Chicago and Indy Itinerary Help, Please!
Jul 29th, 2011, 05:15 PM
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Chicago and Indy Itinerary Help, Please!
Hello to All!
I was wondering if you Chicago and Indi experts on the board would mind looking over the rough draft of my itinerary for our upcoming trip which will take place Sept. 20th-28th, 2011, and offer you recommendations for tweaking, eliminating, or adding to our planned days. Our trip will be with myself, my husband, and our two daughters, ages 4 and 2. We’re planning on relying on public transportation/hoofing it while in Chicago, and renting a car for the drive and time spent in Indy.
9/20 – Travel Day: arrive 6:45pm (4:45pm our time) – will bid to get a Priceline airport area hotel for our 1st night to avoid any more travel for the children.
9/21 – Blue Line into the city – check in to Priceline hotel – T.B.D.
Chicago Greeter Tour - any suggestions on what neighborhood I should request to tour? There’s so many to choose from!
9/22 – Millenium Park and Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
9/23 – The Zoo and Lincoln Park Conservancy – Rehearsal Dinner
9/24 – Wedding and Reception – Old St. Patrick’s Church
9/25 – Drive to Indi (set clocks ahead 1 hour) Indianapolis Children’s Museum – how long does it take to thoroughly enjoy the Museum? Is this an open to close experience or just a few hours?
9/26 – open. I was planning on doing the Children’s Museum here, or the Indy Museum of Art, but both are closed on Mondays.
Open to suggestions!
9/27 –Indianapolis Speedway & Museum. “Grounds Tour” 9:30am. Another helpful time estimate of what it would take to properly see the museum would also be helpful here.
Drive back to Chicago (set clocks back 1 hour), return rental car. Blue Line to Ohare to stay the night at Priceline airport hotel.
9/28 – Early 8am departure back to the west coast!
Also, could anyone recommend any exceptional public parks (with playground equipment) for us to visit while in Chicago or Indy to take the kids to for a filler activity? Are there any stops worth making for the drive between Chicago and Indy? Is there a particular time that we need to be on the road by to avoid crazy traffic along our route? Also, with the above listed activities is there a particular Priceline bidding zone that one could recommend to us for Chicago and Indy respectively? I hope these aren’t too many questions! Thanks in advance for your feedback!
I was wondering if you Chicago and Indi experts on the board would mind looking over the rough draft of my itinerary for our upcoming trip which will take place Sept. 20th-28th, 2011, and offer you recommendations for tweaking, eliminating, or adding to our planned days. Our trip will be with myself, my husband, and our two daughters, ages 4 and 2. We’re planning on relying on public transportation/hoofing it while in Chicago, and renting a car for the drive and time spent in Indy.
9/20 – Travel Day: arrive 6:45pm (4:45pm our time) – will bid to get a Priceline airport area hotel for our 1st night to avoid any more travel for the children.
9/21 – Blue Line into the city – check in to Priceline hotel – T.B.D.
Chicago Greeter Tour - any suggestions on what neighborhood I should request to tour? There’s so many to choose from!
9/22 – Millenium Park and Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
9/23 – The Zoo and Lincoln Park Conservancy – Rehearsal Dinner
9/24 – Wedding and Reception – Old St. Patrick’s Church
9/25 – Drive to Indi (set clocks ahead 1 hour) Indianapolis Children’s Museum – how long does it take to thoroughly enjoy the Museum? Is this an open to close experience or just a few hours?
9/26 – open. I was planning on doing the Children’s Museum here, or the Indy Museum of Art, but both are closed on Mondays.
Open to suggestions!9/27 –Indianapolis Speedway & Museum. “Grounds Tour” 9:30am. Another helpful time estimate of what it would take to properly see the museum would also be helpful here.
Drive back to Chicago (set clocks back 1 hour), return rental car. Blue Line to Ohare to stay the night at Priceline airport hotel.
9/28 – Early 8am departure back to the west coast!
Also, could anyone recommend any exceptional public parks (with playground equipment) for us to visit while in Chicago or Indy to take the kids to for a filler activity? Are there any stops worth making for the drive between Chicago and Indy? Is there a particular time that we need to be on the road by to avoid crazy traffic along our route? Also, with the above listed activities is there a particular Priceline bidding zone that one could recommend to us for Chicago and Indy respectively? I hope these aren’t too many questions! Thanks in advance for your feedback!
