illnative

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...

coryandcarissa

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!

bachslunch

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.

ChgoGal

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!

Ozarksbill

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

Maria_E

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.

Clark_Vandeventer

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.

Clark_Vandeventer

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

Ozarksbill

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!

exiledprincess

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.

cd

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.

andrews98682

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.

exiledprincess

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.

exiledprincess

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.

rncheryl

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

http://www.connerprairie.org/

coryandcarissa

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!