Safety Tips for Chicago with Young Boys

I remember that feeling. funny how having kids changes so much. Anyway, having spent a million years also taking other children on field trips I advise you to dress them in similar colored bright shirts (Yellow, orange,red?) so that if they are even a foot or two away you can see them, hold their hands when there are crowds and they should not leave you or dad's sight. Anybody has to go to the bathroom or drink water everyone goes together. It's too bad we have to be so nervous, but you will have a good time, too.

You're forgetting to relax!

I'm assuming that you don't live, or travel often, to a big bustling city with your kids. So do a little role-playing beforehand.

Hold their hand, and say "we're getting on the bus now" and tell them to pretend they're getting on the bus. Make sure they remember to hold your hand. Pretend your living room is a street and role-play crossing a busy street. Pretend that they can't see mommy or daddy for a minute. Have them practice standing still and not running to try to find you. You'll find them. If you're really worried, get a little ID badge holder (available at sports stores for holding things like fishing licenses) and have them wear them around their necks, with your cell phone number on it. It won't be visible to strangers, but in an emergency, a police officer could reach you.

Just prepare them a little, and do not let them know that you are feeling like panicking. If you feel prepared, you'll be relaxed and you'll enjoy the trip.

Just keep your head about you.
If they get separated, they won't get far in a crowd or a museum without you, honestly. There's too many people around. And if you steer clear of the bus in rush hour, you won't have to worry about squeezing on and off as a group.

Keep a closer eye on them IN the museums. They can get lost between exhibits (or IN exhibits) and there's lots of little "nooks" where they can jump in. I lose mine at the Field all the time, but we're there constantly, so I know where to look for them...

Have a good time. We're a great kid friendly city!

Everyone has given you great advice.

One thing that I have found that works for us, is telling the kids if we get separated to have them stand still and call out our names NOT "mommy" or "daddy". . .

(Also, I will point out police officers and security people as "helpers" and then remind the kids that those are the people we go to for help. I think someone mentioned something similar.)

Have fun!

I agree with the matching shirts-I do this all the time with my two kids. The cell phone picture is key, too. Also, as a teacher who goes on field trips with kids, we avoid any nametags with names-if a stranger sees your kid's name on a shirt or coat, he has information he shouldn't have. I agree with the post to hang a label around your kids' necks with your cell phone number only. We've been to the city many times with the kids and it's always been just fine. You're so smart to think ahead and take precautions. Have a wonderful time in the city!!

Yup, matching shirts - either the same color for both of them, or even better, all four of you, or all matching: all in Cubs/Bears or something is helpful for all of you. Also, take a cell picture in the morning, so you'd have a picture to show people if you got separated. I found "tourist Chicago" very safe - have fun!

Where are you going in Chicago? Places like Navy Pier are so kid friendly - I bring mine there all the time and never have trouble keeping an eye on them. The Children's Museum there is super easy to keep the kids together and still have lots of fun.
One key recommendation from a mommy living here: try to do the museums during the week and in the morning. If you MUST go on the weekend, be the first to get there. Get online and buy tickets to the museums ahead of time so you don't have to worry about dealing with long long lines. For example, Shedd Aquarium is such an amazing and super fun place, but the line can have you standing there for over 2 hours if you go too late. PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS ONLINE and then when you get there, tell the people working the line that you already have your tickets and where do you need to go. You should be able to bypass the line. If you think you might be back within the year, it is probably most beneficial to become a member - only slightly more expensive than getting your family of four in for the day and you can completely skip the long line. Ask about it and read up online.
Chicago is a SUPER friendly city - people are really kind of helpful - I think you are going to find good manners :)
If you want more detailed information on specific places to visit and tips for those spots, feel free to message me and I'll do my best to give you some insider info :)

I take my 3 kids (5, 6, 8) by myself. Last Thursday we were at Navy Pier, the Bean, walked all around; took the trolly, red line subway, bus and taxi. They are still alive. Relax and have fun and take Megan M.'s advice