limited time, Trusted Tours and Attractions has some exclusive deals that give free ticket admission for children when accompanied by a paying adult. These deals are in cities throughout the United States so chances are you might be able to take advantage of these amazing deals.

Bobby’s Bike Hike - Chicago, Illinois
This tour is what made Bobby famous, taking you off
the tourist beat and onto the quiet neighborhood streets, city parks, and packed beaches of the North Side of Chicago, giving you a glimpse as to how Chicagoans enjoy their beautiful city. Highlights include the Gold Coast Mansions, Oprah’s House, the Playboy Mansion, Lincoln Park Zoo, Old Town Historic District, North Avenue Beach, and the Lakefront. Reservations recommended.

Schedule: 1:30 PM Daily, also 9:30 AM Saturdays!

Whether you’re Irish or a leprachuan wanna-be… everyone loves a good St. Patrick’s Day Parade! You may have heard the expression “Everyone wants to be Irish on St. Patrick’s Day.” Though St. Patrick’s Day is the national holiday of Ireland, it is celebrated world wide… from North America to Argentina, Germany to Montserat, Mexico to Russia. Originally a religious celebration in observance of the death of Saint Patrick (circa 385 – 461), one of the Irish patron saints, it has now become more of a holiday to celebrate the Irish culture and it’s influences worldwide.

I’m not prone to nosebleeds so the zippy elevator that whisked us to the top of the John Hancock Observatory in Chicago, Illinois didn’t bother me as much as some folks. I will admit that I felt like we we being launched instead of transported to the 94th floor but when the doors opened the view made it all worthwhile. 1,000 feet above Chicago with views in all directions but it got even better with “Skywalk”. This section of the observatory was open air. Just screened in so you could feel the wind on your face and hear the sounds of the city from below. Not for the faint of heart. I was surprised at how much room there is to walk around up there and they even identify the surrounding buildings for you. On a clear day they say you can see 80 miles and four states. Since the Hancock Observatory is right at the magnificent mile, it’s a natural to visit before or after some shopping and great food. Aah Chicago!

It’s not as easy as it looks. I’m certain that putting full-size trains and planes inside a building takes patience. That’s why when you walk around the The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, Illinois, you keep saying “Wow!”.

Industrial is the feel here as you explore a maze of inventions that changed society. Technology is showcased on a grand scale with lots of hands-on opportunities for kids of all ages. I really enjoyed the robot exhibit where “Robbie the Robot” towers over the entrance welcoming you to a fun exhibit of robots in our culture. An Omnimax theater offers spectacular speciality films, too. From the time you enter the building and take the giant escalator up to the exhibits, you gawk and point. For an inspiring journey of human ingenuity, spend some time at The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. You won’t regret it.

When I was a kid watching the “Aquaman” cartoon, I dreamed of being able to summon the denizens of the deep to do my bidding, just like him. Experiments at the beach during family vacations proved ineffective. No dolphins rallied to my side despite my deep concentration. Never the less, I developed a strong connection with the Sea and it’s creatures when Jacques Cousteau began sharing his adventures on film. I’ve been a big fan of Aquariums ever since.