Advice for a Chicago/Wrigley visit, please?

dodgerfantobe

Hi ladies,

 We will be coming to Chicago and going to a Cubs game in June - my husband, DD who will be almost 13 months and me. Driving down from Milwaukee, staying one night and attending a day game the following day. Then off to O'Hare that night to fly home. Would we want to stay at a hotel that is walking distance to Wrigley, since parking looks like a challenge? Is that a decent area? Any recommendations? I have spent time in Oak Brook mostly, and know that's a ways away.

 Any other advice for taking DD to a day game at Wrigley? Or going to Wrigley in general?

 Thanks in advance!

Amanda78

There really aren't hotels in Wrigleyville.  I'd recommend staying downtown and taking the el to the game. You can get easily to the red line from any of the Michigan Ave hotels and you get off right out side Wrigley.

Fianschneid

I would recommend this hotel in Lakeview: https://www.daysinnchicago.net/

Don't be scared off by the fact that it is a Days Inn. It is a nice, award winning hotel and my family stayed there for several family weddings. I live in the neighborhood and can tell you that it is absolutely save and walking distance to a lot of inexpensive, family friendly restaurants.

This hotel is an 8 block walk straight down Clark to the stadium or you can grab the brown line at Diversey and transfer to the Red line, which will drop you off right at Wrigley. The train is pretty crowded on game days, so I would recommend walking, though.

 

Pockety

I would definitely stay downtown, closer to Michigan Avenue, and just take the el to the game.  Especially with a 13-month-old, you'll like walking around downtown, Michigan Avenue, Millennium Park, etc., and the restaurants near there much better than the bar scene up near Wrigley Field.  Go to Wrigley just for the game, and spend the rest of your time downtown.  

Wrigleyville is a really fun area for the just-past-college crowd, but it's really crowded/loud/too much like a fraternity house for a family with a baby, in my opinion.  

Another fun activity with a young kid is the Lincoln Park Zoo.  It's not a huge zoo, but it's free and in the middle of a pretty park not far from the lakefront.   

HandJsFirst

I agree with PPs. Stay downtown, near the mag mile (n Michigan), or even in Lincoln Park. The zoo is a great place to spend some time. The park it is in is nice, and the lake is right across Lake Shore Drive (there are bridges to walk over). Even just walking around Lincoln Park is nice.

Just a bit farther south of the zoo and park (a cab ride away), is Navy Pier. Generally a tourist trap, but if I was an out of towner, it might be a nice place to spend a few hours. There's a ferris wheel and a merry-go-round, lots of restaurants, shopping, and the Chicago Children's Museum.

Have fun!

A Pregnant Pause

You can also stay at City Suites which is about 4 blocks south of Wrigley field down Sheffield.

 https://www.chicagocitysuites.com/

NicoleWright8

I wouldn't under any circumstances drive to Wrigley. Even if you survive the traffic parking can run you up to $50. Definitely check out public transportation or take a cab.

Fianschneid

A Pregnant Pause:

You can also stay at City Suites which is about 4 blocks south of Wrigley field down Sheffield.

 https://www.chicagocitysuites.com/

My inlaws stay here sometimes when they come to town to visit. It is small and no frills but it will certainly serve your pupose. It is right by the El and close to easy and inexpensive breakfast and lunch spots.

BabyCopper

another option for parking is to park in the Devry lot (at about 3400 N Rockwell) and they have CTA shuttle buses to take fans over to Wrigley.  It's pay parking over there but I'm not sure how much.  Not gonna be the arm and a leg that you would pay for being right next to stadium.