Trip to Chicago!

lrn327 · April 2012

So, we used to be major travelers before C but we've not been anywhere with him, seriously. Okay, we went to Chattanooga for a day but that doesn't count. So, we've decided to go to Chicago this summer. We'd wanted to go over Christmas, and while some of you ladies gave us some excellent tips, the weather description pretty much talked us out of it. So, now that we're going for a few days in summer (feel free to suggest the best times, we haven't bought tickets yet) and have a toddler and not a baby, can anyone suggest good neighborhoods to base out of, good hotels, restaurants, or favorite activities? My DH has been several times but mostly for business and I've only seen the airport, ha ha! I'd be grateful if you'd please help us plan our trip!

ChicagoBroad26 · April 2012

Chicago in the summer is the best! My advice on the hotel (with a toddler and affordable) is the Embassy Suites downtown (it's close to the Mag Mile, etc.). I live here now, but we always used to stay there when we were kids with my parents and visiting the city. You can put a PnP in one room and shut yourselves in another. As for places to visit- Navy Pier for sure. They have a Children's Museum there with tons of interactive things for toddlers to do. I take Ava all the time. Also you can check out Shedd Aquarium and the Museum of Science and Industry. Lincoln Park Zoo is a great place to spend a day and it's just north of the city by Lake Shore Drive. Places to eat....Grand Lux cafe is good. Also, there are tons of pizza places (we like Lou Malnati's, Giordano's and Pizzeria Uno). I have a ton of recs so if you need more, like a date place for you and your H, let me know!

lrn327 · April 2012

ChicagoBroad26:
Chicago in the summer is the best! My advice on the hotel (with a toddler and affordable) is the Embassy Suites downtown (it's close to the Mag Mile, etc.). I live here now, but we always used to stay there when we were kids with my parents and visiting the city. You can put a PnP in one room and shut yourselves in another. As for places to visit- Navy Pier for sure. They have a Children's Museum there with tons of interactive things for toddlers to do. I take Ava all the time. Also you can check out Shedd Aquarium and the Museum of Science and Industry. Lincoln Park Zoo is a great place to spend a day and it's just north of the city by Lake Shore Drive. Places to eat....Grand Lux cafe is good. Also, there are tons of pizza places (we like Lou Malnati's, Giordano's and Pizzeria Uno). I have a ton of recs so if you need more, like a date place for you and your H, let me know!

That all sounds great! Thank you so much for the recs! My DH will be excited to look up all of this you mentioned too. His grandmother died today and they were very close so this will be awesome to have something fun to focus on.

ChicagoBroad26 · April 2012

Back with links!

Here is the Embassy Suites site: https://embassysuites1.hilton.com/en_US/es/hotel/CHIREES-Embassy-Suites-Chicago-Downtown-Lakefront-Illinois/index.do

Chicago Children's Museum: https://embassysuites1.hilton.com/en_US/es/hotel/CHIREES-Embassy-Suites-Chicago-Downtown-Lakefront-Illinois/index.do

Lincoln Park Zoo (which is free! Bonus): https://www.lpzoo.org/

Museum of S and I: https://www.msichicago.org/

Shedd: https://www.sheddaquarium.org/

Grand Luxe Cafe (owned by Cheesecake Factory, so a HUGE menu): https://www.grandluxcafe.com/

lrn327 · April 2012

ChicagoBroad26:
Back with links!
Here is the Embassy Suites site: https://embassysuites1.hilton.com/en_US/es/hotel/CHIREES-Embassy-Suites-Chicago-Downtown-Lakefront-Illinois/index.do
Chicago Children's Museum: https://embassysuites1.hilton.com/en_US/es/hotel/CHIREES-Embassy-Suites-Chicago-Downtown-Lakefront-Illinois/index.do
Lincoln Park Zoo (which is free! Bonus): https://www.lpzoo.org/
Museum of S and I: https://www.msichicago.org/
Shedd: https://www.sheddaquarium.org/
Grand Luxe Cafe (owned by Cheesecake Factory, so a HUGE menu): https://www.grandluxcafe.com/

You're the best, thanks!! :-)

ChicagoBroad26 · April 2012

lrn327:
ChicagoBroad26:
Back with links!
Here is the Embassy Suites site: https://embassysuites1.hilton.com/en_US/es/hotel/CHIREES-Embassy-Suites-Chicago-Downtown-Lakefront-Illinois/index.do
Chicago Children's Museum: https://embassysuites1.hilton.com/en_US/es/hotel/CHIREES-Embassy-Suites-Chicago-Downtown-Lakefront-Illinois/index.do
Lincoln Park Zoo (which is free! Bonus): https://www.lpzoo.org/
Museum of S and I: https://www.msichicago.org/
Shedd: https://www.sheddaquarium.org/
Grand Luxe Cafe (owned by Cheesecake Factory, so a HUGE menu): https://www.grandluxcafe.com/
You're the best, thanks!! :-)

No worries! I am so sorry to hear about your H's grandma. Hopefully this will give you something fun to focus on. Also, you asked about the best time to come....make sure you stay away from the weekend of the Chicago Air and Water Show (August 18 and 19) and/or the Taste of Chicago (July 11-15). Unless you want to specifically come for those. I wouldn't exactly recommend it though. The crowds are BRUTAL and hotel prices skyrocket.