On the road: Catch Wheel Fever! in Old World Wisconsin
Chicago
Kids rule the Allegro roost
Hotel Allegro Chicago is offering its youngest guests a playground of perks this summer including a new Pop-Up Museum Exhibit Series called "Magic of the Museums." Stay overnight and "Kids Rule" at Hotel Allegro with a Kimpton Kids bag including a mix of kid-friendly items and kids 12 and younger eat for free at 312 Chicago for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Every Friday and Saturday, "Magic of the Museums" offers a pop-up exhibit or activity for kids while they enjoy complimentary lemonade and snacks. Museum partners include Chicago History Museum, Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and Adler Planetarium, and the exhibits range from kites to stingray touch events.
From 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, now through Aug. 30 at Hotel Allegro Chicago, 171 W. Randolph St. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. Best available rates for weekends between June and August start at $169/night. (312) 236-0123 or allegrochicago.com.
Straight shooter
The Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art presents a retrospective exhibit of Chicago abstract painter Morris Barazani in the "Shoots Straight" exhibit. See a selection of oil paintings, collages and drawings created from 1948 to 2014 with multiple works from each decade represented. Barazani has been an active member of the Chicago Modernist art scene since the late 1940s.
Noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, June 13-July 27, at the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art, 2320 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago. (773) 227-5522 or uima-chicago.org.
Patriotic perks
The luxury JW Marriott Chicago will celebrate our nation's independence with a liberating room rate of only $177.60 for the Fourth of July holiday (normal rates start at $329). In addition, excluding the Independence Day holiday weekend, you can also take advantage of everything Chicago offers in the summer with $50 credit per day of "fun money" to be redeemed at the hotel now until Sept. 7.
Thursday through Sunday, July 3-7, at JW Marriott Chicago, 151 W. Adams St., Chicago. Rate is $177.60, and rooms must be purchased 14 days in advance with the rate code of 'ADV.' Fun Money 50 is a $50 credit to use toward dining, spa services, overnight parking, etc. A Friday or Saturday stay is required to receive the $50 credit promotion on Thursday or Sunday stays. To book the rate, use the promotion code 'P91.' The Fun Money 50 offer is exclusive of other promotional offers and not redeemable for Fourth of July weekend. All rates are based on availability and subject to change. (312) 660-8200 or jwmarriott chicago.com
Midwest
Porch and parlor play
The Lake Geneva Cruise Line and the historic Black Point Estate want to show children how kids used to play before electronics took over American life. The special "Porch, Parlor and Play" cruises will leave the Riviera Docks, downtown Lake Geneva, and travel to Black Point Estate, an elaborate summer home that the Wisconsin State Historical Society has restored to its original splendor. The tour, designed for children ages 6-12, includes playing games popular during the Victorian era such as marbles and croquet, followed by story time and refreshments on the veranda.
12:30 p.m. Thursdays, June 26, July 17 and Aug. 21. Cruise cost is $24 for children and $30 for adults. (800) 558-5911 or cruiselakegeneva.com.
Indie Indy
Pack a weekend in Indianapolis with pasta, art and crafts when a trifecta of events hit the downtown area. Eat at the Italian Street Festival (25 different pastas, Italian meats, desserts) then wander to the INDIEana Handifcraft Exchange and the Talbot Street Art Fair where more than 270 artists from around the country exhibit their work and live entertainment fills the north side of downtown Indy.
Saturday to Sunday, June 13-14, for the Italian Street Festival and Talbot Street Art Fair and Sunday, June 14, for the INDIEana Handicraft Exchange. Check indydt.com or call (317) 237-2222 for hours and directions.
Pop wheelies
Old World Wisconsin captures the fun of the 1890s cycling craze that swept the nation at the new Catch Wheel Fever! experience. Children and adults can climb on replica tricycles and bicycles from the era and take a spin. You can even don period apparel, get on the high-wheel bike and have a photo taken, just as early riders did. Tinker at the workbench in a simulated 1890s bicycle repair shop and explore copies of period road maps for cyclists.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily starting June 14. Catch Wheel Fever! is available every day the museum is open for regular daily visitation, at no additional charge. Old World Wisconsin is at W372 S9727 Highway 67, Eagle, Wisconsin. Cost is $16 for adults, $9 for children ages 5-17, free for kids younger than 5, $14 for students and seniors. Cost for a family (up to two adults and two or more dependent children ages 5-17) is $43. (262) 594-6301 or oldworldwisconsin.org.