Chicago

[fostrmom2mny]

We went for a conference last summer and spend a few extra days there. We did all the things that folks has suggested, and I'll tell you our favorite BY FAR was a boat ride that we took from the Navy Pier. It was daylight (barely) when we started, and we watched the fireworks display from the Lake. My daughter thought it was the best firwork display she's ever seen (over Disney) I say "no way" . Here is the info. If you aren't into some extreme fun, don't even offer this as an option to your children, because I can't think of any child/youth who wouldn't absolutely love this! My kids still talk about this and wanting to go back to Chicago!! This was #1 on there Must Do list!

Seadog I, II, IV and Extreme
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[esk]

there are two Embassy Suites (with pools, but nothing special there) and we got rooms in December for I think $99 per night plus tax. This summer, we didn't find anything less than $129 per night and that was Homewood Suites (we need 2 rooms or separate rooms and we like free breakfast)

Parking is really expensive but you can park in a garage for $30 per day instead of the $47 hotels charge, by not parking at the hotel garage.

Giordano's is the one where you write on the wall, I think. We went and be warned...that is one big, heavy piece of pizza. It was good, but wow, that sat in my stomach the rest of the night....you don't realize it until you have eaten more than you wanted to!

We thought Shedd was a waste of time...I had a Groupon for half off and good thing. We loved Science and Industry (DS 11 and DD 7) and didn't make it anywhere else due to frigid temps outside. Ghirardelli's was great for an afternoon snack and we did some shopping on Michigan Avenue...if you do, there seem to be more sale racks at the Water Tower Macys then at the State Street location.

Didn't even know about Sprinkles but as we're fans of Cupcake Wars, that is on our list for when we go back this summer! We'll also do Hancock or Sears, the boat ride and Navy Pier and that will probably be it.

 

[kelleigh1]

We're heading to Chicago in 2 days, and even though there won't be any kids, I'm glad I found this thread.

We have tickets to a White Sox game and we're planning on an Architectural Boat Tour, but that's about it. I think the other plans are just to walk around the city. We are staying on E. Illinois, so we're in decent walking distance to Navy Pier and the Magnificent Mile...or so it seems.