Favorite cheap things to do with kids in Chicago?
 

We'll be there just over a day and a half. We figure if the weather is bad, then we'll hit a museum, but if the weather is decent, I think we'd rather spend time exploring.

What are your favorite inexpensive or free spots in Chicago? Any splash pad type places in parks? We'll have two 7yos, a 5yo, and a 4yo.

Also, recommendations for inexpensive restaurants are very much appreciated!

TIA!

If warm weather -- Millenium Park is a great place for the kids to splash and see the Bean (Cloud Gate reflective sculpture). That's all free. Lincoln Park is free, too, but also dependent on good weather.

They will LOVE Ed Devebic's diner for a meal! Regular diner fare but the waiters sometimes act obnoxious (the kids love it) and occasionally do a song and dance. It's a popular birthday party location for local children and also popular with tourists, so there's usually a wait but for a family with children the ages of yours it's a perfect location. My children never tire of visiting when we are in Chicago.

Also don't miss the Navy Pier for kid-friendly activities like miniature golf, Ferris Wheel, etc. It's open at night, too, in the summer.

Millenium Park has a spray area to get wet. Walk around the park. It's a great park. Wish we had spent more time in it when we were there last year.

I meant "Lincoln Park ZOO."

Another rec for Millenium Park. They'll love playing in the water by the two tower fountains!

And, of course, there's Oak Street Beach. http://www.chicagotraveler.com/attra...eet-beach.html

Our kids always loved having lunch at the Berghoff. Mostly because they loved the root beer! We haven't been since the initial closing (and reopening, changing menus, etc.) though so I don't know whether it'd still be as much of a treat for kids.

I think Corner Bakery is a good choice with kids too. There are several in the area:

http://www.cornerbakerycafe.com/home.aspx

And for real Chicago fare (great Chicago style hot dogs, Italian beef, etc.), try Portillo's:

http://www.portillos.com/portillos/

Enjoy your time in Chicago!

Navy Pier fireworks Wednesday and Saturday nights through Labor Day with an additional show on Sunday, September 6.