Need Budget Chicago help

[tink fan]

I'm considering taking advantage of Southwest's sale and booking a day trip to Chicago for my daughter's birthday. The fare is $25 each way from St. Louis.

I don't know the best way to get from Midway to the American Girl store. Are there trains that would run close (or close enough) to the store? Or would I have to take a cab from the airport? Any estimates for the cost of these?

I don't want to book this if the ground transportation is going to be excessive. I really don't want to rent a car.

Also, is it safe to take the train from Midway? I'm not familiar with Chicago neighborhoods.

Any suggestions? We would be going on Friday, January 29. Thanks.

 

[Nik's Mom]

We went to Chicago over the summer and never needed a car. Their bus/subway system is fantastic. We used a great website that allowed us to enter our start and end destination, and it told us the exact transportation directions.

http://www.transitchicago.com/

 

[Nik's Mom]

Oh, try this website too. This is the one that told us step by step how to get where we wanted.

http://www.hopstop.com/?city=chicago

 

[Gr8t Fan]

You'd take the Orange Line train from Midway, transfer to the Red Line at Roosevelt Road Station (going north - Howard) and get off at Chicago Avenue. It's about a 3-4 block walk east from the Chicago Avenue stop.

It's safe to take public transportation in Chicago (I take it everyday) but just be aware of your surroundings. The train is $2.25 each way (with a free transfer to the Red Line at Roosevelt Road).

 

[Ms.Grumpy]

It's funny that you post this because I live in Chicago and wanted to take advantage of the SW deal to St. Louis
DH said he wasn't interested because what would we do in St. Louis, I said I don't care as long as I am on vacation. BTW, what are some fun things to do in St. Louis? TIA

 

[Mom2Ben02]

It's funny that you post this because I live in Chicago and wanted to take advantage of the SW deal to St. Louis
DH said he wasn't interested because what would we do in St. Louis, I said I don't care as long as I am on vacation. BTW, what are some fun things to do in St. Louis? TIA

We live in the Chicago suburbs and go to St Louis every year in the summer - LOVE it there!!! Grant's Farm is awesome (free except for parking), so is the zoo (free, and you can park on the street for free). LOVED Crown Candy (dicey neighborhood, but go in the day). We always go to Fitz Rootbeer for dinner. LOVE the Children's Museum (Magic House).

 

[Mom2Ben02]

OP, Chicago is a great place to visit without a car. I am not sure WHEN you are coming (I think the SW deal is through Feb?). If it is not too cold, you can get places relatively cheap via water taxi. It is fun for kids and actually serves a purpose. We take it when we go downtown from the Museums to Navy Pier.

If you are coming near Christmas, the Winter Wonderfest on Navy Pier is a MUST see. I love it because you only pay for the kids! http://www.winterwonderfest.com/ (not much info yet). There are tons of rides and other fun things to do. Also on Navy Pier is the Chicago Children's Museum - it is free on Thursday evenings and the first Sunday of the month.

I have not been to the new AG store (much to my daughter's dismay), but I do know it is in Watertower Place. You can take the Orange Line from Midway (not a bad train - just keep your eyes open). I am not sure as to transfering trains, etc. It has been a long time since I have been the El!

 

[PixiePlanner]

If in St Louis with young children the City Museum is a must. If you see a schoolbus hanging off the roof of a warehouse, you're in the right place. WONDERFUL!