We're traveling to Chicago for a business/pleasure trip in mid June with a then 14m old child. What is the best way to get around the city w/ a 1yr old and a stroller? Taxi, EL, bus? Also, I'm thinking of the aquarium, butterfly conservatory, zoo...any other suggestions w/ a small child? Finally, I appreciate any good family-friendly restaurant suggestions. Thanks for any advice and information!

There is a children's museum on Navy Pier, and I'm sure your child would enjoy running around in Millennium Park - particular splashing in the water at Crown Fountain (the two large TV screen fountains).

For getting around, check out the el map at www.transitchicago.com to see which stations have elevators (indicated by the handicamp symbol on the map). These will be easiest for you to get to and from the trains. Other than at rush hour, you shouldn't have trouble taking a stroller on the train. You should also be able to take them on a bus just fine.

I'll leave restaurant suggestions to others with more knowledge in that area.

Don't use the El; it doesn't go where you want to go, and most of the stations have a lot of stairs. Buses are doable; I used to take the bus to one end of LP Zoo, walk through the zoo and grab the bus at the other end. Taxis are usually available around that area except during rush hour. The butterfly exhibit is at the Notebaert Nature Museum just north of the zoo. If the weather is nice you could easily spend two days between the two. If it's just one day, stick with the zoo and save the Notebaert for when your child is older.

The aquarium is ok for kids, but I like the Field museum. It has a section for little ones to touch and explore, and enough variety in exhibits to keep everyone entertained. Weekdays are better than weekends to avoid crowds.

Navy Pier and the Children's Museum are lots of fun, but 14 months is young for most of the exhibits in the Children's Museum.

Corner Bakeries are plentiful and good. Near the zoo is a deli called Frances' which my kids love (great milkshakes and old time Chicago decor.) If you get time to do any shopping, there is a playlot just south of Water Tower Place and across from the Museum of Contemporary Art for burning off energy.

Thanks for the information. It's amazing how much planning and effort goes along w/ these small travelers!! I appreciate the info on the playlot...I'm sure that will be the favorite!

The Lincoln Park Zoo is a great small zoo, and their recently-redone kids area is great. You can easily ride the bus to Lincoln Park Zoo and Park. There's a good playground there, as well, at about 2200 Lincoln Park West, just south of the main entrance to the zoo.

Our kids have always, even when small, loved taking public transportation. While the other poster was correct in saying that the El - mostly - won't take you where you want to go, you can take it for some trips or just for fun. Get an El map (available around town), and take the loop of the El around the Loop.

Any of the pizza places, of course, will be good with kids. My favorite is Giordano's, and their stuffed spinach and mushroom pizza, but I'm sure other posters will provide their favorites.

I assume by stroller you mean you're taking a light-weight umbrella stroller; if so, that's easy enough for one person to carry up and down the stairs to the El, if you need to. To get on the bus, you'll have to fold it up and take the kid out.

We have a Jeep 3 wheel stroller which is great for lots of walking...however, do you suggest getting an umbrella stroller? Won't be as comfy for a 14m old, but will be easier...
Can anyone tell me best way to get from Midway to Elgin? Thinking of visiting family while in the area on the weekend then do city sights during the week. Midway to Union then train?... Taxi all the way to Elgin?... Thanks for all of the information and advice. This makes things so much easier!!

I would get an umbrella stroller. You really won't be able to take a 3-wheeled stroller on the bus. Also, if the bus is crowded you may be asked to take the child out and fold up the stroller (I always do this). I carry my kid in a sling if I take the El, because elevator access is a toss up--Even if there is one, it seems they never work.

You may want to consider timing your trips so that you miss key commute times, as pretty much all forms of public transit are packed beyond comfort levels!

HTH,
Tracy

Yes, I would use an umbrella stroller. When our kids were that age, that's what we used while in cities (though we also occasionally used a back carrier). They are easy to push and to fold up and back out of the way, for example, on buses and in restaurants. And I never noticed that my kids didn't think it was comfy - in fact, they probably like it more than the bigger stroller, because they were closer to the ground (and if not belted in, could hop right out!)

From Midway to Elgin, I'd rent a car. Then when you're moving on to the city part of your trip, you can drive into the city and drop off your rental car, hopefully, near your hotel. Going from Midway to Union Station, then taking the train from there, would be a hassle, IMHO.

thanks for the additional information! I was wondering if a car would be the best option to get to Elgin. I think that is the best way to go! Thanks everyone for all of your great advice!

As I recall, the 151 bus runs along Michigan Ave. and through Lincoln Park. Instead of having to rent a car to drive to see your family in Elgin, why not make a date with them in the city? We lived in Chicago for 20+ years, have tons of family & friends and they LOVE coming in to see us. Depending on what activity, perhaps you could meet them for dinner at a family style restaurant? Definitely an umbrella stroller. there is a Lego hands on place just off Michigan Ave. and an American Girl store, but your child may not be old enough yet. Take a picnic to the zoo. If you do rent a car, drive up to Glencoe to the Botanic Gardens, your child will love the Japanese Garden, there used to be a little tram ride, and tactical stuff for kids to do. There is a commuter train to Elgin, but schedules usually limited to rush hour and not sure which station it comes into. Good Luck!

I was just in Chicago and saw first hand how difficult it was for a family with three adults to handle one of those large strollers on and off the bus. We were all saying they should have brought an umbrella stroller.