Chicago bound
 

Hi! Coming to the Windy City in June with 3 kids (15, 10, 9) Any suggestions for hotels, eating, activities, etc. appreciated. Has anyone stayed at the W hotel lakefront?<BR>Thanx

My cousin and his wife stayed there last year when it first opened and they did not like it, but maybe service has improved. I think a better location might be west of Michigan Avenue, in the thick of that newly developing hotel/restaurant/entertainment area, at somewhere like the Hilton Garden Inn or Embassy Suites. The W is right on Lake Shore Drive, but in a sort of isolated position, would be less for the kids to do in the immediate area, if you were going to let them do little excursions on their own.

Lincoln park zoo is good, the art institue and Field museum are great if your kids are into that kind of stuff. Go to a Cubs Game!

The Science and Industry Museum, Natural History and Acquarium (which is next to the Nat Hist) are all great for kids of all ages. Rent bikes and ride along the river. Take one of the architecture boat tours. And go to the Navy pier, which is always lively. CHicago is a great city for kids.

Take them to Ed Devebic's, a fun milkshake-burger joint not far from Michigan Ave.

Embassy suites (2 locations-one ner Mich ave and one by Navy Pier) or Homewood suites would be good choices. Stay in the Mag Mile area. Ed Debevics is great for kids. Also, they may enjoy Michael Jordans restaurant (but it's a little pricey). I believe there's an ESPN Zone-good for sports fans; Pizza places, Billy Goat Inn(?) Great things to do-the Shedd Aquarium, field Musuem, Cubs or White Sox games, shopping on Magnificent Mile, Broadcasting Musuem is fairly interesting, American Girl store for girls(in Mag mile area). Other posters have good ideas. Rock and Roll McDonald;s-it's near ed debevics. Also, chicago Art Institute

Michael Jordan's restaurant closed. I think he is still a silent partner at 160 Blue but that is expensive and not particularly suitable for children. Lots of other great suggestions above.