Beginning Memorial Day Weekend, kids will
be welcomed with giggles and grins when checking in at Swissotel Chicago
with the VIK (Very Important Kid) check-in. “Since every child is a VIP at
Swissotel Chicago, we want to welcome all children with an awe-inspiring
experience,” said Thomas Klein, Area General Manager, Swissotel Hotels and
Resorts. Upon check-in VIKs will receive a welcome goodie pack filled with a Shedd
Aquarium activity book, crayons and fun things to do in Chicago. To add to
the excitement, Swissotel Chicago and Shedd Aquarium set-up a cool
check-in area where VIKs can color with crayons, play with a puzzle, read
a book, draw with chalk or just have fun. Family getaway packages are
available including the Designed for Kids suite and Sharks at Shedd
Getaway with tickets to experience a new interactive temporary exhibit at
Shedd Aquarium—CRABS!.

Designed for Kids is a two-room suite specifically designed to provide
children—and parents—the comforts and fun of home while staying at
Swissotel Chicago. The room was developed in partnership with Shedd
Aquarium to bring the element of education through a fun exploration of
marine life with books, movies and puzzles. Children’s imaginations will
come to life with plush aquarium stuffed animals, CRABS! toys, coloring
books and crayons and a large selection of DVD’s and games, all available
for purchase at Shedd Aquarium gift stores. The room is also equipped with
child focused bedding, children sized table and chairs, nightlight and
Nintendo. The Designed for Kids suite begins at a rate of $699 and
includes four VIP tickets to Shedd Aquarium.

As part of Shedd Aquarium’s 75th year celebration, a new temporary exhibit
is coming to Chicago. The exhibit will highlight for the first time the
unusual and intriguing animal that can live in the sea, in freshwater
streams and ponds, and on land—CRABS! Visitors will get a different
perspective on these animals by seeing how they are like expertly designed
“machines,” with a main housing, adaptable tool units, and special
functions, being rated to withstand all kinds of environmental extremes.
With 19 body segments, eyestalks like periscopes, a removable and
renewable carapace, the ability to glow in the dark and regenerate lost
legs, you won’t want to miss learning about these unique creatures in a
visually spectacular setting! For the last 75 years Shedd has created
numerous award winning temporary exhibits highlighting unique species from
the deep like no other. Shedd Aquarium’s crabs exhibit is the largest
collections in the U.S. and is scheduled to run through January 8, 2006.
——-