We're headed to Chicago for a weekend in mid-April with our two young kids, (B7, G41/2). We're staying at the Renaissance on Wacker.

My wife and I have made a few trips to Chicago several years ago, before kids, but would like some updates and suggestions on interesting stuff to do with the kids plus some memorable restaurants we should try.

From our cloudy memories, we definitely will make Giordano's for pizza one night, so what are some other good suggestions? Something kid friendly, but interesting and Reasonably priced.

Any and all suggestions would be appreciated.

Rainforest Cafe is always popular with the kids. So is Ed Dubevic's, sort of a 50's diner.

Lincoln Park Zoo is always free.

The Museum of Science & Industry is very "hands on" with a lot of interactive displays. Don't miss a ride down into the coal mine and go onboard the U-505 (a replica of this was used in the movie Das Boat). Your little girl would probably enjoy Colleen Moore's Fairy Castle.

Then take a trip to the top of either the Sear's Tower or the John Hancock Building.

Thanks for the suggestions.

We have a Rainforest Cafe in our area, so we're looking for something uniquely Chicago. And while I requested something reasonably priced, I should mention that that isn't my main criteria - we could splurge a little if its a cool restaurant.

Right across the street from Watertower is Ghiradelli's ice cream/chocolate shop and right across the street from that is the Hersey's chocolate shop. The Hersey's is cool because you get to become an "employee" and make your own bucket of candy. They take your picture for the employee badge, give you a hat, and then you pick what you want and spin levers, and your bucket of candy comes out. You have to pay for all that of course, but it wasn't bad. And they also make these ridiculous cupcakes where you pick what you want on them and they paste them up with about a pound of frosting. It actually wasn't that good. But they give one away free every so often during the day and we were about the only ones in there!

If your daughter is into American Girl dolls, then that store/restaurant is a must.

Navy Pier is great if the weather is good. They have a nice ferris wheel.

The aquarium is nice and the Museum of Science and Industry is the best and most fun for kids in the whole world. It is all hands on and fun for parents too. It is huge, so plan accordingly.

I think the Field Museum has the dinosaur bones if either are into that.

The big FAO Schwartz by Watertower is gone. I'm not sure if there is another downtown or not.

Have fun!

They have a childrens museum at Navy Pier. If the weather is good you can rent a bicycle for 4 and ride from Navy pier along the lakefront. Millieum Park has a good burger, but I'd only do that if you can eat out on the patio. It really depends on the weather, there's a river boat ride from Navy pier.

Oh yeah, the riverboat ride. That is very nice. It is an architectural cruise.

Go to Hancock tower, on top they have observation area and a special booth where you can take pictures like washing windows (no additional charge, bring your camera).

At the bottom of it... how can I explain... you get out of the building, and there is a plaza a little below the street level, you take steps down from the sidewalk, there is an Italian place, cafe and shop, with maybe 1,000 different flavors of ice-cream, and all kinds of desserts to die for! And you can buy imported Italian food to take home.

Architectural river cruise - will the boats be running in April? If yes, don't worry, it's not as serious as the name sounds, just a pleasant trip on a boat along the river, safe and nice.

For classic (downtown) Chicago food, consider Berghoff (German)(they had a much-celebrated closing a few years ago to focus on catering, but have quietly gone back to serving a close to full menu in pretty much all of their old space), and Italian Village (red sauce Italian). Both have been around forever, and are kid-friendly but unique.

I should clarify: Italian Village is a 3 story restaurant, with different menus on the differnt levels. You want "The Village" upstairs (with twinkly lights on the ceiling)

The architectural river cruise is great, but not for little kids, they'll be bored silly. If you want to take a boat, take a Duck Tour, or take the boat taxi that goes between museum campus and Navy Pier (although Navy Pier is not worth the time many tourists devote to it, IMHO).

For kids, the Shedd Aquarium and Field Museum are excellent. They'll love the "bean" in Millenium Park (so will you). We once rented regular bikes (for two of use) and a "surrey bike" (for the other two) and rode alongside the lake (kids were 12 and 10 at the time, I think). How about a baseball game at Wrigley Field?

Cloud Gate/"The Bean" is a must. It is next to the art museum, and you could certainly be creative about what you could see in there with young children. The lions on the front steps, alone, would be fun.

Hancock Tower on a clear day: don't bother if it is cloudy. It is expensive.

Shedd Aquarium.

Science and Industry Museum is looking worn. We were in Chicago over Spring Break. The Field Museum can take a good part of a day, and you can rent strollers, too. McDonalds is on the lower floor.

Tickets for the sub at the Science museum are timed entry, daily. Plan accordingly. You don't need a ticket to see the outside of the sub, though.


Since you are going on a weekend, consider getting your tickets online for the places you intend to visit. It will save time waiting to purchase tickets at the venue.

If ESPN Zone comes up for meals, skip it. Unless you are really into a game they will be broadcasting it's not worth it. Ed Debevics still has its shtick; don't go for the food. My son really was flabbergasted by the waiter.

Check out Foodlife in Water Tower. They have some of everything.

Portillo's is a good place for the Chicago Italian Beef. They have pizza and pasta if the beef isn't your kids' preference. Place your order at a counter and they call your number. Cute dining room. My son loved the REAL hotdog. Reasonably priced.

