We're considering a trip to Chicago. Any advice?

[ElizK]

My Dh and I are thinking about taking DD's 12 and 9 to Chicago near the beginning of Oct. I have a couple of specific questions, and then am looking for any advice you might offer:

1. Is the public transportation to/in the N. Michigan Ave a good choice for us?

2. What kind of weather can we expect (cool, cold, warm... etc)

3. We'll be going to the American Girl Place and the Museum of Science and Industry for sure. Any other not-to-miss places?

Thanks, ya'll!

 

[disney queen]

the public transportation is very good in chicago. don't miss the field museum. that is where you will find "Sue." the weather will most likely be cold. also, the hancock tower is just as good as the sears tower and usually easier to get into. it is on michigan avenue. the view is great. navy pier might be a good evening activity. www.navypier.com if there are baseball fans in the family be sure to go to wriggly field. hope this helps. have fun!

 

[jkovick]

Shedd Aquarium is really nice. I love the Beluga Whales and the dolphins. Field Museum has some great exhibits too! Many really like Navy Pier as well ( I don't have much experience with it though)
Weather is somewhat unpredictable. For early October I would think probably 60s, (although the weather has been so weird this year, can't say for sure!)

 

[geffric]

Also, Ghiradelli's , it's across from the American Girl store, Gino's for Chicago pizza - (A chicago DIS meet favorite place), ESPN Zone, Shedd Aquarium, Lincoln Park Zoo. Please check out this for visiting chi town ideas http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/visitor/

 

[rcyannacci]

The Chicago stop on the Red Line is the best stop, I think, to get to the AG Place and N. Mich. Ave.

Personally, I think the Art Institute is not to be missed. They have such a great collection, and good programming for kids (always something cool on the bottom floor). And, you'll be right there at the new Mil. park (I only saw construction while I lived there, but have heard great things.) Check and see if there will be a festival running while you're there- usually there is something cool on the weekends. We just happened to be down there one day and ran into a Celtic festival- had a blast.

Oh, and bring jackets. It can be cool in Oct.

 

[decker96]

I grew up about 45 minutes from Chicago. As far as public transportation, are you staying in the city? We always took the train into Chicago from home and then either walked where we wanted to go or took a cab if it was too far to walk. The public transportation is good though.
The weather varies, it could be 70, it could be 40. I would say it's usually in the sixties in early Oct. though. If it's windy make sure you dress warmer. The wind off the lake can be very cold even if it's in the 60's.
The Museum of Science and Industry is very cool. The Field Museum is good too and I love Shedd Aquarium. Those two (Field and Shedd) are right near each other. They have a pass that you can buy to get into most of the Museums which saves you some money if you plan to visit them all.
As far as the Sears Tower goes, it is fun, especially for kids, but if it's cloudy, don't even bother you won't be able to see anything.
Navy Pier is also fun, if it's not too cold. There's lots of places to eat and the huge ferris wheel is a big draw. I haven't been there in a while, so I can't give you anymore in depth info.
Have fun, I love Chicago. I haven't been there in way to long!! Makes me want to go!

 

[tinaluis]

Of course, check the weather channel before you come, but it should be in the mid-60s in early October. As others have said, public transportation in Chicago is great. Also, the CityPass (which another poster mentioned) is $49.00 for adults and $38.00 for kids and gets you into the Hancock Observatory (near American Girl Place), the Art Institute, the Field Museum, the Shedd Aquarium and the Museum of Science and Industry and you have nine days from the date of first use to visit each of these attractions once. It really is a great deal. Others have mentioned NavyPier which houses the Chicago Children's Museum (which is great) and a host of other attractions. I know they have Halloween activities scheduled there but I'm not sure if they start in early October. Have a great trip. Chicago is a really fun place with lots to do.

 

[ElizK]

Wow! Thanks for all the great info! I'm printing all of this out so I can sit down and plan our trip. I'm pretty excited! My family lived in Bolingbrook, Il for a couple of years when I was little. We loved going to the Science and Industry Musuem, so I can't wait to take my kids there. And I think I'm more excited about the American Girl Place than either kid. LOL!

 

[workinggal]

Things to do in Chicago

1. Visit Dan Murphy
2. You have to ride the ferris wheel at The Navy Pier
3. Stroll along Michigan Avenue
4. Eat a Chicago Deep Dish Pizza
5. Go to the top of the Sears Tower

 

[KiminChicago]

Navy Pier also has a Build-a-Bear Workshop, which could provide a nice souvenier of your visit to the Windy City. Oh, and if it's not too chilly, the "Windy" is a beautiful way to see the city from the lake and it (the ship) leaves from Navy Pier too.

 

[ElizK]

Oh, no. Not Build-A-Bear! Those things were built to suck the life out of wallets!

Now, I could really get into that Deep Dish Pizza. Yum!

