The Chicago Botanic Garden is a breathtaking outdoor oasis over 385 acres with 24 stunning gardens. The Landscape Gardens, Fruit and Vegetable Garden, Heritage Garden, Waterfall Garden, Japanese Garden, and the English Walled Garden are among the many displays. In addition to these specialty displays, visitors can enjoy seasonal walks and explore what's in bloom. For families with children, the Nature Play Garden is a must-visit destination. Admission to the Garden includes access to popular seasonal attractions like Butterflies & Blooms, Model Railroad Garden, and Grand Tram Tours. Whether you're looking to stroll, take photos, find a beautiful bird or flower, shop, eat, or have fun with your family, the Garden has something for everyone.
If you're a fan of Shakespeare, you should attend the Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier. This professional theater company was founded in 1986 by Barbara Gaines and is the third largest in the Midwest. They produce works from the Shakespeare canon and other theatrical performances, with over six hundred performances annually at the Courtyard Theater and the Upstairs space. The theater has won numerous awards, including 36 Joseph Jefferson Awards, three Laurence Olivier Awards, and a Regional Theatre Tony Award. The theater also has a family series for younger audiences and special student pricing.
If you're searching for a fascinating magic show, be sure to check out the performances of Dennis Watkins. Dennis is a third-generation magician and an award-winning entertainer who grew up surrounded by magic. His grandfather owned a small magic shop in Dallas for nearly 30 years and was a close-up magician. When Dennis was only seven years old, his grandfather explained that the purpose of magic wasn't to deceive people but to stimulate their imagination and bring back the feeling of being a kid. Dennis has carried forward his grandfather's legacy by creating a show entertaining three generations of audiences. His debut show was based on the life of Harry Houdini, which turned out to be a huge success. The show was sold out for eight consecutive performances. Dennis played the lead role of Harry Houdini and even performed Houdini's famous Water Torture Cell escape in each show. In 2012, he was honored with a Joseph Jefferson Award for his work on the show, "Death and Harry Houdini."
If you want to experience Greek culture, Chicago's Greektown is a must-visit neighborhood. This vibrant district offers a variety of nightlife spots, restaurants, gift shops, and galleries that celebrate Greek heritage. It's the best place to sample Greek culture outside of Athens and has become the city's go-to destination for Greek food, nightlife, and rich cultural traditions. With many establishments dedicated to preserving old-world traditions, visitors can truly immerse themselves in Greek culture in this neighborhood. Apart from dining and nightlife, visitors can explore The National Hellenic Museum, ride the Greektown Trolley, witness the annual Greek Independence Day parade, and indulge in the Taste of Greece festival. These activities make Greektown the perfect destination for anyone interested in learning more about Greek heritage in Chicago.