Chicago with teens

[Groovytiger]

We will be staying in Chicago for four days in April with teens. I'd love to hear of any recommendations of things to do, places to eat etc

[zafferana]

I definitely would NOT go to a baseball game! One of the coldest, most boring afternoons I've ever had in my life and if you don't know the rules of baseball you don't even know what you're watching and it goes on for hours and hours ......

There are loads of great restaurants in Chicago, live music, Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, go up the Sears Tower or John Hancock for views over Lake Michigan, Millennium Park is nice for a wander and the giant jelly bean is a good photo op, the architecture river cruise is nice for adults (depends on teens as to whether they'd be interested, mine wouldn't), but if the weather is cold (and when it's cold in Chicago IT'S REALLY COLD), you might want to stay off the water anyway. If they're into art (by some miracle), then the Art Institute of Chicago is one of the best art museums in America.

My teens love iconic views/buildings, good/interesting food, shops that are different from home where they can buy cool stuff their friends don't have, and did I mention food?

[KickAssAngel]

Booking ahead or getting a Citypass can really reduce the price and avoid waiting in lines. Getting to the top of the Willis Tower can have a 3 hour wait, so worth thinking ahead.

Do check the weather - I live in the midwest. It can vary between -5 and +20 C in just 24 hours at this time of year.

If you enjoy looking at expensive shops, wander along the Mag Mile (Michigan Avenue). You can also get tickets for various shows - again, booking ahead to get discounts is worth the effort.

[AttilaTheMeerkat]

Hard Rock cafe in Chicago is a good spot for your teens also.

[AttilaTheMeerkat]

Shedd aquarium.
Field Museum
Adler planetarium
Skydeck Chicago at the Willis Tower
The Seadog extreme speedboat ride at the Navy Pier
Observation deck at Hancock Tower

Start date of MLB baseball season should be April 7. The Cubs are playing against the Milwaukee Brewers that evening. If you do go to a baseball game ensure you understand the basic rules beforehand (there's some good content on youtube) because if you do you will find it more interesting.

[RandomQuest]

April is a tough time, it’s not unheard of for the Cubs opener to get snowed off. So keep an eye on the weather! But definitely see a game if the cubs are at home and it’s not snowing. The observation deck of the Hancock is great for views on a clear day. The museum of science and industry is really, really good. Art institute if you’re into art, the original stock exchange is in there too. I don’t know if the non winter stuff at Maggie Daly park like the climbing and roller skating will be open but if it is then that’s fun. Plus definitely see The Bean in Millennium park. Lincoln park zoo is free so take a walk through if you have nice weather. Navy pier is crap but you probably should go to get the full Chicago experience, you can drink whilst you walk around it which helps. Architecture boat tour if it’s not freezing. Mag Mile for shopping. Good restaurants I like are Cindy’s (good for brunch and views over Lake Michigan), Roister (Grant Achatz’s more casual restaurant) Oven Grinder for pot pie pizzas, Aba (sister restaurant to Ema mentioned by PP), small cheval for burgers, the 3 arts club cafe in the restoration hardware store and my neighbourhood favourites Twin Anchors for the famous ribs and Marge’s Still which is the oldest bar in Chicago but they serve food so fine to take the teens.

[Hairbrush123]

I love Chicago! A river cruise is nice. I can recommend the museum of Chicago - really interesting. Chicago 360 is fun too. I would also recommend the Starbucks reserve (largest in the world). I ate at Ema which is Mediterranean themed which I enjoyed! Enjoy Chicago. One of my favourite US cities.

[ApolloandDaphne]

Mine enjoyed the Willis tower and the Art Institute. I guess it depends what they like.

[RusholmeRuffian]

Definitely go to a baseball game at Wrigley Field if the Cubs are at home.
Wicker Park would probably go down well with teens. Plenty of vintage shops and record stores.
Navy Pier and Millennium Park
Gino's or Pizza Uno for deep dish pizza.
Jake Melnick's Corner Tap for amazing chicken wings
Epic Burger for decent fast food.