Chicago With Kids

dankind

Hi,

I've checked out a couple of the Chicago tips threads/links and am excited to partake in some of the suggestions.

Given that the Wrigley show happens in the summer, however, I am thinking about making this a family vacation, and I imagine that perhaps there are other travelers who might be doing the same.

So, I figured that I would start a thread for those making the trek to Chicago with the kids, asking for some tips on places to see and things to do that might be fun for the whole family (Shedd Aquarium? Field Museum? etc.).

Also, some parents might like a day out/night out without the kids -- this may or may not include the concert -- so any tips on babysitters might be helpful. Maybe even one of you is an experienced sitter or has a family member or friend who is.

I'll start. My personal situation is as follows: My wife and I have always wanted to see Chicago, and the announcement of this concert seemed like the perfect opportunity to do so. If we turn this into a family vacation, our daughter will be 3 years and 3 months old, and our son will be 7 months old in July.

What are some fun things to do that are appropriate for those ages? (Granted: the seven-month-old will likely be strapped to mommy or daddy, but suggestions are still welcome for him.)

One Chicago stop that has always been on my list of places to visit is the Art Institute. While my babygirl did well during a recent trip to the American Museum of Natural History (excluding a meltdown during the spaceshow!), I don't think that she'll dig an art museum yet. I could be wrong -- she does have some art in her room (Marc Tetro's "Pongo," Ames Bros. Boston II 2006 and a few other prints) -- but this might be an occasion for a sitter.

Other occasions for a sitter would be a grown-up dinner date with the wife somewhere (especially given some of the great suggestions I've seen here and elsewhere) and perhaps the night of the show if my wife decides to go.

Do you know of any services or have any personal recommendations that you would make for an experienced sitter that would be comfortable providing care for an obstinate, headstrong toddler and a so-far not-too-fussy baby?

Let me know -- either PM or here.

Other parents: If you're traveling to Chicago with the family and have different aged kids and other questions, post them here. Every bit helps.

Thanks in advance for any responses/recommendations.

All the best,
dankind

BinauralJam

http://www.barkinglotinc.com/dog-boardi ... icago.html

:thumbup:

cincybearcat

My daughter is 5 now and we've taken many visits to Chicago. Some fun things she has enjoyed over the years:

Shedd's
Childrens museum at Navy Pier
Boat tour
Museum of Natural History
Field Museum


I think at the ages you mentioned, the Navy Pier childrens museum and some of the other stuff out there... carousel, etc. would be the top choice on your list. Second is Shedds. Great for the kids and great for the adults.

After that I would think about a boat tour (if you think they'd like that sort of thing).

And I gotta ask...does you daughter have/like American Girl dolls? If so, the store is fun for them and their restaurant is a blast for the kids and actually not bad food for the adults.

Museum of Science and Industry is great, but with the ages of your kids it won't be as good and it is HUGE.

dankind

BinauralJam wrote:

http://www.barkinglotinc.com/dog-boarding-kennels-chicago.html

:thumbup:

Well, now I know who won't be getting my extra if the wife decides to stay in the hotel with the kids that night.

:P

dankind

cincybearcat wrote:

My daughter is 5 now and we've taken many visits to Chicago. Some fun things she has enjoyed over the years:

Shedd's
Childrens museum at Navy Pier
Boat tour
Museum of Natural History
Field Museum


I think at the ages you mentioned, the Navy Pier childrens museum and some of the other stuff out there... carousel, etc. would be the top choice on your list. Second is Shedds. Great for the kids and great for the adults.

After that I would think about a boat tour (if you think they'd like that sort of thing).

And I gotta ask...does you daughter have/like American Girl dolls? If so, the store is fun for them and their restaurant is a blast for the kids and actually not bad food for the adults.

Museum of Science and Industry is great, but with the ages of your kids it won't be as good and it is HUGE.

Thanks, man. I have managed to keep my babygirl totally unaware of American Girl so far. If she suddenly becomes aware by then, I'll suck it up and take her.

81

don't forget the zoo.

i can be hired to babysit....but my rates are pretty steep

81

if you don't mind driving to the burbs, we have a lego land out here.

beach is always fun

baseball game at the cell

of.the.girl

81 wrote:

if you don't mind driving to the burbs, we have a lego land out here.

beach is always fun

baseball game at the cell

Legoland is not that impressive. I took my boys and they were less than amused with it. Definitely not worth the money you spend to get in there.

dankind

Thanks, 81.

My babygirl actually loves going to baseball games. She's been to Fenway twice so far, and she asks to go all the time. The Saturday game is actually at a decent time for her, too. Starts after her nap and over before bedtime. Hmm... something to consider, for sure.

As per your babysitting rates and availability, you would need some stellar references, sir, after the shit I've seen here.

81

of.the.girl wrote:

81 wrote:

if you don't mind driving to the burbs, we have a lego land out here.

beach is always fun

baseball game at the cell

Legoland is not that impressive. I took my boys and they were less than amused with it. Definitely not worth the money you spend to get in there.

i agree....

i've heard reports of kids loving it. individual results may vary

I'm a Truck

dankind wrote:

Thanks, 81.

