Chicago with Kids: Can’t Miss Places and Restaurants

With Chicago only 3 hours away, we try to take advantage of it’s proximity and all that big cities have to offer as much as possible. When we were first married, we would go to Chicago almost every month. When the kids were younger, we visited less frequently (maybe 3-4 times per year). Now that they are older, we have been making the trip more often again (and loving it!). Here are some of our top picks:

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Lincoln Park Zoo– We love Lincoln Park Zoo. It is free, close to good restaurants in Lincoln Park, the size is manageable, it is right next to the Lake so the heat isn’t too overwhelming if it’s a particularly hot day, and you can come and go as you please.

Shedd Aquarium– What kid doesn’t love staring into a giant tank 100 times the size of him and looking for his favorite fish? There are also dolphin shows and short movies … oh, and magnificent views of Lake Michigan… so there’s that.

Museum of Science and Industry– In my personal opinion, this is the best museum for kids of all ages (and adults too). It is very interactive and there is so much to see. There are different exhibitions and stations set up around the museum with various science experiments going on. On the day we were there, my kids were thrilled to find a slime station. (Of course.)*

Field Museum of Natural History– If you have a dinosaur lover in your family, the Field Museum is a must. On our visit, Sue was behind glass because they were making her new home, but there were still plenty of other dinosaurs, gems, etc to view.*

(*Money saving tip: Look into buying a membership at your local public museum that has reciprocity with the Museum of Science and Industry and the Field Museum. Our membership at the Grand Rapids Public Museum was paid back plus some in just this trip.)

Navy Pier– Our kids are very curious about the huge ferris wheel on Navy Pier and have fun watching it (it will be a few years before we even offer to let them ride it, though). There is also a Children’s Museum (we haven’t been). Our favorite part of Navy Pier is watching the boats coming and going. There are plenty of restaurants to grab a drink or you could just buy some Dibs and sit on one of the many benches to take in the scene.

Michigan Avenue– On our last two trips, we have completely side stepped this part of Michigan Avenue (hence the Christmas tree lights photo- ha!), but our kids really do enjoy popping into The Disney Store, American Girl, and the Leggo Store.

Maggie Daley Park– I know that I already mentioned Maggie Daley Park at least once in this post. Oh, and this one too. It simply is a must. The park is amazing!! It is split into different themed sections and also has areas for the smaller kids in your crew with swings and play sets appropriate for their developmental levels.

Cloud Gate– In the same area, is Cloud Gate (aka, The Bean). We have so much fun trying to spot ourselves from far away in this 110 ton stainless steel sculpture or experiment with different photo-taking techniques in the cloud.

Crown Fountain– Also located in Millenium Park, the Crown Fountain demonstrates public and video art at its best. On a hot day, or even a cool one, the fountains by Cloud Gate are very entertaining and a great way to let your kids be kids and play in the water. (Our kids thought it was hilarious when the faces on the fountains spit water at them- haha!)

Some of the restaurants that we have found to be particularly kid-friendly, yet not just for kids…

•  The Shake Shack is right across from Millenium Park and a perfect place to grab a quick bite to eat before hitting up Cloud Gate, Crown Fountain, and/or Maggie Daley Park. Bonus for adults: It is at the bottom of the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, so you can take in some lovely old architecture while your kids get sugared up on shakes. (Or, just stay there … here is a link… the Shake Shack for your kids and Cindy’s Rooftop for you.. Done and done.
  

Stan’s Donuts is right off of Michgian avenue. It is a great place to grab a fun donut and a cup of coffee.

West Egg Cafe is located on Fairbanks just a few blocks from Michigan Avenue. This is a great place for a classic breakfast. I can’t even count the number of times we have eaten there. There is a back room that also has semi-private “rooms” off the main room which are perfect if you still have kids in strollers (I think that one time we maybe even fit two double-wides in one of the rooms).

Carmines Restaurant is on Rush. It is spacious and Italian and we rarely have to wait for a very long time for a table given the size of the restaurant. The setting is also very pleasant for adults and is great for a sit-down dinner in a non-crowded atmosphere.

Gemini– If you are at the Lincoln Park Zoo or up in the Lincoln Park/Old Town area, Gemini is an amazing place to eat. Honestly, this one is more for the adults in your party but the kids’ meals are really good and as healthy as kids’ meals can be (read- no Kraft mac n cheese… one of my biggest restaurant pet peeves, but I’ll save that for another time). This is a nice restaurant and a fabulous place for kids to practice their manners in a non-threatening environment (i.e.,when we’ve been there, there is at least one child at about 50% of the tables).

Jeni’s Ice Cream– Since you need to go by Old Town to get back to the Magnificent Mile, you might as well stop into Jeni’s. With flavors like Frose Sorbet (okay- that one is for the adults in the group) and Gooey Butter Cake, you really can’t go wrong. 

There you have it! And here is a pin 🙂