Hi all...
Boy you'd think I could figure out a simple weekend trip to Chicago after doing a China trip for 2 weeks!!
I'm heading to Chicago with a 9yr old and a 15 year old. (her birthday)! What are some must do...fun to do..etc...we're doing this next weekend and are staying at the blues hotel..an insight would be great!!!!

also good places to eat on a budget

Navy Pier is fun for kids, Grant Park and the museum campus, Michigan Ave., Lincoln Park Zoo and the beach. As for restaurants, Ed Debevics is a 50s style sassy diner, the whole area around Ohio, Ontario, Wells, just northwest of the House of Blues hotels has alot of kid friendly eating options.

Do a search for Chicago and it will pull up a recent post on Chicago with teenagers that might be helpful

where is Ed debevics? I've tried a couple of search programs and its not coming up! Also, the weather should hold out, but in case "Isabelle" cast a shawdow this weekend..is there something indoors that would be fun too do??

Is there an expensive, yet filling place for breakfast close by the House of Blues hotel??

Ed Debevics is at 640 N. Wells-- check out eddebevics.com for a menu. As for breakfast, check out metromix.chicagotribune.com-the dining section has a section on breakfast and brunch of all types.

I love to take my kids to Chicago for long weekends. Here's a few things I think your kids will like (no particular order).

1. Navy Pier (15 story ferris wheel & children's museum)
2. John Hancock (top) - I prefer it to Sears Tower as the view is prettier
3. Eat at Cheesecake Factory (1st floor of John Hancock building)
4. Shopping / walking on the "Magnificant Mile" / Michigan Ave.
5. Shed Aquarium
6. Field Museum
7. Science Museum
8. Eat at the Rock-N-Roll McDonalds (no kidding)
Enjoy!!!

For breakfast, head to Lou Mitchell's. It's near the Union Train station, just west of the Chicago River, on I believe, Van Buren. It's tops.

Also, try the double decker bus tour. It starts off from the Chicago Water Tower and runs @ 2 hours.

Be sure to ride the el (the elevated train) around the downtown loop. That would be fun for your teen and 9 year old.

I don't know if the 9yr old is a gilr or not as well...but my little sister's favorite is the American Girl store--even well out of my teens the store is fascinating to see with a beauty parlor the girls can drop their dolls have to have their hair fixed!