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!

>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.

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.

I checked the route from Chicago to Indy. You'll probably take I-65 through Indiana.

Lafayette has a small zoo. It is also free. It might make a nice break from the driving.

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 $$$$

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/

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.

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.

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

As far as transportation goes, they might be able to take Amtrak to Indy, but I think you'd need a rental car to be able to get around easily in Indianapolis itself.

Debbie, do you live in Lafayette? We lived in West Lafayette for 16yrs.

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!

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!

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.

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 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.

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. )

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....

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.

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! :)

One thing you might consider on the way to or from Indy is a stop at Fair Oaks Dairy. It's a working dairy that has tours every day of their barns and sometimes of their birthing areas. And a great cafe where you can get grilled cheese and ice cream! It's right off the interstate - would probably be easier than the W. Lafayette options...

illnative, oh my gosh!! I was actually going to ask if anyone had ever been to the Fair Oaks Farm, but I thought it was too obscure a request! I would really like to show my kids the experience of a farm, and the delicious food you described as well as the chance to see a calf be born, well, I may just have to make an edit to have Fair Oaks be our pit stop. I'll save Lafayette for the next time. Thanks for your suggestion - it was a hole in one!

Will agree that staying in Chicago makes the most sense. There are lots of great kid-related attractions there, including the Museum of Science and Industry, Shedd Aquarium, and Field Museum.

I've been to the Speedway, and I'd think 2 to 3 hours maximum (including a bus ride around the racetrack) is sufficient. There are lots of cars and motorcycles to see and an informative film plays over the course of the day.

I would definitely not recommend taking Amtrak between Chicago and Indianapolis, as this train normally runs several hours late, especially going back to Chicago from Indianapolis -- it starts in New York and has usually gotten delayed significantly by the end of its run. There are buses that run between, including Greyhound and Megabus, if you don't want to drive.

Hi coryandcarissa,
For Chicago priceline, I'd look at River North, Magnificent Mile, Streeterville, Loop, and Gold Coast -- in that order of preference.
Since you have young children and have plans for Lincoln Park, you four may be more comfortable at the Days Inn LIncoln Park.
Have you looked at quikbook.com for hotels, too? Here are some nicely-located and/or budget hotels:
http://www.casshotel.com/
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/fourpo...ropertyID=1592
http://www.innofchicago.com
Good luck with that hotel!

Been awhile since we've toured Indi although not so long ago to Chicago (my birthplace). First, I'm surprized no one has mentioned Conner Prairie just NE of Indi (near Noblesville) which is called an interactive history park. www.connerprairie.com The Children's Museum is great as I remember it but Conner Prairie is a treat for families...and your really young ones. I think they have added to it since we were there.

As for Chicago, so much to see/do. Already mentioned are the super museums such as Science and Industry or Field Museum, both great for family touring if time permits. But with tiny tots less ambitious activity might well be Lincoln Park Zoo. I don't quite see a bus tour or Millenium Park which will mean walking...maybe just find some place to splash in the water.

Bill in Boston

Carissa, the Navy Pier fireworks end on Labor Day weekend so those won't be happening when you are in town.

Some friends of ours were in town over Memorial Day weekend and I think their kids are 8, 6, and 4 - so a little older than yours. They too were looking for a playground but the kids enjoyed playing in Millennium Park so much that they ended up not going to one. So keep the one already mentioned up in Lincoln Park in mind but for downtown you shouldn't need one. The same kids also enjoyed seeing the dinosaurs at the Field Museum, but I think they were only able to last a few hours there. They seemed equally excited by their first trip to McDonald's in the museum food court...

The Shedd Aquarium is fun and the kids would enjoy it, but if the cost is prohibitive I think you will still see plenty on the trip. I'm a bit biased as a museum member but don't rule out The Art Institute! The admission for the kids is free, for adults it's $18 per person, and free on Thursday evenings. There is a section for children in the lower level as well as the Thorne Miniature Room which a lot of kids think is neat. You even see a lot of kids making brief tours through the Impressionist exhibit with their parents. So you could do the kids area, the miniatures, and a few paintings easily. They are slowly bringing back the Arms and Armor collection as well, so you can check out a few suits of armor. My mother used to take me when I was in a stroller with no problems so it can be done! It's only a few blocks south of Millennium Park.

