We'll be in Chicago this Wednesday through Saturday. We're going to take the train up there--much easier than trying to drive through the nightmare of Chicago traffic. Anyone have suggestions for fun things for Zari and me to do while Eric is attending his conference?
My sister lives there. That's funny. We'll be going there on Spring Break. I would check out some of their museums or the Sears Tower... Since I am German, we will be going out to dinner in a German restaurant. I am sure the culture in Chicago is much more diverse than here in Montana, but I wouldn't trade. No way.
ReplyDeleteWe had an extended layover in Chicago when I was 12 and we had a great time at The Field Museum ( http://www.fieldmuseum.org/ ). The exhibits are probably completely different 15 years later but as I recall it was very kid friendly with lots of hands on stuff.
ReplyDeleteYou could visit the Children's Museum at Navy Pier.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org/
The Shedd Aquarium! It's sooooo neat.
ReplyDeleteAnd when you're in Chicago, make sure you get some of their stuffed pizza (although the deep dish and thin crust are also delicious). I've had Giordano's, which has several franchises, and it is *great*.
-Kathy
i've only been in the summer, but there was a lot going on for kids at navy pier when i was there, and it's a nice place for adults too. if zari isn't scared of heights you could go on the big ferris wheel.
ReplyDeleteThe Chicago Cultural Center (on the corner of Michigan and Randolph) is a great place to sit and take a break, nurse, use the bathroom, or let Zari run around while you grab a snack at the Corner Bakery that is inside. It is on a tourist's general course of travel (near the Art Institute) and they often have free exhibits and music going on. And the mosaic ceilings are beautiful...
ReplyDeleteI second the nomination for the Field!
Shedd Aquarium is great! They have a new Lego Superstore on Michigan Ave as well as the American Girl Store...even if you're not interested in buying one, it is still fun to look.
ReplyDeleteThe Shedd Aquarium is really cool...but pricey. You might look around for discount coupons if they exist :) Have fun!
ReplyDeleteI second or third the Shedd Aquarium. Beautiful, peaceful, very very nice indoor thing to take a toddler to. Have a wonderful trip! Chicago is incredible!
ReplyDeleteThere was/is a deep dish pizza place on Clark street (the coolest street ever!) Called My Pi. See if it is still there, you will never forget the yumminess. Protein for the baby, heh heh!
We used to live in Chicago and I LOVE it. The Shedd Aquarium is not to be missed, though as others have said, it's expensive. The Lincoln Park Zoo is nice and free. The Peggy Nortbaert museum has a butterfly exhibit. And the Field Museum is fab. The El (train system) is super easy to use and affordable. Please feel free to contact me if you have specific questions...
ReplyDeleteI second Lincoln Park Zoo and the aquarium. Also, the Museum of Science and Industry has many interesting exhibits. On the lesser known side, the Garfield Conservatory is fabulous - and free, and a lovely escape on a cold day.
ReplyDeleteI'm on call this weekend, or I'd be tempted to come visit with you!
Oh yeah, the Garfield Park Conservatory is great and has a very nice new train stop.
ReplyDeleteMy son and I did a similar thing a little over a year ago during one of my husband's conferences. I HIGHLY recommend getting "City Passes" http://www.citypass.com/city/chicago.html?id=SkLmGX65 for Zari and yourself. It let us bypass a very LONG Saturday line at the Shedd and allowed us to visit the Adler Planetarium, Shedd, and Field Museum in one day (not for the faint of heart!) since they're so close to one another. It doesn't include the Chicago Children's Museum at the Navy Pier, but if you happen to have a membership to another children's museum (like we do) you can get in free, otherwise it's definitely worth the extra $16 or so to visit too!
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