If you're ready to experience a little downtown nightlife with the kids without the hassle of driving yourself, try hopping on a double-decker bus or trolley for a tour of the city's lights. For the first time, the iconic red buses and green and red trolleys will traverse the city after dark during the summer months.

Mostly crammed along a six-block stretch of Wentworth Avenue north and south of Cermak, Chinatown is a hodgepodge of gift shops, restaurants, grocery stores and candy shops. Navigating with small children takes a little extra planning. Strollers, for example, are difficult. And you may want to limit your jaunt to a few blocks, rather than the full stretch. Here are some helpful how-to's.

There's a whole fascinating, climate-controlled world underground in Chicago's pedways. This tour will take you below the city.

Start in the city, but westward ho! on the train to visit historic villages and a great children's museum. This is a do-it-yourself tour to get you started exploring the western suburb of Naperville.

Use this scavenger hunt created just for families by Chicago Parent to explore downtown Chicago.

The best way to get to know the real Chicago is using your stomach. Join a Chicago pizza tour and decide for yourself who makes the best in the city.

Pack some kid essentials, spring for a CTA pass and visit these Chicago el destinations on this do-it-yourself tour. We've created a step-by-step guide to make the day easy!

Planning day trips for the under-4 set means scaling things down to tot-sized capabilities. Thinking a little smaller will boost your enjoyment of the day, empower your little one and, ultimately, help you step out more often. These three pint-sized outings start from the same Lincoln Park Zoo parking lot hub and are timed to end before momentous meltdowns ensue.