My babygirl actually loves going to baseball games. She's been to Fenway twice so far, and she asks to go all the time. The Saturday game is actually at a decent time for her, too. Starts after her nap and over before bedtime. Hmm... something to consider, for sure.

As per your babysitting rates and availability, you would need some stellar references, sir, after the shit I've seen here.

I'll vouch for him :wave:

81

dankind wrote:

Thanks, 81.

My babygirl actually loves going to baseball games. She's been to Fenway twice so far, and she asks to go all the time. The Saturday game is actually at a decent time for her, too. Starts after her nap and over before bedtime. Hmm... something to consider, for sure.

As per your babysitting rates and availability, you would need some stellar references, sir, after the shit I've seen here.

i can be responsible.

my rate is 50 per hour and a case of beer, which in the chicago market is very reasonalbe. 2 hour hour maximum.

dankind

I'm a Truck wrote:

dankind wrote:

Thanks, 81.

My babygirl actually loves going to baseball games. She's been to Fenway twice so far, and she asks to go all the time. The Saturday game is actually at a decent time for her, too. Starts after her nap and over before bedtime. Hmm... something to consider, for sure.

As per your babysitting rates and availability, you would need some stellar references, sir, after the shit I've seen here.

I'll vouch for him :wave:

I said "stellar" references, Truck. :P

BinauralJam

dankind wrote:

BinauralJam wrote:

http://www.barkinglotinc.com/dog-boarding-kennels-chicago.html

:thumbup:

Well, now I know who won't be getting my extra if the wife decides to stay in the hotel with the kids that night.

:P

Kids Love Dogs

Mamasan23

Kohl's Children Museum http://www.kohlchildrensmuseum.org/visit
Lincoln Park Zoo (it's free!)
Grant Park
Milennium Park
The Architecture tour is really cool - they probably won't care about the actual architecture, but it's fun being on a boat through the city

dankind

81 wrote:

dankind wrote:

Thanks, 81.

My babygirl actually loves going to baseball games. She's been to Fenway twice so far, and she asks to go all the time. The Saturday game is actually at a decent time for her, too. Starts after her nap and over before bedtime. Hmm... something to consider, for sure.

As per your babysitting rates and availability, you would need some stellar references, sir, after the shit I've seen here.

i can be responsible.

my rate is 50 per hour and a case of beer, which in the chicago market is very reasonalbe. 2 hour hour maximum.

Select, Ctrl + C, Ctrl + V to Craigslist Chicago.

Let me know how it works out for you.

Thank me later.

81

dankind wrote:

I'm a Truck wrote:

dankind wrote:

Thanks, 81.

My babygirl actually loves going to baseball games. She's been to Fenway twice so far, and she asks to go all the time. The Saturday game is actually at a decent time for her, too. Starts after her nap and over before bedtime. Hmm... something to consider, for sure.

As per your babysitting rates and availability, you would need some stellar references, sir, after the shit I've seen here.

I'll vouch for him :wave:

I said "stellar" references, Truck. :P

oh snap.

dankind

Mamasan23 wrote:

Kohl's Children Museum http://www.kohlchildrensmuseum.org/visit
Lincoln Park Zoo (it's free!)
Grant Park
Milennium Park
The Architecture tour is really cool - they probably won't care about the actual architecture, but it's fun being on a boat through the city

ROCK! Thanks, mamasan!

Did I mention that my wife and babygirl also love pierogies?

:corn:

Mamasan23

dankind wrote:

Mamasan23 wrote:

Kohl's Children Museum http://www.kohlchildrensmuseum.org/visit
Lincoln Park Zoo (it's free!)
Grant Park
Milennium Park
The Architecture tour is really cool - they probably won't care about the actual architecture, but it's fun being on a boat through the city

ROCK! Thanks, mamasan!

Did I mention that my wife and babygirl also love pierogies?

:corn:

:thumbup:

Oooh!! Haha well in that case you're gonna want to go a little north in Chicago to the Old Warsaw Buffet: http://www.old-warsaw-buffet.com/. Highly dense Polish area...I used to work over there and we'd go at least once a month. AWESOME pierogis!

of.the.girl

Mamasan23 wrote:

dankind wrote:

Mamasan23 wrote:

Kohl's Children Museum http://www.kohlchildrensmuseum.org/visit
Lincoln Park Zoo (it's free!)
Grant Park
Milennium Park
The Architecture tour is really cool - they probably won't care about the actual architecture, but it's fun being on a boat through the city

ROCK! Thanks, mamasan!

Did I mention that my wife and babygirl also love pierogies?

:corn:

:thumbup:

Oooh!! Haha well in that case you're gonna want to go a little north in Chicago to the Old Warsaw Buffet: http://www.old-warsaw-buffet.com/. Highly dense Polish area...I used to work over there and we'd go at least once a month. AWESOME pierogis!

Damn you mentioning pierogis!!! Now I want some. :fp:

cincybearcat

81 wrote:

if you don't mind driving to the burbs, we have a lego land out here.

beach is always fun

baseball game at the cell

Legoland is way too expensive for what it is. Not much there really.

As for the zoo, you are right. Brookfield is pretty good. Lincoln park is ok, but I wouldn't go out of my way.