Chicago question

[katfco]

I've been thinking about next Saturday, when I take Abby up to Chicago, and have a few questions for the Chicago natives. We're going to be there for the afternoon, so I was thinking we could go to the Lincoln Park Zoo, especially since it's free, but the parking is so expensive! Twenty-five dollars for 2 hours? 

Is there any inexpensive place to go/park there?  I thought about us just parking somewhere and taking the L, but then I'd have to pay for parking wherever I left the car. Thoughts? 

Also, shmoo, rjamz, DaphneStrauss and @chelsmonster who's meeting up with me? (tagging everyone who initially said they might be interested) Where and when? I'll drop Abby and my MIL off at Union station before 5. 

[rjamz]

I didn't realize it was a Saturday that you're coming in, so I can't make it! Bummer

We were just at the Lincoln Park Zoo on Wednesday. The L isn't super close, but we parked on the street nearby. It's metered but it's like $6 for 3 hours. I don't know what parking is like on the weekends, though. Have fun! Jamie really loves the farm there - he calls it "Old MacDonalds Farm"

[katfco]

Jul 25, 2014 18:16:15 GMT -5 rjamz said:

I didn't realize it was a Saturday that you're coming in, so I can't make it! Bummer

We were just at the Lincoln Park Zoo on Wednesday. The L isn't super close, but we parked on the street nearby. It's metered but it's like $6 for 3 hours. I don't know what parking is like on the weekends, though. Have fun! Jamie really loves the farm there - he calls it "Old MacDonalds Farm"

Oh, that's right, I forgot.

[shmoo]

I would probably just look for metered parking around the zoo.

Is there anything in particular you want to do after you drop off Abby? I can meet you downtown, or if you wanted to come to closer to my neighborhood we can go out to dinner there.

[katfco]

Jul 25, 2014 20:21:35 GMT -5 shmoo said:

I would probably just look for metered parking around the zoo.

Is there anything in particular you want to do after you drop off Abby? I can meet you downtown, or if you wanted to come to closer to my neighborhood we can go out to dinner there.

Well, it looks like it might be just us, so why don't we meet closer to your neighborhood. 

[katfco]

Jul 25, 2014 20:39:41 GMT -5 @chelsmonster said:

I won't be able to make it, I'm sorry! I hope you have a good time.

Aww, that's too bad. 

[shmoo]

Jul 25, 2014 21:05:34 GMT -5 katfco said:

Jul 25, 2014 20:21:35 GMT -5 shmoo said:

I would probably just look for metered parking around the zoo.

Is there anything in particular you want to do after you drop off Abby? I can meet you downtown, or if you wanted to come to closer to my neighborhood we can go out to dinner there.

Well, it looks like it might be just us, so why don't we meet closer to your neighborhood. 

I offer free street parking!

[DaphneStrauss]

I'm still not sure if I'll be in town next weekend but I'm happy to help you with logistics and planning! It can get tricky and expensive dealing with a car in the city.

Parking around the zoo on the weekends can be difficult but it is doable. The spots on the streets around the zoo fill up really fast on the weekends so you may end up driving around or having to park a bit farther away.

Right by the zoo there is a nice conservatory, which is also free. And there's a nice walk around the zoo with views of the city. And the lakefront isn't far.

If you take the el to lincoln park it's a long walk to the zoo. But you could take a cab or bus from the el. But if you did that you would have to pay to park downtown, which is expensive.

Alternatively you could opt to pay to park downtown and stay down there and visit the sites downtown.
Depends on what you and Abby feel like doing!

[katfco]

Jul 25, 2014 21:21:10 GMT -5 shmoo said:

Jul 25, 2014 21:05:34 GMT -5 katfco said:

Well, it looks like it might be just us, so why don't we meet closer to your neighborhood. 

I offer free street parking!

Works for me! 

[katfco]

Jul 25, 2014 21:37:25 GMT -5 DaphneStrauss said:

I'm still not sure if I'll be in town next weekend but I'm happy to help you with logistics and planning! It can get tricky and expensive dealing with a car in the city.

Parking around the zoo on the weekends can be difficult but it is doable. The spots on the streets around the zoo fill up really fast on the weekends so you may end up driving around or having to park a bit farther away.

Right by the zoo there is a nice conservatory, which is also free. And there's a nice walk around the zoo with views of the city. And the lakefront isn't far.

If you take the el to lincoln park it's a long walk to the zoo. But you could take a cab or bus from the el. But if you did that you would have to pay to park downtown, which is expensive.

Alternatively you could opt to pay to park downtown and stay down there and visit the sites downtown.
Depends on what you and Abby feel like doing!

Thanks!