Museum of Science and Industry - in Jackson Park at 57th and Lakeshore. Free, invites participation in the exhibits (push buttons, etc.). Don't miss the coal mine, the Submarine, or the OmniMax theater. Free Thursday. (312)684-1414, Adults $6; Seniors $5; Children 5 - 12 $2.50; Under 5 free Combination Museum admission and Omnimax: Adults $10; Seniors $8; Children 5 - 12 $5.50
Field Museum of Natural History - in Grant Park (1200 Lakeshore). Free Wednesday. Roosevelt Rd. at Lake Shore Dr. (312)922-9410 Adults $5; Seniors, students, and children 3 - 17 $3 Daily 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Adler Planetarium - just east of Lakeshore (1300 Lakeshore). (312)922-STAR, Adults: $3, Children (4-17) $2; Seniors $2; Sky Show $2 Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.; Friday: 9 a.m.- 9 p.m.; Weekends: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Shedds Aquarium & Oceanarium - (in Grant Park (1200 Lakeshore). 10,000 fish and sea creatures. They have a coral reef exhibit with Caribbean fish that are fed by scuba divers. The Oceanarium, added in 1990, features marine life rarely seen outside of the major coastal aquariums. Adults $8; Seniors and Children over 3 $6; Children under 2 free Daily 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Thursday evenings open until 9 p.m.
Art Institute - Michigan Avenue at Adams Street. Minimal charge; a good collection especially of French 19th and 20th century paintings. Free Tuesday 111 S. Michigan Ave. (312)443-3600
Chicago Historical Society, Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago Academy of Sciences - museums also worthy of mention.
Lincoln Park Zoo - Lincoln Park ( 2200 N. Cannon Dr. (312)742-2000 Daily 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., is downtown.
http://www.lpzoo.com/ Brookfield Zoo - 1st Avenue and 31st St. in Brookfield, (708) 485-0263. is bigger and expanding. To get to Brookfield Zoo, take I-290 or I-55 and get off at First Avenue. $2 charge.
Rush Street - is the night-life center of Chicago. Lots of bars and restaurants.
Sears Tower - Adams St. and Wacker Dr. (you can't miss it). Tallest building in the world by some measures. For best results, pick a clear day.
John Hancock Center Observatory - 875 N. Michigan Ave. (312)751-3681 Adults $5.75; Children 5 - 17 $3.25; Children under 5 Free Open everyday 9 a.m. - 12 a.m.
Water Tower Place North side of the loop. Full of exotic shops (by local standards). You have to see it to believe it.