My wife and I are coming to Chicago (09/24-09/26). This is our first time with a child. He's 9 mos old. We're just planning on doing a lot of walking. Go to Lincoln Park Zoo, Navy Pier, walk the path up and down the lake a bit. Probably not go anywhere fancy to eat. Probably hit Giordanos and maybe Maggianos or someplace like that. Nothing too fancy obviously.

We were thinking about going to Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Co. on Saturday after the zoo. Does anyone know if it's walking distance? Hard to tell from Mapquest.

Any suggestions on some things to do w/ a 9 month old are greatly appreciated. We're staying at Swissotel and we'll probably hit the pool too I'm sure. Thanks!

Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder is an easy walk from the zoo; go oput the entrance near the children's zoo, and head west two blocks to Clark Street. The problem is that it's a long wait for their pizza, especially with a baby. Same with Giordano's, although they may let you call ahead and order the pizza. I think Edwardo's will let you do this, too.

In the zoo area, you might want to try Frances', which is about 3-4 short blocks north of Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder. They have old-fashioned dinners and deli selections, plus great milkshakes.

Oak Tree at 900 Michigan Avenue is similar; Corner Bakeries are great for quick food (they're everywhere).

I had 3 kids while living in the city, and we were never at a loss for things to do. Go to the Field Museum during the week; it's not crowded when school is in session. There's a lot to see and do there. Ditto for the Shedd. The Art Institute is great, but go during naptime, because it's a very hushed atmosphere. Save the Children's Museum for ages 2-11. The Botanic Garden (a 40 minute train ride north) is also fun with small kids, and not crowded at all during the week.

Another worthwhile place near your hotel is the Chicago Cultural Center, at Randolph Street and Michigan Avenue. They have free daily concerts at noon; food can be brought in or purchased inside. It's a very relaxed atmosphere, fine for a baby. And you'll want to visit Millennium Park, of course, which is right across the street.

pjmystic: If you go to the Chicago Cultural Center pop on upstairs (there is an elevator) and visit the Roger Brown exhibit called "A Different Dimension". The admission is free so that way if the baby fusses, you can easily scoot out. We really enjoyed the exhibit and there was hardly a soul up there so you should feel pretty comfortable taking the baby.

You can walk to Chicago Pizza & Oven Grinders from the zoo, but get there EARLY (like before 6:00) to avoid waits that sometimes reach two hours! The food is terrific there.

You could also try RJ Grunts, which is very close to the zoo and has a wonderful salad bar and good American bar/grill food.

Thanks for all of the great ideas! I had forgotten about Millenium Park. Hope the weather is nice that weekend. We were thinking about doing Chicago Oven Grinder for lunch on Saturday. Is the wait long for lunch as well?

No, it's not that bad, and you might not even have to wait at all!