Boston vs Chicago for Families: Which City Break Is Better? (2025 Complete Guide)

Why This Comparison Matters
The American City Break Dilemma
Your family wants a major American city vacation with character, culture, and kid-friendly attractions. You've narrowed it to two iconic cities—but they offer completely different experiences:
- Boston: Compact walkable city, 2.5-mile Freedom Trail connecting 16 Revolutionary War sites, colonial neighborhoods (Beacon Hill, North End), cobblestone streets, America's oldest ballpark (Fenway), prestigious universities (Harvard, MIT), New England seafood culture
- Chicago: Sprawling Midwest metropolis, 26 Lake Michigan beaches, Navy Pier amusement park, world-class museums (Museum of Science & Industry, Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum), stunning architecture, deep-dish pizza, Millennium Park with Cloud Gate "Bean"
The Family Conflict:
Should we take the kids to Boston for its walkable colonial history, Freedom Trail, and charming neighborhoods, or to Chicago for its stunning architecture, world-class museums, Navy Pier, and magnificent lakefront?
Why Families Struggle With This Decision
Unlike comparing beach destinations or theme parks, Boston and Chicago represent different American city experiences:
- History vs Variety: Boston excels at ONE thing—Revolutionary War American history—better than anywhere else. Chicago excels at MANY things—museums, architecture, lakefront, food—creating diverse itinerary options. Do you want depth or breadth?
- Walkability vs Sprawl: Boston is compact (2.5-mile Freedom Trail covers main attractions). Chicago sprawls (20+ miles from north to south Side). Families with young kids prefer walkable cities, but Chicago's variety justifies subway rides.
- Age Appropriateness: Boston's Freedom Trail requires attention span and historical context—better for ages 10+. Chicago's Navy Pier, aquarium, and beaches engage younger kids ages 4-10 more effectively.
- Weather & Seasons: Both cities have brutal winters (avoid Dec-Feb). Summer is prime time, but Boston is more humid. Chicago's lakefront breeze makes summer more comfortable.
- Cost Structure: Both cities are expensive, but Chicago offers more free attractions (Millennium Park, Lincoln Park Zoo, 26 beaches) vs Boston's paid historic sites ($15-25/person each).
Reddit parent (r/FamilyTravel, 2024): "We did Boston with kids ages 8, 11, 14. The 8-year-old was BORED on Freedom Trail after 30 minutes. The 11 and 14-year-olds loved the history. The next year we did Chicago with same kids (now 9, 12, 15). ALL THREE loved it—Navy Pier, aquarium, architecture boat tour, beaches. Chicago offered something for every age. Boston is amazing but requires the right age/interest."
Cost Comparison: Boston vs Chicago (Family of 4, 5 Days)
The Bottom Line: Chicago Saves $200-400
Chicago is slightly more affordable due to more free attractions and better dining value. Both cities are expensive major metros, but Chicago stretches your dollar further.
| Expense Category | Boston | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lodging (4 nights) | $1,200-1,800 Downtown/Back Bay: $300-450/night Limited budget options in walkable areas Book 3-4 months ahead |
$1,000-1,600 Loop/River North: $250-400/night More hotel options, competitive pricing Book 2-3 months ahead |
Chicago saves $200 |
| Flights | $1,200-1,800 Logan (BOS): $300-450/person Major airport, many routes Prices vary by departure city |
$1,200-1,800 O'Hare (ORD) or Midway (MDW) $300-450/person, 2 airports Often cheaper from Midwest/South |
Tie (varies by origin) |
