Chicago with Grandchildren next month
 

Hi,

I've asked for help with our "Grandparent/Grandchildren" yearly trips before with great success. This year it is Chicago 5 -9 April. We have four grandchildren ages 12-18. This will be the first trip our 17 year old grandson won't be going because he doesn't want to miss baseball practice!! Needless to say, it makes me sad he won't be with us.

We arrive on Thursday at 3PM. We will only have carry-on luggage so I'm guessing we will get to the Renaissance by about 430PM.

1. I think we should use the CTA Chicago Card from the airport and for other transportation. I have read all the information and it seems we can use one card for all of us. Or since we are 67, do I need to purchase a card just for the two of us? I'm not clear on that. It seems like the easiest way to get around.

2. Any ideas of what we should do on Thursday night?

3. This is what I have planned so far.

Friday--probably all day at the Science Museum to see BodyWorlds.

Saturday--We could go to the Shedd, Adler or the Fireld Museum.
Lunch at The John Hancock Building
Saturday Evening--Blue Man Group

Sunday--2PM Wicked Tickets

As you can see a very short trip, but that is all the school that could be missed.

I would appreciate any suggestions or changes I should make. Thanks, Owa

With the caveat that I haven't been to Shedd or Adler, I went to the Field Museum last weekend and loved it! It was not on my "list," but my friend wanted to go. The rooms full of animals and plants were well done, although not my cup of tea, but the gems, the Africa room and the Inside Ancient Egypt exhibits were great, I thought. And of course, there's Sue. We were there for three hours and only left because we were hungry and had other things planned.

We did the Hancock Center at sunset last summer, and that was fantastic. But I'm sure any time is great. If you go to the Signature Lounge, the view from the ladies' room is one of the best in the place!

As far as what to do Thursday night - we went to Millennium Park one night, and it was beautiful. The bandshell was lit up, and the Bean looks very cool with the reflections of the nighttime skyline.

Of the ones mentioned my two favorites are the Field and the Shedd.

That's Easter weekend and everything should be busy, glad you've gotten the tickets etc. You might like to just take a walk, depending on weather, to "look" at buildings- shops or ESPN. Pull up some other threads here with the search feature on Chicago downtown walks.

Wow, you have some very lucky grandchildren! I'm jealous:) Your trip sounds great!

Regarding the CTA card: you can use as many people as you would like on one card - you will just keep handing it back to people as they go through the turnstile. However, depending on how often you plan on using public transportation, you can get a daily, 2 day, 3-day pass. This allows for unlimited use for 1 person for a designated time period. (For example, a 24 hour pass is 5 dollars, and allows for unlimited rides for that 24 hour period.) It's a great deal if you plan on using public transportation more than twice a day. Details are here: http://www.transitchicago.com/maps/fares.html#cc

For Saturday, I would suggest either the aquarium or the Filed Museum - more to look at, more fun (in my opinion.) If you do go to the Shedd, I would suggest paying extra to see the oceanariarium - it's a ton of fun. I enjoyed it in 6th grade, and in high school.

Have fun at Blue Man and Wicked. They are both AMAZING in completely different ways.

For Thursday night, maybe a fun dinner out - Giordanos (or somewhere) for deep dish pizza? Then, as previously said, Millennium Park and then maybe Buckingham Fountain? Downtown Chicago is beautiful at night, and if the weather is nice, it's a great walking city.

I would also suggest some time to walk around The Magnificent Mile for shopping/exploring. Maybe Saturday PM since you'll be near the Hancock anyways.

Thanks Everyone!! We have done all the big cities with the grands because they are super travelers. They never complain even when we walk all day and are ready to drop. They will also eat anywhere--they do not need fast food. Thank goodness!! My husband is an elite Marriott card holder giving us club privilieges. The grandchildren love the views (and the goodies) from the high floors in the clubs. 42nd street view in New York is one of their favorites. My husband and I are very grateful that we can afford to do this with the loves of our lives.

I only have the one granddaughter (18) and we are very close. We have been talking about where we want to shop for weeks.

Anyone else? Thanks again, Owa

Owa, I'm jealous.

It sounds wonderful! I've taken my girls to Chicago several times over the years and they always love it. I hope the weather Gods smile on you. The best way to get to the Field or Shedd is the water taxi from the Navy Pier. It's so relaxing...especially afterwards! No traffic! My girls really enjoyed Maggiano's for family style Italian. It's a nice casual atmosphere. My girls also fell in love with Foodlife at the Water Tower. We ate there 3 days in a row for lunch! Easy, convenient, but the food was fresh and healthy and everyone had exactly what they wanted. No waiting for servers either. Check and see if there are any special events at the Millenium Park. We went to an outdoor concert there and it was awesome! Have fun!

Hi there LLindaC....We too will be in Chicago Easter Weekend, traveling there by train from Michigan. Can you tell me does this Water Taxi really go from Navy Pier to the Museums/Shedd during this time of year? if so, it sounds like fun!! Thanks a lot!! The restaurants you have mentioned sound like exactly what will work for us also.

I'm glad you mentioned that. The water taxi doesn't start until Memorial day, shoot! However, you can always do a Duck Tour! I thought my girls would think that was too silly....they were 11 and 15 at the time, but we laughed a lot and it was fun. I don't think they would have enjoyed the Architecture Tour.

I just now ran across a very detailed post on using the CTA Chicago Card if anyone else is interested. It is on the TripAdvisor Chicago Forum. Owa

I have daughters around the age of your grandchildren and we also enjoy Chicago. They all ( as do I) much prefer the Field Museum to the Adler. You might want to eat in Chinatown while you're there. I don't know if the architectural boat tour will be running but that is so nice.

We ALWAYS have Giordano's deep dish pizza when we visit Chicago - Chicago style pizza is unique and soooo yummy. Visit the bean in Millenium Park and remember to bring a camera - the pics that can had of various reflections are fun. Also if the fountains with the faces projected on them are working they are fun to watch. We like to shop at the discount stores like TJ Maxx and and Filenes and the DSW. There are all the usual chain stores. We live in a smaller town so enjoy all the stores. We also enjoy walking along the lakeshore if the weather is nice - there is a great pedestrian "boardwalk". The kids might enjoy Navy Pier. Another thing we like are some of the original shops - like the shop where you can create your own cereal.

My granddaughter and I will definitely view the restroom at the Hancock.

A couple of posts said they liked the Field better than the Adler. Good to know.

Like the water taxi, the Buckingham fountain won't start until later in spring.

We will definitely try Giordanos. Thanks again, Owa