Jul 30th, 2011, 09:08 PM
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>The Zoo and Lincoln Park Conservancy
Make sure you refer to this as Lincoln Park Zoo. Otherwise, people might give you directions to Brookfield Zoo (the big one in the Chicago area).
>Indianapolis Children’s Museum – how long does it take to thoroughly enjoy the Museum? Is this an open to close experience or just a few hours?
>9/26 – open. I was planning on doing the Children’s Museum here, or the Indy Museum of Art, but both are closed on Mondays. Open to suggestions!
I don't think the Art Museum would be ideal. We went there when my daughter was small (granted this was a long time ago) and there was a person in each room that I felt was watching us like a hawk. We stayed well away from the walls and art. I suppose maybe if I was a room-watcher, I'll watch the only activity in the room - the guests - too. But, it made us feel uncomfortable.
The Indiana State Museum might be a better option - unless the two of you love art.
Plan to spend the day. There's a lot to see and do. With little kids, you can spend a long time just in the Playscape area.
Make sure you refer to this as Lincoln Park Zoo. Otherwise, people might give you directions to Brookfield Zoo (the big one in the Chicago area).
>Indianapolis Children’s Museum – how long does it take to thoroughly enjoy the Museum? Is this an open to close experience or just a few hours?
>9/26 – open. I was planning on doing the Children’s Museum here, or the Indy Museum of Art, but both are closed on Mondays.
Open to suggestions!I don't think the Art Museum would be ideal. We went there when my daughter was small (granted this was a long time ago) and there was a person in each room that I felt was watching us like a hawk. We stayed well away from the walls and art. I suppose maybe if I was a room-watcher, I'll watch the only activity in the room - the guests - too. But, it made us feel uncomfortable.
The Indiana State Museum might be a better option - unless the two of you love art.
Plan to spend the day. There's a lot to see and do. With little kids, you can spend a long time just in the Playscape area.
Jul 30th, 2011, 09:09 PM
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Oops - it's too bad we can't edit notes.
This part was supposed to be after the line about the Indianapolis Children's Museum.
>Plan to spend the day. There's a lot to see and do. With little kids, you can spend a long time just in the Playscape area.
This part was supposed to be after the line about the Indianapolis Children's Museum.
>Plan to spend the day. There's a lot to see and do. With little kids, you can spend a long time just in the Playscape area.
Jul 31st, 2011, 04:53 AM
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Not sure I'm understanding your itin.....are you driving from Chicago to Indianapolis just to do the museum, etc? It is a LONG, uninteresting drive especially for children so young. While INDY is ok, I can't say that it has anything to offer over CGO. The Childrens Museum is just ok ....doesn't hold a candle to the Science Museum in Chicago. IND has a small zoo. The 500 museum is ok if you are REALLY into the race. My recommendation is to stay put in Chicago. Lots to do, no driving, save $$$$
Jul 31st, 2011, 06:07 AM
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The 500 Museum 2hrs unless you're really into cars...What I liked the best was the bus ride around the track 
Your kids will not enjoy this museum...it's really a guy thing IMHO Our grandchildren enjoyed the Children's Museum in Indy but it no way touches the Science and Industry Museum in Chicago and this one can be an all day adventure. I also recommend the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, your children would enjoy this, it really is a family thing: http://www.sheddaquarium.org/
Your kids will not enjoy this museum...it's really a guy thing IMHO Our grandchildren enjoyed the Children's Museum in Indy but it no way touches the Science and Industry Museum in Chicago and this one can be an all day adventure. I also recommend the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, your children would enjoy this, it really is a family thing: http://www.sheddaquarium.org/
Jul 31st, 2011, 06:11 AM
#7
You can travel from Chicago to Indianapolis on Amtrak for $22 each way. Having a car in Chicago can be expensive. Much of Chicago is within walking distance. If it is too far to walk, take the bus or the El.
Cheapest option: Drive to and stay in Indianapolis with day trips to Chicago.