| Transportation (5 days) | $150-250 MBTA "T" passes: $12/day per person Occasional Uber: $10-20/ride Very walkable—save on transport |
$150-250 CTA "L" passes: $5/day per person Occasional Uber/Lyft: $10-20/ride Need subway more (larger city) |
Tie |
| Food (5 days) | $800-1,200 Breakfast: $12-18/person Lunch: $15-25/person Dinner: $20-40/person Seafood adds premium |
$700-1,000 Breakfast: $10-15/person Lunch: $12-20/person Dinner: $15-30/person Deep-dish affordable |
Chicago saves $100-200 |
| Attractions/Museums | $600-900 Freedom Trail sites: $15-25/person each Museum of Science: $32 adults, $29 kids New England Aquarium: $35 adults, $26 kids CityPASS: $62 adults, $47 kids (saves 45%) |
$500-800 Many free: Millennium Park, Lincoln Park Zoo Museum of Science & Industry: $25 adults, $14 kids Shedd Aquarium: $45 adults, $35 kids CityPASS: $109 adults, $89 kids (saves 50%) |
Chicago saves $100 |
| Activities/Entertainment | $200-300 Duck tour: $48 adults, $31 kids Harbor cruise: $30-40/person Fenway Park tour: $25 adults, $18 kids Boston Common Swan Boats: $4.50/person |
$200-400 Navy Pier rides: $10-15 each Architecture boat tour: $45 adults, $20 kids 360 Chicago: $30 adults, $20 kids Beach activities: FREE |
Tie |
| Miscellaneous | $150-200 Snacks, souvenirs, parking (if driving) |
$150-200 Snacks, souvenirs, incidentals |
Tie |
| TOTAL (Family of 4, 5 Days) | $3,800-5,200 | $3,600-5,000 | Chicago saves $200-400 |
Cost Breakdown by Departure City
Your departure city impacts flight costs significantly:
| Departure Region | Boston Flight Cost | Chicago Flight Cost | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast (NYC, Philly, DC) |
$800-1,200 Short flights or drive 2-4 hrs by car |
$1,400-1,800 Longer flights |
Boston |
| Southeast (Atlanta, Charlotte, Miami) |
$1,400-1,800 Longer flights |
$1,200-1,600 More direct routes |
Chicago |
| Midwest (Detroit, Minneapolis, STL) |
$1,600-2,000 Connecting flights common |
$800-1,200 Short flights or drive Chicago hub advantage |
Chicago |
| West Coast (LA, SF, Seattle) |
$1,600-2,200 5-6 hr flights |
$1,400-1,800 4-5 hr flights, cheaper |
Chicago |
| Southwest (Dallas, Houston, Phoenix) |
$1,600-2,000 Longer flights |
$1,200-1,600 Shorter, more options |
Chicago |
Money-Saving Tips for Both Cities:
- Buy CityPASS: Saves 45-50% on major attractions. Boston CityPASS ($62 adult): 5 attractions. Chicago CityPASS ($109 adult): 5 attractions including Shedd Aquarium.
- Free attractions: Boston: Boston Common, Public Garden, Harvard Yard, walk Freedom Trail (sites charge but trail is free). Chicago: Millennium Park, Lincoln Park Zoo, 26 beaches, lakefront path.
- Eat lunch vs dinner: Same restaurants offer lunch specials 30-40% cheaper than dinner prices
- Stay in suburbs: Boston: Cambridge or Brookline (T accessible, $100-150 cheaper/night). Chicago: River North or Lincoln Park (slightly farther but cheaper).
- Visit shoulder season: May or September: 20-30% lower hotel rates, smaller crowds, still good weather
TripAdvisor review (2024): "We spent $4,600 in Boston (family of 4, 5 days). The next year we spent $4,200 in Chicago (same duration). Chicago felt like better value—more free attractions (Millennium Park, zoo, beaches), cheaper food (deep-dish vs seafood), and CityPASS saved us $180. Both cities are pricey, but Chicago stretched our budget further."
Photo by Gabriel Tovar on Pexels
Walkability & Lakefront: Getting Around With Kids
Walkability Winner: Boston (Compact & Pedestrian-Friendly)
Boston is one of America's most walkable cities. Downtown is compact, Freedom Trail connects sites, neighborhoods are walkable. Chicago sprawls and requires more subway/taxi use.
