The Blackstone, Autograph Collection

A South Loop, old-school Jewish-style diner with a kids' menu alongside its deli classics.

One of the world's largest fountains, in the middle of Grant Park, with a light-and-music display after dusk. Free to visit, though it runs only from early May through October and wading isn't allowed.

A major art museum on Michigan Avenue with a dedicated family learning center, free stroller loans, and free admission for children under 14.

A landmark 1893 athletic-club building across from Millennium Park, now a Hyatt hotel whose old lap pool is a tiled event space rather than a place to swim.

A landmark Loop hotel in a converted historic bank building, with an indoor pool, in-room refrigerators and connecting room options for families, though breakfast is paid rather than complimentary.

A sprawling natural history hall where a five-year-old can stand nose to nose with a dinosaur skeleton, and a side room built just for toddlers means the day does not end at the first meltdown.