Chicago Fed Visitors Center
It's not worth a special trip (unless you're a huge Alan Greenspan fan), but the Visitors Center at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago is worth a quick stop if you're wandering around the Loop. More than just the standard history-of-banking displays, the center has kid-friendly features such as a giant cube that holds a million dollars, and an exhibit that lets you try detecting counterfeit bills. And yes, there's even a section where visitors can pretend to be Alan Greenspan for a moment, showing how changes in interest rates affect the economy. Free guided tours are offered weekdays at 1pm. Allow a half-hour.

Chicago Public Library/Harold Washington Library Center
A massive, hulking building that looks like an Italian Renaissance fortress, the main public library for the city of Chicago is the largest public library in the world. Named for the city's first and only African-American mayor, who died of a heart attack in 1987 at the beginning of his second term in office, the building fills an entire city block at State Street and Congress Parkway. The interior design has been criticized for feeling cold (you have to go up a few floors before you even see any books), but the stunning 52-foot glass-domed winter garden on the top floor is worth a visit. On the second floor is another treasure: the vast Thomas Hughes Children's Library, which makes an excellent resting spot for families traveling with kids. The library also offers an interesting array of events and art exhibitions worth checking out. A 385-seat auditorium is the setting for a unique mix of dance and music performances, author talks, and children's programs. Allow a half-hour.

Mystic Blue Cruises
A more casual alternative to fancy dinner cruises, this is promoted as more of a "fun" ship (that means DJs at night, although you'll have to put up with some kind of "live entertainment" no matter when you sail). Daily lunch and dinner excursions are available, as well as midnight voyages on weekends. The same company offers more formal (and expensive) cruises aboard the Odyssey, and motorboat rides on the 70-passenger Seadog, if you really want to feel the water in your face.

Hotel Allegro - a Kimpton Hotel
Centrally located in the heart of the downtown area of Chicago. The Hotel Allegro is located 18 miles from O'Hare International Airport and 12 miles away from Midway Airport. Located in the downtown "Loop" area, Allegro is within walking distance of the business district, Millennium Park, Michigan Ave. shopping, museums, the theater district, nightlife and world-renowned dining establishments. The hotel also has quick access to public transportation, which can be used to easily reach O'Hare ...

The Westin Chicago River North
Nearby Airports: * Chicago O'Hare International Airport - 20 Miles * Chicago Midway Airport - 14 Miles Nearby Cities: * Cicero - 8 Miles * Oak Park - 9 Miles * Bellwood - 14 Miles * Oak Lawn - 16 Miles * Rosemont - 16 Miles * Park Ridge - 17 Miles * Oak Brook - 19 Miles * Des Plaines - 20 Miles * Palos Heights - 20 Miles * Elk Grove Village - 24 Miles * Northbrook - 25 Miles * Prospect Heights - 26 Miles * ...

Marriott Chicago O'Hare
Please note the Chicago Marriott O'Hare is a smoke-free facility with the exception of the Firehouse Tavern! All guest rooms and suites are non-smoking accommodations. * Located just minutes from O'Hare International Airport and fifteen miles from downtown Chicago, the Chicago Marriott O'Hare is one of the few Chicago hotels that provides a location both close to the airport and easily accessible to the heart of the city. The American Management Association headquarters is adjacent with ...