Sudden weekend trip to CHICAGO---after the 4th..need suggestions!!!

[Lisa loves Pooh]

We were going to Michigan to visit hubby's grandparents but due to a slate of doctor's appointments they've requested us to not come for the weekend, so now we are going to Chicago (DH's relatives have a place in the city).

So what places are not to be missed places.

I've heard of Navy Pier (is that the name?)

Anything else?

It is DH, I, and 2 kidlets (1st grade, preschool age).
Flying into Detroit Friday July 7 in the am and departing Sunday night.

We will have a car rental if that makes a difference.

Thanks!!!

 

[Free4Life11]

Make sure you get Chicago style pizza at Lou Malnatis, so good!!

Navy Pier has free fireworks on Saturday nights: http://www.navypier.com/SubLInk.cfm?Main_ID=1&Sub_ID=52

The kids might like Museum of Science and Industry -- lots of fun exhibits. There's also the Shedd Aquarium if they like that kind of thing.

If you go downtown walk around the Millennium Park, it's really nice.

Have fun, Chicago's the best!

ETA: Here's a link with lots of ideas http://www.chicagotraveler.com/kids-things-to-do.htm

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Any tips on navigating the city?

 

[amarberry]

I'm more of a Gino's pizza kind of girl myself rather than Lou Malanati's...

Lincoln Park Zoo is very nice and FREE! The Wendela boat rides (http://www.wendellaboats.com/index.htm) are nice, if it's not too hot. We made the mistake of doing this one time when it was about 98 degrees out. I thought I was going to pass out! I'll second the Shedd Aquarium and the Museum of Science & Industry (unfortunately, this is quite a cab ride from everything else).

If your kids like stirfry, we really like Flattop Grill (http://www.flattopgrill.com/). It's a flat price ($12-13, I think, for adults at dinner) and you can make as many bowls of stirfry as you want! I believe kids under a certain age are free, but I can't remember the cut off.

 

[becker1123]

If you have small kids, the aquarium is really great and is pretty close to most things downtown, including the Field Museum, which is also fun for kids. The Museum of Science and Industry is great, but it's pretty far south of downtown. I'd stay downtown as long as possible and cab it if necessary, although you can walk many places.

My other favorite thing to do is the Chicago River/Lake Michigan boat ride. There are a couple of them, and you can catch near the River and Michigan Avenue. I think one of them is called the Wendella. It's great because you can go down the river and see the buildings, then out to the beautiful lake.

Those are my favorites in no particular order. I wouldn't try to navigate by car too much. Traffic is horrible and parking is $$$. I'd use public transportation as much as possible. Have fun, Chicago is my favorite city!

 

[Cindy's Mom]

You need to go to Millenium Park on Michigan Ave; bring the kids swim suits and let them play away in the fountain - I would then walk North on Michigan over the Bridge at the River, Disney store about 2 more blocks away. I would hop a cab to the Hancock building and hang in their Plaza, there is usually a band there. get a coffee and snack then if you still feel like walking go about 2 more blocks north and you're at the Oak Street Beach - have lunch at the resturant there (I can't remember the name, but its the only restuarant on the sand)

Let the kids play - maybe walk some more then for dinner - I would go to Pizzeria Uno or Pizzeriz Due - that is who invented Chicago deep dish.

Where do DH"s relatives live (what area), then I can tell you the best way to navigate.

Also, IMO Navy Pier is alright - there is nothing spectaluar about it just bad expensive food and very expensive rides (I think the Ferris Wheel for our family of 4 is $22, for one rotation.) to me, not worth it AT ALL. But I understand your doing the tourist thing and the view is pretty.

 

[cdrn1]

How about Taste of Chicago? It's held in Grant Park and runs through July 9th this year. Free concerts and lots of good food! It's always crowded but that's half the fun.

 

[Ava83]

Use the free trolley as much as you can-it gets really crowded but so do the busses and trains.

This has info on the trolleys.

www.ci.chi.il.us

There is so much to do in Chicago in the summer-great festival, baseball etc.

The taste will be going on while you are here-I know tons of people love it,I think its okay-one of those, K-I have done this and not go back.

If your kids are girls you can try to get a lunch or something at American Girl place.

A boat tour is a must-there are tons to pick from-The city is so beautifull looking in from the lake. I think Wendella is a big one..but I have not done one in forever.

