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.

Activity: Chicago Architecture Foundation | Read & Build

Was thrilled to tag-a-long on a school field trip to the Chicago Architecture Foundation Read & Build : Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site.

It was a blast for both the kids and chaperones - we highly recommend it for families to attend!

The CAF did a great job with the kids; read well, interacting with the kids throughout the story; and then kids were able to build with blocks and create their own tractor.

Noteworthy:

• The whole activity was well themed, with the book really getting kids excited to build and create.
• The highlight was the model version of Chicago in the lobby -- the kids loved pointing out the river, John Hancock, Willis Tower, Soldier Field, and looking for their school.
• The Read & Build program curriculum changes each month.

Cost Savings:
Free!

Location/Transportation:
Downtown/Loop - close to a variety of public transportation
224 South Michigan Avenue

Kid's Jury: 5 stars
It was great - we'll be doing it again!

Annual Event: Open House Chicago

Embarrassed to admit, after living in Chicago for over 1.5 decades, this is the first year I learned of the Chicago Architectural Foundation's ("CAF") Open House Chicago.

It is an annual event in the city, taking place over 2 days with 200 buildings participating.  No matter what neighborhood you are in, or if you want to see a new one - there are options for you:  The buildings this year were as far North as Northwestern University (Evanston), West for Frank Lloyd Wright Homes (Oak Park), and South for WGN Flag & Decorating (South Shore).

The CAF event website is spectacular, giving a map of all the locations and the neighboring Divvy stations if you prefer to bike around in order to squeeze in more sites.

With the kids in tow, we focused on locations more with their attention span in mind:

• Jay Pritzker Pavilion - cool photo op
• Chicago Architectural Foundation - mini Chicago replica in the main lobby 
• LondonHouse - rooftop with views of the river and lake
• Marquee at Block 37 - nice rooftop views 
• Chicago Cultural Museum and Chic-fil-A - both not on the official tour, but hey, we love em. 

Tomorrow we are targeting McCormick Place Rooftop Farm, GEMS World Academy, and Zap Props

Noteworthy:

• A few locations are incredibly popular, so the long lines were a deterrent (AON is an example). Though we skipped those, you can purchase a CAF membership to gain priority access and skip the lines.  Most locations were no issue.
• Some locations have docents or activities
• The kids loved the rooftops and the mini city replication

Cost Savings:
FREE!

Location/Transportation:
Something in essentially every neighborhood!  Get out there!!

Kid's Jury: 5 stars
The kids' attention span is a little short, so we have to pace ourselves.  I am already counting the days until this comes around again next year!