AlmiraGulch Posted April 3, 2011 Share Posted April 3, 2011 I'm thinking of taking my girls to Chicago for vacation this summer. I've been several times for business but haven't been for pleasure since 8th grade! I'd like to get some advice from those who are very familiar with the area. We'll be driving, so we'll have a car, but I'd like to keep my focus in Chicago proper and not the 'burbs. I'll be using Priceline for a hotel so we can be right in the heart of it all, unless anyone has another suggestion. We'll probably be there for 4 days (maybe 3, maybe 5...depends on what i come up with to do!). On my list of potential things to do so far: 1. Navy Pier 2. Sears (which isn't Sears anymore) Tower observation deck 3. Museum of Science and Industry (my all-time favorite museum) 4. Some sort of boat tour in Lake Michigan 5. Eat at Ed Debevics What else? What about public transportation? What are your "must-see/must-do" things? Any pitfalls (besides cash) that I need to be aware of? Any information or advice at all would be greatly appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
annlaura Posted April 3, 2011 Share Posted April 3, 2011 Depending when you come, there could be free concerts in Grant or Millenium Park. And how about the Art Institute? I think you can get a City Pass of some sort that covers a variety of sightseeing fun. I can't remember if it includes transit, but if not, you can also get multi-day transit passes. Although honestly, if you'll only be out of walking distance for one or two trips, it might be just as cost effective to take a taxi. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OnTheBrink Posted April 3, 2011 Share Posted April 3, 2011 I LOVE Chicago! Get a City Pass and you'll save a ton on admission fees. Also, most of the hotels will run special packages, so check those out against priceline. When we went in February, we stayed at the Chicago South Loop Hotel, which was nice, and sits between the museum campus and the Museum of Science and Industry. It also has free parking, which many of the downtown hotels don't. It's also on the outskirts of China Town, which could be fun. Outside of what you already mentioned, there is: Shedd Aquarium Field Museum Adler Planetarium Art Institute Hancock Building Water Tower Place (large mall downtown with some very cool stores. The American Girl Store is there; there's an underground parking garage, too) http://www.citypass.com/chicago Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlmiraGulch Posted April 4, 2011 Author Share Posted April 4, 2011 Thanks for the information! Anything else? On a side note, I posted this early, left for the day, came back to check to see if there were any responses but got so caught up in all of the atheist/agnostic threads that I forgot about it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hana Posted April 4, 2011 Share Posted April 4, 2011 don't forget Garrett Popcorn. :lurk5: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlmiraGulch Posted April 4, 2011 Author Share Posted April 4, 2011 don't forget Garrett Popcorn. :lurk5: I have no idea what that is, but I'm looking it up! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
forty-two Posted April 4, 2011 Share Posted April 4, 2011 There are some fun fountains you can play in at Millennium Park and (just outside) the Navy Pier, so towels/extra clothes/bathing suits under clothes are good :). (I did not know this, and had to borrow extra clothes from sil for dd4 :tongue_smilie: - b/c who *doesn't* want to play in a fountain ;)). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlmiraGulch Posted April 4, 2011 Author Share Posted April 4, 2011 There are some fun fountains you can play in at Millennium Park and (just outside) the Navy Pier, so towels/extra clothes/bathing suits under clothes are good :). (I did not know this, and had to borrow extra clothes from sil for dd4 :tongue_smilie: - b/c who *doesn't* want to play in a fountain ;)). I agree! We love to do that at Centennial Olympic Park here in Atlanta. Now I'm trying to figure out where to stay.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcconnellboys Posted April 4, 2011 Share Posted April 4, 2011 We always stay in downtown but always take taxi's. We love to go to The Field Museum, the aquarium, and the planetarium. We also always try to go to the Art Institute at least once. They are generally open and free on one evening (used to be Thursdays).... We also like Peggy Notebart Nature Sanctuary, but it was rather run down last time we were there.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nojo317 Posted April 4, 2011 Share Posted April 4, 2011 don't forget Garrett Popcorn. :lurk5: Oh yeah!!! Get the cheese/caramel combo!!! While at Navy Pier you could do the children's museum there (not sure on age of kids, sorry I didn't look!) Make sure you get some Chicago style pizza while here too. Second to none!! There's also the Lincoln Park Zoo (free). A little north of the city in Skokie is the Holocaust Museum, which I hear is pretty amazing (if your kids are old enough for that.) If you can, check out a baseball game. Goooo Cubbies!!! :lol: There are trollies that take you around town, but the waits to get on them are insane. Figure out public transportation and you're golden. Parking fees will require you to take out a second mortgage. Also, there's a HUGE American Girl doll store in Chicago. Not sure if that's of interest. P.S. - The view from the John Hancock building is better than the building fka Sears Tower. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annie G Posted April 4, 2011 Share Posted April 4, 2011 See a show!!! Ride the El. Walk through Grant Park, see the bean at Millennium Park, and walk Michigan Avenue. Chinatown is fun. My family has tried Navy Pier four times. We haven't ever found what the attraction is to that place- we must be weird. