Mindy Blanco - Allstate Insurance

The Museum of Science and Industry is a fascinating place to visit if you want to learn more about the Earth, the human body, technology, and science. With over 2,000 exhibits spread across 75 halls that cover about 14 acres, the museum opened in 1933 and is now the biggest science museum in the Western Hemisphere. In 2009, the museum had a record attendance of over 1.6 million guests, making it the third-largest cultural attraction in Chicago. The museum has a range of permanent exhibits, including a working coal mine, a 3,500-square-foot model railroad, a German Submarine captured in World War II, and a NASA spacecraft used for the Apollo 8 mission in 1968. Additionally, visitors can experience flight simulators, military crafts, an assembly line replica, a 40-foot water vapor tornado, a 13-foot interactive heart, and much more.

If you're searching for an exciting day trip near Chicago, look no further than Raging Waves Waterpark. With nine waterslides, a lazy river, a wave pool, and a giant sandbox, kids and adults alike will have a great time. Since opening to the public in 2008, Raging Waves has expanded to cover 58 acres, adding 15 more waterslides, 43 private cabanas, and 11 dining options. It's hard to believe that it all began with only 17 waterslides, a ¼ mile-long lazy river, a 350,000-gallon wave pool, a sand area, a leisure pool, and two restaurants.

Prepare to kick off America's holiday season in style at The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival. This mile-long festival has attracted over a million visitors daily for more than 32 years now. The festival's nighttime parade on Michigan Avenue is the largest in the United States, featuring Mickey and Minnie Mouse from The Walt Disney World Resort leading the way. The event boasts an impressive lineup of fantastic floats, giant helium balloons, marching bands, celebrities, musical performances, Santa Claus, fireworks, and more. The parade illuminates over a million lights on 200+ trees along The Avenue, creating a truly awe-inspiring sight.