Chicago things to do with kids

[left210]

Can someone give me ideas on what to do with kids in Chicago? We are considering it for fall break. We have two boys - 8 yr old and 15 months. Or we are open to any other ideas that are either within a 4-5 hour drive from the Louisville, KY area. We have been to Gatlinburg the last 2 years so are looking for something different this year. Thanks.

 

[Sandy321]

to Chicago!!

I live about an hour away - and we love going to chicago - I go to betterbidding.com and spend a lot of time understanding how to bid - a pool is not important for us, so I priceline a hotel - the Hyatt often comes up (no pool) 2 weeks ago I got it for $59 a night!! (2 nights!)

then for touring think about a citypass or go card:

http://www.smartdestinations.com/chicago-attractions-and-tours/_d_Chi-p1.html?pass=Chi_Prod_Go

http://www.citypass.com/city/chicag...&gclid=CNnmndqB6pwCFRPyDAodkRtEkQ&id=jTwrMmZf

The Shedd Aquarium,(Beluga Whales etc) Field Museum, (Dinosuars etc) and Planetarium are all within walking distance -

Museum of Science and Industry is FABULOUS but it is way south - has an Imax theatre
http://www.msichicago.org/
the Harry Potter exhibit is there now tho!! (I think I paid $20 for a one way taxi ride - that's when I decided to figure out the bus system!)

if the weather is great - Millinieum Park (the Bean sculpture) - Art Institute are a great way to spend time

Know parking at hotels is outrageous ($40 - $50 a night! ) we take the train, and metrarail.com will help you plan your trip - I get a 3 day bus pass for $14 each - and hop on and off the bus to all the attractions! (its good on the el train, and bus system!!)

 

[Hare23]

There are many things to do in Chicago with kids. There is Navy Pier/the Children’s Museum at Navy Pier, Shedd Aquarium, Museum of Science Industry, Adler Planetarium or Lincoln Park Zoo (depending on weather). Hope that helps! My kids love Rain Forest Cafe in Chicago too!

 

[left210]

DS8 wants to go to Lego Discovery Center. Is it near the aquarium, museum, etc.? Where is the best place to stay that is close to everything?

 

[Prose]

We took a weekend in Chicago this summer, and DD 9 loved riding the el, eating deep-dish pizza, and The Ledge at Willis Tower (Sears Tower)...that's the clear plexiglass box you can walk out on. We also ate at Ed Debevic's, which was wild. One of my husband's favorite things was the guided tour of Wrigley Field -- they take you up in the press box, into the dugouts and on to the field.

On the way up, you could stop here in Indy at the Children's Museum and see the dinosaur exhibit, or go to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, take the bus tour around the track and see the car museum.

 

[We_love_WDW]

go to citypass.com - for 69 a person - 59 for a child you get a pass to visit the Shedd, Field Museum, the planetarium, museum of science and industry and the handcock building. You can also check out navy pier and go on a boat tour of the city and you can walk down the mag mile

 

[tamis]

All the museums are fantastic. Chicago actually has a City Pass you can buy online that offers a bunch of attractions for one price (I think it's citypass.com).
Navy Pier is great, Lincoln Park Zoo is nice (and FREE), Brookfield Zoo is another great zoo, Museum of Science and Industry and the Field Museum are also favorites for my kids. There's a lot to do in Chicago, your kids should enjoy it.

Ha Ha...WE LOVE WDW and myself must have posted at virtually the same time with the same idea!
Funny when that happens.

 

[Cadiewampus]

Can someone give me ideas on what to do with kids in Chicago? We are considering it for fall break. We have two boys - 8 yr old and 15 months. Or we are open to any other ideas that are either within a 4-5 hour drive from the Louisville, KY area. We have been to Gatlinburg the last 2 years so are looking for something different this year. Thanks.

There is also a boat ride down the Chicago River which is neat. They take you thorough the locks and out onto the lake as well. Caution though Last time I did that it was November and the lake was so choppy it was worse than the Gulf of Mexico

 

[Tumblwd501]

DS8 wants to go to Lego Discovery Center. Is it near the aquarium, museum, etc.? Where is the best place to stay that is close to everything?

The Legoland Discovery Center (http://www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/Chicago/us/information) is actually located up in Schaumburg, which is a suburb located about 30 miles northwest of the city. You can take public transportation to get there if you're staying downtown, but it would be a hassle and involve several transfers.

While we've never been to the Legoland Discovery Center ourselves, people we know who have been there say it's nothing more than a glorified Lego store. IMHO, considering the admission price, you're probably better off just going to an actual Lego store. There is one on Michigan Ave.

As for the best place to stay, if you can find some good rates via Priceline or Hotwire, downtown Loop, Magnificent Mile and Streeterville areas would put you within walking distance or a short train or bus ride away from a lot of fun things already suggested in this thread. But as a previous poster mentioned, those online prices won't include parking, which can run as high as $50 per day, and may not even include in-and-out privileges.

 

[JeMarie6]

There are many things to do in Chicago with kids. There is Navy Pier/the Children’s Museum at Navy Pier, Shedd Aquarium, Museum of Science Industry, Adler Planetarium or Lincoln Park Zoo (depending on weather). Hope that helps! My kids love Rain Forest Cafe in Chicago too!

I second the Children's Museum for younger kids! My kids were 4 and 6 when we went and they loved it! They had several Pirate Ship related exhibits to climb on, and the water works area was a blast!