Taking Daughter to AG in Chicago - advice, tips, etc.?

[Anjelica]

A friend, her daugher, my daughter and I are driving up to Chicago on July 3rd staying the night and driving back down on July 4th. We are going up to visit the American Girl store the day we drive up and then plan on also having dinner there (I made a reservation for 730). My daughter turned 7 a few weeks ago and this is her birthday gift from her father and I.

Any advice, tips, etc. you wish to share? We are going to stay at the Affinia (already booked), etc.

 

[Andrea_loves_Disney]

Hello there!! I just noticed you are from Shiloh! I grew up in Mascoutah and my mom still lives in O'Fallon!! My home away from home! Anyway, oooh I am so jealous. My daughter is almost 15 now and sadly, we've outgrown AG. You will have a GREAT time!! Besides spending hours at AG (we loved eating there too!!!) be sure you check out the giant Disney Store a little ways down Michigan Avenue. Not sure what else you were hoping to do besides shop..?? It will be crazy crowded downtown - Taste of Chicago is going on at Grant Park...I would not suggest that for you and your daughter. Too crowded, would take up too much of your time. Since you are only staying one night, I would spend most of my time around Water Tower Place (where AG is located) and just enjoy your hotel, etc. If you want to take a walk down Michigan Avenue, walk down (south) all the way to the Chicago River on one side, cross and go up the other side. Just lots of sights to see, window shopping, etc. Those are my thoughts! ENJOY your daughter..they just grow up too fast.

 

[rhiansmom]

Make sure you explore the entire store... we almost missed the make your own tshirt area which is where we ended up dropping quite a bit of $s

 

[skip323]

Just enjoy and take time to really check out every nook and crannie! We go every year (right now). A girls trip with my 2 dds. We ride the megabus in. Stay at a hotel close to, if not on, Michigan Ave.

We don't eat there anymore (did it once and that was fine). Ghiradelli and Hershey's are right across the street and great for a nice dessert. If you go to their website they often have events listed that may be going on and you may want to do one of those. We have not participated in one so I do not know what they are like.

We also try to pick one major place that we would like to go to (Navy Pier, Shedd Aquarium, Science and Industry...whatever). And that is all we do...AG and one other place. Makes for a super nice and relaxing visit!

Have fun!

 

[Toystoryfan32]

We took our daughter for her 7th birthday last year to. She really enjoyed the doll hair salon and also got her dolls ears pierced. It was so cute! She also enjoyed going to the Hershey store, Navy Pier, and Millenium park. I know there are some big events going on so that may not be an option for you with the crowds. We also ate at Ed Debevics and she loved it! It was tons of fun. I hope you have a great trip.

 

[Anjelica]

Thanks everyone for the tips and ideas!!! I am curious though - how long does it take to really explore the store?

I was also thinking about us checking out the Navy pier that Sunday, July 4th - was worried it might be to busy/crowded with the 4th of July, etc.

 

[skip323]

Honestly I don't know how long it takes!!

I usually go for a couple of hours...I think. But my kids typically have earned spending money so they need to look at everything then go back and analyze then purchase. It takes some time. What my girls really enjoy...and what takes a few extra minutes, then, is stuff like looking at the historical dolls and the displays with all of their items. Also they enjoy watching the hair getting done. Last year we checked a doll into the hospital so that took a minute. It just depends on how long your dd likes to just observe things!

I cannot say from experience how busy Navy Pier will be on the 4th but considering all of the stuff that goes on in Chicago at that time....I would bet that it will be PACKED!!! It is always crowded when we go and we never go at the super busy times in the summer!

 

[LisaInNc]

Is your DD has an AG doll bring it. She can get it's ears pierced or a hairstyle. My DD loves getting a special hairstyle foor her dolls.

Important....if you do this make sure you will have the doll with you when you eat. They have a cute little seat for the doll to sit at the table and little dishes for her. I made this mistake and my DD was upset that her doll was in the hair salon while we dined.

Bring a camera.

It usually takes us about 2 hours in the store.

Lisa