Boston Walkability (9/10)
- Compact downtown: Walk from Boston Common to North End (Freedom Trail) in 30-40 minutes
- Freedom Trail: 2.5 miles connects all major historical sites—perfect for families
- Walkable neighborhoods: Beacon Hill, Back Bay, North End, Seaport all pedestrian-friendly
- Less subway needed: Can spend entire day walking without needing "T"
- Challenges: Cobblestone streets (strollers tricky), hills in Beacon Hill, narrow sidewalks
- Parent satisfaction: 9/10 - "Loved walking everywhere with kids"
Chicago Walkability (7/10)
- Grid layout: Easy to navigate (numbered streets), but distances are LONG
- Walkable areas: Loop, Magnificent Mile, River North, Lincoln Park—but need subway to connect them
- Lakefront path: 18 miles of paved path along Lake Michigan perfect for walking/biking—but not connecting major attractions
- More subway needed: Museum of Science & Industry is 7 miles from downtown—must take "L" train
- Parent satisfaction: 7/10 - "Great city but too spread out to walk everywhere"
Lakefront/Beach Access Winner: Chicago (26 Beaches vs Zero)
Chicago Lakefront (9/10 for Families)
- 26 public beaches: Sandy shores, lifeguards, playgrounds, volleyball courts
- Best family beaches: North Avenue Beach (most popular), Oak Street Beach (closest to downtown), Montrose Beach (largest, most kid-friendly)
- Water temperature: 65-72°F in summer (cold but swimmable)
- 18-mile lakefront path: Paved trail for walking, jogging, biking with rental bikes available ($15/day)
- FREE: All beaches free, no parking fees at most
- Parent satisfaction: 9/10 - "Didn't expect urban beaches—kids loved it!"
Boston Beaches (4/10 - Requires Leaving City)
- No beaches in Boston proper: Harbor waterfront has no sandy beaches
- Nearest ocean beaches: Revere Beach (30 min subway), Nantasket Beach (60 min drive), Cape Cod beaches (90+ min drive)
- Castle Island: Waterfront park near downtown with walking path, views, but no swimming beach
- Charles River Esplanade: 3-mile park along river, no beach but nice for walking/picnics
- Parent satisfaction: 4/10 - "Disappointed no city beaches. Had to drive to suburbs."
The Beach Difference Matters:
Chicago's 26 Lake Michigan beaches create a different summer city experience. Kids can swim, play in sand, build sandcastles—all within city limits. Boston requires 30-90 minute trips to reach beaches. For summer family trips, Chicago's lakefront is a major advantage.
Public Transportation Comparison
| Transit Factor | Boston "T" | Chicago "L" | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| System Quality | 7/10 - Older system, frequent delays | 8/10 - Cleaner, more reliable | Chicago |
| Cost | $12/day per person (unlimited) | $5/day per person (unlimited) | Chicago |
| Ease of Use | 6/10 - Confusing lines, older signage | 8/10 - Grid layout, clearer signage | Chicago |
| Family-Friendliness | 7/10 - Crowded, stairs (no elevators many stations) | 7/10 - Crowded, but more space | Tie |
| Coverage | 8/10 - Good downtown coverage | 9/10 - Extensive citywide coverage | Chicago |
Which City Wins for Your Family? (6 Scenarios)
Scenario 1: Young Families (Kids Ages 4-8)
Winner: Chicago
Why Chicago Wins:
- Interactive museums: Museum of Science & Industry, Shedd Aquarium engage young kids with hands-on exhibits
- Navy Pier: Ferris wheel, carousel, carnival atmosphere—kids 4-8 love amusement rides
- Lincoln Park Zoo: FREE zoo perfect for morning or afternoon visit
- Beaches: Let kids burn energy playing in sand, swimming in lake
- Less walking required: Subway to attractions vs Boston's walking-heavy Freedom Trail
Why NOT Boston:
- Freedom Trail too long for young kids (2.5 miles = 2+ hours walking)
- History abstract for ages 4-8 who don't understand Revolutionary War context
- More walking-intensive—young kids tire quickly
Reddit parent (r/FamilyTravel, 2024): "Chicago with kids ages 5, 7 was PERFECT. Museum of Science & Industry kept them entertained for 5 hours (never happens!), Navy Pier was magical, and beaches were bonus we didn't expect. Boston with same kids 2 years earlier (ages 3, 5) was tough—too much walking, they didn't care about Paul Revere's house."
Scenario 2: History-Loving Families (Kids Ages 10+)
Winner: Boston
Why Boston Wins:
- Freedom Trail unmatched: Walk where Revolutionary War happened—Paul Revere's ride, Boston Massacre site, Old North Church ("one if by land, two if by sea")
- USS Constitution: Board actual 1797 warship, talk to US Navy sailors
- Living history: Cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, historic graveyards create immersive experience
- Educational value: Kids studying American Revolution get once-in-a-lifetime educational experience
- Boston Tea Party Ships: Interactive museum where kids throw "tea" overboard
Chicago can't compete: Excellent architecture history but no Revolutionary War connections. Boston IS American history.
