Great Lakes Advisory

Come and discover the unique and fascinating world of animals at Brookfield Zoo, where you can explore the park and connect with the most well-known species. With 3,481 animals from 511 species, this 235-acre zoological park is excited to welcome you with open arms. To make the most out of your visit, be sure to immerse yourself in the unique experiences available. You can monkey around and explore special exhibits such as The Australia House, The Seven Seas, and Feathers & Scales. Witness over 450 species of animals that roam both land and sea, and let yourself be amazed by the diversity of life on the planet.

Maggie Daley Park Rock Climbing is Chicago's first and only Climbing Park. It features two magnificent custom-designed rock climbing structures that offer a unique outdoor recreational experience for beginners and experts alike. The park staff provides instructions and supervision to ensure the safety of the climbers. The combination of Skating Ribbon and Climbing Park makes it an all-season park inviting and engaging for Chicagoans and visitors. The climbing walls are 40 feet high and cover an area of 19,000 square feet. The wall is divided into beginner and advanced sections, and there are three types of climbing: bouldering, lead-harnessed, and top rope. The climbing wall can comfortably accommodate 25 to 100 climbers at any given time.

Celebrate the holiday season with the nationally televised Chicago Thanksgiving Parade, which has been ranked the second-best Thanksgiving Parade in the country by Time Out Magazine. Witness the excitement as talented marching bands, majestic equestrian units, national celebrities, and spectacular performance groups march through downtown Chicago. Why settle for watching a parade meander through New York City on TV when you can see giant cartoon-character balloons, marching bands, and dancers on the streets of Chicago? If you are in the city on Thanksgiving, you can catch the annual procession before indulging in your turkey. The Parade moves down State Street between Ida B. Wells Drive and Randolph Street and ends by 11 am, providing you with ample time to return home and assist with the cooking. The event commemorates Thanksgiving with a three-hour procession of giant balloons, marching bands, dancers, and more.

If you want to have a good laugh and witness some of the best comedic talents in the show business, you should visit The Second City Theater. This theater has been the breeding ground for many famous comedians like John Belushi, John Candy, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Gilda Radner, Mike Myers, Chris Farley, Steve Carell, Stephen Colbert, and Tina Fey. The Second City is an improvisational comedy company that started in Chicago. The company has stages in Toronto and Los Angeles, 11 touring ensembles, and training centers and programs in other cities. The performances are semi-improvised and feature scripted material with new content added after the second act, often based on audience suggestions