Any ideas for things for 2 Moms, and daughters ages 8, 10, 16? We will be staying at the Swisshotel Fri, and the Hilton on Sat. We will do a little shopping and check out the American Girl store, but would appreciate other ideas - events, sights, restaurants. Will be the first trip for 2 of them. Thanks.

Jodi:

You picked a crazy weekend to hit Michigan Avenue. The Lights Festival and Parade is Saturday -- it's the busiest shopping day of the year. Expect crowds like you've never seen before, and anticipate a serious wait to get into American Girl.

For a little less frantic scene, the window displays are up at the Field's on State Street, and you could try for a lunch in the Walnut Room with the big Christmas tree. There's also an Old Navy across the street, and a Boarders.

There's also a Giordano's Pizza not far from the Swisshotel on Stetson (behind the Hyatt Regency) for stuffed pizza.

Navy Pier will have an IMAX theatre, but it's really at it's best in the summer, and the girls are probably too old for the Children's Museum. I would opt for the aquarium or Field instead -- both walking distance from the Hilton (although it's supposed to be nippy Sat., so bring ear covers).

Enjoy your visit.

HTH,
Racy

While it will be busy this weekend, it basicially is pretty busy from now until Christmas every day. You should check out the Lights festival and parade if you haven't seen it before. It is pretty cool. The girls might enjoy lunch or dinner at either the Cheesecake Factory in the John Hancock building or Grand Lux Cafe (a new restaurant on Michigan Avenue that is owned by Cheesecake Factory). They are usually crowded though so expect to wait. You might also consider afternoon tea. I go to the Four Seasons every year and love. A lot of posters on this website have said the tea at the Drake is great, too. You will need a reservation and I would make one as soon as possible. If you are interested in visiting a museum, I would recommend the Museum of Science and Industry. It is a little further south in Hyde Park so it would be easiest for you to drive or take a cab if you don't have a car. Other restaurant ideas: Scoozi (an Italian restaurant that caters to kids and it is nice enough that you will enjoy it, too. They give the kids pizza dough to play with while waiting for dinner), Ed Debevic's (fun place for kids - the waitstaff act silly and perform for you), California Pizza Kitchen (a chain but good simple food for the kids). Have a great weekend.

Your getting some terrific ideas. The Chicago Art Institute is a great musuem which everyone might enjoy. I would avoid the Cheesecake Factory, unless you get there at odd hours-very long wait usually. Or, put your name on the list and do some shopping in the area and check back periodically. Ed Debevics is a great idea-not as busy, not right on Michigan Avenue so it seems to be a little less crowded. I dont have the web site handy, but I think if you go to the Chicago Tribune site you can get a list of events connected to the Lights Festival which starts this weekend.

You are in for some lousy weather this weekend, which may hold down the crowds, but....
Definitely get to American Girl on Friady, and early. A nice topper is lunch at the Signature Room on the 95th floor of the Hancock. I've taken three of my nieces there in the last year, and all of them loved it. No reservations needed. Don't bother if the weather is cloudy.

Field Museum is a great recommendation, as is the Art Institute. There is a lot for all ages at these two places. I cannot recommend Navy Pier in bad weather. A final thought might be the Dance Chicago series at the Atheneum Theatre, in a typical Chicago neighborhood about 15-20 minute from N. Michigan Avenue. See chireader.com or metromix.com for theatre and music offerings.

Depending on where you are from (not from NYC, for instance), I would also suggest a ride on the El. The line that circles the loop and then heads North towards Wrigley Field is one of the great sightseeing public transportation trips in America. No kidding.

The Art Institute is so great-they will recognize some of the famous impressionist art and remember where they saw the original. Kids also like the Science Museum.

Another thought: every little girl should see the Nutcracker. Unfortunately, it doesn't open until December 6. However, there is a sneak preview at the Peninsula Hotel Saturday afternoon. You might want to check that out. You can get more information at www.metromix.com.

Thanks so much! These are great ideas... will definitely have a good time. So, you can get into the preview? Would anyone recommend the gospel brunch at the House of blues?