Cheapest option: Drive to and stay in Indianapolis with day trips to Chicago.
Jul 31st, 2011, 07:21 AM
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Indianapolis and Chicago are too far apart (at least a 3 hour drive each way) for day trips, IMHO.
The Children's museum in Indy is huge, with lots to do .. I think at least a half-day. While the Chicago Science Museum is outstanding, I think the children's museum will have lots more age-appropriate fun to offer.
The Zoo in Indy is spacious and very nice, with mostly natural habitats, and a butterfly museum. The obvious choice for the Monday.
The Indy art museum has sculptures and gardens on the grounds (some can be climbed on), and a fountain that kids are known to play in, so you might have more fun outside than inside.
There is a canal tow-path walk that runs past the art museum -- you could walk to (and run around in) the botanical gardens at Butler Univ., or further on to the shoppes and ethnic restaraunts in Broad Ripple (neighborhood of indy). A good place for lunch before or after the museum.
There is also the Eiteljorg museum of American Indians and western art, which is smaller and maybe more accessible to the kids.
Eagle Creek Park (Indianpolis) is on a reservoir, and more like a state park than a city park -- it has a nature center and walks in the woods, and a sandy beach. There is a playground but I don't remember much about it.
If you want to break up the ride, the zoo in Lafayette is kind of small, but it is on the grounds of a nice city park (Columbian Park), with great playgrounds and a few rides. A stop at the Frozen Custard across the street is mandatory.
The Children's museum in Indy is huge, with lots to do .. I think at least a half-day. While the Chicago Science Museum is outstanding, I think the children's museum will have lots more age-appropriate fun to offer.
The Zoo in Indy is spacious and very nice, with mostly natural habitats, and a butterfly museum. The obvious choice for the Monday.
The Indy art museum has sculptures and gardens on the grounds (some can be climbed on), and a fountain that kids are known to play in, so you might have more fun outside than inside.
There is a canal tow-path walk that runs past the art museum -- you could walk to (and run around in) the botanical gardens at Butler Univ., or further on to the shoppes and ethnic restaraunts in Broad Ripple (neighborhood of indy). A good place for lunch before or after the museum.
There is also the Eiteljorg museum of American Indians and western art, which is smaller and maybe more accessible to the kids.
Eagle Creek Park (Indianpolis) is on a reservoir, and more like a state park than a city park -- it has a nature center and walks in the woods, and a sandy beach. There is a playground but I don't remember much about it.
If you want to break up the ride, the zoo in Lafayette is kind of small, but it is on the grounds of a nice city park (Columbian Park), with great playgrounds and a few rides. A stop at the Frozen Custard across the street is mandatory.
Jul 31st, 2011, 08:30 AM
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I'm not so sure I'd choose the Science and Industry Museum in Chicago over the Children's Museum in Indy for kids of that age (2 and 4). Chicago does have a Children's Museum of its own at Navy Pier though. I haven't been to it as my kids were older when it moved there.
If you do stop in Lafayette, there's also a pizza place that brings your drinks on a little train. That's kind of fun.
Debbie
If you do stop in Lafayette, there's also a pizza place that brings your drinks on a little train. That's kind of fun.
Debbie
Jul 31st, 2011, 09:55 AM
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First, thank you to all of your replies! It makes my heart go pitter-patter that ya'll would recommend Amtrak as my husband works for Amtrak! We actually enjoy free travel on the rails, however the times in which Amtrak travels between Chicago and Indy are very inconvenient (i.e. Chi --> Indy takes 5 hours (compared to about 3 hours via car) and doesn't arrive into Indy until almost midnight - which isn't convenient for someone to pick us up or get a rental car at that hour, not to mention doing that to the kids just wouldn't be fair. But thank you again for thinking of Amtrak = job security!
A little background - the reason for our trip to the Midwest is as you've probably already guessed is to go to my cousin's wedding (who lives in Chicago). However, I have another cousin who lives in Indy, who despite being in her thirties has just beaten cancer for the 2nd time in her life, so I would of course love to spend additional time with her and see her home, as well as treat the kids to the experience of the "World's Largest Children's Museum" and the husband to the Indy Speedway (he does follow Nascar modestly, and will love this)! Additionally, the "Grounds Tour" that we'll be taking actually takes you onto the actual track, so just the photo of my husband kissing the brick start/finish line would be worth the drive time. The museum of the Speedway I imagine will be more of a "walkthrough" experience for us.
