Snap out of that high-school Latin class flashback - "Urbs in Horto" is Chicago's motto, and it means "City in a Garden." It was also the inspiration behind the city's jewel by the lake, Millennium Park. Start your day with a tour of the Lurie Garden - that's the area hiding behind those shoulder-high hedges. Sunday tours run 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and start at the south end of garden on the boardwalk. Pack a lunch and enjoy it after the tour to the sounds of the park's Lunchbreak Concert series (daily at Pritzker Pavilion). Then pop in to the Family Fun Festival, where family entertainment, crafts, and dance-along performance from Old Town School of Folk Music's Wiggleworms take place every day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Garfield Park Conseravtory is one of Chicago's hidden treasures - beautiful, historical and packed with free activities for the budding horticulturalist (or bored kiddie). Or if you're making your own adventure, print out the conservatory's Eye Spy Hunt before you go.

Weekend Family Fun: Discover the Power of Plants!
Saturdays and Sundays year-round, drop in anytime between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Plant an pretend garden, build a tropical habitat, help water the plants, or read a book under our tropical canopy. Stop by the Elizabeth Morse Genius Children's Garden. Note: on July 2, 3 and 23rd, Power of Plants will be replaced by Meet the Bees.

Two of five summer markets along this River North hotspot remain -- July 30-31 and Aug. 28-29. Fest features more than 200 vendors selling jewelry, collectibles, food and flowers.  All kids 12 and under receive free admission, in addition to a free Treasure Map that helps themnavigate the market. Throw in a free trolley ride (provided from Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave., at the top of the hours from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.) or, if you prefer, free and ample parking is available nearby, and it's a great way to fulfill two summer musts: eating funnel cake and buying antique picture frames.