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Homemama2 Posted April 4, 2011 Share Posted April 4, 2011 (edited) Shedd Aquarium Field Museum Adler Planetarium :iagree: We love these. Water Tower Mall. Eli's Cheesecake Factory (if you like cheesecake, that is. Well, I don't like cheesecake but love their's so there ya go! lol!) If you just walk down Michigan Ave or State Street there are tons of awesome stores if you want to shop. Lincoln Park Zoo is just a little bit north of downtown. It is free to get in but parking is about $12 (at least last time I was there) if you park inside the zoo. You can also park on the street and just walk into the zoo, and then you just have a parking meter to pay. Edited April 4, 2011 by Homemama2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katilac Posted April 4, 2011 Share Posted April 4, 2011 We had ice cream at Ghirardelli's every. single. day. My allergy meds are messing with my brain, but if you google "free stuff chicago" you will get tons of ideas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
weddell Posted April 4, 2011 Share Posted April 4, 2011 We love the Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium! I would leave the car at the hotel or a parking garage and either take public transportation or taxis. You will spend too much time trying to drive and park and then having to walk a while anyway if you try to drive around the city. Lincoln Park Zoo is small and easy to do in one day, plus it is close to the Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium. Sometimes it is worth it to buy some sort of membership or pass even if you aren't ever going to use it again. I know at the Shedd sometimes the line to get in can be 45 minutes, but members can just walk in through the membership door. It is sometimes worth the extra money to be able to skip the line and not waste your vacation time, kwim? I haven't used this, but I have seen them advertised at attractions: http://www.citypass.com/chicago Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlmiraGulch Posted April 4, 2011 Author Share Posted April 4, 2011 Oh yeah!!! Get the cheese/caramel combo!!! That sounds delicious! While at Navy Pier you could do the children's museum there (not sure on age of kids, sorry I didn't look!) A little old. Once I looked more closely at what Navy Pier has to offer I think that may come off the list. Make sure you get some Chicago style pizza while here too. Second to none!! Too funny! I'm from St. Louis and the two styles of pizza couldn't be any more different! I'm into the super thing, cracker-style crust. Still...when in Rome, right? There's also the Lincoln Park Zoo (free). This may be a keeper. Again....we always do the zoo in in STL, and we've never been to this one. A little north of the city in Skokie is the Holocaust Museum, which I hear is pretty amazing (if your kids are old enough for that.)I wish! The 8 year old may be traumatized, I fear... If you can, check out a baseball game. Goooo Cubbies!!! :lol: Go Cardinals!!! :D There are trollies that take you around town, but the waits to get on them are insane. Figure out public transportation and you're golden.I absolutely plan to do this! Thanks for the recommendation. Parking fees will require you to take out a second mortgage. Also, there's a HUGE American Girl doll store in Chicago. Not sure if that's of interest. P.S. - The view from the John Hancock building is better than the building fka Sears Tower. Great information! Thanks so much! Ok....for my next question....I looked at Priceline and i'm trying to figure out how to bid based on where we want to stay. We'd like to be as close to the heart of things as possible. The neighborhoods that I have to choose from are Lincoln Park, Millenium Park/Loop & Grant Park, and North Michigan Ave/North Loop. What's best? ETA...ok, sorry for the strange quoting. Not sure how i left the html in there, and why only half my stuff turned pink. Fat fingers this morning! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MBM Posted April 4, 2011 Share Posted April 4, 2011 (edited) Ok....for my next question....I looked at Priceline and i'm trying to figure out how to bid based on where we want to stay. We'd like to be as close to the heart of things as possible. The neighborhoods that I have to choose from are Lincoln Park, Millenium Park/Loop & Grant Park, and North Michigan Ave/North Loop. What's best? Any one of those areas could work if you're close to the trains or buses, but I'd probably choose the area around Michigan Avenue. The Embassy Suites on State Street might be a good choice. Pizzeria Via Stato, a Lettuce Entertain You restaurant, is located on the first floor -- best thin crust (cracker style) pizza I've ever had as well as excellent salads and fonduta. Eat in or take out. Just across the street are a group of quirky businesses: P.O.S.H., Grahamwich, Alessi, and Pops for Champagne. Material Possessions is nearby. It's fun just to window shop in that area. A few blocks south of that area is Xoco, a mostly-sandwich shop run by Rick Bayless and family. The churros with cinnamon ice cream are excellent. At lunch the place is packed, so if you go there, arrive early or late. North on Delaware is More Cupcakes which sells filled cupcakes. In the Hancock's basement, L'Appetito sells reasonably-priced sandwiches. The Cheesecake Factory is also down there. The Hancock's bar/lounge area in the evening is a good place to have a (pricey) drink, but it's comfy and the views are spectacular. (Check out the bathrooms.) Kids are welcome. eat.shop Chicago is a useful book that lists unusual places to eat and