A series on family summer vacations wouldn't be complete without a look at all that Chicago has to offer. How many times have you said to a family member, “You know, we haven't been to the-Art Institute, Museum of Science & Industry, Disney Quest--fill in your favorite here”? Summer is the perfect time to play tourist in your own hometown, taking advantage of all that the great City has to offer. Instead of paying for airfare or that liquid gold called gasoline for a road trip, why not let Metra do the flying and enjoy the finest city in the world?

Many of the downtown hotels have “stay & play” packages, in which they offer discounted admissions to family venues, along with kid friendly amenities within the properties. The Fairmont Hotel is ideally situated for easy access to Navy Pier, the Field Museum, Adler Planetarium and the Shedd Aquarium. Breathtaking city and lake views make it a great location for viewing fireworks and just gaping at the skyline.

Hope and I walked from the Fairmont to the Art Institute and enjoyed the Impressionists' gallery, the mummies, the Thorne Miniature Rooms, and the Kraft Education Center. We couldn't leave without a browse through their incredible gift shop, which is worth the trip in and of itself.

One of our favorite features of the Fairmont (besides their lobster bisque, which we enjoyed downstairs in one of their fabulous restaurants AND the next day for an indulgent room service lunch!) is the 110-foot climbing wall in the adjacent Lakeshore Athletic Club Illinois Center. The sports club, which also features a pool, is only open to children on Sundays, but if you have a born climber like my daughter Hope, you'll just love the climbing wall. Supervised climbs are offered for children with prior arrangement. We were downtown Friday through Sunday, and by our last day there we were glad to sleep in and find our adventure without leaving the building.

The Chicago Children's Museum at Navy Pier is a terrific destination for families with young children; older youngsters, too, will enjoy the Ferris Wheel and the other myriad of offerings at Navy Pier. Check their web site at www.navypier.com for other exhibits, events, and to see what's playing at the IMAX theatre there.

The Four Seasons Hotel is a dream come true when it comes to a heavenly spot to rest for family members young, old, and in between. To give you an idea, their pool has an enormous spa immediately adjacent to it. Hope splashed in the pool delightedly while her mom sighed with comfort and relief in the spa. They have a special children's menu and a collection of board games and children's videos for the complimentary VCR at your disposal, as well. The most fun summer treat we found there was the Ice Cream Man, who comes to your room, complete with ice cream “truck” that plays music! (It's a good time to teach your dear Little Ones about security and not opening a door without a grown-up, if you haven't already!)

Our room was equipped with mother-daughter plush terry robes, kid-type shampoo and body wash along with the usual toiletries for adults. The bathroom was prettily sprinkled with soap flake confetti and a personal greeting for Hope. A kid's packet contained discount coupons for all kinds of fun in downtown Chicago, from Navy Pier, the nearby John Hancock Observatory (talk about breathtaking views!), and Water Tower Place. Oak Street Beach and 900 Magnificent Mile are just steps away.

While considering hotels for a “stay & play,” remember the Hotel Inter-Continental on Michigan Avenue, just north of the Tribune tower. “Tarzan” star Johnny Weismuller trained in the magnificent pool there, resplendent with mosaic tile work and rattan furniture. The remarkable Judy Roberts Trio is a frequent headliner in the hotel's street-level lounge; plan a stop there in the evening after a day of play and exploration.

Over three separate weekends, Hope and I had the time of our lives exploring downtown Chicago. On a not-too-cold day in March, we rode the Navy Pier ferris wheel and I kept my eyes open most of the time. We enjoyed great food from the Corner Bakery at the Field Museum to fine cuisine at the Fairmont's Entre Nous restaurant and a decadent room service meal at the Four Seasons. From Chicago-style hot dogs at Navy Pier to the Rainforest Café and California Pizza Kitchen, we loved having family fare of all kinds along our path of discovery. Enjoy!