Several color-coded routes make Chicago's Free Trolley System incredibly easy to use. Trolley stops are marked along Michigan Avenue, the Museum Campus, and other downtown Chicago streets. Maps are available on the trolleys or at many downtown hotels. No tickets are needed; simply hop on or off at any stop. Using the color-coded maps as your guide, you'll be on your way to a great time in downtown Chicago.

The red route is the Chicago shopping route. This route runs along Adams and Washington Streets, and will take you to some of the finest spots for Chicago shopping. Marshall Field's is located on this route. In addition to Marshall Field's, and the finest in Chicago shopping, you will pass the Sears Tower, the Chicago Cultural Center, the Hancock Observatory, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Chicago Water Tower.

Servicing Navy Pier, the blue route will take you straight to the pier. At Navy Pier you will find the Chicago Children's Museum, bicycle rentals, entertainment, and great Chicago food like Italian Beef sandwiches, and authentic Chicago hot dogs. Along with servicing Navy Pier, the blue route also services shopping destinations on North Michigan Avenue. Visit www.navypier.com to see everything offered at this very popular Chicago attraction.

The Museum Campus, which includes Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum and Adler Planetarium, makes up the green route of Chicago's Free Trolley System. Making pickups along Michigan Avenue, this route passes right by Millennium Park and the Art Institute of Chicago. Information on Museum Campus hours and admission prices are available at www.museumcampus.org.

History buffs will want to take the orange route, as it passes by the Chicago Historical Society, and the Lincoln Park Zoo. Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the only remaining free admission zoos in the United States. Lincoln Park Zoo information is available at www.lpzoo.com. At the Chicago Historical Society, you will be treated to a view of many collections of Chicago artifacts. Visit www.chicagohs.org for more information regarding hours and exhibits.

Chinatown visitors will want to take advantage of the Chinatown-Pilson shuttle. It is also free, but is not color-coded. Chinatown offers more Chicago shopping, hotels, restaurants, and cultural events. More information about Chinatown can be found at www.chicago-chinatown.com.

Chicago can be a tricky town to navigate for locals let alone tourists. Downtown Chicago parking and taxi cabs can be expensive for a family on a budget. Why not take a break from the stress of parking and wrong turns? Let Chicago's Free Trolley System do it for you? These bright red trolleys visit many of Chicago's greatest tourist attractions, and best of all; you just can't beat the price!

The trolley system operates every day in the summer, and weekends through the winter.

Hours and routes vary. For a complete schedule and other information, visit www.cityofchicago.org and click on the travel and transportation link.