Thank you Maxi-Cosi for sponsoring this post. Keep your little adventurers comfy, safe & stylish with the Maxi-Cosi Magellan 5-in-1 car seat!
Happy summer guys! It’s been a busy one around here and now that Elle is running around more, we have been venturing out and seeing what Chicago has to offer.
Since everything is so spread out, the easiest way we like to get around town these days is by car. We recently got a new car seat for Elle and are loving the Maxi-Cosi Magellan 5-in-1 Convertible Car Seat that can be used from birth to 10 years {5 lbs to 120 lbs}.
I love the fact that the Magellan 5-in-1 Convertible Car Seat easily transitions between five modes of use including baby rear-facing, toddler rear-facing {the stage we are at now}, toddler forward-facing, child forward-facing, and belt-positioning booster. The Magellan is the only convertible car seat equipped with Maxi-Cosi’s patented adjustable side impact protection, which creates a customized fit for all growth stages and ensure maximum protection in the proper position.
As with every Maxi-Cosi car seat, the Magellan has been designed with comfort and style in mind, incorporating premium fabrics that are all machine washable, while providing a contemporary, yet timeless look.
Maxi-Cosi offers mobility solutions that make any and all trips more safe and enjoyable. The car seat is pretty easy to install and I feel at ease knowing my child is safe and well protected. You can buy the Maxi-Cosi Magellan 5-in-1 Convertible Car Seat on . It also comes in 5 different colors {Night Black, Midnight Slate, Blue Opal, Emerald Tide, and Violet Caspia} and is well-priced at only $349.99.
So as I said earlier, we have been driving all over the city in our new car seat and today I’m sharing a list of all the fun places we have been visiting. Living in Chicago gives you a lot of opportunities for kid-friendly activities and entertainment. I rounded up a list of all of our favorites below:
1. NAVY PIER
Navy Pier is a huge Chicago landmark and has so many fun things to offer. There are a bunch of kid-friendly restaurants as well as a ferris wheel, merry-go-round, swings, and even fireworks on Wednesday and Saturday nights. They also offer different boat ride tours, lots of shopping {including a Build-A-Bear Workshop which is Elle’s personal fave}, as well as The Chicago Children’s Museum.
2. MAGGIE DALEY PARK
This playground is every child’s dream come true. It’s huge and has different multi-sensory areas for all ages. If it’s a hot day then I recommend bringing your kid in a swimsuit because there are lots of fun water areas to play in. They also have a climbing wall, mini golf, and ice skating in the winter time. I would say there is more to do for older kids, but Elle still has a lot of fun playing on all the different equipment and loves the mirror maze.
3. CHICAGO CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
The Chicago Children’s Museum is located within Navy Pier and offers a bunch of fun + entertainment. It’s open 10AM to 5PM every day and has a FREE family night on Thursdays from 5PM to 8PM. We are currently members here and try to go with friends a few times each month. They also recently opened up an art studio with lots of different activities for all ages.
4. LINCOLN PARK ZOO
Elle is obsessed with animals so we try to get down to the zoo at least once every other week. On Wednesday and Saturday mornings they have free music in the barn area with Mr. Singer and because of the nice weather, it’s currently held outside. We always like to bring a blanket and lots of snacks. It can get crowded, but if you go right when it opens or later in the day then you shouldn’t have a problem. They also have ZooLights around the holidays an other fun activities going on throughout the year.
5. GREEN CITY MARKET
Green City Market is located right by the zoo in Lincoln Park on Wednesdays and Saturdays 7AM to 1PM. They also have free music for kids as well as lots of food stations and fresh produce. Elle is obsessed with the tomato pizza bread and loves running around on the grass playing with all the other kids.
6. MILLENNIUM PARK
Millennium Park has a lot of amazing entertainment that’s FREE for kids. We recently attended a Wiggleworms music class in the Family Fun Tent. They have them Monday through Friday from 10AM to 10:45AM. We also love the big water fountain {bring a swimsuit}, the bean, Maggie Daley Park, and the Pritzker Pavillion that has a wide range of musical shows and movies. You can see the full calendar here.
7. CHICAGO RIVERWALK
We love the riverwalk and it’s constantly expanding. You can get down with a stroller at either the east side of State Street, west side of Clark Street, westside of Franklin Street or in an elevator on Michigan Avenue {by the Apple Store}. It’s filled with lots of restaurants, boats, and a new water fountain for kids to run around in.
8. PEGGY NOTEBAERT NATURE MUSEUM
If your kid loves butterflies and nature then you must check out the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. It’s located in Lincoln Park and is a great place to venture out to when it’s super hot or a rainy day. It’s open every day of the week and is free to Chicago residents on Thursdays.
9. THE BEACH
We love the beach and our current favorites include Oak Street Beach and Ohio Street Beach. Both are pretty family friendly and less crowded on weekday mornings. I recently wrote this post on beach and pool day essentials.
10. THE SHEDD AQUARIUM
We love The Shedd Aquarium and try to make it out there a few times a year. There are so many different rooms to explore and Elle especially loves the dolphin show. Illinois residents get to go for FREE on certain days specified here.
So there you have it. 10 fun Chicago activities to try out with your kids this summer. Hopefully I gave you a few good ideas about what this great city has to offer. Have a wonderful rest of the summer guys and if you’re in the market for the only car seat you will ever need, make sure to check out the Maxi-Cosi Magellan 5-in-1 Convertible Car Seat! It’s the best!
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.