I'm an Aussie who took my family to Chicago. We were shocked by how much affordable fun we found, especially for teens.

Our family trip to Chicago was filled with fun, and it changed our assumptions about travel costs in major cities.

Ash Jurberg

• In Chicago, our family enjoyed world-class entertainment that didn't drain our bank account.
• Our tickets to comedy shows at the famous Second City and NBA and NHL games were affordable.
• Chicago's free attractions, like the zoo, were worthwhile — not just time fillers to save costs.

Taking teenagers on vacation can be expensive, but Chicago flipped the script on our expectations.