We have a family travel blog and just this week we published a post on Indianapolis. It's an awesome city for families and that's coming to a dad that's explored the city with our 2 toddlers! I wondered if you have a little flexibility with your schedule. Could you do the Children's Museum on 9/27 and the Speedway on 9/26? Others have said this, but the Indianapolis Zoo is fantastic. It's my favorite zoo and I've been to lots of them, including the San Diego Zoo. I think a great day is spending the day at the zoo and then going just across the river to a night game at Victory Field. It's a great minor league ballpark and really fun to just get general admission tickets and just sit on the lawn just beyond the outfield fence. The game is more like background music and you can enjoy some peanuts and cracker jacks. The Indianapolis Museum of Art is incredible. Perusing the art may not be on your agenda with toddlers, but teh 100 Acres surrounding the IMA are great for kids to explore an urban park and see some wildlife. We've got lots of other tips up on our site at FamilyTrek.org. The specific post with 9 ideas for family fun in Indy is at http://bit.ly/nu3zD5. We also have a post on the site up about Chicago. We love Chicago but for some reason our most recent trip there the universe was conspiring against us and we had a not so good trip. Don't let that deter you! Regarding parks for the kids.... we've found that our kids love playgrounds but they're really happy in urban parks that aren't necessarily designed for kids. as rough as Chicago was on us in many ways, we have great memories of watching our son run around Millennium Park. He loved looking at his reflection in the famous Bean, climbing on the steps, running around the fountains, etc. The Chicago Aquarium is also great as well as Navy Pier.

If you want to consider taking the train from Chicago to Indy.... my personal opinion is that you could do without a car in Indy. Each person has their own needs and preferences.... but as a dad that travels with 2 toddlers.... it can be done. The 2 things I would probably rule out though at that point would be the Motor Speedway and the IMA as they are sort of "out of the way." But you could spend a few days all in the downtown area.... Children's Museum, Zoo, ballgame at Victory Field, renting a boat to take down the canal, horse-drawn carriage ride around the city, etc. Depends on how much you want to see the Motor Speedway and whether you strongly prefer having your own wheels. By the way, you can find our FamilyTrek.org post on Chicago at http://bit.ly/qKdkXp

Clark, like you Indi description. shows every city has its points. As for Chicago travel with such a young child has to be a challenge...sleeping patterns at home are erratic (our grandchild). Chicago windy? Of course...but so much to see and do!

IMHO, I would forego the Fair Oaks Dairy.

Instead, if you are driving, consider this, as I think that all members of your family will enjoy it. www.tcha.mus.in.us/feast.htm

There are shuttle busses to Fort Ouiatenon from various points in Lafayette and West Lafayette.

Also, when you are in Chicago:
www.naturemuseum.org

P.S. You need a car in the Indianapolis area.

You could go to Feast of the Hunter's Moon mentioned above in West Lafayette, it is a family affair and everyone seems to have a good time, but it is also very crowded.

Second the idea of going straight from O'Hare to a downtown hotel.
Shedd Aquarium would be great for the kids. You could do that and Millenium Park/Grant Park the same day. Also, the Lincoln Park Zoo, Nature Museum and Conservatory are all in the same area, so do them on the same day.
I would highly recommend the Science Museum for the adults and the kids, especially if they like planes, trains, submarines and dollhouses.

Re: Feast of the Hunters Moon
Just as with anything worthwhile, it will get crowded as the day progresses. You just have to pick your times. Go early and then, when the crowds start gathering, depart.

IMHO, Fair Oaks Farm is not indicative of a traditional family-run livestock farm/dairy. Instead it is what many livestock/dairy operations have become.

P.S. As a brief explanation for the last sentence, this is one of the largest dairies in the country. Not a farm with some milking cows.

Others have recommended Chicago locations. Re: Indy: you might want to consider a visit to Connor Prairie.

http://www.connerprairie.org/

Thanks to all for your continued help and advice for our upcoming trip! I just wanted to give you all an update as to how our itinerary has evolved with the addition of all of your suggestions.

We have decided to go straight from O'Hare to the city and check into our downtown hotel, which will be the Inn of Chicago. Due to my husband's employer we were able to get the hotel for $125 a night which is actually about the cost of hotels being won on Priceline for that time period due to conventions in town. Will be a great location just off Michigan Avenue! Was still able to make use of Priceline for our last night before an early morning departure and won the 4 star Hyatt Regency O'Hare for only $50 bucks!

Will also add the Shedd Aquarium to the itinerary as a filler activity due to popular recommendation. Had the greatest call the other day when a lady from the Indy Speedway called me and asked if we would be able come to the "Grounds Tour" on Monday instead of Tuesday - I couldn't believe it, it worked out perfect! Saved us having to rush to Indy to make the Children's Museum on Sunday, as well as saved us having to pay for an extra day with the rental car, etc. Will now be able to enjoy a leisurely drive from Chicago to Indy on Sunday (with a short stop in Hammond to have a Nostalgia Tour of my Grandma & Grandpa's house there) and also will try to make a stop at Fair Oaks Farms and/or Conner Prairie on Sunday, depending on interest and energy in the group after a late night before at the wedding reception. My husband may be going to the Colts vs. Steelers game that night as well, but shouldn't detour from our activities since it is a late 8:20pm kickoff.

Now to find all the best places to eat, and that one quintessential deep dish Chicago pizza place. Time to start searching the forums... thanks again!