Ideas for Chicago Trip

I took my son to Chicago about 2 years ago and he had a blast. He was only 3 but loved every minute of it and still talks about it. We visited Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum and Navy Peir. He loved all of it especially the ride on the Ferris Wheel at Navy Peir and it was in April. Hope this helps

I was in Chicago at Thanksgiving and went to see a play called Altar Boys. It is a musical comedy revue and was playing right downtown. It was a blast. Enjoy.

The Blue Man Group has been playing in Chicago for 10 years. Tickets are readily available I think and it too was worth seeing.

Also, there is a Cheesecake Factory right down the street. Food is tasty and affordable. There are no Cheesecake Factory's in my state so I enjoyed that too!

Have a great time.
Barb

may be too late, but try to get tickets to jersey boys. OR just go shopping!!!! lots of museums to see. great stuff in chicago and you don't need a car. their transportation system is great. have fun

My husband and I took a trip to Chicago last June with our 2 year old son. It was great. We stayed at the Sheraton near Navy Pier. We went to the Chicago Art Museum, walked the Magnificient Mile, and went to the Shedd Aquarium. There is alot of great shopping too. Chicago has so much to offer. There are many great restaurants you could go to. We had a great dinner and awesome cheesecake at the Cheesecake Factory.

Have Fun!!!

MC

Take a segway tour around Chicago.. That is if the weather will permit it.. If you are not familiar with a segway, they are the two wheeled stand up kinda scooter thing :) It is a great way to see the city, and lots of fun too... Here is the link to their web site http://www.citysegwaytours.com/.

Enjoy Chicago :)

J.,

Purchase tickets to see Wicked! I heard you can even "chance" it and go to Borders Book store and register to win tickets the day of the showing if you are looking to save money.

Check out if the Navy Pier is doing anything. Have dinner on one of the boats that travel on the lake. See a play (a lot of great theaters in Chicago) and for a meal where you can hear yourself talk and enjoy chilling, try the Melting Pot on Michigan avenue. Of course there are museums, and the Jazz and Blues Clubs are great too.

C.

Yea, a girls trip! Those are so fun when they happen. Depending on budgets, you could go see a play/musical. Go to google and type in Chicago theaters. There are a ton of theaters there and they are pretty much all in the same area--by the shopping! The aquarium is awesome and there are a few museums as well. There is a wonderful sandwich/soup shop called The Corner Bakery Cafe. It's like Panera, but better. Same general prices too. There are a few around town; Sears Tower and by Anthropologie that I can think of. There's a Cheesecake Factory there as well. I think it's by the water tower. If you do want to go for drinks, most of the pubs/bars are on Hubbard street. I only remember that because it took my friends and I 45 minutes to find it. There's a pub called the Voodoo Cafe or Voodoo something. They had a guy playing a guitar live there and it was really nice. It wasn't weird like you would think it would be with the name. A good idea is to ask the people working at the hotel what they like doing in the city. They can give you unique ideas as well. We asked the valet.

Well, that's all I can think of at the moment. It's been awhile since I've been there. I mostly go shopping or window shopping when I'm there and walk around a lot. I hope you have a wonderful time with the girls! Enjoy!

I love Chicago. My husband and I go there every month to meet up with our best friend from Wisconsin. We have done both downtown and the outlying areas as well. Depending on what interests you and your girlfriends...downtown is good for museums ( the body exhibit is at the natural science museum right now), musicals (Wicked is awesome), and high end shopping. Unfortunately the shopping downtown is a lot of in and out from stores. April is a little iffy on the weather, so you would want to think about that. MY absolute favortie place to go is Shaumburg. They are one of the NW suburbs, but not too much extra to get to. The hotels are cheaper, parking is free, and there is excellent shopping (Woodfield Mall and IKEA). They even have a Cheesecake Factory. My suggestion is that if you are going for the entire weekend to stay out in Shaumburg and drive in to the city on one of the days or something if you want to do the downtown stuff. I hope this helps. Let me know if there are any specific questions you have (ie i know of some of the most reasonable hotels, and some really good restaurants). Hope you have a great time!

I love Chicago! If you get a chance go to the Field Museum. Also if you mom's get lonely for kids, take your bathing suits and try out the -0- deep pool.[it starts out @ -0- deep] It's either in or near Bolingbrook. HAVE FUN!

Get the Citypass. www.citypass.com It allows you to visit all the chicago museums and attractions for a discounted price. You have a long time to use it (a couple of months) and you will have lots of choices of things to do and places to go. Have a great trip!

Hey J.!! I have been to Michigan City on the way down to Chicago to the outlet malls. There's a really nice mall in Shaumberg if you are into shopping at all. Otherwise, check into going to see a show like the BlueMan Group or see if your favorite musical artist is going to be in Chicago at the same time you will be and maybe get tickets. How about doing something that involves getting a spa treatment or something? Tryin' to help out here!! Good Luck!!

You could look into a Blue Man Group show, or going to Navy Pier. Shopping along Michigan Ave has lots of great stores.
There are also lots of great museums.
I used to live just north of Chicago and even though we were so close to the city we rarely went and did anything. Hope you have a great weekend, and enjoy your girl time.

