At The Rainforest Cafe, high chairs, boosters, kids' menus, crayons, and coloring books are all part of the program. But, the popular chain restaurant's main attraction is the jungle decor with realistic - sometimes too realistic for the 4 and under set - animatronic animals. Periodic "thunder storms," complete with darkness, then flashes of lightning, and the distant rumble of thunder enchant most kids, but sends some ducking for cover. (Those table-duckers might find that the Rainforest Cafe is a good place to conquer the phobia!) Rainforest Cafe is also a wildly entertaining place to celebrate a birthday; the birthday boy or girl can be the King or Queen of the Jungle, and the restaurant charges a per-child, all-inclusive for the rest of the guests. Birthday party packages include invitations, a selection from the special birthday menu, a souvenir Rainforest Cafe cup, and a treasure map and crayons for each child. A Super Safari Pith Helmet and a keepsake photograph are also given to the birthday child. For an additional charge, Birthday Bash Bags - stuffed with themed-party favors - are also available.

tips:

If rainstorms are scary for your little one, ask your "safari guide" when the next one will occur, and walk your child through the gift shop while it's happening.

getting there:

Cross street is Ohio. From the North, South, or West: Take I-90/94 East to Ohio Street. Follow Ohio Street East to Clark Street. From the East: Follow Lake Shore Drive to the Grand Avenue exit. Follow Grand Avenue Westbound to LaSalle. Turn Right on LaSalle to Ohio Street. Turn Right on Ohio, and go one block to Clark Street. Valet Parking is available for $8.