chicago attraction, hotels, transportation help
 

My teenage son and I will be in Chicago for 2 days and then taking Amtrak to Glacier Nat'l Park. I have read many treads RE:Chicago but need a little help from Fodorites..Thanks in advance. We will arrive midday at O'Hare and will take the El to downtown. Currently have reservations at Comfort Inn downtown. I would appreciate any feedback on hotel.I have been trying to get a deal on a 4 Star hotel on priceline but haven't been successful as of yet. As far as attractions, we are thinking Sears Tower, Chicago shoreline cruise, Shedd Aquarium, and either the Field Museum or Museum of Science and Industry. Also saw a Segway tour that looks cool..Has anyone done this??? Unfortunately shopping is not his thing so I will have to come back another time for that. How do I get from downtown to the Amtrak station??Would also like to try some good pizza and any other suggestions are greatly welcome.. Thank You everyone.

Museum of Sci and Industry is hands on, kind of oriented to young kids, IMHO. Field Museum is more historical: Indians, dinosaurs, bones, stuff like that. My teens much enjoyed the later more as older children.

Not sure what the Segway tour is. What are you touring?

Sears tower is good, perhaps planitarium or art institute if that is an interest. Lots of people do Millenium Park but i don't quite understand it. The best part is the bean...a walk through should do it.

The Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier is pretty cool. A little people watching on N. Michigan Ave is fun and perhaps a river boat tour from the Michigan ave bridge is an idea.

Lots of pizza choices and lots of debate on that: Consider Uno's, Gino's, Malnatti's for "Chicago style" za.

Most Amtrak trains (maybe all for all I know) come out of Union Station. Adams and Canal.

Have fun!

Segway tours are for those who don't like to exercise, walk or do anything. No need to use any energy. You just stand there on this little bike like thing and look silly realy
http://www.citysegwaytours.com/

Thank You both for the input.The Field Museum it is.. As for the Segway tour-it is a tour of the downtown area similiar to a walking tour only on a segway. Thought a teenager would enjoy this as an alernative. earlxx-It isn't that we dont exercise or dislike walking(do it everyday), i'm also thinking what a teen would enjoy and since these are a new thing thought it would be fun.

The Comfort Inn is at what address?

Take some time to just walk and enjoy the city. The Segway lakefront tour is fun (though expensive, about $60) and will keep a teen's interest more than a walking tour. I think it's a good compromise. The Field Museum is another good suggestion for a short visit. If you are going on a weekend, get there early.

Amtrak leaves from Union Station; enter from either Adams Street or Jackson just after you cross the river. BTW, it's very close to Sears Tower, so you may want to choose that for your last activity. If not, the John Hancock Building has a better location and similar views; you can stop in at the 95th restaurant for a drink or lunch.

I can't speak for Chicago, but we took the Segway tour in San Antonio and it was the most fun we've ever had. My kids were 16 and 13. Your son will love it.

Of course, we don't like to exercise, walk or do anything. Just look silly. ;)

Check out Giordano's for pizza. Avoid Uno's. Union Station is downtown, so you won't have problem getting there. With luggage, it might be easiest just to take a cab, instead of a long walk or trying to pull your luggage onto a crowded bus. For transit info and a good map, check out

www.transitchicago.com

Also try this site for info on the free trolleys that are available

http://tinyurl.com/ewave

For city views, the Hancock is much better than the Sears Tower. Also stopping at the Sears Tower on your way to the train station might be difficult. They probably won't let you bring your luggage up and the coat room may not handle a lot of baggage.

Also the Museum of Science and Industry is well worth seeing as an adult. It is not a children's museum and it is massive, with a tremendous range of exhibits. However, I would still stick with the Field Museum, since it is right downtown, and you only have two days. Also, the Shedd is next door if you have time.

Sounds like a good plan! Also I know people think the Navy Pier is cheesy, but whenever I go there I think, "this would be great for kids!"

As for the Segway tour: What does your son think? I think it's goofy, myself, but my boss just LOVES it. I rag on him about how nerdy it is, but he doesn't care. He wants one for himself now. So, to each his own!

Is the Comfort Inn at 15 E Ohio? This is where I'll be staying. We should both post our reports here and on Trip Advisor.

I was told, good location and nothing negative.

And I will be taking Amtrak to Emeryville, and it looks like a bus may be an option, but a taxi is better taking you door to door.

Everyone,
Thank you again for the input. I appreciate the time. Yes it's a lakefront segway tour and sounds cool. The Comfort Inn - 15 E. Ohio. Fodorites are the best. Thanks again.

If you're going to the Field Museum, you should purchase ticket in advance as the King Tut exhibit is currently running and they frequently sell out.

If you're arriving before 9:30 am or after 3:00, you can catch the Water Tower Express Bus (number 125) in front of Union Station and it will drop you right at your hotel. If you'll have lots of luggage, a cab is probably your best bet.

If most of your activities will be near the lake, you may want to think about going to the observatory at the Hancock Building rather than Sears Tower. It's more central to the other attractions.