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Whirlwinds of Fun in Chicago

Chicago's Top 10 Family Activities

By Kendeyl Johansen

Don't leave Chicago without sinking your teeth into a deep-dish, Chicago-style pizza pie! At Pizzario Uno (founded in 1943) your child will devour every bite of the pepperoni pizza from the kids' menu, and biting into the Deep Dish Veggie pie is pure pleasure for kids and adults. Another favorite is the Tuscany Bread appetizer – garlic bread topped with pesto, spinach, Muenster and plumb tomatoes. Visit Pizzaria Uno at 29 E. Ohio or call (312) 321-1000.

Where to Stay

Chicago offers plenty of play, but where is it best for busy families to stay? Try the Essex Inn on Grant Park. Your kids will love the glass ceiling in the pool area and the friendly, knowledgeable staff. And you will appreciate the hotel's reasonable price, central location, lakefront views and free shuttle to downtown shopping – your family can easily catch a free trolley from downtown to popular attractions. The Essex Inn is located at 800 South Michigan Avenue. Call (312) 939-2800.

For the ultimate in luxury book a room at Loews House of Blues Hotel. With its motto "Loews Loves Kids," you can't go wrong with this centrally-located property, which features guest rooms tastefully-decorated with R&B, Country/Western and Rock n' Roll themes. Many of the hotel's 367 guestrooms offer river views and all come with terry-cloth robes and a complimentary CD. Cribs and roll-aways are gratis, and kids under 18 stay free in their parents' room. The hotel is located at 333 North Dearborn. Call (312) 245-0333 or visit www.loewshotels.com for Internet specials.