Chicago trip help?

[Jajone]

We are planning a 2 day trip to the Chicago area over spring break in March. We want to do the Museum of Science and Industry to see the Walt Disney exhibit. We also would like to either do the Willis tower or Hancock. Would also like to eat at Ed Debevics and maybe do a little shopping at the Disney store, maybe American girl store and get Garrett's popcorn. Does anyone have any suggestions for the best way to get around? We will have a car, but considering taking the train into town from the Gurnee area. Also willing to public park and walk if that is feasible. I'm just at a loss for where everything is located in relation to each other.

 

[DizneyLizzy]

Public parking in Chicago will run you $40-$50 per day. I would do whatever necessary to avoid that!

Also I suggest the Hancock tower over the Wills. It's on the lake and your views are better. If you don't want to pay the fee to get to the observation deck, you can take the elevator to the floor with the bar and have a drink instead. The drinks are $10-$12, but I think the fee to get to the observation deck is closer to $14, and the view from the bar is just as good.

 

[akcire]

We are planning a 2 day trip to the Chicago area over spring break in March. We want to do the Museum of Science and Industry to see the Walt Disney exhibit. We also would like to either do the Willis tower or Hancock. Would also like to eat at Ed Debevics and maybe do a little shopping at the Disney store, maybe American girl store and get Garrett's popcorn. Does anyone have any suggestions for the best way to get around? We will have a car, but considering taking the train into town from the Gurnee area. Also willing to public park and walk if that is feasible. I'm just at a loss for where everything is located in relation to each other.

I would stay in the suburbs. If you want to stay in Gurnee that's fine. Metra runs there.

The day you go to MSI, I would drive. I would pay the $20 to park in their underground bullet proof lot. I would not take public transportation to this area of the city. The museum is safe, the rest of the neighborhood not so much. You could take a cab, but the cost each way from the loop would be more than parking. I am a member of this museum and visit often. It is a full day museum, and is fairly expensive, but there are lots of things to do.

The other day I would take Metra into the city, and then either walk to various attractions or take the bus/cabs. The Disney Store, American Girl, Hancock are all on Michigan Ave and there is a Garrets about 100 ft off Michigan. The Willis Tower is close to the Metra station (think 4 blocks). Ed's is north. Honestly I would skip it, but another alternative is to visit one of their suburban mall locations and park for free.

If it is a must you can do it on your MSI day for dinner and just pay to park at Ed's, probably another $20.

Those are my thoughts ask any other questions

 

[imsayin]

We will have a car, but considering taking the train into town from the Gurnee area. .

Driving from Gurnee to the Museum of Science & Industry is over an hour without traffic, and in Chicago, there is always traffic. It could take you 1.5-2 hours to get there, depending on the time of day. Driving to the city from Gurnee will take at least an hour.

There is not a train stop in Gurnee, but a few in nearby cities. Probably an hour trip in on the train.

I would stay closer to the city if you can.

 

[scrappinmom]

For what it's worth...I'd check groupon for a hotel deal, they almost always have at least a couple of downtown places. If not then Gurnee would be my vote.

I'd drive to MSI, it's just far out there. Worth the money to park.

Ed's is one of our favorite places too. I'd choose the Sears (Willis) tower over Hancock, the new Ledge thing is cool.

There's also Buckingham Fountain which is along Lake Shore & pretty at night.

I typically take cabs around the city when we go there. Even if I park somewhere, I leave the car & use a cab. It's just easier.

Have a great time!

 

[mom2cgj]

I don't have much advice on where to stay, but I will agree with PP who recommend driving and parking at MSI. We actually just left there. The Disney exhibit is really good - they say it takes 40 minutes, but we spent over 1.5 hours! It was pretty crowded, even with the timed entrance, but that may have been due to Marty Sklar's lecture and book signing, I don't know. In any case, allow plenty of time for the exhibit. MSI is definitely a full day museum! I would also suggest Willis tower over Hancock.

