Lincoln Park Zoo

We went to the park last May and we did enjoy it but it's NOTHING like the STL Zoo. Our zoo is a million times better. Lincoln Park Zoo is very small and nestled in the park but if you go past the park there is another area for younger children that has farm animals and baby animals that you can touch and get very close to. They have some exhibits with farm facts. My daugther just loved this part. But it may not interest an 11 year old.

I love Shed Aquarium, it is just wonderful and beautiful and very educational. I always want to go everytime I visit Chicago.

The Natual Sciences museum is really neat and they have a lot of fossils which are fun to see.

If you like shopping, there is a seven story mall downtown that is nice, parking is crazy expensive so take a taxi.

Yes you definetly should check out Lincoln Park Zoo. It is not as big as St. Louis Zoo but it is just as nice. Although I am a little biased (I grew up there and just moved from Chicago a few months ago) it is really a great area and nice place to visit. And the lake front is not far, you can also leave the Zoo and walk to eat/shop in the many restaurants and stores on Clark Street. Can you tell I miss my city... :) Another place to visit is Navy Pier, the Children's Museum is there amongst plenty of other touristy things to do.

Have fun its a great place.

We did everything everyone else is talking about but did not go to the Lincoln Zoo we went to the Brookfield Zoo. It was a very good zoo although pricey. (We are so spoiled in St. Louis. Also we went up in the Sears Tower (my oldest was 10 and enjoyed it). There is also an ESPN store or interactive something or other. (baby brain sorry). It is a great vacation city one of our favorites. Have fun!!

We went to Chicago in July 2005, with an 11 year old girl and a 9 year old boy. We went to Lincoln Park Zoo, Shedd Aquarium, The Field Museum, The Museum of Science & Industry, the art museum, the John Hancock building, Navy Pier and some of the Magnificent Mile. We used public transportation to get everywhere (buses & el trains). There was a 5-pass deal that included Shedd, Field, art museum, Hancock, and S&I, I think. We bought 5-day visitors passes for CTA (buses & el). The kids especially liked Shedd Aquarium and the Museum of Science & Industry. The zoo was very good too. If you are going to Chicago, it's definitely worth a visit!
Here is the website for the CTa: www.transitchicago.com Oh, I just looked up the 5 pass deal - it's the Chicago CityPass www.citypass.com/chicago
Hope this was helpful! Feel free to ask more if you want more details.

Check out the Museum of Science and Industry. We looked at it online before our last trip but didn't make it there. Seems like it would interest your son. There is a Children's Museum at Navy Pier but it may be a little young for him. (My daughter is 11.) But, I second the vote for walking around Navy Pier. Have fun!

yes! I am from that area. Have gone to zoo since my aunt worked there when I was little. Not as good as ours, but still good. Definitely go to Navy Pier; ferris wheel , restaurants, ferry rides . Great view of skyline from the lake.
American girl store ( if u have a daughter ($$$$). Michigan Ave for window shopping and Chicago style hot dog!
Get some deep dish pizza !! ( you'll never eat Imo's again).
Amtrak goes there for 80+ bucks if that's an option. Nice break from driving . Ask if they have "business class" on that train bcuz it's a lot better with kids ; fewer seats , free meal, newspaper
Have fun!