Throw off those winter coats! Spring has sprung in urban centers throughout the United States – including Chicago, Illinois, a favorite family vacation destination all year round. But this city especially shines in the warm-weather months since it borders Lake Michigan, where you’ll find 33 beaches along 26 miles of lakefront. If it’s too chilly to swim, canoe or kayak in early spring, you can still enjoy a brisk walk along the lakefront paths or admire the boats on the water. Rent bicycles from Bike & Roll at Navy Pier to enjoy the recreation paths on two wheels – truly great fun for the whole family!

Chicago also boasts an amazing 552 public parks to enjoy in the spring and summer; and many of these public spots have playground equipment to help kids expend energy outdoors. For more outdoor fun, buy tickets to one of the 81 seasonal White Sox home games. Just for children, there’s the Chicago For Kids audio tour that you can download from your home computer and upload to your portable mp3 player. The tour brings kids throughout the city, hitting eight destinations, including the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park and North Avenue Beach.

If the weather turns gloomy, Chicago offers plenty of fabulous museums and attractions to enjoy indoors. The Sears Tower Skydeck is recommended only for folks who don’t have a severe fear of heights. Closer to the ground, more Chicago highlights include the interactive Chicago Children’s Museum, the Field Museum with “Sue” the famous Tyrannosaurus rex, and the Museum of Science & Industry, which is known as one of the best science museums in the country. Any LEGO-loving children shouldn’t miss the LEGO Discovery Center in suburban Chicago near the Woodland Mall, and for the doll-obsessed little girl in your family, American Girl Place is a must visit, no doubt.