Chicago. Where did you stay with the kids?

[Katy&NoahMom]

My family stayed in Chicago for a week last summer. DH was there on business and I took DD8 and DS10 around for the week. We stayed at a Hampton Inn that was near the Rainforest Cafe. Parking was very expensive-we drove from Erie, PA so had to park the car-$215 for the week!! We had a wonderful time. I would recommend buying tickets for the Red Buses-they are tourist buses w/guides. They take you on different routes throughout the city-you can hop on and off at the sites. They are double decker so the kids got a kick out out riding on top. Not only do they stay in the city and take you around (all the museums, Navy pier, etc) but they also go out into the suburbs-to Oprah's studios, Lincoln Park zoo, etc. Well worth the money. I felt very safe walking around w/the kids by myself and the people of Chicago were very friendly-eager to give directions if you got turned around. Honestly, we could have walked just about anywhere. I suggest a trip to Garrett's Popcorn for the Chicago Mix!! My new addiction!!

My son is also a lego addict. We visited the lego store on Michigan ave. We also drove to the Lego Discovery Place, not sure that was really worth the drive. American Girl store was awesome-but expensive!!

Have a great time!!

 

[jngwright]

We just got back from a stay in Chicago. We stayed at Embassy Suites Lakefront (between Navy Pier and Michigan Ave) Rooms were cheap and clean. I love ES for the separate bedroom. There is a huge free breakfast and they have a pool.

Kids love:
Museum of Science and Industry (we cabbed it there)
Shedd Aquarium (bus)
Field Museum (bus)
Navy Pier (walk)
Disney Store on Michigan Ave (of course I love it too!)
Hershey store (walk)
Lincoln Park zoo (bus)

We love Chicago-such a great place to be!

 

[jen42002]

I have stayed at the Embassy Suites that ChrisM mentioned. It is about two blocks off of Michigan Avenue and has a nice breakfast and evening snacks. The Courtyard by Marriott just off of Michigan Avenue (think it was on Ontario or Ohio Street) had smaller rooms but great location.

 

[IluvXU]

We just got back from a quick trip to Chicago with our six and four year old. We stayed at the Fairfield Inn and Suites on Ontario, two blocks from Michigan Avenue. It was great...we did some shopping, American Girl and Shedd Aquarium. Cannot stress enough going early... we had two tickets from our hotel so bought the other two at Will call, the line was crazier than any line at WDW! But the aquarium was great, and we rode the bus there from our hotel, easy and quick!

 

[scrappingizlife]

I would recommend the Brookfield Zoo better than the Lincoln Park zoo. LPZ is free, but the last time I was there I was so disappointed by the lack of animals. I would rather drive further and actually pay than get in free and have nothing to look at.

 

[budbeerlady]

For Legoland there are sometimes discounted tickets at Goldstar. http://www.goldstar.com/events/schaumburg-il/legoland-discovery-center-chicago.html

We prefer to stay here. http://www.chicagorivernorthhotel.com/location_and_directions/
Its a short walk to Rainforest Cafe and Ed Debevicks. We also walked up toward Mi ave and watched the fireworks on Saturday nights at the bridge over the river on Michigan Ave.

 

[tlramr14]

The Westin on Michigan Avenue has an American Girl Doll Package if you have a daughter. It also has great views of Michigan Avenue, The Hancock Building and the Watertower! Depending on when you are going, they also have water taxis that can take you around the city that is a fun way to get around. Enjoy!

 

[tlramr14]

Oh and there is a large Lego store on Michigan Avenue in the Nordstrom Building, but it is not Legoland with all the rides and stuff.