Annual Event: Macy's Flower Show

Important note: The 2019 show is over, but read up so you know what to expect for next year!

I never knew how neat the annual two-week Macy's Flower Show is in Chicago! The theme for 2019 was Journey to Paradisios - Operation: Inspiration.

For starters, Macy's website for the flower show is great. They created a short, entertaining story, had a 360 degree video tour, and nice interactive map.

Noteworthy:

• This is a fun, "we are in the area" event. We live close by so it was easy to pop in to take advantage of it (and maybe scope out some backpacks).
• The experience is enhanced for younger kids if you read the story & watch the video to get them excited for store.
• Macy's creates interactive aspects throughout the exhibits: 
• Count the Paradigms (little aliens) throughout the store [we counted 12, pretty sure we missed another 10-50]
• Selfie area at the teleporter
• Decode the Paradisian secret (we did it!!)
• The store hosts a lot of events and offers throughout the show. To name a few:
• Galactic Characters
• Floral Workshops
• Cooking Demonstrations
• Kids Camp
• Special drinks at the Walnut Room

Age Recommendations:
All ages!

Cost Savings:
FREE!

Location/Transportation:
Loop / Downtown - 111 North State
Plethora of access by L and Bus.

Kid's Jury: 5 stars
The kids liked seeing the story we read come to life, looking for the Paradigms and really enjoyed decoding the alien language! Though we didn't find a backpack we liked, but can't hold that against the flower show.

Activity: Chicago Architectural Center (CAC)

The Chicago Architectural Center opened in their new location at 111 West Wacker Drive on August 31, 2018. The Center is a two level facility where you can visit and explore, register for tours (walking, boat, L, or bus), and they offer school field trips, family events, and day/summer camps.

Bonus: CAC runs my favorite annual event tradition: Open House Chicago.

Today we went to check out the new CAC digs and had a great time exploring their interactive exhibits and gallery displays.

Noteworthy:

• The Chicago Gallery was where we spent a majority of our time as it included a(n):
• Quick video with an Overview of Chicago 
• Interactive Model of the City where you can see the Chicago Fire spread, watch the water turn green for St. Patrick's Day (without battling drunk people everywhere you turn), and find my home at the South end of the map!
• Push "pin" map to mark where you live in the City and/or where you would like to visit.
• Renderings and models of future projects for Chicago.
• Check the site for the timing of their Mobile Architectural Lab - a small desk with an activity and CAC staff member to talk about the day's theme. We learned about Bungalows (did you know there are 80,000 bungalows in Chicago? That's a LOT) and walked away with new artwork for our wall.
• The kids sped through the Rotating Gallery (which looked interesting but had a lot to read). [sad face]
• The Drake Skyscraper Gallery was impressive, though the kids didn't need much time in there. It showcases impressive buildings from around the world and highlights a few in Chicago (rotate based on current projects).

Pro Tip: You receive small "clips" to wear for access to the different rooms. Knowing my children lose everything in a speed that defies logic, I took a picture of them wearing the clips as backup. And the photo ended up being necessary.

Age Recommendations:
All ages welcome, though probably best for kids 5 and over.
There were interactive activities and maps for kids (and adults) and interesting information to read (if the kids allow you the time).

Cost Savings:
Visiting the CAC is very affordable (assuming you are able to get out of there without purchasing anything from their very tempting gift shop).

Click here for current pricing and discounted rates for kids, depending on age.

Location/Transportation:
Downtown Chicago / Loop: 111 West Wacker Drive
As the building is located at Wacker and Michigan, there is a plethora of public transportation available to get there.

Click here for parking and transit information.

Kid's Jury: 5 stars
They had a good time and we enjoyed walking around Michigan Avenue and hopping into a few other places while we were out and about!

They desperately wanted something from the gift shop and I don't blame them. The shop has great books about Chicago (adult and kid options), great city centric shirts, bags, anything you can think of.