 

[Jajone]

I would stay in the suburbs. If you want to stay in Gurnee that's fine. Metra runs there. The day you go to MSI, I would drive. I would pay the $20 to park in their underground bullet proof lot. I would not take public transportation to this area of the city. The museum is safe, the rest of the neighborhood not so much. You could take a cab, but the cost each way from the loop would be more than parking. I am a member of this museum and visit often. It is a full day museum, and is fairly expensive, but there are lots of things to do. The other day I would take Metra into the city, and then either walk to various attractions or take the bus/cabs. The Disney Store, American Girl, Hancock are all on Michigan Ave and there is a Garrets about 100 ft off Michigan. The Willis Tower is close to the Metra station (think 4 blocks). Ed's is north. Honestly I would skip it, but another alternative is to visit one of their suburban mall locations and park for free. If it is a must you can do it on your MSI day for dinner and just pay to park at Ed's, probably another $20. Those are my thoughts ask any other questions

I was thinking an early dinner for Ed's so that might just work. We are also considering staying in the Woodfield mall area. Would that work better? Where are the suburban Ed locations? I couldn't find anything on their website. Do you have a suggestion for a similar restaurant that would be entertaining for the kids!

 

[tazdeb]

There is a Disney themed store in the museum of science and industry as you exit the exhibit. I suggest you stay in the Rosemont area if you're staying in the suburbs. There is now an outlet mall there as well as an entertainment district, many hotels, casino and its right on the el train stop.

 

[akcire]

I was thinking an early dinner for Ed's so that might just work. We are also considering staying in the Woodfield mall area. Would that work better? Where are the suburban Ed locations? I couldn't find anything on their website. Do you have a suggestion for a similar restaurant that would be entertaining for the kids!

Woodfield is a much better location and better mall and eating locations than Gurnee. There is a Schaumberg Metra station to get to the city. I think metra parking is free on the weekend.

The Woodfield mall has a Rainforest cafe. Let me think about kid friendly eateries. Ages of kids?

 

[sarahk0204]

I was thinking an early dinner for Ed's so that might just work. We are also considering staying in the Woodfield mall area. Would that work better? Where are the suburban Ed locations? I couldn't find anything on their website. Do you have a suggestion for a similar restaurant that would be entertaining for the kids!

If you are staying near Woodfield, the Milwaukee District/West Metra line would be the closest. We are big fans of staying in the 'burbs and taking the train. This past summer, I had a conference at McCormick Place. It was much cheaper for us to stay in Oak Brook and either take the train from Villa Park or drive and pay parking.

I believe that the suburban Ed Debevic's have all closed. I know the one in Lombard is gone. If you stay near Woodfield or Gurnee, they each have a Rainforest Cafe.

 

[Jajone]

Kids are 14, 12 and 7. Rainforest does not please hubby, so something else would be great.

 

[Jimsig]

If you are staying near one try Giordanos for deep dish Pizza.

 

[jenniy122]

If you are going on a weekend, the #10 bus will take you from downtown straight to the MSI with no stops in the "bad" part of town. Even if it's not a weekend, the #6 bus drops off directly across the street from the museum, but if you're not used to city living you may not feel safe on that route (Myself, traveling alone, white wimpy girl, always have). So you don't need to have your car if you stay in the suburbs and metra into downtown. Don't know how much your kids like to walk, and I'm willing to bet it will still be chilly and even potentially snowing then (a few years back we got snow in april!), so I'd highly recommend public transit for getting to all your destinations. Stop in a Walgreens or CVS near the metra station and get an unlimited ride pass for each of you and then you can ride any bus or subway as much as you want for your entire stay and not have to think about it.

 

[aclov]

If you are staying near one try Giordanos for deep dish Pizza.

There's a Giordanos on Jackson if you decide to do the Willis Tower. Basically across the street.

 

[Sadie22]

Lou Malnati's pizza is great, too.

 

[MAJPLO]

We walked and took the train everywhere. We highly recommend Chicago Pizza Tours.

 

[4HppyCamprs]

There are a ton of restaurants near the mall and the streets of Woodfield. There is also legoland, gameworks and a movie theater. Ikea is there as well. We usually eat Sweet Tomatoes when in the area but there are a few crab places, Italian places and whatnot scattered around the parking lot of the mall and the streets of Woodfield. None of my family has been impressed by rainforest cafe. Overpriced and not that tasty.

We typically take the train into the MSI and have never been bothered. a car is nice too especially in the winter but I can't stand Chicago drivers so I am partial to the train.

 

[sheetz]

I recommend having lunch at the restaurant at the top of the John Hancock tower. It's pretty reasonably priced considering the view.

 

[Jajone]

I recommend having lunch at the restaurant at the top of the John Hancock tower. It's pretty reasonably priced considering the view.

Do we need reservations to eat there?

 

[Jajone]

We walked and took the train everywhere. We highly recommend Chicago Pizza Tours.

Can you tell me more about the pizza tours?