Romantic Restaurants, Getaway Places in Grant Park

"Photo courtesy of Copyright Field Museum, photography by Lucy Hewett. Mummies, fossils and dinosaurs, kid favorites, are some of the historic treasures inside the Field Museum. Massive columns and striking galleries filled with natural light help kids feel the history and you're immediately greeted by two massive elephants and Maximo the Titanosaur."

"Here are the current free days for Illinois residents at The Field Museum:. January 8, 15, 20, 22, 29 February: Free every day. Stay tuned for more free days this year!"

"The fish and other aquatic life at the Shedd Aquarium appeal to pretty much all ages from 1 to 100, especially the regular marine mammal shows in the Abbott Oceanarium. The centerpiece of the aquarium, the Caribbean Reef is a 90,000-gallon circular tank and filled with stingrays, sharks, eels, a sea turtle and an assortment of tropical fish. A diver hand feeds the fish and answers questions (while underwater!) several times a day."

"This large aquarium with 32,000 animals guides visitors through the world's many marine habitats, from the entertaining colony of penguins to the mysterious Amazon. Watch divers as they feed sea turtles, stingrays, sharks and tropical fish in the Caribbean Reef's circular viewing tank. A perpetual highlight is the Oceanarium where dolphins and beluga whales spread their infectious joy."

"Shed Aquarium is located on the edge of Lake Michigan and is home to over 30,000 aquatic creatures. Various exhibits showcase marine and freshwater habitats from all over the world, from a Caribbean reef to North America’s very own Great Lakes. Learn all about the diverse diet of a shark or the aquarium’s rescue and rehabilitation program of sea otters."

"The Chicago Children’s Museum offers veterans and active military free admission every day with the presentation of valid military status identification. They also offer families that qualify for state food assistance and are in possession of an EBT card or WIC card free admission for up to 6 people."

"Navy Pier is one of Chicago’s most popular attractions, and one of the most popular destinations in the Midwest. While there are fees at many of the attractions at Navy Pier, there are some that are free. One of the best reasons to visit is the view, which is (of course!) free!"

"This iconic Chicago attraction is bursting with attractions. However, many of them charge a fee. Believe it or not, though, there are several free things to do in Chicago at Navy Pier."

"John Shields and Karen Urie Shields’s two-for-one special in the West Loop: a fine-dining destination upstairs and the city's best burger in the sultry basement. Why we love it: You can choose your own adventure at this double feature—and neither option will lead you astray. Cozy up on the couch with the Loyalist's famed Dirty Burger, a messy medley of cheesy, oniony goodness that's now available for takeout and delivery."

"Besides Oriole, Smyth is the other 2 Michelin star-rated restaurant in Chicago. Smyth can also be found in the West Loop. It’s New American food at its best with exceptional wine pairings and an incredible ambiance."

"The specialty of TAO Chicago is that the second floor is the windy city’s hottest nightclubs with an amazing atmosphere, whereas the first floor features one of its top Asian restaurants. Hence, once you’re done dancing your heart out at the club, you can step down for a hearty meal of lobster wontons, Peking duck, and more. Besides the disco ball and towering murals, a 10-feet-tall Japanese bell will grab your attention."

"The atmosphere of Tao Chicago is electric, as it is both a restaurant and a nightclub, with interiors designed to excite. You can choose to eat in the main dining room or ask for a..."

"The New York outpost of this trendy Asian fusion restaurant made a splash because of their gorgeous interior and their incredible food..."

"Mexican food plus hand-crafted beer equals a powerful and tasty combination. That is just what you will get when you pay a visit to the Cruz Blanca Brewery and Taquerìa. Start your meal with, of course, the Chips & Salsa."

"It likes to keep things simple when it comes to its macarons, for one, which come in six usual flavors: raspberry, salted caramel, pistachio, vanilla, chocolate, and Nutella. The bakery and cafe also offer a gift-wrapping service, both in boxes of 5, 10 and 20 or party favors: clear cubes with 2 macarons, or cellophane bags with 2 or 3 choices. We also love that although the macarons sold here are priced at $2.25 each, the price goes down with the more you buy."

"Paris may not be a car ride away, but Sugar Fixé is the next best thing. If you’re a major macaron enthusiast, you’ll love the macaron cake that resembles a mega macaron. Dreams really do come true."

"Find your way to this cute cafe and you’ll be forced to leave all your cravings at bay. Order their Concord grape and salty brown butter walnut tarts, honey pie, coffee cake, almond croissant, or even pecan roll, and you’ll find your senses thanking you for such a lovely reward. The cafe is well lit, and the environment is clean and chic, service too, is friendly and quick."

"Floriole is home to some of the best desserts in Chicago, and they always aim to go organic and local with their ingredients where possible. What we love about this spot, is that their menu is constantly changing according to the availability of produce. While this vibe may not be for everyone, there’s something exciting about this potluck experience."

"This bright cafe and bakery is known for their rustic French pastries, made using fresh ingredients sourced from local, sustainable farms. Head straight to the dessert case to choose from a rotating selection of from-scratch goodies, like croissants, Basque cake, fruit galettes, and more."

"It’s very close to the Chicago Museum of Contemporary art, so if you happen to be there for a tour, you can get there on foot quickly. The Water Tower place consists of various mix-use amenities, such as hotel, theater, condominiums and a shopping mall. The shopping mall offers a wide variety of both contemporary fashion and big brands such as American Eagle Outfitters."

"Water Tower Place is located in the vicinity of The Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago Sports Museum, universities, and a spacious park. The mall got its name after a nearby water tower was built in 1869. It is located in a nine-story skyscraper that was opened in 1976."