The Lafayette suggestions are ideal. I think we will drive straight thru on that Sunday to maximize our Children's Museum time, but will definitely make a stop there on our return. Capxxx, love the outdoor suggestions for Indy and good eats area, thank you. I had also considered the Field Museum and the Museum of Science and Industry for Chicago, but wasn't sure if these would be a place the children would enjoy at their ages (4 and 2), or better done when they are older? Thanks again for your feedback, I'll google more into all of your suggestions!
A little background - the reason for our trip to the Midwest is as you've probably already guessed is to go to my cousin's wedding (who lives in Chicago). However, I have another cousin who lives in Indy, who despite being in her thirties has just beaten cancer for the 2nd time in her life, so I would of course love to spend additional time with her and see her home, as well as treat the kids to the experience of the "World's Largest Children's Museum" and the husband to the Indy Speedway (he does follow Nascar modestly, and will love this)! Additionally, the "Grounds Tour" that we'll be taking actually takes you onto the actual track, so just the photo of my husband kissing the brick start/finish line would be worth the drive time.
The museum of the Speedway I imagine will be more of a "walkthrough" experience for us.The Lafayette suggestions are ideal. I think we will drive straight thru on that Sunday to maximize our Children's Museum time, but will definitely make a stop there on our return. Capxxx, love the outdoor suggestions for Indy and good eats area, thank you. I had also considered the Field Museum and the Museum of Science and Industry for Chicago, but wasn't sure if these would be a place the children would enjoy at their ages (4 and 2), or better done when they are older? Thanks again for your feedback, I'll google more into all of your suggestions!
Jul 31st, 2011, 10:34 AM
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Hi coryandcarissa,
There are some nice playgrounds for the children in Lincoln Park -- a large one is across from a main entrance to the Lincoln Park Zoo -- on Lincoln Park West between Dickens (to the south) and Webster (to the north). Another is nearer the Nature Museum -- if you circle North Pond and head north (toward the North Pond Cafe), there's a playground next to this restaurant. Also, not technically a playground, but children seem to love the huge water fountain at Millenium Park. (The one with the two, huge monoliths with the changing faces.) Hope you have a nice time!
There are some nice playgrounds for the children in Lincoln Park -- a large one is across from a main entrance to the Lincoln Park Zoo -- on Lincoln Park West between Dickens (to the south) and Webster (to the north). Another is nearer the Nature Museum -- if you circle North Pond and head north (toward the North Pond Cafe), there's a playground next to this restaurant. Also, not technically a playground, but children seem to love the huge water fountain at Millenium Park. (The one with the two, huge monoliths with the changing faces.) Hope you have a nice time!
Jul 31st, 2011, 10:40 AM
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Family is a good reason for travel. The Field Museum would be for older persons and The Museum of Science and Industry would probably be for another time BUT if you have time for the Shedd Aquarium, it is great for kids, they have a live show plus all their displays and a restaurant to have a break that overlooks the lake.
Jul 31st, 2011, 11:18 AM
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No - I'm not from Lafayette. We live about about an hour and a half from there. When the kids were younger, we used to make at least one trip there every summer on family night for the zoo, swimming (later waterpark), and amusements (now discontinued). I haven't been since they redid the zoo a couple of years ago.
I think your trip sounds like lots of fun. Combining family time with some fun outings for every member of the family - what could be better?
I haven't been to the 500 museum for a long time. I do remember going there when my kids were small and taking their photos in a car. If your husband nominally follows Nascar, it's worth the trip. To me, Indy is the original racetrack. Of course, that might be partly since I'm from the Midwest.
In my opinion the Indy Children's Museum is the best. We went to many children's museums when the kids were small and it is at the top of the list. Be sure and spend time in the Playscape area. That area is ONLY for little kids and they'll love it.
I think your trip sounds like lots of fun. Combining family time with some fun outings for every member of the family - what could be better?