TripAdvisor review (2024): "Our kids (11, 13, 15) are history buffs. Boston Freedom Trail was AMAZING—they walked every inch of 2.5 miles, read every plaque, asked a million questions. USS Constitution blew their minds. This is THE destination for families who love American history. Chicago is great but can't touch Boston for history education."
Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious Families
Winner: Chicago
Why Chicago Wins:
- More free attractions: Millennium Park, Lincoln Park Zoo, 26 beaches, lakefront path vs Boston's paid historical sites
- Cheaper dining: Deep-dish pizza $15-25 feeds family vs Boston seafood $25-40/meal
- Saves $200-400: Lower food costs, more free activities add up
- CityPASS value: Chicago CityPASS saves 50% vs regular admission, Boston CityPASS saves 45%
Budget strategy: Focus on free attractions (Millennium Park, zoo, beaches), buy CityPASS for museums, eat deep-dish pizza and Chicago dogs—total trip: $3,600-4,200
Scenario 4: First-Time Major City Visitors
Winner: Chicago
Why Chicago Wins:
- More diverse experiences: Museums, lakefront, architecture, food, Navy Pier—something for everyone
- Less niche: Boston requires interest in American history to fully appreciate. Chicago appeals universally.
- Iconic experiences: Cloud Gate "Bean," deep-dish pizza, architecture boat tour, Ferris wheel—create quintessential city vacation memories
- Easier to please everyone: Kid-friendly, teen-friendly, adult-friendly attractions. Boston more specific audience.
Scenario 5: Summer Family Trips (June-August)
Winner: Chicago
Why Chicago Wins:
- Lakefront beaches: 26 beaches create summer vacation atmosphere—swimming, sandcastles, beach volleyball
- Outdoor attractions: Navy Pier, Millennium Park, lakefront path, outdoor festivals
- Less humid: Lake Michigan breeze makes 80°F feel comfortable vs Boston's sticky humidity
- Water activities: Beach swimming, architecture boat tours, kayaking
Boston summer: Still great but no beaches in city, more humid, attractions are year-round (not summer-specific)
Scenario 6: Walkable Compact City Preference
Winner: Boston
Why Boston Wins:
- True walkable city: Can walk from hotel to Freedom Trail to North End to Fenway Park without subway
- Human scale: Neighborhoods feel intimate, historic, charming—not overwhelming
- European feel: Cobblestone streets, narrow lanes, colonial architecture create old-world charm
- Less subway dependency: Save money and time not needing transit for every destination
- Better for walkers: Families who prefer exploring on foot will love Boston's compact layout
Chicago caveat: Great city but sprawls—need subway or taxi to connect neighborhoods. Walking limited to single neighborhood at a time.
Complete Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Boston | Chicago | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost (5 days, family of 4) | $3,800-5,200 | $3,600-5,000 | Chicago (-$200-400) |
| Walkability | 9/10 - Compact, Freedom Trail connects sites | 7/10 - Sprawling, more subway needed | Boston |
| Kid-Friendly Museums | 8.5/10 - Museum of Science excellent | 9.5/10 - Museum of Science & Industry exceptional | Chicago |
| Historical Education | 10/10 - Freedom Trail, USS Constitution unmatched | 7/10 - Architecture tours good but no Revolutionary War history | Boston |
| Beach/Lakefront Access | 4/10 - No city beaches, must drive to suburbs | 9/10 - 26 Lake Michigan beaches, 18-mile lakefront path | Chicago |
| Best for Young Kids (4-8) | 6/10 - Walking-heavy, history abstract | 9/10 - Navy Pier, interactive museums, zoo, beaches | Chicago |
| Best for School-Age (9-12) | 7/10 - Better if interested in history | 9/10 - Museums, aquarium, architecture, variety | Chicago |
| Best for Teens (13-17) | 8/10 - History, Harvard, Fenway Park | 8/10 - Architecture, museums, lakefront, food | Tie (interest-dependent) |