And we will definitely do the Navy Pier. Isn't the Amazing Chicago Maze there? I found something about that on the internet. Is it worth a stop?

 

[legs22]

Originally posted by ElizK
Oh, no. Not Build-A-Bear! Those things were built to suck the life out of wallets!

Did you know that Target has Build-a-Bear in their stores?

Have fun on your trip to Chicago. I love it there and look forward to taking my dd there one day.

 

[siouxi31]

As far as the Field Museum goes my kids call it a snoozer...ditto for the art museum but my children aren't into culture, they're more into action, bells and whistles.
We just went to Museum of Science and Industry and they had a great time. It took up about 4 hours of our time.
I think you have some great things planned. If you want to splurge on dinner you could eat at the Signature Room on the 9th floor of the John Hancock....they have a good Sunday brunch.
Have a great time.

 

[Dan Murphy]

A few good links to maybe help some................

http://chicago.travelape.com/

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

http://www.uchicago.edu/docs/chicagoguide/

http://www.themagnificentmile.com/

http://www.chicagogreeter.com/index.html

http://egov.cityofchicago.org/city/....do?entityName=Tourism&entityNameEnumValue=41

http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/

http://www.chicagotrolley.com/

Enjoy, it's a great city!!!!

 

[ElizK]

Thanks, Dan! I'm going to go check them out!


Ya'll are great. I really appreciate the advice.

 

[Trinity721]

You'll love it here! The Mag Mile is a great choice, plus there's a free trolley that will take you from Michigan Avenue to Navy Pier. Millenium park is right down the street from the shops. Beautiful park. The Museum of Science and Industry is not actually downtown so you'll probably want to take a cab there instead of relying on the buses. Field Museum and Aquarium are closer. Lincoln Park Zoo is also open, and it's free! Uno's Pizza is right off of Michigan Ave, on Ontario St.

Weather this time of year is good. Bring a jacket and you should be ok. But who knows. The way the weather has been lately, you might get lucky and get 80degree weather! It's been funny like that...

Those are great links Dan! ElizK, you're going to have a great time. Enjoy!

 

[Joyciemc]

Watch out, you might get hooked! We moved here in February, and I'm still discovering the things Chicago has to offer. It is by far, the prettiest, friendliest, funnest city I've ever experienced. I still love Boston, but Chicago makes getting homesick very difficult.

I'm addicted to the Museum of Science and Industry. It reminds me of Disney. I also enjoy the Field Museum, but I wouldn't recommend starting with the dead stuff (lots of taxidermied animals), it goes on forever and really tired me out. They have an awesome Egyptian exhibit, though.

Navy Pier is a good time. The Amazing Chicago Maze is fun, but a tad bit overpriced (my opinion, only!). It will also frighten a 3 year old, I discovered when my friend and her DS visited,

Millenium Park is another place that rocks my socks. You just have to go and see it. It can't be described, really.

Wow, I just wrote WAY too much. I hope you have a great trip!

 

[720L]

You must go to Pizzeria Uno (or Due) and I can't believe nobody mentioned the popcorn store on Michigan Ave.!!!

 

[Dan Murphy]

http://www.millenniumpark.org/

 

[Laurabearz]

To get from Downtown to Hyde Park(my childhood home), where the MSI is, take the # 6 Jeffery Express... it runs along State Street (that great street) it is about a 25-35 minute ride for 2 bucks vs a 15 buck cab ride. There is also a Metra train, but I am not sure where the stations downtown are.... sorry. I believe the train is around 5 dollars.

MSI has changed quite a bit.... parking is underground now.... whole new enterance....

Downtown.... the Planetarium and the Aquarium (as well as the Field Museum) are all within a good walking distance from each other. The planetarium, at the end of the jetty, provides wonder panoramic views of Chicago..... Both can be done in one day. Again buses for these can be found on State Street (that Great street)

The Mag mile is fun.... but I highly recomend some of the State street stores.... the Marshall fields there is devine. Old Navy has a huge store there as well as Toys R Us...

I like the views from the John Hancock over the Sears and the neigborhood is better...

We have a great China town (just south of the city) and a wonderful Greek Town (just west of the city) both short cab rides from Downtown.

SO Build a bear is a money eater and American Girl isnt??? tee hee... just poking fun.

Lincoln Park Zoo is a bus ride away...... very nice zoo, right off the lake.

Brookfield Zoo is prolly too far without a car.... but right near where I live now!

Art Insitute is worth going too.... Your girls could love it....

Boat tours .... some are architechual (sp) some are speed boats, dinner cruises and such.

On Michigan Ave, right before the bridge... The building across the street from the Wrigley building has rocks from a lot of famous places on it's exterior, plus Channel 5 (I think) and wgn radio broadcasdt from right around there...

I could go on and on and on...