Suggestions - Chicago for a day

[MrsPooh]

My family has the opportunity to spend one Saturday (tomorrow) in Chicago. Two adults, one teenage girl and a 7 yr old girl.

Will arrive after noon and be there until late evening.

Looking for suggestions of things to do and somewhere to eat (dinner as well as a snack). It has been years since I've been to Chicago and the kiddos have never been there. I'd like for them to get a feel for the city but unfortunately have only a few hours and limited funds.

Please help me get the best bang for my cash!

extra info...we'll be in Wilmington prior to heading to Chicago so need to know the best idea for transportation (should we drive in and park or park and ride?)

THANK YOU!

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Shedd Aquarium

I'd avoid the typical "Gino's East" suggestion for pizza. Long wait, overpriced, and honestly I didn't think it was all that good.

 

[Ginny Favers]

You must go see the Bean. It mesmerized me. And it is free.

 

[Lucky St. Louis]

Parking in Chicago is super expensive so if you can, I would take the Rock Island Metra train which you can pick up in Joliet (about 1/2 hr. from Wilmington). A weekend family fare pass will cost $7 and kids under 11 ride free with a fare-paying adult. So, it should be $21 for your family round trip. That's less than parking the car in the city! I'm not sure if there is a parking fee on the weekend at the Joliet station (if so, it's probably just a dollar or two). Go to Metrarail.com to get more information on cost, schedules, etc. I don't think there is a ticket agent on duty on the weekends so you can buy the tickets on the train. Beware...if there is a ticket agent on duty, you will pay a surcharge on the train. The ride will take about 1.5 hours. The train station in Chicago is LaSalle Street Station located in the Loop at LaSalle and Van Buren.

Once there you can walk to the Willis (formerly Sears) tower and walk on the new see-through ledges. Tickets are a bit pricey ($15 for adults, $10 for kids). You can also walk down Van Buren to the Harold Washington Public Library. It's really a neat place (and free). The Wintergarden on the top floor (9th I think) is really beautiful and offers some good views. Then you can continue on the Art Institute of Chicago. It's $18 for adults and children 14 and under are free. After that you can stroll down Michigan Avenue. Make sure to go to Millennium park where Cloudgate or as we affectionately call it "the Bean" is located.

Your best bet for to get a real "feel" for Chicago is to take a long walk down Michigan Avenue (or take a cab). You can go to the John Hancock Observatory. You'll also get fantastic views (prices are the same as Willis for a basic pass) and there's so much to see nearby. Close by at Water Tower Place is a HUGE American Girl doll store. Of course, everything there is pricey but it's so fun to walk around. There are many stores on Michigan Avenue and restaurants. The John Hancock Building has a Cheesecake Factory on the ground floor but be prepared for a wait. The portions are HUGE so we usually share some appetizers. Also close by is the a new, huge Hershey's retail store and a Grand Luxe Cafe (owned by Cheesecake Factory). Your nose will lead you there. For cheaper casual eats, I like Potbelly Sandwich Works, Billy Goat Tavern (cheeseboiger, cheeseboiger) and Cafe Salsa all of which are on Michigan Ave.

http://www.urbanspoon.com/npr/2/130/1/Chicago/Magnificent-Mile/Cheap-Eats.html

There's also Navy Pier located at 600 E. Grand (you'd probably want to cab it from LaSalle Street Station). If you drive, there's parking right there. Check out Navy Pier's website for things to do there...many of which are free. You can always walk from Navy Pier to Michigan Avenue to go to the John Hancock building, Water Tower Place, etc.

Hope you have a great trip and good weather!

Kate

 

[fairyprincess1]

http://www.millenniumgarages.com/buy-parking/ - This is one of the "reasonable" priced garages in the city & allows you to be right in the middle of things. These garages are located under Millenium Park/ Grant Park. From here, you can hang out in the park, the lakefront, go down Michigan Ave. Cab to Navy Pier or the museums, etc. Then you are not tied to a train schedule...

 

[FINFAN]

whatever you decide, looks like you are going to have great weather, a treat for this time of year!

 

[jacksmomma]

For a great snack make sure to hit Garrett's popcorn. There is usually a line, but it moves quick. For authentic eats got to Portillos or King Davids Dawgs.

In addition to the great advice above, the Water Tower is neat and sits on Michigan Ave. The Lego store is in the same shopping complex as American Girl, and the Chicago Boat Tours came be a great way to see the city.

 

[Mickey & Minnie Mom]

Was going to say Garrett's popcorn for snack as well! YUM!

And yes, the line does move quickly.

Hershey's store is a quick visit, they do a little demonstration that is fun and there is a bucket filling station that is cool.

I would think the young girl would enjoy looking around American Girl store -- if she is into that -- even to just look at it all, the historical displays, and there's a snack bar where they sell some really cute treats.

Nike store for the teens might be a good stop ... several floors and some different t-shirts and such.

Navy Pier, Shedd's Aquarium also good.

Have a great time!

 

[Singinglizzie]

I'd recommend the Corner Bakery for an inexpensive meal! Also the food court at the Water Tower Mall is exceptionally good for a food court - it's the same building that now houses American Girl. From Navy pier you can take a water taxi to get over to the Shedd Aquarium, and since its a boat ride, it's is a nice way to see Chicago and the landscape. Have fun and hope this was useful!