Five Kid-Friendly Alternatives To The Super Bowl In Chicago
The 2014 Super Bowl will be held Sunday, February 2, 2014. While plenty will be engrossed in the game and game-day activities, children and some adults won't be as interested in partaking in this event. Make the most out of the day by enjoying some alternative activities and ensure you and the kids have a great day regardless of the Super Bowl. While others enjoy the game, take advantage of some of the other hotspots throughout the city, whether it's for learning and exploring or for just having a day of fun.
The Field Museum
1400 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 922-9410
www.fieldmuseum.org
The Field Museum will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Super Bowl Sunday with basic admission prices of $15 for adults and $10 for children ages three to 11. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., families are encouraged to partake in the Crown Family PlayLab to dig, dress up and explore. Strollers are provided on a first-come, first-served basis for families with small children and most areas encourage families to stop off for a photo opportunity throughout the exhibits. Permanent exhibits include Evolving Planet, SUE the T. Rex, Inside Ancient Egypt, Underground Adventure and much more. Kids will love the amazing exhibits and adults will always find something new to learn with each visit.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center
601 N. Martingale Road
Schaumburg, IL 60173
(847) 592-9700
www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com
LEGOLAND will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Super Bowl Sunday with standard admission price at $20, with discounted prices for families with two or more. Children two years of age and younger are free and visitors save $6 off of admission if they purchase their tickets online. It takes at least two hours to visit all of the different attractions at LEGOLAND, with something for everyone. Whether it's the Kingdom Quest Laser Ride for the adventure-seeking kid, the LEGO Racers: Build & Test station for those looking for some competition or the LEGO 4D Cinema for the movie lovers, LEGOLAND is much more than just a place filled with LEGO building centers. However, LEGO builders will be sure to find LEGO pieces both big and small to indulge in the inner builder in a day filled with fun.
Cosley Zoo
1356 North Gary Ave.
Wheaton, IL 60187
(630) 665-5534
www.cosleyzoo.org
Located just outside of the city, this kid-friendly zoo is not a small setup petting zoo. Cosley Zoo offers a number of great events year-round, whether it's the Santa's Corner during Christmas or the Pumpkin Fest in the fall. Unlike other zoos that require a full day to really enjoy the experience, Cosley Zoo is small enough that families can visit for a short time and still make the most of their day. On Super Bowl Sunday, there will be a Bobcats Backstage event from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., where families can experience behind-the-scenes access with the bobcats. The event is on a first-come, first-served basis and is $10 for zoo members and $12 for non-members.
Adler Planetarium
1300 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 922-7827
www.adlerplanetarium.org
The Adler Planetarium will be open on Super Bowl Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. General admission for adults is $12, students $10 and children ages three to 11 is $8. Visitors can immerse themselves in three full-sized theaters for impressive sky shows. The Samuel C. Johnson Family Star Theater was newly renovated to show a heightened technologically advanced theater. The Planet Explorers exhibit is great for kids looking to explore and imagine they are on another planet, while the Shoot for the Moon Exhibit shows adults the thrills from the historic moon missions by NASA.
American Girl Place
Water Tower Place
835 N. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 943-5223
www.americangirl.com
Why let the boys have all of the fun on Super Bowl Sunday? While others may be indulging in buffalo wings and yelling at the television screen, take your little princess for the ultimate American Girl experience. The store will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. but the real draw is the dining experience at the American Girl Café. Brunch is $19 per person, lunch is $22 per person, afternoon tea is $19 per person and dinner is $23 per person. Visitors are encouraged to make reservations by calling 877-247-5223. To finish the experience, check out the Doll Hair Salon to treat your little one and her doll to a new 'do!
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Sara Lugardo is a professional writer out of Chicago, Illinois. She has a Bachelor's in Communication and is currently working on her Master's. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