I haven't been to the 500 museum for a long time. I do remember going there when my kids were small and taking their photos in a car. If your husband nominally follows Nascar, it's worth the trip. To me, Indy is the original racetrack. Of course, that might be partly since I'm from the Midwest.
In my opinion the Indy Children's Museum is the best. We went to many children's museums when the kids were small and it is at the top of the list. Be sure and spend time in the Playscape area. That area is ONLY for little kids and they'll love it.
Jul 31st, 2011, 12:25 PM
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I would not spend the first night at an airport hotel but would continue on to Chicago, taking a cab into the city to make it easier for everyone. The traffic should be pretty good by 7PM. Why not eliminate the awkward period between checking out of one hotel and checking into the other as well as the unpack/repack which staying at two hotels will require? It will be so much easier the next morning to be where you want to be.
Jul 31st, 2011, 12:58 PM
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The pizza place with the little train in Lafayette is Arnies -- best pizza on the planet, and don't miss the Arnie's salad.
The Ch. science museum is very cool, but I think kids that age might like the Shedd aquarium more.
(I grew up in W. Lafayette, now moved away, but go back to see family every now and again. )
The Ch. science museum is very cool, but I think kids that age might like the Shedd aquarium more.
(I grew up in W. Lafayette, now moved away, but go back to see family every now and again. )
Jul 31st, 2011, 02:08 PM
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cap, I think food that you love has a lot to do with what you grow up with. When we first moved to West Lafayette, I went to work with dozens of people( hospital) who lived in Lafayette their whole lives. I asked where to go to get good pizza and everyone told me Arnies. So DH and I went to Arnies. It wasn't awful but we never bought it again. We're used to big chunks of juicy sausage. Their sausage is all crumbles and dry. Probably fewer calories but we didn't like it. Taste buds are different....
Jul 31st, 2011, 02:28 PM
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But on the other hand, all my wedding guests from out of town agreed that it was the best they'd ever had... (ok, so maybe they were being nice.) It is a different kind of pizza recipe, with the meats (sausage, pepperoni, etc) ground up fine instead of in chunks. Thin crispy crust and not much sauce, and cut in squares instead of wedges.
Aug 1st, 2011, 02:11 PM
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Thank you again for your additional comments and recommends! ChgoGal, I have your park areas highlighted on our map now. Marija, my decision to do our 1st night at a airport hotel, is a little but for convenience, and a little bit strategic. First, since my children's ages (4 and 2) they both require child seats still, which we're not planning on traveling with, so I don't think we'd fare too well in a cab. Also, since I'm going to be bidding for our hotel in Chicago on Priceline, generally speaking you'll have better luck to win your bid, the less consecutive nights you're bidding on. So, in addition to taking it easy on the kids after a full day of travel, this will hopefully work to my benefit for the rest of the week of our lodging.
I had checked on the Shedd Aquarium, but there were so many mixed reviews it had swayed me to not include it. People's main complaints seem to be the terrible crowds, and the value of the aquarium, for the kinda pricey ~$35 admission price. Maybe it wouldn't be as much of a problem for us due to the time of year we'll be there? May have to reconsider this one...
Also, I read that on Wed. and Sat. night they do fireworks near the Navy Pier. Does anyone know is this year-round (i.e. will they still be doing it in late Sept.) and also, what time do they do it? Traveler2005, I love the way you summed up our trip, "Combining family time with some fun outings for every member of the family - what could be better?" I do hope our trip turns out as wonderful as you've made it sound!
I had checked on the Shedd Aquarium, but there were so many mixed reviews it had swayed me to not include it. People's main complaints seem to be the terrible crowds, and the value of the aquarium, for the kinda pricey ~$35 admission price. Maybe it wouldn't be as much of a problem for us due to the time of year we'll be there? May have to reconsider this one...
Also, I read that on Wed. and Sat. night they do fireworks near the Navy Pier. Does anyone know is this year-round (i.e. will they still be doing it in late Sept.) and also, what time do they do it? Traveler2005, I love the way you summed up our trip, "Combining family time with some fun outings for every member of the family - what could be better?" I do hope our trip turns out as wonderful as you've made it sound!
