Top things to do in Chicago

Chicago is the largest city in the midwest and the third largest city in the United States. Chicago offers lots of things to do including world class museums, sears tower skydeck, spectacular live theater, lots of restaurants and shops, art galleries, country's largest convention center, lots of sport activities, navy pier, buckingham fountain and chicago deep dish pizza. Here are some of the top things to do in Chicago.

Navy pier's pier park is located just east of downtown on lake Michigan and offers a lot of entertainment, shops and restaurants. Navy pier features a permanent 150-foot-high ferris wheel presented by Mcdonald's, an old-Fashioned swing ride, a musical carousel and an 18-hole miniature golf course and The lighthouse at navy pier. The navy pier carousel's three dozen hand-painted animals found throughout the history of carousels, a great American folk art. Horses, and a playful frog are just a few of the featured characters waiting to carry children of all ages.

The sears tower stands at 1,450 feet and is the second tallest freestanding structure in the world and remains a huge tourist attractions in Chicago. The world famous observatory located on the 103rd floor and the sears tower recently completed a USD 4 million renovation celebrating chicago's history, landmarks and people. From the top of the skydeck, visitors can experience how the building sways on a windy day. On a clear day, you will be able to see the great plains of illinois as well as the area across from lake Michigan. You can also see Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan. The ride to the top of the skydeck at the sears tower in Chicago takes only 45 seconds. If you are taking a family vacation, your kids will love knee-high kids window. High-powered telescopes allow you to see every detail.

Buckingham Fountain is one of Chicago's most recognizable landmarks, and its free hourly water show in the summer is fun for all ages. The fountain can be seen in all its glory from April to mid October, depending on weather. It runs from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily and every hour on the hour for 20 minutes the fountain produces a major water display and the center jet shoots 150 feet into the air. At dusk the fountain's show is accompanied by lights and music.

The museum's family-friendly blend of interactive exhibits and innovative educational programs make learning about math, science, reading, the arts, and diverse cultures come alive for kids through age 10 and their families. Free admission for children 15 and under on the first Monday of every month. Free admission for everyone on Thursday nights from 5-8 p.m.

The Hancock Observatory in the John Hancock Center may not be as high as the Sears Tower Skydeck, but at 1,000 feet up the view of Chicago is still breathtaking. It also has the added bonus of being able to enjoy a cocktail at the Signature Room on the 95th floor.