Review: Not just for pizza
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 10 15, 2011
We've never been to Chicago, but have it very firmly on our must-see list.  This is an extremely interesting guide for families from a kid's eye view, but don't rule it out for adults either.Chicago is a city of many firsts - the first ferris wheel (1893), first skyscraper (1885), and the first controlled nuclear reaction (1942) et al. Filled with fascinating historical facts about Chi-Town, the guide mentions Scarface, John Dillinger, the Great Chicago Fire, the Haymarket Riot, the World's Columbian Exposition, the St. Valentine's Day Massacre, Frank Lloyd Wright and more.  There's also a wealth of information on attractions such as dying the river green for St. Patrick's Day, free fireworks at Navy Pier, the Chicago Children's Museum, Sue the Tyrannosaurus Rex, the John G. Shedd Aquarium (with Grandad, a rare Australian lungfish) as well as the Lincoln Park Zoo, Six Flags Great America (14 roller coasters!!) and Wrigley Field with its curse.It completes the tour with information on the famous architecture, parks, galleries and libraries, and of course recommendations for great eating and shopping spots. There are also bits of trivia with lists of movies that feature Chicago, slang words, people born in Chicago (Walt Disney, Ernest Hemingway and Harrison Ford) and of course travel tips, maps and the quiz at the end. Missing is information on family-friendly hotels.Highly recommended if you're planning a trip to the Windy City with the family.Amanda Richards, October 15, 2011