The Shedd is great for kids, Lincoln Park Zoo is free (but a "L" ride away)

If you have big baseball fans they have tours of Wrigley that weekend. You can see if there are tickets left by calling 1-800-THE-CUBS

Even Better the Sox are playing the Red Sox..that would be my choice.

Good luck and enjoy the city!

 

[Minnie824]

Taste of Chicago may still be going on? If so, it will be packed down there. I also vote for the Shedd, and shopping on Michigan ave. I'm the wrong person to ask about Chicago style pizza, even though I live here cuz I like thin crust, but just to note, Lou Malnatis (my DH's favorite!) has huge chunks of tomato in the sauce. Thats my issue though. DH loves it. And Ginos.

 

[Cindy's Mom]

If you have small kids, the aquarium is really great and is pretty close to most things downtown, including the Field Museum, which is also fun for kids. The Museum of Science and Industry is great, but it's pretty far south of downtown. I'd stay downtown as long as possible and cab it if necessary, although you can walk many places.

My other favorite thing to do is the Chicago River/Lake Michigan boat ride. There are a couple of them, and you can catch near the River and Michigan Avenue. I think one of them is called the Wendella. It's great because you can go down the river and see the buildings, then out to the beautiful lake.

Those are my favorites in no particular order. I wouldn't try to navigate by car too much. Traffic is horrible and parking is $$$. I'd use public transportation as much as possible. Have fun, Chicago is my favorite city!

While I do agree that the Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum and the Museum of Science and Industry, those are things that you save for your winter trip to Chicago. And although it may seem far, the Museum of Science and Industry is only 5 miles south of the Field Museum, straight shot down Lake Shore Drive.

 

[amarberry]

I would go to Pizzeria Uno or Pizzeriz Due - that is who invented Chicago deep dish.

Be careful if you order a pizza with sausage at Uno's! Back when I was in high school and still ate meat, I was disgusted by the sausage on an Uno's pizza. Think of it as a thin sausage patty laid across your pizza. I warned DH and one of his friends about it a few years ago when we were eating there. They thought I was joking or delusional or something, but they were also a little shocked and grossed out by it.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Where do DH"s relatives live (what area), then I can tell you the best way to navigate.

Near Chicago Midway Airport and Ford City Mall

(address is chicago--so I thought this was "in the city"--I guess it really isn't )

 

[Cindy's Mom]

Be careful if you order a pizza with sausage at Uno's! Back when I was in high school and still ate meat, I was disgusted by the sausage on an Uno's pizza. Think of it as a thin sausage patty laid across your pizza. I warned DH and one of his friends about it a few years ago when we were eating there. They thought I was joking or delusional or something, but they were also a little shocked and grossed out by it.

They should have asked you if you want the sausage "crumbled" or "pattied" and I do agree that it is gross patty style

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Hubby loves Pizzeria Uno--and unless they do something extra special in Chicago--I get plenty of it at home (a little too much!). He sees an Uno's and I think he briefly forgets who he is LOL!

 

[Cindy's Mom]

Near Chicago Midway Airport and Ford City Mall

(address is chicago--so I thought this was "in the city"--I guess it really isn't )

If they live near Midway, just take the Orange Line, get the weekend pass for something like $5.00 and you can use it for CTA trains and busses (not the Metra) just the elevated trains.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Really!

Cool!

Does chicago have a map of the trains?

We are in DC here and somewhat used to howthe metro is here. (they have a website that you can plan your trip and they will tell you what metro trains and what busses to take.)

How different is the trains in Chicago?

 

[Cindy's Mom]

the website for the CTA is transitchicago.com You can put in address and it will tell you what to do.


Also re Pizzeria Uno - If you are referring to those nasty chains that are out there, PLEASE DON'T - I'm not even sure if they're related. You should go to the one in chicago; if anything, go for the atmosphere..

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Thanks for the link--and yes I am referring to the chains...I may have to allow him to go there then. (though if it is too different, he won't like it--he's very weird that way!)

 

[Cindy's Mom]

I may have to allow him to go there then. (though if it is too different, he won't like it--he's very weird that way!)

I know exactly what you mean. DH's, can't live with 'em; can't live without 'em

 

[mickeysgal]

And Ginos.

Doesn't Ginos have a solid layer of sausage in the pizza (if you order sausage)? That was a turn-off for us. It was too much.

Home Run Inn and Connie's are our favorites.