1 day in Chicago with a child

[anna7602]

We're off to Chicago next month for a wedding. We will have exactly one day free to do whatever we want with DD (age 5). Any musts?

@alibally, I am tagging you since you had such amazing ideas for Berlin (the Pergamon is still one of DD's favorite museums anywhere in the world).

[Deleted]

Shedd Aquarium.

[moreace01]

Navy Pier. Lincoln Park zoo.

I swear there is a children's museum here...but don't quote me on that.

[christy082]

Navy Pier has a free children's museum, a couple of rides (not free) and mini golf (not free) that would be fun for a child. I believe Lincoln Park Zoo is free as well. Shedd Aquarium. Museum of Science and Industry (though 5 may be too young to enjoy that).

[morgie44]

The Shedd is great. We have an American Girl Place if you don't have one near you. Navy Pier is kind of a tourist trap IMO, but it does have the Children's Museum. Millenium Park (the Bean) will probably be a hit as well. If you are coming marathon weekend (Oct 12-13) getting around by car or bus will be really difficult in the main tourist areas. El is still a good option.

[hz80408]

Will it be a week day or weekend?

My top suggestion would be the Children's Museum at Navy Pier. It is not free, but I nannied in during college and this was one of my fav spots to take the kids when they were ages 2-7.

Shedd is another good suggestion, but buy your tickets online ahead of time to avoid wasting time in lines; especially if it's during the weekend.

There's also the rides at Navy Pier, although I don't know when they close for the season.

You can take the water taxi from Navy Pier to museum campus, near Shedd Aquarium. The kids used to LOVE taking this.

A free option is Lincoln Park Zoo, which should still be open just limited hours (I think they'll close at 5 or something)

[allibally]

Sorry didn't get the tag since I haven't logged on with a computer in awhile.

Lincoln Park Zoo. It's so cute! Plus there is a greenhouse next to it too that is very pretty. Some other stuff too. I'll look at it tonight.

Shedd is very cool especially since its on the lake. Field or Adler are great too.

I guess I would avoid the Children's museum. I haven't been and I'm sure it's nice but since your DD loved the Pergamon Museum in Berlin I would focus on the museums on Chicago's Museum island. I think she would really like either of the three Field, Adler, Shedd. You could probably do two if you start earlier enough.

[allibally]

Oh and sneak up to the Hancock. Because the view is very nice. But since your already city people it might not wow her too much. Lol You can FB me if you want to know anything else.

[christy082]

Sept 12, 2013 9:27:17 GMT -5 hz80408 said:

Will it be a week day or weekend?

My top suggestion would be the Children's Museum at Navy Pier. It is not free, but I nannied in during college and this was one of my fav spots to take the kids when they were ages 2-7.

Shedd is another good suggestion, but buy your tickets online ahead of time to avoid wasting time in lines; especially if it's during the weekend.

There's also the rides at Navy Pier, although I don't know when they close for the season.

You can take the water taxi from Navy Pier to museum campus, near Shedd Aquarium. The kids used to LOVE taking this.

A free option is Lincoln Park Zoo, which should still be open just limited hours (I think they'll close at 5 or something)

Oops, sorry, thought it was (I haven't been there). Looks like Thursday evenings are free from 5-8pm per their website.

[anna7602]

Thanks for all the suggestions so far! We'll be there on a weekend day.

[hz80408]

Sept 14, 2013 15:57:25 GMT -5 anna7602 said:

Thanks for all the suggestions so far! We'll be there on a weekend day.

I would recommend trying to buy tickets online ahead of time for whatever you decide to do. Have fun!