Need Chicago Info

[cinlee3]

My sister wants me to bring the kids to Illinois for our Spring Break and DS says he doesn't want to go unless we can spend some time in Chicago.

My sis lives in Freeport so it's about 2 1/2 hours drive to Chicago but we do have DH's relatives somewhat closer. DH was born in Chicago so I would like the kids to see it.

So can you please give me some suggestions on things the kids - 17, 12 and 4 might like?

Also anyone with info on the Wisconsin Dells?

Thanks

 

[MarkRG]

Now you're throwing into the age ranges.

You can start with this link:

City of Chicago Tourism Homepage

I'd recommend the following in downtown:

• The Museum of Science and Industry
• The Shedd Aquarium
• The Chicago Children's Museum
• The Museum of Broadcast Communications
• Navy Pier
• Lincoln Park Zoo
  Most of these are on a Trolley bus route right around Downtown.
  
  Now if you want to go around a bit,
  
• Great America up in Gurnee(north of the city)
• Brookfield Zoo out west by OakBrook.
• Woodfield Mall(you'll drive by this on the way over)

Now, for the Dells, Start here:
Wisconsin Dells Homepage

We've stayed here twice now and love it, HUGE waterpark for the kids: Great Wolf Lodge

Feel free to drop any questions!

 

[Dan Murphy]

http://www.chicago.il.org/

http://www.ci.chi.il.us/Tourism/index.html

http://www.themagnificentmile.com/

http://chicago.travelape.com/

http://www.wisdells.com/

http://www.dells.com/

http://www.wisconsin-dells.net/

 

[December99]

Not to be too nosey - when is your kids spring break????

Another site that I like, along with some that Dan mentioned, is www.877chicago.com

It has some great rates for hotels, etc if you want to stay in the city one night and also has some info on museums, shopping, etc.

 

[Doctor P]

Also consider spending some time in Rockford. They have a great museum campus that appeals to kids (science museum, natural history museum, etc.).

 

[sharbear]

We went to Chicago one year for spring break. It was CROWDED!! So much so that we went back in June to see what we couldn't in March and had a great time. No one was there! But I (and my family) hate crowds so we may not be the right people to ask. We stayed right downtown and that is a must! When you stay in the thick of things it really makes the experience better.

 

[hercamore]

FYI

The Wisconsin Dells waterpark is wonderful, but usually doesn't open till Mem. weekend.


Herc.

 

[crazyme5kids]

The Northern Illinios Rail Road Musem is fantastic!!!!!! Great for kids and adults of all ages, just check to make sure they are open before you go.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

If you're going downtown I would suggest the Museum of Science and Industry, Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum, shopping on Michigan Ave, Navy Pier, and eating some delicious Chicago style pizza! They also have Rainforest Cafe, Hard Rock Cafe, and other touristy type places like that.

There are some fantastic hotels downtown too! I've stayed at the Omni, the Fairmont, Embassy Suites, there are tons of great ones. Oh, and go to Portillo's for a hot dog... and Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder!!! Also Gino's East!

Now you're making me want to take a trip to Chicago!!

 

[cinlee3]

Wow - you all have given me some great ideas!! We would be going March 15-21. The kids' Spring Break is March 17-21.

We have Rain Forest Cafe here and we've been to Hard Rock Cafe everywhere so I like to look for good local restaurants. DH raves about the food in Chicago - that's one thing he really remembers about living there.

Thanks so, so much for all the ideas and links. I'm getting more up for going - dreading the drive from Texas though since DH isn't going

 

[lauraljp]

Our family loves to go to Chicago. Some of our favorites are the Museum of Science and Industry, Navy Pier, Michigan Avenue Shopping, Gino' East Pizza. If you have daughters, there is the American Girl Place where they have all the American Girl doll stuff along with a restaurant and theater.

We have stayed downtown and have travelled in from the suburbs. The traffic there can be bad so you need to allow time if coming in from the suburbs.

One thing to keep in mind is the weather. March is not going to be a real warm time of year, and a lot of walking might be uncomfortable in the cold weather.

Regarding Wisconsin Dells...they have several great indoor waterparks. Two I can think of are the Kalahari and the Great Wolf Lodge.

Have a great time.

 

[newmousecateer]

One place the kids (and you) might enjoy eating is Ed Debevics. Great burgers, meatloaf, etc, along with wonderful malts and shakes.

It indoor water parks at Great Wolf and Kalahari are awesome. Can't go wrong with either one. No matter what the weater, you can still have a great time.

Have fun on your visit!