http://blogs.wttw.com/checkplease/20...-the-ordinary/

Look at the last place mentioned in this blog. It's just across from Millenium Park.

Also re Hyde Park area, the Thai restaurants there are best in the city, IMHO. But be very careful. I would not be in any of that area at night. It's been worse this school year.

All places mentioned are good mentions. But they are mostly tourist restaurants. Except maybe Pizzeria Due, IMHO. Just my opinion. Not Chicago Q either. And if you are looking for foodie- that's a different direction. Kids or yourselves.

http://www.wttw.com/main.taf?p=1,49,1

If that's your direction, you might want to use Check, Please and the food locater for your exact direction and location. It's not always perfect, but I love to read the reviews. I was looking up an Armenian gem Sayat Nova for you- because it is Near North near MI Ave.- just about where you might be staying, but found this one.

My grandkids- love, love Oven Grinders. It is a vacation (more than 1-1/2 hours)drive away from where they live. But their Dad takes them about 2 or 3 times a year. That might be the ultimate "pizza" experience. Not deep dish, not thin crust. By the bowl. And the salad is legend too. It feels somehow like old Chicago there too.

During the weekend and on holidays are the only times you can take the #10 CTA bus to the MSI at that time of year. It would be different if you were coming during the summer months.

In addition, you will need to allot pretty much an entire day for the MSI. So if you are coming for only a weekend, this will take up a huge percentage of your time.

IMHO, I wouldn't be wandering by yourselves around too much in the Hyde Park area, especially with two youngsters in tow. You can view recent crime information from either the University of Chicago or the Hyde Park neighborhood's websites.

Just a note for the above: I often suggest that if someone is interested in exploring the Hyde Park neighborhood (and it *is* a very interesting neighborhood with much history) that they do so either by using the free Chicago Greeter service or as a member of an organized group, such as the Chicago Architecture Foundation. But I strongly warn against someone unfamiliar with this neighborhood to just go wandering around it.

I'm going to mention a couple of stores where your family might have interest:

Uncle Fun in is Lakeview, not far from the Belmont Red Line stop.

RobotCity Workshop is also in the Lakeview neighborhood, also very close to the Belmont Red Line stop.

Rotofugi is in the Lincoln Park neighborhood (in the DePaul University area).

Lincoln Park and Lakeview have many interesting dining choices, as well as evening entertainment. However, without knowing exactly where you will be, it would be difficult to make any viable dining suggestions. You don't want to be traveling clear across town just for dinner.

In the Loop or Mag. Mile area, though, you might consider Yolk for breakfast or Heaven on Seven for lunch.

Which weekend are you coming? Near St. Patrick's Day? If so, you should check to see if the parade is that weekend. If it is, you could either attend it or, if you aren't interested, you'll need to check how it will affect road closures and bus re-routes (if any).

Near-ish to Mag Mile... XOCO (Rick Bayless Mexican "street food" place) -- you can dine in or take out, and I *highly* recommend the churros and Mexican hot chocolate; on State Street there is now an Epic Burger - delicious burgers an fries, and a peanut butter milk shake to die for; at 100 East Walton there is a bijou Belgian bakery called Hendrickx with fantastic croissants and pastries - they have a few tables but it is really a take out place; also on East Walton there is an Indian place (name escapes me at the moment) with a reasonable lunch buffet. And for tapas, Cafe Iberrico on Lasalle is always good.

Also, haven't been here, but am dying to try it - looks very fun and is good for Mag Mile location:
http://www.bartomachicago.com/chef.html

I second Xoco!! Also Chilam Bilam, M Burger (ask for the "secret" shake of the month), Sprout, or some of the Chicago food trucks.

http://chicagofoodtrucks.com/Chicago...s_Rolling.html

Enjoy!