We have a friend coming to visit this weekend with her 13 year old daughter, and she is asking us (we are parents of a 7 year old boy) for advice as to what to do that would be fun and exciting for a 13 year old girl in Chicago for the first time. Some stuff will be just her and her daughter, and some will be for all of us--3 adults (we're old :), in our 40's) and we will have the 13 year old and 7 year old with us. Another caveat, Ideally something that is free or low-cost for the group outing, given the challenges in the economy right now!
Hi D.,
Check out www.kidwinks.com. There's a great Events calendar, and a very cool Kids Eat Free Calendar - click on a day and you find out where kids eat free for that day. You can search for free activities, too.
I guess it depends on the girl. I admit I don't have any teen girls, but a niece who just likes being "in the city" with all the tall buildings and museums. But here are some thoughts. The St. Patrick's Day parade is Saturday at noon (not sure how cold it's going to be.) http://www.chicagostpatsparade.com/
Chicago Tourism "Free" page: http://www.choosechicago.com/free_chicago/Pages/default.aspx (click on the "free by day" to see a list of what's free on what days)
It's not on that list (that I can see) but the Cultural Center is free, and it's a gorgeous building in a great location. They usually have music, art exhibits, and there is a visitor's center and gift shop inside. Also, after you've looked at their amazing staircase and Tiffany dome, you can go a half-block away and check out the Tiffany dome at Macys. I bet a 13yo girl would like the apothecary store on the first floor.
In addition to the other suggestions: Sears Tower or John Hancock tour; if she likes shopping (even if not buying), go downtown where there are so many options: Water Tower, etc. on Mag Mile, but Marshall Field's (I can't call it Macy's!) on State Street plus Old Navy, Urban Outfitters, Claire's, and much more in that area. My daughter (12 years) also loves spending time in bookstores - there's a Border's right across from Water Tower. Or go to the main Chicago Public Library (it's huge and often has free programs too). And Navy Pier is great too. Be sure to check out the free events that occur all over the city plus some museums are free, for others you can check out a free museum pass at your local library (sometimes those are hard to get as they are checked out regularly). I know you're looking for low cost for the group outing but if the family will be doing other stuff, there's lots of local theater, music, dance and other performances. Check out local colleges and universities too. They put on a lot of free or low cost performances.
I agree, the St. Patrick's Day parade will be a lot of fun, and free. Then, you could head over to Navy Pier. I think kids really like it there and it doesn't cost anything, unless you decide to do the Ferris Wheel or something.
Lucky for you its St. Patrick's Day weekend! You can go downtown and watch the river being dyed green, watch the parade, people watch; also, go into a few stores, try some museums, go to the top of the John Hancock building, drive and walk around to each of the different "towns": greek town, China town, german town, etc. You could go to Milliniem Park (spelling?), see the Bean, there's always another art exhibit there too, view the gorgeous Orchestra stage area and loads more at that Park. I bet you could also go on the internet and type in "cheap things in Chicago" and get more ideas! The weather this weekend should be FABULOUS! What luck - good weather, St. Patrick's day and downtown Chicago! Have fun!
Also try the ice skating at millenium park - that's really fun, they rent skates and sell snacks and you are right down there i the heart of the city!
