Heart Strings by UNICEF is a new interactive attraction that uplifts youth voices from around the world. Through immersive activities and exciting displays, families can get a glimpse into the lives of children and their families across the planet. The experience will be at Water Tower Place from June 14-30.
Quick details about UNICEF’s Heart Strings Experience in Chicago
- June 14-30, 2024
- Address: Water Tower Place, 835 Michigan Ave., Chicago
- Hours: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday-Sunday. Opening hours may vary by day.
- Cost: $23-plus/adult; up to four children 17 and under are free with each general admission ticket
- Getting there: Water Tower Place is accessible by the Chicago red, brown and purple line trains, as well as the 22, 66, 125 and 157 CTA buses.
- Parking: The Water Tower Park garage is $25/hour, $30/two hours and $35/three hours. Limited street parking and other parking garages are available nearby.
Heart Strings teaches children about the lives of people across the globe and shows them the power of youth activism.
The experience takes families through eight interactive zones. Each zone will prompt guests to contribute an element — like voice, song lyrics, rhythm or dance moves — to a song that will be revealed at the end of the experience. In each zone, guests will also learn about global communities through the lenses of healthcare, education, protection and respect.
At the end of the experience, inspired families can take action by visiting UNNICEF’s action center where they can learn more about the nonprofit’s work and sign a petition in support of UNICEF’s global initiatives.
Things to do with kids at Heart Strings
- Hear stories of courage, adversity and joy from children around the world.
- Add your own rhythm, song lyrics, voice and dance moves to an incredible soundscape, influenced by kids from across the globe.
- Share messages of empowerment with your family.
- Dance along with multi-sensory displays and explore the universal language of music.
- Draw your hopes for the future at an inspiring coloring station.
- Take action by signing a petition that advocates for UNICEF’s global initiatives.
Tips for visiting UNICEF’s Heart Strings with kids
- Your ticket is valid for the timeslot you select at checkout. The venue asks you to arrive no earlier than 10 minutes before, and no later than 10 minutes after, your scheduled entry time.
- Budget around 45-60 minutes to make your way through the experience.
- The venue is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
- Guests who require assistance may receive one free pass for a personal assistant, support worker or caregiver.
Other things to do nearby with kids
- Grab a sweet treat at Muah Cotton Candy, also located inside Water Tower Place. The viral cotton candy shop offers 10 flavors of cotton candy and spins candy floss into adorable characters, clouds and cakes that are so sweet, you won’t want to eat them!
- While you’re downtown, take your little tourist on a sightseeing tour of the city’s must-see landmarks and attractions.
- Find skyline views, public art, yummy bites and more on the Chicago Riverwalk. Get our tips on what to see, eat and explore with kids in our family Riverwalk guide.
- Visit Navy Pier and take a spin on the Centennial Wheel, or find educational play at the Chicago Children’s Museum.
- Play at Maggie Daley Park. The creative city park has a climbing wall, mini golf and a 3-acre playground with slides, swings, water and spray features, bridges, climbing structures and more.
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