We welcome all guests to the panels and open forums during Harris Reunion Weekend, but we understand that those with young children may want to explore other options. Below are a list of events that might be appealing to you and your little ones.

Note: Alumni and guests should make their own arrangements if they wish to attend the following activities or visit places in Hyde Park.

Activities Within 15 Minutes Walk from Campus:

Activities Within 30 Minute Bike/Car/Transit Ride from Campus:

Downtown:

  • Observe the world-class Lincoln Park Zoo, built right into the heart of Lincoln Park. Also in Lincoln Park is the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, take the kids for a last-minute stop being leaving the park.
  • Visit the Chicago History Museum to learn about this great city, it's struggles, and it's rise.
  • The newest addition to the already stunning Grant Park, features several playgrounds, ice/roller-skating, mini-golf, gardens, a field house, and a climbing wall, Maggie Daley Park has everything for a family day-out, and is nestled within view of Chicago's beautiful skyline.
  • Situated next to Maggie Daley is Millennium Park, with the famous Bean, fountains, and Jay Pritzker Pavilion music shows!
  • Navy Pier features endless activities for families, from the Chicago Children's Museum, stores, dining, IMAX movies, firework shows, boat tours, rides, and amazing views. Take in the best views at Offshore, a unique bar and restaurant at the end of Navy Pier. 
  • For all those little builders, check out the Legoland Discovery Center!
  • Some of the world's finest collections of art, history, meet families at Museum Campus. Families can also enjoy both underwater and out-of-this-world experiences, visit the Field Museum, tour the Art Institute of Chicago, gaze at the galaxy at the Alder Planetarium, catch a glimpse of a modern medium in the Museum of Contemporary Photography.
  • There are also opportunities for catching a show at the Hunting Bank Pavilion in the revamped Northly Island Park.
  • If you're a sports or music fan, check out Soldier Field for football and soccer games, or look for any of the big ticket concerts coming to town!
  • The Chicago Children's Theater can keep the kids entertained when you're ready for a break!
  • Chicago is famous for its sports. Discover the heart of our sports spirit at the Chicago Sports Museum.
  • Want to see the whole city from above, or feeling daring enough to step onto glass over the tallest building in Chicago, check out the Skydeck at the Willis Tower. 
  • If the weather is right, check out the Chicago River Walk and even check it out up-close with Urban Kayaks.
  • Want to do several big-ticket visits? Check out the Chicago CityPASS for reduced-cost entry to multiple popular venues!

Chinatown:

Getting Around:

  • The United States' second-largest transit system can take you around Chicago, to the airports, and UChicago campus. The CTA even has visitor information. (Use Google Maps to navigate your trip on the CTA's L, bus network, and get live updates on travel times.)
  • Divvy Bikeshare is an excellent option for rides around the city's Lakefront Trail, or network of bike lanes. The app can be downloaded from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store
  • Rideshares like Lyft, Uber, and Curb are excellent options to get around quickly, when transit or driving isn't an option. Available on Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
  • Chicago is the rail-hub of the nation, and that is reflected in the plentiful options for suburban and regional travel via the Metra train network. Tickets via Metra's Electric District Line are the cheapest and fastest form of travel from Downtown to Hyde Park.