that would be Meremac Caverns

I'm afraid I can't contrast the two as I haven't been to St. Louis for many, many years. But I too am very surprised at how stacked the posts are for St. Louis, esp. the one who says that Chicago is dirty and has no culture!

Although the kids probably wouldn't be interested in a lot of the culture that Chicago has (theater, opera, ballet, symphony, museums, ethnic neighborhoods and festivals, every kind of cuisine), there are certainly plenty of activities to entertain children. In addition to the list that Scott put together, there is the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum near the Lincoln Park Zoo that has a wonderful butterfly garden, the American Girl doll store near Michigan Avenue (provided your older children are girls), the Botanic gardens, the Shedd Aquarium, the Adler Planetarium.

And in my opinion, Chicago looks nicer every year. The lakefront is beautiful, the parks have more and more new flowers and trees every year, the streets are kept clean.

Both are probably a good choice but I was very surprised to see how many homeless Chicago had.

Chicago
Navy Pier
Museum of Science and Industry
Field Museum
Lincoln Park Zoo
Peggy Norbteum sp? Museum (butterfly musem)
Shedd Aquarium
Grant Park

thanks for all the info...you all gave me a lot to consider

anyone else?

St. Louis. It is a cleaner city, much more easier to get around and has some of the best places to eat.

What areas in each city are you considering staying in?

There is a reason why year after year, big conventions,family reunions,honeymoons,etc.are booked in Chicago!The city offers so much to so many. Chicago is one of the cleanest cities (especially for a huge city);people are known to be helpful,etc.;lots to see and do and eat;and is continually ranked as one of the top destinations for families to explore. It truly is the big city made up of many little cities within it.Having lived in Indy-I would say that you can be in Chicago in about 3 hours and you will thoroughly enjoy the fall season there.Hands down there is no comparison between the two for a family vacation-your kids will have a terrific time with all that they can see and do in Chicago.

All cities have their pros and cons but if you are going to start quoting stats St. Louis is certainly ranked very high in many areas. It is the 18th largest metropolitan area in the United States.
It ranks 6th in Fortune 500 for companies headquarters (Emerson, A&B, to name a few). It was also ranked 2nd for entrepreneurial businesses. It is growing by leaps and bounds because it is such a family friendly city. It is a wonderful place to visit. Be sure to take in a game, visit the Planetarium, see the City Museum and Arch. I also agree it is much cleaner compared to Chicago and is MUCH easier to get around.

I vote for Chicago, unless you want to see some good baseball... then St. Louis wins it. St. Louis is the greatest baseball town, especially with the post-season fever going on right now. There's a ten-game home stand coming up Sept. 20-29. Go to www.stlcardinals.com for easy ticket ordering.

But I love Chicago for their great museums. Was just there last weekend. Shedd Aquarium is supposedly the largest in the World (I think I read that before, maybe this is not accurate.) The Science and Industry Museum has this great submarine that you can explore. The Field Museum has "Sue", the largest T-Rex skeleton ever found. The Art Institute is a beautiful building all by itself. These are just the big ones, but many other smaller, lesser known attractions are abundant, I'm sure. Great Pizza! (St. Louis has great Italian food on the Hill.)

The architecture in downtown Chicago is amazing, to me. Public transport system is great in Chicago.

Happy planning!

Sandi

I can't believe Jessie thinks Chicago is dirty and has no culture. When were you in Chicago? I think Chicago is very clean for a big city. No culture - what does that mean?? However, many of the reasons I enjoy Chicago is for the theater and fine dining restaurants which your young children might not enjoy. But there is still so much for children to do. Chicago has some of the best museums, great zoos and as others have said great pizza for the kids. I can't believe there are people that think there isn't enough to do in Chicago.

I lived in indy for 7 years and went to chicago & st. louis frquently for business and pleasure - don't know if you are considering driving or flying, but the drive to and from st.louis - indy is HORRIBLE - Chicago has so much more to offer than st. louis and such an easier drive/flight!

Chicago. For kids the museums are amazing. Art Institute, Brookfield Zoo, Museum of Science and Industry, The Field Museum(home to "Sue") Navy Pier, Wrigley field, Michigan Ave, Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain, Sears Tower, Hancock Observatory, Adler Plantaterium, deep dish pizza (Due's). I haven't been downtown yet this summer (I live in the suburbs), but I've lived around it my whole life.It's a great city. Hope you have fun.

St. Louis. So much to see and a much easier town to travel around. The Muny in Forest Park does some great theater. Ted Drews is a must. The Zoo is one of the best in the nation and it is free.

unless you want to go to six flags I would pick Chicago

Six Flags is about 45 minutes from St. Louis.

I grew up in St. Louis and can't STAND the place, however...

The City Museum is hands-down the most fabulous place for kids I've ever seen. It is actually worth going to St. Louis just to go to it. It would take me too long here to explain why, but I guarantee it would be an unforgettable experience for your kids.

So even if you choose Chicago this trip, keep it in mind for the next trip to STL.

Chicago...

Sorry Jessie..but people are friendly in Chicago. I've visited both cities numerous times. People in STL don't speak unless they know you , or as St. Louisians are known for "went to high school with you" Chicago people are funnier, too..have a better personality. Go to Chicago (have you never been there after living so close??!!!)


Chicago Chicago Chicago Chicago Chicago

Sorry Sister,
I have been to both numerous times over the past 30 years and it is my experience. St. Louis has much more for kids and families.

Interesting thread. If you were wanting to visit one or the other for a good party then I would have to give it to Chicago. But for good clean family fun, with lots of things to do and see, I would have to give it to St. Louis.