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Post by jassy on Feb 16, 2017 18:45:05 GMT
We wanted to do a quick "big city" overnight with our teens during spring break week. None of us as ever been to Chicago, but it's in pretty easy driving distance from where we live - well, 6 hours, but we don't mind driving :-)
We are looking at it as a quick go-go-go adventure. I know end of March will be tricky with the weather - but, hey, that's part of the adventure.
Our hotel is 1/2 mile from Lou Malnati's so I think that's where we will get our pizza.
Oh, my boys are all Nike freaks so I think we will visit Niketown.
What else should we do? Bonus points if we don't have to take out a small loan to do it. ;-)
Thanks!
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Mary Kay Lady
Pearl Clutcher
PeaNut 367,913 Refupea number 1,638
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Post by Mary Kay Lady on Feb 17, 2017 0:53:27 GMT
We visited Chicago as a family several years ago and had a great time. Do y'all like museums? We love them, so we spent a day at the Museum of Science and Industry. We loved it and wished that we'd spent 2 days there. We wanted to do something fun and different so we did a Segway tour. (I'm not sure if this is the company we used or not.) It was expensive, but lots of fun. We went to the old Sears Tower. It was fun, but VERY crowded. I don't know if we chose a popular time to go or what, but I just remember that there was hardly any room to move around. We went up just as the sun was setting and the view was amazing. Hopefully, some Peas that live in the Chicago area will chime in and offer more suggestions. |
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Post by utmr on Feb 17, 2017 1:09:08 GMT
Another vote for the Museum of Science and Industry, and also the Field Museum. We really enjoyed both. We spent a full day at each, and could have easily done 1.5-2 days at each. Have fun!
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Post by Yoki on Feb 17, 2017 1:13:55 GMT
Google Urban Adventure Quest. I've done them in several cities. They are a LOT of fun & a great way to see several highlights in a short amount of time. They're even educational, but you don't have to tell your kids that.  |
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Post by Linda on Feb 17, 2017 2:04:09 GMT
The Bean! www.chicagotraveler.com/cloud-gate-chicago - there's an app or something where it'll call your smartphone - my teen thought that was awesome (and her little sister was amazed) We only spent part of a day in Chicago after DS's boot camp graduation...we saw him off at the airport the following morning and then went into Chicago for a few hours. My older DD's French teacher had told her about the Bean when she had mentioned being off school for the trip so we planned the stop around that - well worth it and the whole Millenium park is really nice. We spent a couple of hours there (you might not - I have younger kids so we spent time at the playground) and then went to the Water Tower for lunch (deep dish pizza - my kids didn't like it) and a visit to the Lego store. |
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moodyblue
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Location: Western Illinois
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Jun 26, 2014 21:07:23 GMT
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Post by moodyblue on Feb 17, 2017 2:54:41 GMT
We love Lou Malnati's pizza, so that's a good start!
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julieb
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Post by julieb on Feb 17, 2017 3:47:10 GMT
There is so much to see, but I would also suggest Millennium Park (the bean), along with Buckingham Fountain and a quick walk along the lake if weather permits. It is a beautiful area. You could also hit the Field Museum, Planetarium or Shedd Aquarium right there. The Hancock has the Tilt. My dd said it was very cool. Have fun!!
I have a dd who lives in the South Loop and a son who lives in Lincoln Park, so we spend so much time down there now. I wish we had taken advantage of the city when I kids were young.
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Post by auntkelly on Feb 17, 2017 5:32:32 GMT
There is a big UnderArmour store on Michigan Ave. I know you said the teens were Nike fans, but they might enjoy the Under Armour store as well.
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Loydene
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Post by Loydene on Feb 17, 2017 12:45:35 GMT
Chicago is an excellent town -- a great "city" vacation. Do not forget the museums -- AND the Art Institute.
When I took DS on vacations I always insisted on a "bit of culture" as well as fun -- in Chicago, it is hard to see a distinction!
Navy Pier - walking/shopping the Magnificent Mile - the architectural boat tour - I think Blue Man has a "resident" theater in Chicago (**you'd have to check that one!) and Hamilton is there now, but tickets might be difficult to get and pricey!
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Post by jassy on Feb 17, 2017 13:39:47 GMT
Thank you for all the suggestions!!! I think the Urban Adventure Quest will be PERFECT for us, if we luck out with decent weather. I'm thinking I might need a plan a and a plan b.
How is Eataly? These kids love to eat and love Italian food - and I really want to go here :-)
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Post by Yoki on Feb 17, 2017 13:59:17 GMT
Thank you for all the suggestions!!! I think the Urban Adventure Quest will be PERFECT for us, if we luck out with decent weather. I'm thinking I might need a plan a and a plan b. How is Eataly? These kids love to eat and love Italian food - and I really want to go here :-) We walked through Eataly. It was really busy and it seemed like you pay for each thing you get in each area ... maybe good for a special taste/treat, but might get really expensive to fill up 3 teenage boys. |
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Post by bearmom on Feb 17, 2017 17:10:00 GMT
Thank you for all the suggestions!!! I think the Urban Adventure Quest will be PERFECT for us, if we luck out with decent weather. I'm thinking I might need a plan a and a plan b. How is Eataly? These kids love to eat and love Italian food - and I really want to go here :-) There are a few parts to Eataly, a store and scattered about are a few 'restaurants'. We have eaten at the pasta place a few times and really enjoy it. We also picked up some pasta and wine on our last visit. |
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AmeliaBloomer
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Jun 26, 2014 5:01:45 GMT
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Post by AmeliaBloomer on Feb 18, 2017 1:59:54 GMT
Well, the weather could be 6 degrees or 60. Keeping that in mind, the architectural boat trip down the river starts again April 1. Choose the original Chicago Architecture Foundation one; they also have good walking tours, which are cheaper. Or try a Wendella boat tour of the river and lake. Blue Man Group Chicago. Second City for an improv show. Check the website; I think the shows are usually fine for 16ish year-olds, although they don't turn away younger kids. Neo-Futurists show. Teens love this and you pay $4 plus whatever shows up on the roll of a dice. (So, $5-$10 ticket range.) Escape Rooms, but those might be pricy. If the weather is nice, definitely spend some time walking the Lakefront Path and/or in Millennium Park. Resist the lure of $Navy Pier$. Have fun! (Check out Chicago discounts on Groupon.) |
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