What to do in Chicago with 10 year old daughter
 

My wife and I are taking our daughter to Chicago for three days next week (Thursday, Friday,
Saturday) - any kid-oriented suggestions for places to see/ things to do in the downtown area would be much appreciated

Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Museum of Science and Industry The Bean in Millenium Park where she can see her reflection ,Children's Museum(perhaps she's a little old for it). American Girl Store and meal.Lincoln Park Zoo.

I would second the American Girl Store if she is into those dolls; Lincoln Park Zoo and the surrounding Lincoln Park itself are very nice; Millenium Park has great gardens, you can rent bikes and ride along the lake front, the fountains and Bean are fun too. Navy Pier is an option as well. There is a huge, slow ferris wheel with awesome views of the city and lakefront - it moves very slowly so nobody gets motion sickness. There are boat rides from the pier, shops, a children's museum, etc. Very hot tourist spot. Museum of Science and Industry could be almost a day in itself or a good portion of a day. Its huge with so many exhibits, wings, etc to see. If she' into dinosaurs or ancient things, The Field Museum would be an option. The aquarium would be good as noted above. The Field, Aquarium and Plannetarium are all on the Museum Campus on south Lake Shore Drive and walkable from one to the other. For a little downtime, grab a boat tour of the River and LakeFront - they depart from Navy Pier and also along the Riverwalk. For fun (and yes, touristy) meals, try Bubba Gumps, Billy Goat Tavern, Uno's Pizza, and if you want a really authentic and different idea, take a cab to the Chicago Oven Grinder and Pizza on Clark Street.

Do not miss the Field Museum.

Willis Tower observation deck, Museum of Science and Industry, river boat or water taxi ride.

I am not a Navy pier fan, but she will enjoy it - catch a boat ride, ride the ferris wheel, get something to eat. You can take the water taxi across the lake to get to the Shedd and Field Museum. Check the schedule though, because I believe they run a different schedule in the fall.

She has to like shopping at 10! I would definitely go the American Girl store, if she is into it and walk down Michigan Ave there to do some shopping, even if it's window shopping!

Ed Debevic's is a touristy diner, but it is cute for kids. I grew up going here and loved every minute of it.

Gino's East, in my opinion, is the best deep dish in the city and it's fun for the kids because you can draw on the tables and walls.

Millennium Park is cute for a minute because of the bean and the view. But not too much else to do there. Macy's is down the block and then the shops at Block 37 are across the street. Kind of a neat Disney store right on the corner of State and Washington. Magnolia Bakery is inside for yummy cupcakes.

13 Terrors Haunted House is going on right now at Theater on the Lake. It is not super scary and is designated for children 8 and up.

Have a great time!

Absolutely go to Field Museum, Museum of Science & Industry, maybe also Shedd Aquarium. Chicago imo is a top museum city for kids and adults. For me Art Institute is tops and might be for a kid so inclined (you don't give age). Other places? OK if time.

...from a Chicago born, often visited, now in Boston area.

Oh sorry, you do say 10 year old. Even so Art Institute might be memorable just seeing selective famous paintings. Well, yes shopping no doubt. But where are you staying?

If you decide to go to the Art Institute, they have these incredible miniatures, like rooms in a doll house from different eras of history.

http://www.artic.edu/aic/collections...ature+Rooms%22

Second Ed's and Gino's.
If you think top of Sears Tower would entertain,
He fire is memorable.

My daughter loved The Art Institute on our recent trip. She recognized several paintings from school art discussions and was excited to see her favorite - Seurat. Shedd Aquarium was also a big hit (the stingray touch tank and aquatics show). My son liked riding the eL.

Every year Chicagoween is held at Daley Plaza. http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en...icagoween.html You can click on the link on this page to see other events held about the city as well.

You will see that Navy Pier also has their doings. But I really want to bring your attention to the Blind Summit's "The Table" at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre (located on NP). Of course, as we're not sure how mature your 10-year old is (or thinks she is) cannot be sure, as some of the content may be a tad too adult - in thought - for her age; but this might be something to consider for her parental units. On the other hand, being the precocious youngster that I was (way too) many years ago :P, I would have enjoyed a performance of swashbuckling Cyrano. Perhaps she would, too? http://www.chicagoshakes.com/plays_and_events If either of these interests you, I'd drop the Chicago Shakes an e-mail to see if they have any age limitations on these productions.

The 2013 Chicago International Children's Film Festival also starts that weekend. Here is a page from the Music Box Theatre's website explaining a little about it. http://www.musicboxtheatre.com/colle...-film-festival