There is nothing wrong with the rest of the United States, but there is nothing more right than Chicago in the summer. Parents spend thousands of dollars to take their little ones to Florida but come home with nothing but some sea shells and a bad sunburn. Other families opt for a more educational trip, but really the houses of Thomas Edison, Richard Nixon and Henry Ford all look the same. If you've seen one, you've seen them all. And as a kid, I remember physical tears rolling down my face as my parents announced that instead of going swimming, we would see the workshop the lightbulb was first constructed in! I was seven. I am 20 now and still could care less about utilities (except I probably should because I have to pay bills).

In the end, I'm not saying Florida or a little hut three miles off the main road somewhere in the Midwest isn't a great exercise in family patience, but I am saying that you have other options.

So, your dream vacation is to lay on a beach all day? Great! Chicago has 28 miles of lakefront property and the greater majority of it is a beach. And, most beaches come with a great view.

Not convinced yet? Chicago is quite the spot for all history buffs. The city is one of the main centers of commerce in early America, and can be thoroughly studied at the Chicago History Museum or the Field Museum. It is also home to the Chicago Cultural Center, which offers free cultural events and more. Chicago is a city built upon the history of immigrants from all over the world, so there is never not something to go learn about.

And Chicago isn't one to forget about our athletes, whether on a professional team or a little league all-star. Remember that lakefront I mentioned before? There is also a beautiful running, biking and walking trail which hugs the beach line, too. Honestly, once I was running a 10-mile race and at mile four, when I had just about given up, I started looking up and ahead at the scenery around me. I had never enjoyed a running more than I have that day.

And of course, there are sports for water lovers, too. There are several rivers around town that allow for peaceful canoe and kayak trips. Then, for the more adventurous types, you could try sailing, boating or paddle boarding on the open waters of Lake Michigan. Whatever you can think of, I am sure Chicago has it.

But of course, if you are on vacation you are looking to spend at least one afternoon being the biggest tourist you can be. If you like taking pictures, you can go to Cloud Gate, a.k.a. the Bean. If heights are your thing, you can ride to the top of the Sears/Willis tower and go in a skybox. You actually are just standing in a box overlooking the entire city. The idea is so crazy to me, probably because the top bunk in my dorm room is too much height for me. There are also trolley buses and Segway tours available for big groups to experience the city together.

There are shops, museums, malls, restaurants, parks and more, too. Each one in itself is a reason you should be booking your trip to Chicago as we speak. There are honestly countless things to do, people to see and places to visit in Chicago, making it the greatest destination for family vacation. Or a weekend friends getaway. Or a place to move permanently as a young college graduate.

Chicago is home to everything, and I want everyone to be a part of it. And, I'm serious when I say I hope to see you there this summer!