We are planning 3 days in Chicago with our children end of Sept. We used to live there but that was 7 years ago and haven't been back since. We are staying at the Renaissance. We are not going to do all the museums because we just don't want to overload them. Given their ages, what museums do you think would be best? Also we have heard about Millenium Park (it wasn't constructed when we left in 99) Is there alot to do there? We also do plan on going to the zoo. Any other suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

What about the Navy Pier and the aquarium?

Millenium park is fun, with a garden to roam through and if it's warm enough kids play in the fountain. The bean can take time with a 2 yr old and a 4 yr old looking and running around. The children's museum at Navy Pier may be fun too. The zoo would be fun. For indoors, the children's museum and maybe the aquarium.

I highly recommend the Aquarium - it's one of the nicest ones in the U.S. IMO.

Let the kids run around in the Park - a great space. I don't know if concerts will be running at the end of September, but if they are you can pack a picnic and let the kiddies run and have fun.

http://www.millenniumpark.org/

Also, you can rent bicycles and ride along the Lake. We rented a quad (older kids) and had a blast.

I really enjoyed Millenium Park, and I'm not a kid but I think they would enjoy that. Also loved the zoo ( and its free!), thought the gorillas/monkey pavillions were fantastic! The aquarium was fun,great underground dolphin pool, but there was a HUGE line to get in on the weekend so probably best to go early. Navy Pier would also be a good choice to explore with young kids. Have fun!

Thanks for all of the advice. Hopefully the weather will be good and we will be outside alot so Millenium Park, zoo and biking sound like good ideas. I think I have decided not to spend $ for city passes at museums. I think we will only head to the Shedd if we do any. thanks again

My boys at that age loved the children's museum in Napierville. We spent several hours there o a rainy afternoon... which saved us from being cooped up in the hotel room. Might be a good idea to have in your back pocket! Enjoy... we have such good memories of Chicago with them.

if you have girls, go to the American Girl Place--I even love it and do not have young children. Just a visit to walk around in there is fun. There is a musuem of industry or something like that that is closer to univ of chicago area--not sure of exact name that would be fun. We visited there and thought it was more for young people or children.
Maybe the museum of natural history would be good--have never seen it personally, but sounds good.
Maybe a boat ride. maybe a visit to the top of the sears tower or john hancock bldg

Navy Pier has a wonderful totally hands-on children's museum. Also, not mentioned but very close to Lincoln Park Zoo is the Peggy Notebart Nature Museum with a butterfly garden. Kids of all ages love it. The Millenium Park fountain is unique - there are two fountains and in the plaza between them the water never gets higher than 2 inches. When it's warm out there are loads of kids splashing in it. There're also two very nice neighborhood parks with playgrounds - check at the hotel for exact location. The gardens at Millenium Park are nice to walk through but not especially enticing for little kids. The baan sculpture "Cloudscape" will be fun to see. The zoo also has a farm area that most little kids love. Have fun.