<<I should clarify: Italian Village is a 3 story restaurant, with different menus on the differnt levels. You want "The Village" upstairs (with twinkly lights on the ceiling)>>

alyssa, I can hardly believe that the Italian Village is still there!

I grew up on the south side and when we were kids in the 60's, my aunt would take us downtown for a matinee of a ballet or concert or theater performance. Then she would take us to a "fancy" restaurant to eat dinner. I always asked for the Italian Village, and always loved it. I felt so "grown up" and special! I can still remember what I always ordered- the Shrimp De Jonghe!

My aunt is gone many, many years now. But those are some of my best childhood memories! Thanks for bringing me a warm smile today!!!

OH- and gbhost-- just so you know, most everything that has been recommended here is within the "downtown" area (really just a few city blocks from Hancock down to Navy Pier). BUT you should note that the Musuem of Science and Industry is quite a bit south of downtown. And is in an area that is, well, the Brits would say, "a little dodgy". It is fine during the day. Just wanted to let you know it is not something "close" to the rest of the action. (However, IMHO, one of the absolute best places you can take the kids. They will have a ball!!!) (It, too, is one of my favorite Chicago childhood memories. I don't know if it is still there, but I loved walking through the model of the human heart!)

Paula

Berghoffs is back?!? Woo-hoo!!! I have to tell my mom.

Glad my suggestion inspired such great memories!

Re: Science and Industry and Hyde Park, areas close by aren't great, but I lived across the street from the museum during law school, as do a lot of students, and I really wouldn't worry, even about public transit, during the day. A cab is about $15 from downtown, there are a couple buses (but they can take a while), or the Metra (more of a commuter train than the El) is a really good option: get on at Randolph right downtown, and off at 56th Street half a block from the museum.

I hope that I'm not too late in posting these suggestions. I just waited to see what others were suggesting first so there wouldn't be duplication.

I'm glad that you are looking for suggestions outside the normal, tourist-driven areas. Lots of visitors don't bother and they are really missing what makes Chicago a great city.

First, if you go to the Chicago Kids website, you'll find a lot of information about children's theatre in Chicago (and the suburbs), exhibits and special events happening.

My suggestions are these:

The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is immediately north from the Lincoln Park Zoo and the Lincoln Park Conservatory. One of the highlights of the museum is the Judy Istock Butterfly Haven. Whereas the Zoo and the Conservatory are free everyday, there is a charge for the Nature Museum. But keep in mind that all three of these would be a full day's worth of entertainment for a very reasonable cost (provided you don't buy a lot of refreshment, zoo items and what have you along the way).

Places to eat:

The Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder is only about 2 blocks away. Walk from the main entrance of the Lincoln Park Zoo west on Dickens and then you'll see it immediately south on N. Clark. Cash only but there is an ATM immediately available.

If this option doesn't interest you, Toast is a family friendly restaurant directly west on Webster a little less than 2 miles (5 minute cab ride, cabs being plentiful around the Zoo). Toast is adjacent to another park in Chicago, Oz Park, in case your kids want to be out and play in nice, springlike weather.

A performance by the Emerald City Theatre Troupe (housed at the Apollo Theatre on N. Lincoln in Lincoln Park) is something to consider. Current production is "James and the Giant Peach". Eating possibilities nearby:

The I/O (formerly the Improv Olympic), which is located very close to Wrigley Field, will have improv for children. "Hogwash: An Improvised Tall Tale", specifically geared towards children 4-12, starts April 19, 10:30 a.m., $5. Eating possibilities nearby: Well, it's Wrigleyville, so you will find a lot of sports bars and the ilk in the area. However, if you hop on the #152 WB Addison bus and take a short bus trip (5 blocks), you will be on N. Southport. Right on the corner is the Julius Meinl, Viennesse Kaffehaus, which has some nice items for breakfast and lunch.

The Old Town School of Folk Music, in Lincoln Square, has many family-friendly activities, but that doesn't mean that it doesn't appeal to adults as well. In fact, it was the linchpin of that neighborhood's gentrification. Lincoln Square has quite a few nice choices for dining, of many different cuisines (everything from Korean to Thai to German to Dutch), and more so everyday. There's also a Julius Meinl in that neighborhood, although I've never been to that one.

You can check the Chicago Park District's website to see what activities will be happening where when you are here. Lots of great activities for families.

You know that we recommend that visitors check Metromix online all the time on this forum. You can see what restaurants are close to many attractions, theatres and the like, as well as the restaurants' ratings and, many times, there are hyperlinks to their menus; you can see reviews and even snippets of current theatre productions with hyperlinks to the theatre's website; and you can do searches by date, interest, cuisine, etc. Also, the Chicago Reader is another invaluable tool for this type of information. People who live in Chicago use these websites all the time (including myself).

By the way, if you happen to be anywhere near where they are filming Johnny Depp's new movie, "Public Enemies" (see yesterday's Chicago SunTimes online article), you might be interested in a short stop by.

Lots of times this could be boring for younger children to see - but with the changes to the neighborhoods replicate the 1920's (including vehicles) and when the camera is really rolling, might be something to consider.

Kelliebellie, I'd be a bit reserved in my excitement about the Berghoff. I haven't been back. But, judging by the reviews on Metromix, it's not what it used to be.

However, if they still have any of their old lunch specials and the root beer, it's a good place to bring kids. Ours always loved having lunch there when we did a day downtown.