Chicago jazz fest with child
 

2nd time to Chicago. This time with boyfriend and 7 1/2 year old daughter. Staying at Hotel Burhnam and planning on the Jazz Fest, Navy Pier, Aquarium, Field Museum, Hancock Tower and of course American Girl Place (and I think there's a toy preview of some sort happening). Probably plenty to keep us busy, but if you have any suggestions that are both adult and kid friendly please share! I was hoping to see Lion King again, but it's not playing...any reviews on the "Disney" show that's playing? Is "Witch" kid friendly? Swalter, PatG, Hipster and others, I know you'll help me out :)

Now I'm thinking Blue Man Group might be the way to go. Do you think trying to get 1st row seats would be overkill? I've never been to this theatre so I'm unsure of the visuals.

First row seats will guarantee that you will have to wear a rain slick (for which they will glady provide) :)

seetheworld - yeah! i'm all up for that :) but, is it one of those theatres you see more of what's happening on stage if you're back a few rows?

I can't speak for this particular theater b/c I saw it in Boston. But it is the type of show that involves the audience no matter where you sit. I wouldn't want to sit in the first few rows of any show b/c it's not that comfortable for your neck, not to mention perspiration and spit flying!

It's a great, unique show, but I must warn you very, very loud. In fact, they give you ear plugs to avoid hearing damage (no joke-they post a sign warning of the potential) and we used them - only you would know if the 7 1/2 yr. old would be freaked out by loud noises. Hope this helps.

If warm weather ever comes to Chicago (I'm thinking Sept. should be in the 90s!!!!), you might go out for a boat ride on Lake Michigan. I don't know that the 7 1/2 year old would like the architectural cruises but there is also the Sea Dog which is a fast boat and the Windy, a schooner sailboat. Here's a website with comparison of all the boat tours

http://www.chicagotraveler.com/boat_tours

I think first row would be a bit close for Blue Man.

BTW, Lion King is coming back to Chicago, just not until sometime in 2005 (I think it's June and July and tickets will go on sale way before then).

seethe and kristi -- yes, i think if we do blue we will sit further back. i didn't realize it was so loud, but it looks like so much fun! we'll talk about it. boat tour sounds good too. i'm from seattle so we have a lot of typical "big city" things to do here as well, but if you think of any other really specific chicago must do's, please share. thanks!

How about the Adler Planetarium - never been there but it is on my list of things to do in Chicago.

Also, Second City has a program for children called "Big Bad Wolf and His Gaggy Gang" - here is the link to see if appropriate:
http://www.secondcity.com/theatre/ch...main/index.asp

Have a great time!

I've taken all my kids to the Jazz Fest since they were babies. Bring a blanket (and a plastic liner if the ground is damp) We always sit toward the back so the guys can toss a frisbee and visit with the police horses. Don't bring any alcohol- they'll confiscate it. We try to bring our own beverages and snacks, and buy one or two things to break up the evening.

When their website starts working again, go to chicagoplays.com to see what will be playing on Labor Day. Also, there is a family game fest at Navy Pier that weekend. Really, the only thing you need to do is find something to do in case of bad weather.

Jazz Fest.
Hot days, especially if you wait in line for the seating area, and the nights are cool, sweater cool.
Hope for dry weather.

Thanks for the advice and the websites. I will check them out. I was there mid-September last year and the weather was great! I'll hope for the same :)

Decided to go for Blue Man group and went for 6th row center tix. May take some ear muffs for daughter :) Thanks all.

I did not post back after this trip and I wanted to thank everyone for their input. My daughter fell in love with Chicago and begs me to go back. She says it was better than Disneyland! Lucky for me! We took the CTA into town from the airport, no problem, stops about a block from Hotel Burnham. Very nice hotel, we got a special rate and it was a great location for us. Fairly small room though (could barely bring in a table for room service) but otherwise very nice. It was convenient being next to Marshall Fields (Labor Day sales) and we checked in for the visitor perks. The Jazz fest was wonderful. Of course we got the Citipass and did as much as we could, John Hancock Tower, Field Museum, Shedd, etc. Daughter loved American Girl place, other than that we didn't spend a lot of time shopping. Leaving that for another trip. The weather was great, just as it was the previous September when I took a solo trip. Blue Man Group was a highlight as well. I opted for the 6th row (row just behind the tarp section). Boyfriend and daughter LOVED it and we hope they visit us in Seattle! The Lion King was not playing, but just went here in Seattle a few weeks ago, just as fabulous as at the Cadillac Palace Theatre. We made a visit to Navy Pier for the little one, went on some rides. We did make it to Garrett's, but not back to Cafe Iberico :(, we had a lot of good food though...too much! I also have to say Chicago's transit system is the best! What a beautiful city I can't wait to go back!

I'm glad you had a good time. I recall with fondness my parents taking me to events like JazzFest, Bluesfest, etc.. when I was young. I bet your daughter will remember it with fondness too. I took my neice on the Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier when she was 6 years old and she still talks about it 3 years later.