pat

I am sending my daughter and her husband to chicago for three days...as a surprise birthday gift. would like to fill the three days with fun...suggestions? they are in there late twenties...and I'll be babysitting, so they can enjoy a few days alone!

Kris

You could get them tickets for something like Blue Man Group or Second City. You can preorder tickets through www.ticketmaster.com.

Take a look at www.877chicago.com, they have some ideas on weekend getaways, lisitings for festivals, etc..

Also take a look at www.metromix.com, they will have info on plays, etc. that are in town.

Donna

A Cubs game should be part of the "fun" suggestions.

Jim Rosenberg

Pat, what a great thing to do! The previous suggestions are good, too. In addition to picking up an event/activity or two, remember that when it comes to planning for someone else, less may often be more. Affordable, quality time alone for younger parents is a rare commodity. Leave plenty of time for them to explore on their own, walk the Mag Mile, stop in a hole-in-the-wall club, find a neat lunch spot, etc. You're doing something really thoughtful!

Richard

Ditto for Blue Man or Second City. I would put Second City as a "must see." Also Steppenwolf for live theater, the Art Institute (you can spend an entire day there).
If you're Catholic, there's a great interactive show called "Late Nite Catechism" that will be a flasback for you.

pat

thank you for all the great suggestions..and yes, I agree Jim that sometimes "less is more"! with small children, a sleep-in morning with room service could be the highlight of their trip! I do think I'll reserve a spot at Second City...seems as though everyone thinks it's great. what is the dress?

thanks again everyone, and if you are ever on the gulf coast...I will return the favor!

M-M-M

They might also like the Museum of Contemporary Art's (MCA) Friday night "parties."

Also, if they go to the John Hancock Building, I'd skip the Observatory and go to the bar, instead. The drinks are pricey, but you can sit in a comfortable chair and soak in the views. Get there early and scout out a good seat since it tends to get busy.

For breakfast, I'd recommend they eat at Albert's Patisserie located at 74 West Elm which is between Dearborn and Clark Streets (Gold Coast area). Very cozy and cute and the food is yummy, presented beautifully and not terribly expensive. I went there every weekend for about 5 years. It's a place known more by the locals than tourists.

For a fun Spanish-feeling restaurant, I like Cafe Iberico on LaSalle Street just south of Chicago Avenue. The place feels like a tapas bar in Spain. Order a 1/2 pitcher or pitcher of Sangria and then just sit back and enjoy. It's a hopping place, though, and not fancy, but very lively and fun. Take a cab to and fro, though, since there are a few "iffy" blocks in the area that tourists could stray into.

another pat

pat: dress at Second City is very casual.

pat

I think I have made a very serious mistake...I should have booked a trip for myself to chicago! thanks for the suggestions...they all sound like a great time!

dot

I would suggest an Architectural Boat Tour on the Chicago River. Interesting and relaxing. They could purchase tickets at North Pier which is near Navy Pier which they should enjoy also.

Mel

Another suggestion:
Chicago has so many great restaurants. Maybe you can get them A Lettuce Entertain You gift certificate.
I think you can purchase these at www.leye.com and there are more than 20 restaurants to choose from.