Visiting Chicago with Children

• The Lincoln Park Zoo is Free. You will have to take the bus, but if you get a visitor's pass you're covered. Features the Penguin House, Great Ape House, and a Sea Lion's Pool.

• Forget high gas prices and the stress of driving, get a visitor's pass and ride the bus/trains. It's a fun way to see Chicago, and you get a better feel for the city. A three day pass is only $12.

• The Chicago Children's Museum is an interactive museum designed to help children learn. Admission is about $7.

• The Chicago Playworks (originally the Goodman's Children's Theater), features family oriented productions.

• Wendella Boats offers cruises on the Chicago River. Children are $10, Adults $19.

• Map out your days adventure in advance. If you use Google maps, direction searches include instructions on available public transit routes, and travel times.

• You can find Chicago babysitters by using Babysitters4Hire.com. Use your zip code to search for local sitters.