“Chill On,” is Melbourne, Australia's first ice bar. The hot sizzling temperatures outside make the inside feel much more enjoyable. At $30AU per adult and $15AU per child (before 6pm kids are allowed in) the price includes gear to keep you warm while you're inside.

You're only allowed to enjoy your stay for 30 minutes and are given a buzzer when your time is up.

Your drinks are on ice, literally. The glasses you drink from are frozen ice, imagine that!

For more information check out their website.

A great place to take the kids, especially in the spring and summer months. As it sits along lake Michigan, there's a Ferris wheel outside along with indoor shopping and food. Parking is quite expensive, be prepared to pay anywhere from $20 to $30. This is true for most of downtown, Chicago. During the weekday it is impossible to find inexpensive parking.

Millennium Park

A recent addition to Chicago, Millennium Park sits on Michigan Avenue. In the winter months there's an ice rink. During the hot summer months, bring a spare change of clothes for the kids, there's a fountain they'd love to get wet under. Underground parking is available.

Michigan Avenue

A trip to Chicago would not be complete without seeing the Magnificent Mile on Michigan Avenue. Shop the stores, visit the Art Museum, and ride the trolley.

Lincoln Park Zoo

Be sure to bring the kids to Lincoln Park Zoo. Admission is always free. Grab a bite to eat at the zoo or be sure to take your own picnic lunch.

Wrigley Field

On the Northside of Chicago sits Wrigley Field, home of the Cubs. Many films have used the outside of the stadium and you will likely recognize the bright red sign. Tickets are difficult to come by, even for die-hard fans that live in Chicago. If you do manage to find tickets (stubhub, ticketmaster) don't leave before the 7th inning stretch as someone (sometimes famous) will sing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.” You will also notice that residents surrounding the stadium will be on their roofs, with stadium seating watching the game from home!

The Museum of Science and Industry

Chicago hosts many museums located along Lake Michigan. Most are near Solider Field (home of the Chicago Bears). The Museum of Science and Industry however is located near the southside, right off I-55. They typically have temporary exhibits worth noting when you visit. They've hosted both CSI and Star Wars.

The penguin parade happens on Phillip Island every night. Many tour buses (ie. Autopia) comes through and gives you a tour of the Island (animal parks and along the shore) and at night allows you to see the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island. Rates are reasonable per person (about $100 USD for an entire day).

The Ten Apostles

A beautiful site along the coastline of Australia. It is a several hour drive from Melbourne but well worth the view even in winter. Be sure to bring a jacket and a camera. Tour buses will take you along the Great Ocean Road and to see the Ten Apostles also.

Great Ocean Road

A long scenic drive along the coast of Australia. Much like the beautiful highway along the coast of California this gives you a great view of Australia's beaches. Surfing takes place at some of the beaches. It can be incredibly touristy in some areas. Great for photographs!

Healesville Sanctuary (Or Another Australian Wildlife Park)

This is a must see for anyone coming to visit Australia. Before going home you'll want to be sure to see some Kangaroos, Koalas, Wombats, Wallabies, and the famous Tasmanian Devil.

Ballarat

A great look back in time at Australia and the gold rush. Be sure to stay for the light show to learn all about “Blood on the Southern Cross”.

Australian Football Game

Australian Football, known to the Aussies as “Footy,” is a rather easy game to understand. It's much like American Football without the confusing rules and plays that are involved. Players aren't allowed to throw the ball, only punt it to their teammates and kick respective field goals for points. Tickets are reasonable and sold at the door for games. The majority of teams in the Australian Football League are in fact in and around Melbourne so it's much like seeing a rival city play (i.e. Chicago Bears vs. Greenbay Packers).

Yarra Valley Wineries

For those 18 and over, be sure to check out one of the many wineries in Yarra Valley. They offer samples and tours. The vineyards are rather beautiful.

Melbourne

When going to Victoria, Australia you can't forget to visit the second biggest city Melbourne (pronounced Melbin). There's lots of sites to see downtown. There's a train into the city from the suburbs that runs daily as is a tram that goes around the city to the many sites including Queen Victoria Market.

Queen Victoria Market

In the heart of downtown Melbourne, Queen Victoria Market offers a great shopping experience for those that both live here and are visiting. The market has many sections offering different items from meats and vegetables to souvenirs. You can find great gifts to bring home at reasonable prices and the vendors typically with bargain with the price listed. Most vendors only take cash however there are cash stations outside the market.