Chicago Attractions

Escape earthbound reality by "exploring the universe" at this "top-notch" museum and planetarium where "amazing exhibits" and "captivating" "sky shows" offer a "fascinating" "introduction to astronomy" (try the StarRider theater for a virtual trip into space); you can take a self-guided tour, refuel at the cafe and snap some great photos, since the lakefront location offers picture-perfect views "of the Chicago skyline."

For the equivalent of a "bachelor's degree in art history in one building", check out this "A-list" museum near the Loop that houses a trove of "instantly recognizable" "treasures beyond measure" (i.e. Seurat's La Grande Jatte, Hopper's Nighthawks, Wood's American Gothic); there's "something for every buff" here, but its holdings are so vast you "can't see everything in one visit", particularly its "second-to-none" Impressionist collection.

There's "almost too much to see" in this "classic" lakeside "palace of a museum" that's "one of the best stops in Chicago" and home of "spectacular" Sue, "the world's most famous T. rex", plus other "accessible, readable" and "extraordinary displays", including the "wonderful gem room"; "look at the Web site beforehand" to zero in on your interests, and "spend the day" if you can.

Gaze at "four states by day, a billion lights by night" from the 94th floor of this 1970 skyscraper offering "fabulous views, even in the ladies' room"; the elevator ride up is "amazing", and there's an "outdoor walkway" like no other ("don't worry, it's encased with wire") and high-tech touches like multilingual talking telescopes; though only "the third-tallest building" in town, it's "nothing to scoff at", particularly when you can cap off your visit with "a drink in the Signature Lounge" two floors above.

Animal aficionados affirm this is "one of the best city zoos you'll find", a "manageably sized", "well laid-out", "clean" park that "amazes with what it offers in such a small space" – they even found room for a farm; free of charge, it's "terrific" as a destination or even for just a quick "walk in, walk out as you're strolling up the lake trail"; N.B. the revamped children's zoo opens in spring 2005.

Inspiring even traditionalists to "keep an open mind", this "outstanding small museum" in a "great" Gold Coast location is "committed to excellence", displaying an "eclectic" collection with many "recognizable pieces" of "compelling contemporary art" in addition to "engaging" traveling exhibitions; N.B. closed on Mondays.

"The coolest museum in a world-class museum city" "never ceases to amaze, amuse and educate", so make time to visit this Hyde Park institution where you can "dive in a U-boat, go down into a coal mine, fly in an airplane" and "touch and explore" "whazzits and wazzoos that would spin anyone's head"; "getting there" can be "a stretch", but it's "highly worth it" because "unlike your high school chemistry teacher", this "venerable" veteran "makes science accessible and fun."

Play ultimate hooky at this "entertaining" "amusement park on the water" with "lots of rides", IMAX movies, "awesome fireworks" and "big-time hustle and bustle" – if you're bored at this "honky-tonk" haven, "check if you have a pulse"; sure, it puts some locals on "tacky" "tourist alert", but once in a while you have to play the part, so "take a camera" and click away at the skyline from the "thrilling Ferris wheel" or a "water taxi ride"; just find a real restaurant elsewhere 'cause "the food is nothing to salute."

Lake Michigan inspires the nautical theme of this "excellent facility" with dual Dick Nugent "links-style" designs offering "great views of the Chicago skyline"; many call this "challenging" course the "harder of the two", where you'll find "safe harbor" only if you "keep it straight" – otherwise, "pick up an extra sleeve of balls" because the "tall grass and fescue will take all errant shots"; P.S. "bring your punch shots" too, for "when the Windy City wind blows."

"Rainbows of colorful fish" vie for attention with dolphins, beluga whales, sharks and other "enchanting" creatures at this "top-notch" indoor aquarium "on the shores of Lake Michigan" in Grant Park; it's "best on a summer night with live jazz and liquor" or during feeding time when the fins are in a frenzy, but a few crabs carp that given the rather high prices, "you really have to like" sea sorts; N.B. dive in on Monday or Tuesday, mid-September through February, for discount admissions.

A trip to "baseball fans' heaven", this "ancient but intimate" ballpark may "lack modern amenities", but it "more than makes up in historic charm" via a "manual scoreboard" and "ivy-covered outfield walls" – and then there's those "lovable Cubs"; ok, "parking's nearly impossible", but the 90-minute tours are "great" and there's also "lots of local color" in adjacent Wrigleyville.