The Real Chicago

Top Menu

  • Home
  • E-newsletter
  • Contact

Main Menu

  • Home
  • The Big City Blog
  • General Features
  • Around Town
    • First Look – Reviews
    • Hidden Gems
    • Inside Scoop
  • Eat. Drink. Shop.
    • Good Eats
    • Signature Dishes
    • A Round of Drinks
    • Shop Around the Corner
  • The Local Angle
    • Chicago Insider
    • The Local Corner
    • My Chicago
  • Interviews
  • Forum
Sign in / Join
  • Home
  • E-newsletter
  • Contact

logo

Header Banner

The Real Chicago

  • Home
  • The Big City Blog
  • General Features
  • Around Town
    • First Look – Reviews
    • Hidden Gems
    • Inside Scoop
  • Eat. Drink. Shop.
    • Good Eats
    • Signature Dishes
    • A Round of Drinks
    • Shop Around the Corner
  • The Local Angle
    • Chicago Insider
    • The Local Corner
    • My Chicago
  • Interviews
  • Forum
Breaking News

Chicago’s hidden gems: Kiss Kiss Cabaret, Unabridged Bookstore, Lulu Belle’s Pancake House and TNT at The Annoyance

General Features
Home›featured-blogs›General Features›Learning curve: John Hancock Observatory’s Audio Sky Tour entertains and educates with some celebrity help

Learning curve: John Hancock Observatory’s Audio Sky Tour entertains and educates with some celebrity help

By TheRealChicagoOnline
December 6, 2010
1316
0
Share:

By Trent Modglin

Children, in general, can be easy to entertain, given the right circumstances, of course. But when it comes to entertaining them from an educational standpoint, when they know they only have a few more hours of their mini-vacation left, well, that can be altogether different.

While hosting two of my cousins and their children for a personal Chicago field trip recently, we discovered the John Hancock Observatory has the right idea to solve such a dilemma, making it easy to entertain and educate at the same time. As if seeing the city from 1,000 feet above Michigan Avenue wasn’t enough to astound the kids, doing so with the latest in electronic equipment in hand and a celebrity voice telling them where to look truly put the experience over the edge.

The Hancock launched its multimedia “Sky Tour” about a year and a half ago to rave reviews. Available for adults and kids in English, German and Spanish, the hand-held device is free with admission and provides visitors with a personalized guided tour. And you’ll probably recognize the voice coming through the headphones. It belongs to none other than David Schwimmer of TV’s “Friends” fame. Schwimmer, who attended Northwestern University, has developed a strong bond with the city and helped cofound Chicago’s Lookingglass Theatre.

On a clear day, the 360-degree view from the Hancock’s 94th floor spans some 80 miles and covers four states, showcasing an impressive landscape. The telescopes, history wall, skydeck and unique photo opportunities add a lot to any visit, but it was obvious the audio tour was what had the kids mesmerized. Engaging and informative without talking down to them, Schwimmer makes Chicago’s history and architecture relevant to a younger crowd. With Schwimmer utilizing a conversational style, one of the kids said it felt like he was standing next to her.

Sound effects like trains, waves and the Chicago Bulls’ announcer, along with brief interviews with locals and longtime newspaper reporter Rick Kogan, make the Sky Tour that much more lively.

“I remember years ago when we’d come up here, and the sights were great, but without the information the kids could relate to, you’d be done in 15 minutes,” said my cousin, Alene Fagan. “Now, it gives you more of an opportunity to really appreciate Chicago.”

And when on vacation, who can argue with that?

The John Hancock Observatory is located at 875 N. Michigan Ave. Visit www.HancockObservatory.com for more information.

TagsChicago tourismDavid SchwimmerJohn Hancock Observatory
Previous Article

ComedySportz’s game “Five Things” keeps everyone on ...

Next Article

Chicago’s hidden gems: Radio plays, Vintage Underground ...

0
Shares
  • 0
  • +
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

TheRealChicagoOnline

Related articles More from author

  • My Chicago

    My Chicago: What is the most entertaining bar in the city?

    August 30, 2010
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • Chicago Insider

    Chicago Insider: Christina Koch on the burgers at Bull & Bear and the Christkindlmarket

    March 14, 2011
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • Around TownGeneral Features

    Chicago’s claim to fame: Tours for pizza and The Devil in the White City

    March 11, 2011
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • Chicago Insider

    Chicago Insider: Rich Zell on the city’s best brunches and the Chicago History Museums

    August 30, 2010
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • Around TownGeneral Features

    No vegetarians allowed: Examining Chicago’s love affair with steak

    August 31, 2010
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • My Chicago

    My Chicago: What is something you really enjoy about winter in the city?

    December 6, 2010
    By TheRealChicagoOnline

You might be interested

  • Around TownGeneral Features

    Sun and fun: Five must-do activities now that Chicago’s best season is upon us

  • Around TownGeneral FeaturesOther Recent Articles

    Outdoor drinking: A guide to some of our favorite beer gardens and rooftops in Chicago

  • Around TownGeneral Features

    No vegetarians allowed: Examining Chicago’s love affair with steak

Originally launched in 2006, The Real Chicago — as a glossy entertainment magazine, website and email newsletter — has consistently provided the very best insider information, features and reviews to help both tourists and active locals get the most out of exploring the greatest city on Earth.
© Copyright The Real Chicago. All rights reserved.

Login

Welcome! Login in to your account
Lost your password?

Lost Password

Back to login