It may be called The Second City, but Chicago is second to none when it comes to urban vacation destinations for families. It's easy to get around using public transportation and taxis, and there are lots of kid-friendly activities in Chicago with the Loop, giving families the chance to visit multiple tourist attractions in Chicago in one day. For example, you can check out Millennium Park, Buckingham Fountain, and the Art Institute without ever getting in a cab or train. Or, visit the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium all on foot.  There are also plenty of opportunities to explore beautiful landscapes at Morton Arboretum, Chicago Botanic Gardens, and Oak Street Beach. Did we mention that Chicago's signature foods are mainly kid-friendly dishes like pizza and hot dogs? And who doesn't love popcorn and ice cream?

Here are the top 25 tourst attractions in Chicago that out-of-town families should visit the next time they come to the Windy City!

If you're staying in town and plan to visit multiple attractions in the Chicago area (we’re looking at you, people with visiting relatives you’ll be squiring around town), it’s worth it to look into a Go City - Chicago  sightseeing pass to save money on entrance fees to attractions like the Navy Pier, Field Museum, the aquarium, and the planetarium.

The Loop is great... for going to work or being a tourist. But for those looking to see some of the other 76 neighborhoods in Chicago, we've got the inside track on more fun things to do with kids. Just west of Wrigleyville and north of the hipstery Bucktown neighborhood are two of our favorite neighborhoods in Chicago: Roscoe Village and North Center. Bounded by Ashland Avenue to the east, Belmont on the south, Montrose on the north, and the Chicago River on the west, these neighborhoods have a slightly funky, retro feel, and they're a great place for young families to live. There are also a few fun new venues and restaurants in the area that appeal to more adventurous families.

Whether you're looking for bikes, books, brunch, or bowling, Roscoe Village and North Center have plenty of well-kept secrets and family favorites. We hope they become some of your favorite neighborhoods, too! For more things to do in our favorite Chicago neighborhoods, check out our Visitors Guide.

One perk of the long, cold winters in Chicago is the chance to glide across the ice at the many beautiful outdoor skating rinks throughout the city and suburbs—many of them FREE. Not all ice skating rinks in Chicago need polar-vortex temperatures to stay open; some refrigerated rinks are available for skating as long as the temperature is less than 40 degrees. Many rinks offer hockey, broomball, figure skating, or speed skating programs. And not all rinks are your standard oval, either: Maggie Daley Park’s Skating Ribbon lets figure skaters enjoy a different kind of figure 8.

For all the details on where to enjoy ice skating in Chicago, read on. And for more winter activities to enjoy with your family, check out our Winter Activities Guide.