chicago- with children
 

we are considering spending a few days in chicago next summer with two children 10 and 12 years old. what is there to do in chicago for that age group?

Thanks

Melissa

Omigosh, where does one begon?

Shed's Aquarium is a wonderful and unique place. Sharks, whales, etc...

navy Pier - need I say more?
ESPNZone- IS that in fact still in Chicago? It is a fun, loud, place for teens, copius amounts of food, etc...
Are they interested in Museums? omigosh, so many......
The Beach should be nice. If they like to shop Michigan ave is a must.

Perhaps if you are more specific you may get more replies.......have fun.

Visit the Hancock 95th floor restaurant for lunch. Ride the El train. Go to a Cubs game, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago Historical Society. Free concerts in Grant Park. The new Millennium Park. Buckingham Fountain. Children's theatre. Navy Pier's Children's Museum and Ferris Wheel. Boat ride on the lake. Eat lots of pizza, Garrett's popcorn and Frango milkshakes.

Where can you get those shakes...Marshall Field's?

Museum of Science and Industry is great for kids that age too. Better than the Field Museum, in my opinion- for those under 12 or 13. There is more interaction and "fun" stuff. If you are going to come, get a visitor's combo package for admissions and save some money. It will give you 3 or 4 admissions for the price of aproximately 2 admissions for lots of these places mentioned in the other posts.

I took my grand-daughter there 2 years ago (she was 12)
I found a "guide book" by Fodors
with title like" Chicago for Kids" for $10
It was SO helpful--had activities according to age, interests,and gender.
We used it to plan most of our days.
I think I got it online at Amazon.com.
She really enjoyed the "fast" speed boat trip out on the Lake...
Just for culture sake, you could spend time at the Art Institute of Chicago--Considered by some as one of the 3 "best" art museums in the U.S.
You will have lots of fun..

You must see the Blue Man group. I just came back from Chicago with a 9 and 12 year old. The entire family LOVED it.

Definitely go to the Museum of Science and Industry - a favorite with my boys.

The Shedd is great.

Chinatown was a hit - go at lunch for dim-sum. Easy access from downtown.

ESPN zone for games - we didn't have lunch there.