Chicago or Toronto...Which Is Best with the Kids?

OK skip the Sears Tower if you come here. What a waste of time, so so overrated. A better view is Lakepoint Towers (restaurant at the top called Cite), best in the city. But if you have girls, you could have tea at the American Girl Store in the Water Tower and then go up to the 96th in the Hancock - right across the street - for a drink and a better view than Sears.

Here's what's up in town for that weekend:
9-10: Chicago Folk and Roots Festival

9-10: Gold Coast Art Fair (FREE)

9-10: Rock Around the Block

9-10: Roscoe Village Burger Fest

9-10: West Fest

9-10: Chicago Folk and Roots Festival

The Gold Coast art fair is fun, great walking, and close to the mag mile, if you choose to stay there. I go every year. You can also do the beach and the museums. Lots of kid friendly stuff.

I love Toronto, but you do need a passport to get there now - not sure if you have that. And Chicago would be a shorter ride, I'm guessing.

I can't give you a comparison but Chicago is great. I"m sure they'll have festivals - search online. My child was older (9) when we went there so I"m not sure if your younger ones would like it as much but...the Field Museum (science/natural history) has terrific exhibits; there are dinosaurs; there was, when we were there, a wonderful exhibit about bugs that had animatronic model bugs bigger than we were (the idea being that you're now miniaturized and among the insects); much more. There is a kids' museum by the lake in Chicago; check that out online. And there are beaches! Go online and search for kids' activities in Chicago. And if you go -- forget Sears Tower (now has another name). The view from the John Hancock Building is actually better because it's nearer the lake and you get a more panoramic view, I think. Friends who live there said they greatly prefer the view from the Hancock as well, and it's in the more interesting tourist area of downtown; the Sears is off in the business district so it's not "on the way" to anything else you'll want to do. Also, if your girls are into American Girl, there is American Girl Place in Chicago. You don't have to buy a thing to enjoy it (if you can keep the girls from saying "I want") and the food in the cute restaurant is good, and they treat kids VERY well. Just be sure to make a reservation first, even for lunch. Have fun!

I don't know Toronto (only been there once, and it was with college students), but we are planning a trip to Chicago this summer. I have a 2 year old and a soon to be 5 year old and am hoping to go to the Sears Tower, the Adler Planetarium and the Museum of Science and Industry. The hotel's website gives directions to the museum campus by bus, so I'm hoping the concierge can help us out. Hopefully we can walk to the Sears Tower. I wouldn't be opposed to driving in Chicago. I just don't want to pay for parking!

Toronto is wonderful! There's lots to do! You have little shops all along Young St., and the ROM (Royal Ontario Museum) - if you lived there for a week you still wouldn't see everything! The kids would love it! Then with the Falls, you have the Cave of the Winds tour, and you can ride the Maid of the Mist (boat goes really close to the Falls and you wear a poncho). Their subway system is great, and it's very safe. You won't have any trouble getting around without a car. The only thing is you will need a passport for everyone. However, if you think you'll be taking more trips to Canada in the future, it may be worth it. Have fun wherever you go, and best of luck!!

I live in Toronto and it is child friendly. Ontario Science Centre, Toronto Zoo, and ROM are safe choices. Also, lots of amusement parks for kids. In the island you'll find Centreville -amusement park for smaller children and gorgeous view of downtown-, you have Wonderland (like Six Flags) and in Niagara you have Marineland. All are worth it. And yes, subway is great, but you do need a car/bus ride to go to Niagara. BTW, when in Niagara, dont miss the wineries. Mmhhh. Enjoy.

Do all of you have a passport? You'll need one for Toronto.
Have fun, wherever you go :)

Chicago is fantastic - but I'm biased. There are plenty of sites that can tell you about the Chicago festivals. So you can check out the dates you're here. Millennium Park, Navy Pier, and the Sears Tower are all "downtown" types of locations that will be easy to get to. There's also the Shedd Aquarium, which is AMAZING and kids love, the Museums (Science and Industry, Children's, Natural History, etc.), and of course the sports fields (but they're not downtown). There are also some great shows you can see - plays, musicals, etc. and some are geared towards kids too.

I have lived ins several places, but really do believe there's nothing like Chicago in the summertime.