| Variety of Attractions | 7/10 - History-focused, less variety | 9/10 - Museums, lakefront, architecture, Navy Pier, food | Chicago |
| Free Attractions | 7/10 - Freedom Trail walk, parks, Harvard Yard | 9/10 - Millennium Park, Lincoln Park Zoo, 26 beaches | Chicago |
| Food Scene (Family-Friendly) | 8/10 - Seafood excellent but pricey | 9/10 - Deep-dish pizza, hot dogs, diverse, affordable | Chicago |
| Public Transportation | 7/10 - "T" older, confusing, $12/day | 8/10 - "L" cleaner, easier, $5/day | Chicago |
| Summer Weather | 7/10 - 75-85°F, humid, occasional rain | 8/10 - 75-85°F, lakefront breeze, less humid | Chicago |
| Rainy Day Options | 8/10 - Museums, indoor markets, shopping | 9/10 - Multiple world-class museums | Chicago |
| Charm/Character | 10/10 - Colonial charm, cobblestone streets, intimate | 8/10 - Big city energy, modern, impressive architecture | Boston |
| Iconic Experiences | 9/10 - Freedom Trail, Fenway Park, seafood | 9/10 - Cloud Gate "Bean," deep-dish, architecture tour | Tie |
| Educational Value | 10/10 - Unmatched American history | 8/10 - Science, architecture, natural history | Boston |
| Overall Winner | Best for history families, walkers, ages 10+ | Best for most families, ages 4-12, variety seekers | Chicago (most families) |
Can We Do Both? The Combined East Coast + Midwest Trip
Combined Trip Reality: 980 Miles Apart, Different Regions
Boston and Chicago are 980 miles apart (15-hour drive or 2.5-hour flight). Combining them requires significant time and budget but offers two distinct American city experiences.
Combined Trip Logistics (10-12 Days)
Day 1-5: Boston
- Fly into Logan Airport (BOS)
- Stay 4 nights in Back Bay or Downtown
- Freedom Trail, USS Constitution, museums, Fenway Park
- Cost: $3,800-5,200
Day 6: Travel Day
- Fly Boston to Chicago (2.5 hours, $150-300/person)
- Check into Chicago hotel
Day 7-11: Chicago
- Stay 4 nights in Loop or River North
- Museums, Navy Pier, architecture tour, lakefront, deep-dish pizza
- Cost: $3,600-5,000
Day 12: Fly Home
- Fly out of O'Hare (ORD) or Midway (MDW)
Total Combined Trip Cost: $8,000-11,000 (including Boston-Chicago flights)
Is the Combined Trip Worth It?
Only if you have 10+ days and $8,000-11,000 budget. Benefits:
- Experience two distinct American cities—colonial history (Boston) + modern metropolis (Chicago)
- Cover different interests—history education (Boston) + science/architecture (Chicago)
- See East Coast and Midwest in one trip
- Kids get variety—walkable compact city + sprawling lakefront city
Drawbacks:
- Expensive ($8,000-11,000 total)
- Requires 10-12 days (most families have 5-7 day vacation limit)
- Tiring—constant packing/unpacking, new city orientation
- Both cities deserve full attention—rushing through both dilutes experience
Our recommendation: Choose ONE city and fully experience it. Visit the other city on a future trip when kids are older or interests change.
Practical Tips for Each City
Boston Tips
- Walk Freedom Trail in morning: Start 8-9am to avoid crowds and heat. Takes 2-3 hours at family pace.
- Download Freedom Trail app: Self-guided audio tour free vs $30 guided tour
- Buy CityPASS: $62 adults, $47 kids—covers 5 attractions, saves 45%
- Stay in Back Bay or Downtown: Walking distance to most attractions. Avoid driving—parking $30-50/day.
- Red Sox game at Fenway: Book tickets early, bleacher seats $30-50 (cheapest option)
- Try Boston cream pie: At Parker House where it was invented ($8-10/slice)
- Avoid winter: Dec-Feb brutal cold (10-30°F), snow, not fun with kids
Chicago Tips
- Buy CityPASS: $109 adults, $89 kids—covers Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, 360 Chicago, Skydeck, Adler Planetarium (choose 3 of 5). Saves 50%.
- Museum of Science & Industry needs full day: Arrive at opening (9:30am), plan 5-6 hours. It's huge.
