Fine Arts Building
A worthwhile brief stop for architecture and history buffs, this 1885 building was originally a showroom for Studebaker carriages. In 1917, it was converted into an arts center with offices, shops, two theaters, and studios for musicians, artists, and writers. Its upper stories sheltered a number of well-known publications (The Saturday Evening Post, Dial) and provided offices for such luminaries as Frank Lloyd Wright, sculptor Lorado Taft, and L. Frank Baum, author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Harriet Monroe published her magazine, Poetry, here and first introduced American readers to Carl Sandburg, T. S. Eliot, and Ezra Pound. Before the literary lions prowled its halls, the building also served for a short time as a rallying base for suffragettes. Located throughout the building are a number of interesting studios and musical-instrument shops. Take at least a quick walk through the marble-and-wood lobby, then take the vintage elevator to the top floor to see the spectacular murals. Allow a half-hour.

Six Flags Great America
One of the Midwest's biggest theme/amusement parks, Six Flags is located midway between Chicago and Milwaukee on I-94 in Gurnee, Illinois. The park has more than 100 rides and attractions and is a favorite of roller-coaster devotees. There are a whopping 10 of them here, including the nausea-inducing Déjà Vu, where riders fly forwards and backwards over a twisting, looping inverted steel track, and Superman, where you speed along hanging headfirst (with your legs dangling). Other don't-miss rides for the strong of stomach include the Iron Wolf, where you do corkscrew turns and 360-degree loops while standing up, and the American Eagle, a classic wooden coaster. Because this is a place that caters to families, you'll also find plenty to appeal to smaller visitors. The Looney Tunes National Park is full of kiddie rides with a cartoon theme; other worthwhile stops include the double-decker carousel and bumper cars. Six Flags also has live shows, IMAX movies, and restaurants. If you take the trouble to get out here, allow a full day.

Chicago Children's Museum
Since the Chicago Children's Museum moved to Navy Pier in 1996, it has become one of the most popular cultural attractions in the city. The museum has areas especially for preschoolers as well as for children up to age 10, and several permanent exhibits allow kids a maximum of hands-on fun. Dinosaur Expedition re-creates an expedition to the Sahara, allowing kids to experience camp life, conduct scientific research, and dig for the bones of Suchomimus, a Saharan dinosaur discovered by Chicago paleontologist Paul Sereno (a full-scale model stands nearby). Face to Face: Dealing with Prejudice and Discrimination is a multimedia display that helps kids identify prejudice and find ways to deal with it. There's also a three-level schooner that children can board for a little climbing, from the crow's nest to the gangplank; PlayMaze, a toddler-scale cityscape with everything from a gas station to a city bus that children under 5 can touch and explore; and an arts-and-crafts area where visitors can create original artwork to take home. Allow 2 to 3 hours.

Comfort Inn & Suites Downtown
Along Michigan Avenue. Shopping, dining, entertainment, historical building. Modern amenities; suites and standard rooms. Complimentary Breakfast, fitness center. Parking: 25.00 usd/night including in/out privileges. Check into hotel first to receive your transmitter. Airport shuttle service is called: Continental Air Transport. Please call Airport Express direct at 1-800-654-7871 for information on Chicago airport shuttle ...

Best Western Hawthorne Terrace Hotel
'From: Lake Shore Drive. Exit Belmont Avenue (west), proceed on Belmont ' mile to Broadway Avenue and turn right (north), take Broadway ' mile to the Best Western Hawthorne Terrace Hotel on the left. 'From: Interstate 90/94. Exit Addison Street (east), proceed on Addison 4 miles to Broadway Avenue, turn right (south) onto Broadway and proceed ' mile Best Western Hawthorne Terrace Hotel on the ...

Hard Rock Hotel Chicago-A Preferred Hotel
Experience total rock decadence in Chicago's newest architectural icon - Hard Rock Hotel Chicago. Must be minimum 21 years old to check into the hotel. Situated in the landmark Carbide and Carbon Building, this brand new hotel boasts a Michigan Avenue address and offers astonishing views of the skyline, Millennium Park and, of course, the Magnificent Mile. Recognized as a member of Preferred Hotel Group, Hard Rock Hotel Chicago delivers unparalleled levels of service in a musically-inspired ...