Will three days be enough? What are the must-see and must-do activities for that amount of time? Our kids are 12 & 14 and my list includes Navy Pier, Hancock Building, shopping on Michigan Ave, ESPN Zone, Sears Tower. Should I forget or add to this list?

You probably don't need to go the top of the Sears Tower AND the Hancock building. Might as well go to the Sears Tower since it's the tallest

I would add:
- Field Museum if your kids like natural history, science, dinosaurs, etc.
- Wrigley Field for a Cubs game if you like baseball

I would add to the list the Lincoln Park Zoo. Great zoo and very FREE so you don't feel guilty if wander in and only spend a couple of hours there as you haven't wated your money and can squeeze it in. Have a meal at the Cafe Braur while at the zoo.

I'd add the Museum of Science and Industry. Shedd aquarium is also fun.

I'd add the Museum of Science and Industry. Shedd aquarium is also fun.

David
We go to Chicago a few times a year but have never been to Wrigley Field and a Cub's game. How do I get a schedule and order tickets? Thanks

If there is a kid alive who does not come alive at the Museum of S&I, I've yet to meet him/her. It's definitely worth a several hour stop on your itinerary, and may even make museum-hounds of your kids in years to come (but do bone up, via their website, on what they offer before you arrive - it's vast). I'm a sucker for Lincoln Park Zoo - grew up within walking distance...and if your kids are not familiar with the zoo experience, this is a great place to start.

Take your suits, a picnic thermos,and some blankets/beach towels. Go to the beach, anywhere between (north of)North Avenue (which will give you sand) and Oak Street (sand) - in between, quite a lot of concrete - and deeper water, but it doesn't stop the serious swimmers. Depending on where you're from, it's an exceptional experience for the teens. Across from Water Tower Place, you'll find a Ghiradelli Chocolate Parlor..doubt you'll find anyone in your group opposed to a stop there..Enjoy!

Nope - for all there is to see and do, 3 days barely scratches it! And if it's real hot...think about one of those river or lake boat rides...

Agree with all the above suggestions. If you want a boat ride, I'd suggest the Sea Dog that leaves from Navy Pier--part of it is a speed boat ride which is fun for the kids. Yours are a little old for the American Girl Store, but if they happen to be girls who like dolls, it might be worth a stop. Definitely the Museum of Science and Industry. Be aware that a free trolley runs between many of the downtown attractions--ask about it at your hotel.

Thank you all for the help!!!

My kids enjoyed the water ferry to and from the Planetarium/Aquarium and Navy Pier. It was soooo relaxing at the end of the day1 More so than another cab ride.

I would skip the Hancock Building and add the Sears Tower, Museum of Science and Industry, and the Museum Campus (Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium and Oceanarium, and Planetarium).

There's also the Architectural Tour.
Its on a boat along the Chicago River.
It begins and you can get tickets at the Michigan Ave. Bridge. Walk down the stairs and you'll see it. There are a couple of boat tours that leave from there so make sure you look for the one that you are interested in.

I would skip the Sears Tower and go with the Hancock. It's cheaper and the view is better (closer to the lake). So what if it's not the biggest. I agree with everyone about the LP Zoo. It's my favorate place in summer. Don't forget that the Trolley hits all the big tourist attractions. You pay once and can get on/off all day. Have fun.

I agree with the Hancock instead of Sears Tower. I have always preferred the Hancock for both the view and location. There is nothing you would be interested in doing around the Sears Tower plus security is very tight so it could take you a long time. I really like the architectural tour and the Seadog. I think your kids will love the Seadog. Definetly go to Museum of Science and Industry. I don't really see the attraction of ESPN Zone but the kids do seem to like it. If you are looking to go there to play games, you might want to check out Dave and Busters instead. If you really have 3 full days, you can see alot in Chicago. However if you are arrriving and departing two of those days you could be pressed for time.

You HAVE to go to Shedd if you have kids! It is great for adults and kids. The Museum of Science and Industry is not worth it, go to The Museum near Shedd. Also have to go to Navy Pier and the river tours.