A great time is the dueling piano's, Howl at the Moon. A group of us girls have gone the last couple of years, a riot.
Get there early for a good seat.

Also, a favorite shopping spot on Mich 'Ave. is Filene's basement. Kitty corner from the Water tower. Great prices. Make sure to check out the shoes.

We also took the train, started the party on the way. Quick cab from station to any of the downtown hotels.

Wish I could go....
T.

Hi J.:
I was in Chicago a few years back and was my first experience in Chicago. I went with 3 sisters and a daughter and a niece. It was a great weekend away. We shopped during the day and went to a club in the evening. Even though we are all in our 40's it was still fun because we never get together anymore and just have some fun...so whatever you do will be fun just being together. Go to the Navy Pier. You dont really need to venture out from downtown because of the activities to do. If you need help with hotels/flights/car rental let me know. If L.

Head to Ann Sathers for the best breakfast ever!!! It's a Swedish bakery but they serve a full breakfast and the Cinnamon buns are like no other! (they are known for the Cinnamon buns)

http://annsather.com/restaurants/locations.shtml

oooh, there are so many fun things to do in Chicago. When in April will you be going? One of my favorite things to do with girlfriends is to spluge on a an expensive dinner at the top of the Hancock. It's a beautiful view and just a fantastic setting. If dinner is a little to high end then after dinner drinks is just as fun. Also, the Cheesecake factory is at the base of the Hancock so that's fun for dinner and/or dessert as well.

There's a lot of fun shows and options to do in the city as well, I'm not up to date on what's playing, but Second City is a great comedy club. During the day museums are fun, or a spa or just walking around if the weather is nice. I'm a huge cubs fan...so if they're playing that's always a blast as well!!

I grew up in Chicago and absolutely love the city so if you need more specific suggestions let me know!! Have fun...a weekend away with the girls in a great city...I'm jealous!!

~R.

Hello J.,
I just did a girls trip to Chicago last May. It was awesome. If you like shopping you may walk down Magnificent Mile but try to also check out some other parts of the city, Lincoln Park and Lincoln Square have some great little shops.
And after you rested your feet for a while from all the walking, get pretty, dress up and start the night off with a Martini on Hancock Tower overlooking the city. We had fun at the Buddha Lounge later for dancing, I think it's River North.
Have a great time, M.

How wonderful for you! My mom and sisters and I did a Chicago trip a few years ago and had a blast. The Museums and Aquarium are great (and inside if the weather is bad). There is great shopping downtown, and the Navy Pier is tons of fun!

Enjoy!

Hey J.,

Take the time and go explore places that you would really like to take your children to someday. Mueseums, art exhibits or historical places. You will be more informed about them when it comes time to take your children. Not only will it make a big make on them but you can enjoy it now while your with adults. Have fun and enjoy!

T.

Oh, a G.W.A.( girls weekend away)!!!!!! You are going to have a blast. Every year us girls go too!!! But we go around Christmas time----so pretty so most of the things we do are for cooler weather. Of course we go for the shopping--American Girl is a must---even for big kids ( I mean us big girls), The Shedd Aquarium, and for a GGRREEAATT meal may I suggest the Cheescake Factory. We usually stay in hotel just outside the city for a great price ($160--for 5 girls) and take the L( Kimbell station)for transportation--cheaper than paying the downtowm prices for a hotel!!!!! Well have a blast.

Oh, I love Chicago... Last year I took a trip with my 13 yr. old and my mom. We didn't do a crazy weekend. But it was more on the adult side. We went to the museum (of natural history), and also saw the play "Wicked"... If it is still playing, I highly, highly recommend seeing it. If I remember correctly, There were more adults at the production, than children (older children)...

A few years back I went with some friends. We did the shopping thing, went to a couple of piano bars, and ate, and ate... Like you, I am not into the "club scene"... Chicago is a great place.

Have a great time.

I have two words for you... NAVY PIER! I went on a trip with some girlfriends for a bachelorette party last year and though we had fun jumping from club to club, we had even more fun the next day just wandering the city and I wish we would have had more time to spend at the Navy Pier before we had to get back on the train! Believe me, you can easily spend 5 hours if you look at everything! Also, the National History Museum is quite interesting if you are into that.

Oh, and the cheesecake factory... YUM!! The place is just freaking beautiful too!

I heard about a fondue resaturant in Chicago, I'm not sure what it is called. I know there is one in Troy called The Melting Pot. From what I understand it's a great place to have loads of relaxing talk time. it can take you 3 hours to have dinner, but all that time is girl talk! Have a great time.

I always enjoy going to the top of Hancock tower too. If you are interested in checking out museums make sure you look in to the Chicago Go Card http://www.gochicagocard.com/. It will get you a great discount if you're planning on heading to more than one attraction. I also really enjoy the boat tours in the river, it's a great look of Chicago and it's architecture you don't get to see as well from the streets.

