chicago w/ kids
 

I am going to chicago for easter with wife and a 13 and 10 year old. We are staying in the Buffalo Grove area and wanted to know some things to do for a weeks stay.

There is plenty of info that has already been posted that will answer this question. Do a Chicago search and you will get lots of great info.

Health World, in Barrington, a little north of Dundee Road, is a huge, hands on museum that really appeals to kids. You'll learn a few things yourself, too. Farther north, in Libertyville, is Independence Grove Nature Preserve, with a lake, nature center, bike paths and hiking trails. On Milwaukee Avenue, on the border of Northbrook and Glenview, there is a neat historic settlement called The Grove. They have reenactments of pioneer living and a nature museum, plus some walking trails. Other threads on this site can give you ideas for downtown Chicago; Navy Pier is popular with that age group (IMAX Theatre, Ferris Wheel, Children's Museum, though it's really for those under 10.) Buffalo Grove is about an hour's ride from downtown.

If you are doing the city I will mention what my kids enjoy. I have a 9yr. old boy and 12yr. old girl. He loves ESPN Zone which is an arcade/sports restuarant while she loves the American Girl Doll store and the Gap Store which is closest to the river on Michigan Ave(because it is so HUGE) The Lego store is also across the street from that. All the museums are fabulous including the Science & Industry, the Aquarium and the Planetarium. I believe they have an exhibit at the Field Museum regarding artifacts from royalty in China. We have taken our kids to the Art Institute. They saw Van Gogh and Gaughin exhibit but they wouldn't say it was their favorite. They love going up the Sears Tower and eating at Ed Debevics. If you are considering doing a few museums, I would look into getting a City Pass. It could save you some money. I don't know where your from but a subway ride is always fun. We pack a backpack and park in the city and just walk everywhere or there is also a free trolley, if your willing to wait. My daughter also loves IKEA in Schaumberg. It's a really cool home furnishings store. Have Fun

Things To Do in Buffalo Grove!
Hi,
When you're all tired out from the day of events but the kids still want to keep going, there is the $2 movie theater in Buffalo Grove ($1 on Tuesdays!). The theater is clean, screens are big, seats are comfortable and it beats watching a movie on cable TV. BG movie theater is located in a strip mall on the NW corner of Lake Cook Rd. and Route 83.

In the same strip mall, just farther north is a nice, relaxing used and new book store for browsing. I've seen the owner's pet wandering around with kids following trying to pet it.

Have a sweet tooth?
The Long Grove Confectionery Outlet (chocolate and other sweet treats) is tucked away in Buffalo Grove on a business center drive/industrial office area on Lexington Drive near Lake Cook Road in Buffalo Grove. Try the chocolate-dipped mini poundcakes shaped like a lamb, if there are any still for sale!

Restaurant Row in that area is located on Milwaukee Avenue, near Lake Cook Rd. just about 10 minutes east of the movie theater. From Lake Cook Rd. going East, exit at Milwaukee Avenue and notice all the restaurants down on the right including RAM, Bucca Di Beppo, and Pete Miller's. Farther down on Milwaukee Avenue but on the left (east side of the street) is Bob Chinn's Crab House, Le Francais, and Hackney's for burgers. If ya get to Hackney's, have the kids share the Onion Loaf -- it's an onion ring-like appetizer clumped into a giant, greasy yet yummy mound on the plate!

Farther from Buffalo Grove but still in the Northwest Suburban area of Chicago is a Medieval knights jousting dinner theater for the whole family. It's called Medieval Times and it's just west of Schaumburg, home to Woodfield Mall. You eat the chicken dinner they serve you with your bare hands while the family watches costumed knights on actual horses jousting and performing before you in the arena. Take Route 53 South from Buffalo Grove at Lake Cook Road to get there.

Try the website www.switchboard.com to get phone numbers, addresses and maps for any places in Buffalo Grove and in the U.S.

Ann :)

P.S. Check out the website www.metromix.com to find out more things to do in Chicago. Metromix, I think, is owned by the Chicago Tribune newspaper company.

You could spend three days at the Museum of Science & Industry.

Bob Chinn's is the best seafood you'll ever find in the midwest... flown in fresh daily! Don't miss.

Have a good time!

We bought the city pass when we were there last year over the July 4th weekend. The cost savings wasn't much since we only went to 3 of the attractions, but if you have the city pass you don't have to wait in line. After a morning at the aquarium, we arrived at the Field Museum to find an incredibly long line. With our city pass, we were able to walk right in.

if you are still on here, get the new Chicago magazine, it's all about what to do with kids.
zoo, navy pier-childrens museum, museum of science and industry, rainforest cafe, pizza....

You may know this, but there is commuter train service from Buffalo Grove to Chicago Union Station. Here is the link to the schedule:

http://metrarail.com/Sched/ncs/ncs.shtml

It appears that it only runs on weekdays. I would recommend this over trying to drive in during the week. If you hit rush hour, you could easily be in your car for two hours, and parking downtown is expensive.

In addition to the other suggestions provided, two of Chicago's classic pizza places have restaurants in Buffalo Grove: Giordano's (in the same strip mall as the theater referenced above), and my personal favorite, Lou Malnati's nearby on Lake Cook Rd.

I don't think anyone has mentioned Long Grove Village, which is a shopping area with some interesting gift and antique shops in the next suburb west. Take Lake Cook west to Arlington Heights Rd., go north and follow the signs.
http://www.longgroveonline.com/

Have fun!