Chicago DISers, Tell Me About Millennium Park

[manchurianbrownbear]

We’ll be driving through Chicago in a few days (6/17) and we have 4-6 hours to kill.

We’ve been to Chicago several times and have done Museum of S & I, Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Navy Pier, etc… more than once. I’ve read some great reviews of Millennium Park and we’re considering stopping there.

Is it worth stopping? Will the kids (ages 7 – 15) enjoy it? How long should we plan to spend there? Is there affordable parking nearby?

Any help will be appreciated!

 

[mrsv98]

Millenium Park is fabulous. The huge "spitting" fountains are a big draw and kids love to take their shoes off and splash. There are lovely gardens, a restaurant and a small shop. I think your best bet for parking would be the Grant Park Underground, cheaper than the hotel parking lots.

Of course, the Park is right in the heart of the city and next door to the Art Institute and all the great shopping on Michigan Ave. Have a great time!

 

[nuke]

Cloud Gate or the "bean" is fabulous. The spitting face fountains are cool. Also the symphony plays there and on certain afternoons they rehearse and you can listen and watch for free.
The gardens are nice and you can also rent bikes.

 

[manchurianbrownbear]

A couple of the kids are lobbying for another visit to the Museum of Science and Industry, which I'm not opposed to, but I thought it would be fun to try something new.

None of our kids have been to the Art Institute and it's been years since DW and I have been there. Maybe a Millennium Park/Art Institute combo would work!

 

[Beth76]

Is there affordable parking nearby?

Be forewarned, I don't think there is any affordable parking in Chicago. Near Navy Pier it's close to $30 but at Soldier Field/Museum Campus it's $13 for the day.

 

[nuke]

Museum Campus parking is $15. Grant Park Garage is $14. Millenium Park Garage is $13. These are for up to 12 hours.