Everyone has given you great ideas (Shedd Aquarium is a must along with the Navy Pier)... but I haven't seen mention of Grant Park yet. There is a HUGE (the largest in the country I believe) water fountain in the middle of it but if you get there close to dusk there are usually bands that play - it is a BEAUTIFUL park (flowers, metal sculptures, etc) and it is right on the lake shore. Absolutely gorgeous to help reset your heart & soul.

I hope you have fun there!

Go see "Wicked"!!!! It's AWESOME!

I'd like to know that too?
I only live about 4 hours away from Chicago and would love to go
but I really don't have ideas on what to do their. People seem to love it there but I have never come up with anything concrete. Sorry for the long story but I am curious with what you come up with. :0)

J. i to am planning a get a way trip to Chicago. I don't intend on going till the middle of May, but would love to hear about your response that you get back. Please if you could forward your feedbak to my e-mail address. Hope you have as much fun as I intend on having. Talk to you soon.

Shay

There are museums and the trolley by Water Tower is free sometimes which take you to the museums. Just walking Mi Ave is fun whether you can afford clothes or not. Navy Pier is food shops and the architecture tour is very nice on the water. Amazing restaurants. Ask at the hotel or look on line to see menus. Deep dish pizza is always good. See what the shows are and there is a kiosk in Water Tower to buy tickets sometimes cheaper the day of the show.

Have a great time!
D.

J.:

Try this website. Lots of cool ideas and stuff about visiting Chicago.

http://www.choosechicago.com/Pages/default.aspx

I love Chicago! Last year, my husband and I went to see a dinner show called "Tony & Tina's Wedding". It's like you're a real guest at a wedding, except there are actors all around you. You can choose to interact with them and be part of the show. We had a lot of fun.

I'm into seeing shows, so I've seen "Phantom of the Opera" and "The Lion King" both in Chicago. I'm interested in seeing "Wicked" too.

There's so many things to do, depends on what you're into. My favs are shopping, museums, shows and eating! lol

Enjoy and have fun!!
M.

J., Wow you got lots of good ideas. One thing that I don't think that was mentioned is that there is a free Trolley that takes you all over the downtown area. You can check it all out on the Chicago website. I did a bunch of research on Chicago before I took a group of 50 + teens & went in before to check it all out. If you are taking the commuter train in, It will bring you right beneath Millineum Park, right in the heart of the city. The Amtrak will take you to Union Station & that is a cab ride into the city or a LONG walk. Chicago is a great walking city though. And there are some great discout stores (Michigan Ave. can be pricey) but on State St. There is Filene's Basement, TJ Maxx & Nordstrom Rack. There is also a Filene's on Michigan. HAVE FUN!!

OOOHhhh Chicago... LOVE Chicago. Well, of course it is always fun to shop the Magnificent Mile! :-D But also... if Body Works is still there... it really is cool. Although, you may want to research it first because some people get squeemish from it. I found it COMPLETELY facinating though! They have actual human bodies (sans skin) displayed in different activities ... then descriptions of what muscles, nerves, or whatever are stimulated during that activities. It's SO cool. It really gives you an appreciations of these magnificant machines we call our bodies.

But then again... I'm a science geek. I know it isn't for everyone.

I love Shedds aquarium in Chicago. There's also the Art Museum, and Natural History Museum. Not to mention, tons of shopping! Have fun!

Well of course shopping but one place that always seems to be a good time is Navy Pier. There are restaurants, shops, a mirror maze, and great people watching! I'm not sure if the Ferris Wheel is open in the spring but provides a good view of the city. Also, Lincoln Park Zoo is cool. It's open year round and is free to enter. Another great place to walk aroundn and people watch. If you're interested in seeing a musical (and if it's still there), Wicked is awesome. Have fun!

The American Girl store is a must. I think that there is also a place called ESPN zone that your son may enjoy. We also had fun at the Hersey store! Enjoy your trip.
K.

I have a girls weekend once a year, and you are right, clubbing is just not as much fun. Usually on Friday we find a nice ADULT resturaunt, no happy meals. We get dressed up and enjoy each others company and really great food. We spent most of the day shopping, going to quant little shops, places we wouldnt go with the kids and husbands. As for Saturday night last year I went, we just got in our Jammies, ordered pizza in, had some drinks and played cards. Not a night at the Roxbury but it was relaxing just the same.
Good luck on your trip no matter what you choose to do. We all need time to rejuvinate.
S.

Stay downtown. Walk everywhere. the art museum is great. The shedd aquarium is wonderful. Go see a play -Hot tickets.com or even at your hotel they can tell you where to get tickets the day of the preformance at half price. There are wonderful Jazz clubs. Enjoy!!

I was just in Chicago and I enjoyed the Museum of Science and INdustry as well as the Shedd Aquarium. I was surprised that the admission charges were resonable. Have fun and don't let them know you'll miss them. I also found that my 3 year old liked the pictures that I took of all the things he might like (trains, cars, fire trucks) better that the small souvenir I bought. and it was FREE!!!
P.

Hi!
I just moved from Chicago and there is plenty to do (not just clubbing!). Checkout the following website www.metromix.com - then click on Chicago. You can get info on things going on in the city, information on restaurants, plays, activities, and of course bars/clubs!

Have a great time!