OT: Fun things in Chicago/suburbs for little ones...

[Sleeping~Beauty]

We are going to be traveling from NJ to Illinois to see family. Since we'll be there for a few days, I was wondering what fun things we can do with little ones. Between my children and their cousins age ranges are 2.5yo through age 7.

I was wondering about Shedd's Aquarium. Also, any zoos or museums? Or anything that you can recommend. Any input would be appreciated.

 

[DisneyBride'03]

Hi there!!!!!!!
Well Shedd Aquarium is great. There is a boat shuttle service that will transport you from there to Navy Pier, a must with kids!!!! There is a website, google Navy Pier, there is an offical site.

Also, Brookfield Zoo is amazing....suburb is named Brookfield but often times referred to with Chicago in the title. There is also a zoo in downtown Chicago, called Lincoln Park Zoo. They each have there own sites as well with info.
Definately Navy Pier!!!
Have fun, and Shedd is a must!!! We did all these things when my DH's sister and her family came to visit!!!

 

[Sleeping~Beauty]

Thank you, Disneybride!

I've seen a lot about the Navy Pier. And I'll definitely look into those two zoos.

 

[disneyohana]

Brookfield zoo & Shedd Aquarium are my favorites, especially for young children. I also love the Museum of Science & Industry for the older kids. Navy pier is nice and the Windy is a fun boat ride. No motors, very relaxing.

 

[PrincessTigerLily]

The DuPage Children's Museum in Naperville is lots of fun. If you are sticking to downtown, Chicago's Children Museum is a couple stories and is inside Navy Pier! Really great for all the ages in your group. If you have girls, don't forget about American Girl Place.

 

[Sleeping~Beauty]

Thank you Disneyohana and PrincessTigerLily, these all sound great.

 

[Jen66]

Shedd's is fantastic! As is Navy Pier and Lincoln Park Zoo. My kids loved the Museum of Science and Industry and the Field Museum. Look into buying a City Pass for Chicago--we saved a lot of money on our admissions that way. Chicago is one of my favorite cities--shop downtown and go up the Hancock building,. The kids will love being that high up!

 

[tinaluis]

The Kohl Children's Museum in Glenview is very nice, especially for young children. Not sure exactly how far away from Glenview you'll be, but I thought I'd mention it.

 

[Ms.Grumpy]

If you plan on going to the Shedd Aquarium, I recommend that you buy your tickets in advance and get there early. The line to purchase tickets gets extremly long and is sometimes an hour wait. Just go on-line and purchase them there, so that you can bypass the lines.

Let me be the first to welcome you to beautiful CHICAGO, hope you have a great time

 

[alloyd1170]

I grew up in Naperville, and return every year to visit friends. I have a ds 5 yrs and dd ~2 yrs. My kids both LOVE the Dupage Childrens Museum in Naperville. They also love the Riverwalk and the numerous playgrounds around town.

The kids like to ride the commuter train to Chicago. There we like to head to Millenium Park and Buckingham Fountain. Wendella (sp ??) offers a great sunset boat cruise down the river and then out on the lake to see the lights and fountain at night. The Shedd Aquarium, Museum of Science and Industry and Natural History Museum are also fun. I believe Navy Pier also has a childrens museum. Not sure, but pre 9/11 we used to go to the top of the Sears Tower too. Theres great shopping along MI Ave and in Watertower place. Lots of awesome restaurants too. I plan to take dd to the American Girl store this year. And there are the zoos, as others have mentioned. I believe Lincoln Park Zoo is the oldest in the counrty??? Brookfield is a larger one though. Theres also Oak Street Beach (at least it was popular when I lived there) on Lake Michigan.

Have a great time! Chicago is my most favorite city in the world and I cant wait to get back there!

alison

 

[Sleeping~Beauty]

Thank you all for your input and suggestions. It's really appreciated!

My SIL lives in Aurora, and we will be there all week, so some time in Chicago is mandatory.

 

[GreatLakes5]

I grew up going to Chicago to visit gma and gpa and now we bring our kids there a couple times a year just because it feels like home.

We love Shedd, American Girl, the Lego Store, Navy Pier with the Children's Museum, & the Museum of Science & Industry. That's just downtown of course. Olders may enjoy going up the Sears Tower. There's a Rainforest Cafe downtown as well.

We also love, love, LOVE Brookfield Zoo. To the North of the city is the Medievel Times restaurant - not the cheapest but a unique experience nonetheless.

 

[alexb]

Since you'll be in Aurora you might also want to consider the Morton Arboratum if the weather is nice and you want to do something outdoors. They have a children's garden play area that is really incredible. You could easily spend 1/2 day there and the kids won't be bored, it's kind of like a park on steriods. Bring towels change of clothes since there is water and streams for the kids to play in.

 

[susykt4]

Another vote for DuPage Children's Museum in Naperville since you'll be close. My kids (6 & 4) prefer it over the children's museum at Navy Pier. My kids also love the zoos, the aquarium and Millenium Park. DD6 enjoys just wandering around town taking everything in. Have fun!

 

[WAHMto5]

All of the Chicago Museums are GREAT! We also go to the Brookfield Zoo every year and love it just as much. Have fun

 

[HoosierFantasia]

www.chicagokids.com is a website that has lots of info you may like.

Bill

 

[Gomez Gang]

I agree, if you will just be doing downtown, get a Chicago Citi Pass.
Navy pier is a must........my fav. restaurant is Bubba Gump Shrimp Comp.
you flip signs to get your server (run Forest! run!) or if you don't need anything you flip the sign (stop forest! stop!)
delicious shrimp po'boy sandwich and they have patio seating!

Brookfield zoo is so much bigger and nicer than Lincoln park. If you have time, I would go to brookfield.

john hancock observatory is neat for little ones, I agree!

don't forget the lake! if it is a hot day, go to the beach!
a non-crowded, clean beach is in front of and to the south of the planetarium--

enjoy!