Hubby, 10 year old daughter & I are taking the train to Mississippi with a 10 hour layover in Chicago (Union Station). I think it's downtown (225 South Canal Street); anything family fun oriented to do for these 10 hours???

Union Station is on the west side of downtown on Canal between Adams and Jackson. About 2 blocks away is the Sears Tower, but IMO the Hancock Obervatory has a better view.

If you want to venture farther, catch the Number 151 bus (Sheidan) on Canal Street outside Union Station and take it to the Magnificant Mile. Get off at Water Tower Place which is at the northern end of Michigan Ave. The Hancock Building is across the street. You can visit the observatory then window shop you way south through Macy's, Bloomingdale's, American Girl, Banana Republic, Neiman's, Saks, Tiffany's and Nordstrom.

Walk downstairs at Grand Avenue, near the Marriott, and catch the free trolley to Navy Pier. It's very touristy, but I'm sure your daughter will enjoy walking through. Resist the urge to eat there, however, because you can get better food for less money elsewhere.

Catch the trolley back to Michigan and continue your walk south. If you want to buy snacks for the train ride, stay on the trolley 3 more blocks to State Street there's a Jewel Supermarket on Grand Ave and State.

For lunch, you can try Chicago style pizza at Giordano's or Gino's East. There are several Giordano's around, one of the least crowded is on the side of the Prudential Bldg between Randolph and South Water St. 1 blk east of Michigan. Gino's is on Superior east of Michigan or at Wells & Ontario.

From Giordano's you can walk up Randolph to Marshall Field's/Macy's on State Street.

Walk down State Street 2 blocks to Madison and you can catch the Number 157 bus (Streeterville) back to Union Station.

For $5 you can purchase a 1-day visitor pass in Union Station. There's a vending machine near the Metra ticket windows that accepts cash and credit/debit cards. It allows unlimited rides on all CTA buses and trains.

For info and maps, check www.transitchicago.com.

Depending on what day you'll be here, you could see a matinee of Wicked at the Ford Center. Check www.broadwayinchicago.com.

Thanks city! Also, the layover will be 10am to 8pm, so I should probably schedule "naptime" in between...

If you're taking a long distance train to Chicago, there's a strong chance that it may be about 10 hours late, which means you may not have much time to kill. That said, there are many, many things to do.
Museums: the science museum in Hyde Park is one of the best in the world. The same goes for the Field Museum (natural history), the Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium, which make up the museum camps on the south end of Grant Park. The Art Institute is on the northern end of Grant Park by Millenium Park. If it's nice out, she'll like the park. Also, the restaurant there is good and pretty inexpensive. She'll like Michigan Avenue, and there are plenty of restaurants on nearby Rush Street, including Giordano's, Pizzeria Uno and Due. Your daughter would probably like going up to the top of the Sears Tower or John Hancock, which is on Michigan Ave. Also, the station is near Greektown, which has a lot of good restaurants.

With a ten-year-old, I'd opt for andrews' suggestions. There is no better 3-some than the Field Musuem/Adler Planetarium/Shedd Aquarium. All close together and a short cab ride from Union Station. Once you see this city, you'll want to come back!!!

Hi Lady - I can't add to the good ideas that you've already been given other than to say that the main Field's/Macy's store is amazing and lunch in their dining room is a real treat. I would reemphasize andrew's point about the unfortunate strong possibility of being late if you're initial trip is on a long distance train. I would plan several senarios - one if you get the full 10 hours, another if you only have 5, etc.

Have fun.