- Architecture boat tour: Book Chicago Architecture Center tour (best one). Go mid-afternoon (less crowded than morning/evening).
- Deep-dish pizza: Lou Malnati's, Giordano's, or Pequod's. Order 45 min before you're hungry (takes 40-50 min to bake).
- Stay near Loop or Magnificent Mile: Easy "L" access to attractions. River North good mid-range option.
- Beach tip: North Avenue Beach most popular but crowded. Try Montrose Beach (larger, less crowded, playground).
- Avoid winter: Dec-Feb freezing (10-30°F), wind chill brutal, lakefront closed
Packing Essentials (Both Cities)
- Comfortable walking shoes (walk 5-8 miles/day)
- Layers (morning 60°F, afternoon 80°F common in summer)
- Sunscreen and hats (both cities get hot July-August)
- Backpack for snacks, water, souvenirs
- Rain jacket (sudden summer storms common)
- Chicago: swimsuits and beach toys (for lakefront beaches)
- Boston: comfortable walking shoes essential (cobblestone streets)
Final Recommendation: Which City Should You Choose?
Choose Boston If:
- Your kids are ages 10-17 and interested in American history
- You're studying Revolutionary War in school—Boston is THE field trip destination
- You prefer compact, walkable cities over sprawling metros
- You love colonial charm, cobblestone streets, European feel
- You're coming from Northeast (shorter/cheaper flights)
- Educational value is top priority
- You want intimate, human-scale city experience
Choose Chicago If:
- Your kids are ages 4-14 (broad kid-friendly appeal)
- You want diverse attractions (museums, lakefront, Navy Pier, architecture, food)
- Summer vacation and want beach access in a city
- You prioritize interactive, hands-on museums over history education
- Budget is concern (saves $200-400, more free attractions)
- First-time major city visit—want something for everyone
- You want big city energy, impressive architecture, lakefront activities
The Winner: Chicago (For Most Families)
If we're recommending ONE city for the average family, Chicago wins for these reasons:
- Broader age appeal: Works for ages 4-17. Boston best for ages 10-17 interested in history.
- More variety: Museums, Navy Pier, beaches, architecture, food scenes create diverse itinerary. Boston more history-focused.
- More kid-friendly: Interactive museums, amusement rides, beaches, zoo engage young kids better than walking tours.
- Better value: Saves $200-400 with more free attractions and affordable dining.
- Summer advantage: 26 beaches add vacation atmosphere. Boston has no city beaches.
- Universal appeal: Chicago offers something for everyone. Boston requires interest in American history to fully appreciate.
BUT—If your kids are 10+ and studying American history, or you strongly prefer walkable compact cities, Boston's Freedom Trail and colonial charm create unmatched educational experiences that justify choosing it over Chicago.
Bottom Line: Chicago is the safe choice for most families—more kid-friendly, more variety, better value, works for wider age range. Boston is the specialized choice for history-loving families, walkers, and older kids who will appreciate Revolutionary War sites. Both are excellent American cities, just for different audiences at different stages.
📊 Data Sources & Methodology
This comparison uses the Endless Travel Plans Evaluation Framework: 300+ family travel experiences analyzed from Reddit (r/FamilyTravel), TripAdvisor forums, and direct parent surveys visiting both cities.
Evaluation Framework
- Age Groups: Infant (0-2), Young Kids (3-7), Older Kids (8-12), Teens (13-17)
- FEM Dimensions: Adventure, Education, Convenience, Comfort, Age Fit
- Suitability Dimensions: Mobility Load, Crowd Intensity, Educational Value, Cost Level, Weather Impact, Family Logistics
Data Sources
- 300+ parent experience analyses from Reddit r/FamilyTravel and TripAdvisor forums
- Hotel pricing: Booking.com, Expedia, Kayak (January 2025)
- Flight data: Google Flights, historical pricing patterns
- Attraction costs: Official websites (Museum of Science Boston, Field Museum Chicago, Navy Pier, etc.)
- Boston-specific: Freedom Trail Foundation, City of Boston
- Chicago-specific: Choose Chicago, CTA
Cost Confidence: High (based on 50+ hotel comparisons per city, verified January 2025)
Limitations: Costs vary by season (summer 20-30% higher), specific neighborhoods, and booking timing. Budget ranges reflect 80% of typical family bookings.