4 day trip to Chicago next week - need ideas! (Lincoln: hotels, restaurants)

[jsnichols1]

We're headed up to Chicago for the first time next week on a spur-of-the-moment vacation. We'll be there for 4 days and have our 4 kiddo's with us (all under the age of 8).

We know we want to go to the Aquarium, LegoLand, and American Girl Place. Maybe Lincoln Park Zoo and the Children's Museum if time and weather allows.

I'm overwhelmed looking at hotels at the moment and would love suggestions on 'good/safe' areas to focus on. Also suggestions on some awesome Chicago style Pizza and other must have's in the food department that are kid friendly would be appreciated too.

Thanks!

[nowincal11]

Stay somewhere on the red line because you can take it to all the major locations that are not within walking distance. Although you do have 4 small kids so I would recommend a cab, which won't be expensive if you stay near downtown near the Magnificant Mile (Michigan Avenue). From there are all the shopping and restaurants you need. Plus, you can walk to Navy Pier.

If you have a car there, I would recommend taking the car to the Museum of Science and Industry in Hyde Park on the South Side. I wouldn't cab it because it will be way more expensive than parking there (check parking prices but I don't think they are that high).

Also check out the Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, and the Shedd Aquarium. All 3 of those are next to each other and cab distance from the Mag Mile since you have kids.

Check online to see if there are any Free Days at any of the museums. I imagine some of your kids are young enough to get in free. Also check out the Museum Pass Plan, which is cheaper.

Lincoln Park Zoo and the Children's Museum you have covered. I think Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the last free zoos in America.

For Pizza: Up for debate between Gino's East, Lou Malnati's, and Giordanos. I like Gino's. They all have locations downtown.

For Hot Dogs and Italian Beef: Portillo's on Grand Avenue. It is a Chicago chain, but an institution. Best hot dog and Italian beef in the city. Plus they have hamburgers, fries, onion rings, milkshakes. It's easy with kids.

[jsnichols1]

Originally Posted by nowincal11

Stay somewhere on the red line because you can take it to all the major locations that are not within walking distance. Although you do have 4 small kids so I would recommend a cab, which won't be expensive if you stay near downtown near the Magnificant Mile (Michigan Avenue). From there are all the shopping and restaurants you need. Plus, you can walk to Navy Pier.

If you have a car there, I would recommend taking the car to the Museum of Science and Industry in Hyde Park on the South Side. I wouldn't cab it because it will be way more expensive than parking there (check parking prices but I don't think they are that high).

Also check out the Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, and the Shedd Aquarium. All 3 of those are next to each other and cab distance from the Mag Mile since you have kids.

Check online to see if there are any Free Days at any of the museums. I imagine some of your kids are young enough to get in free. Also check out the Museum Pass Plan, which is cheaper.

Lincoln Park Zoo and the Children's Museum you have covered. I think Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the last free zoos in America.

For Pizza: Up for debate between Gino's East, Lou Malnati's, and Giordanos. I like Gino's. They all have locations downtown.

For Hot Dogs and Italian Beef: Portillo's on Grand Avenue. It is a Chicago chain, but an institution. Best hot dog and Italian beef in the city. Plus they have hamburgers, fries, onion rings, milkshakes. It's easy with kids.

We will definitely have our car (driving from NW Arkansas) and don't mind driving to different places. From what I found online, the CCM is free on Thursday nights, so we can check that out then.

Is parking hard/expensive near the Magnificant Mile? I saw that parking was around $20/day at Navy Pier...? Is that fairly standard around the city?

A friend also suggested Portillo's & Giordano's to my husband so he's happy to see you suggest them as well. :-)

[nowincal11]

Parking at any downtown venue is expensive, but there are always spots at any garage or at any venue. Look up the costs of parking at each place you want to go and weigh it with walking or taking a cab. I assume public transit is out for you with 4 kids. Hotel parking rates vary by hotel. Museum of Science and Industry might be cheaper since it is on the South Side. Lincoln Park Zoo parking is astronomical because entrance is still free (I think?).

Chicago is a very tourist friendly city. Check out all the Museum websites for any other free nights and the combined passes.

[jsnichols1]

Originally Posted by nowincal11

Parking at any downtown venue is expensive, but there are always spots at any garage or at any venue. Look up the costs of parking at each place you want to go and weigh it with walking or taking a cab. I assume public transit is out for you with 4 kids. Hotel parking rates vary by hotel. Museum of Science and Industry might be cheaper since it is on the South Side. Lincoln Park Zoo parking is astronomical because entrance is still free (I think?).

Chicago is a very tourist friendly city. Check out all the Museum websites for any other free nights and the combined passes.

Definitey yes to the bolded. Everyone is in various stages of carseats/boosters still.

We thought Lincoln Park Zoo's parking was high too, but when you figure what it costs at other zoo's (parking + admission for 6) the $30 bucks for parking doesn't sound all that bad! :-)

[odannyboi]

Looking at the 10 day forecast, it doesn't look pretty weather wise.

Whatever you do, I hope its nice weather while you are here (weathermen can be wrong). When its sunny in Chicago, its one of the best places in the country.

It looks like you have a pretty good itinerary to keep you occupied.

[ole69]

I would double-check with the CCM. They have been discussing making museums free on those nights only for Illinois residents. I think it may be a long way off but it's worth finding out.

[jsnichols1]

Originally Posted by odannyboi

Looking at the 10 day forecast, it doesn't look pretty weather wise.

Whatever you do, I hope its nice weather while you are here (weathermen can be wrong). When its sunny in Chicago, its one of the best places in the country.

It looks like you have a pretty good itinerary to keep you occupied.

Yeah, I would have to agree. The forecast looked a little more promising last night and got worse this morning.

Originally Posted by ole69

I would double-check with the CCM. They have been discussing making museums free on those nights only for Illinois residents. I think it may be a long way off but it's worth finding out.

Good to know - thank you for the heads up! I'll give them a call...

[sunnyandcloudydays]

Looks like everyone gave you good ideas
Here is a link to some interesting things if you do not already have.


http://www.explorechicago.org/city/en.html

your going to have a good time and coming at the right time of year
half the fun is just planning for the trip.

[zenboy]

Here's a good website for parent on Free Museum day:
Free Museum Days in Chicago | ChicagoParent.com