shop. Besides the other recommendations for things to do: Grant Park/Millenium Park concerts: http://www.chicagofestivals.net/the-grant-park-music-festival Museum of Contemporary Art (near Water Tower Place) has free jazz concerts Tuesday evenings in summer. Bring your own food and eat on the back lawn: http://www.mcachicago.org/programs/event_detail.php?id=22=terrace Chicago Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier will be performing The Adventures of Pinocchio in August. They could add something else later on as well. There might also be some musicals or plays worth seeing. You can buy discounted tickets for some performances in the Water Works Visitor Center right across from the Water Tower Place (mall). http://www.hottix.org/ If I can remember other events, I'll try to list them. ETA: The Air and Water Show is held in August. Chicago is insanely busy then. Edited April 4, 2011 by MBM added more info Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jayson Posted April 4, 2011 Share Posted April 4, 2011 take the red line to a Cubs game Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jayson Posted April 4, 2011 Share Posted April 4, 2011 A few blocks south of that area is Xoco, a mostly-sandwich shop run by Rick Bayless and family. The churros with cinnamon ice cream are excellent. At lunch the place is packed, so if you go there, arrive early or late. :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlmiraGulch Posted April 4, 2011 Author Share Posted April 4, 2011 Any one of those areas could work if you're close to the trains or buses, but I'd probably choose the area around Michigan Avenue. The Embassy Suites on State Street might be a good choice. Pizzeria Via Stato, a Lettuce Entertain You restaurant, is located on the first floor -- best thin crust (cracker style) pizza I've ever had as well as excellent salads and fonduta. Eat in or take out. Just across the street are a group of quirky businesses: P.O.S.H., Grahamwich, Alessi, and Pops for Champagne. Material Possessions is nearby. It's fun just to window shop in that area. A few blocks south of that area is Xoco, a mostly-sandwich shop run by Rick Bayless and family. The churros with cinnamon ice cream are excellent. At lunch the place is packed, so if you go there, arrive early or late. North on Delaware is More Cupcakes which sells filled cupcakes. In the Hancock's basement, L'Appetito sells reasonably-priced sandwiches. The Cheesecake Factory is also down there. The Hancock's bar/lounge area in the evening is a good place to have a (pricey) drink, but it's comfy and the views are spectacular. (Check out the bathrooms.) Kids are welcome. eat.shop Chicago is a useful book that lists unusual places to eat and shop. Besides the other recommendations for things to do: Grant Park/Millenium Park concerts: http://www.chicagofestivals.net/the-grant-park-music-festival Museum of Contemporary Art (near Water Tower Place) has free jazz concerts Tuesday evenings in summer. Bring your own food and eat on the back lawn: http://www.mcachicago.org/programs/event_detail.php?id=22=terrace Chicago Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier will be performing The Adventures of Pinocchio in August. They could add something else later on as well. There might also be some musicals or plays worth seeing. You can buy discounted tickets for some performances in the Water Works Visitor Center right across from the Water Tower Place (mall). http://www.hottix.org/ If I can remember other events, I'll try to list them. ETA: The Air and Water Show is held in August. Chicago is insanely busy then. Wow! Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiebird Posted April 4, 2011 Share Posted April 4, 2011 Hahaha! I'm copying down information and I grew up on the southside! But I'm used to just driving right to whatever we want to see or taking the red line el in for everything, so I love seeing everyone's ideas! You could do a day where you parked in the Lincoln park zoo lot, and then hit the zoo, the Notebaert Nature museum, go to the Green City Market for lunch (outdoor everyday honking huge farmer's market basically) and then go the the Chicago History Museum. We'll probably do something like that too this summer but breeze through the zoo part. You'd have to get to the lot fairly early though, or just take public transportation for the whole thing. All those are basically in one part of the city. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OnTheBrink Posted April 4, 2011 Share Posted April 4, 2011 Be careful with taxis. We took one from our hotel to the Museum of Sci and Ind and it cost more one way than parking would have. Lesson learned on that one! But, the taxis were clean and the drivers were either silent the whole way, or very polite. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hana Posted April 4, 2011 Share Posted April 4, 2011 I have no idea what that is, but I'm looking it up! Check this out! http://www.davidlebovitz.com/2011/04/garretts-caramel-corn/#more-5078 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
In2why Posted April 4, 2011 Share Posted April 4, 2011 I can't add to the ideas, but I fell in love with Chicago! As for the Navy pier, I think the magic happens on the day the recruits graduate each week. It is wonderful to see the fine young men and women sailors in their dress whites enjoying their first free day in weeks, with their families who are so proud of them that the whole day is a loving reunion. You can't help but smile. I was also surprised to find that everyone we met in Chicago was polite. I have been to many a City, and there is something unique about Chicago. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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