Chicago - best places to visit

[shannie]

Hi there,

Hope you don't mind me posting here. DH going to work in chicago for 3 weeks and myself and DD going for 2 weeks. Company has an apt in Arlington Heights. Just wondered if anyone had any advice / ideas of things myself and DD (4.5) can do during the day. We won't be driving.

Much appreciated

At lincoln park there is a lovely zoo and farm side by side which are both free - bonus. from the park you can go out onto the beach. There's a bike hire place there too and some great cycle paths running all the way along the water front. A few of the sky scrapers have observation decks which are worth checking out. Can't remember which one we went up. Also there are good boat tours, but might getting a bit cold for that.

Just found out so not sure where Arlington heights is in relation to anything. Going to have a good look tonight. Thanks for answering so quickly. DH been away a lot so decided to go this time and want it to be a positive experience for all .

So where is Lincoln park ?

Sorry thanks for replying so quickly

Arlington Heights is west of the lake. Everything around here is judged in terms of where it is in relation to the lake. The town is best known for the racecourse. It also has one of the biggest libraries in the state. I have only ever driven through and it didn't seem to have a centre, so I am not sure how walkable everything is. I know there is a metra train station so if you don't plan to drive then it should be straight forward to take a cab and then a train into the city. What to do in Chicago, well, when my DD was the same age as yours the best thing was the "little houses" also known as Thorne Miniature Rooms. The art institute is a fabulous place. Navy Pier is fun - the children's museum is on the pier and is a good place to while away a few hours. The Christmas tree display on the pier is amazing if you are here in December. Beware however the pier is quite a walk from the main area of the city, take a stroller/push chair if you can! It is walkable but I wouldn't want to try with a little one! It is worth going over there though as once on the pier you can walk up the lake frontage bike/walking path to the Shedd Aquarium or the Field Museum (Natural History), another of my favourites! Lincoln Park Zoo is great and free! Be prepared to see animals in small enclosures though. You also must check out the American Girl store - do not dismiss this as saccharin American rubbish. It is not! The dolls are a total antithesis to Barbie and her ilk and are really strong positive role models for girls - particularly the historic ones. An example!. The store is a whole lot of fun in itself and has quite a pleasant cafe. It is now located on Michigan Avenue at the far end. There are loads of other things so let me know what you are interested in and I will try to help you. I am not much help on public transport though, I live on a different metra line and haven't used the buses (except the free trams in the summer) - there used to be someone on Mumsnet who lived in the city so maybe she will be along to help you. Oh yes - if you want to have a sit down and see a totally different perspective of Chicago I cannot recommend the architectural boat tour enough (leaves from Navy Pier). It is wonderful - your DD may be bored though!

Thanks so much for the detailed reply. Going to take my time reading through it. We will be there in November, I take it that it'll be cold ? In 2 minds whether to take umbrella buggy (stroller) for DD. She's nearly 5 but don't know how much walking we'll do and I want us to be able to get around. Crazy idea ?

Take the buggy. Definitely! There can be a great deal of walking particularly between Michigan Avenue and the museum campus and from the Metra to the main part of the city. It will be a far more enjoyable experience for both of you. I thought of something else - The Bean - it is in Millennium Park and next door to the Art Institute and the artist is British. There is always lots going on there - in the Summer Crown Fountain is wonderful. It is an interactive video sculpture and is usually packed with children playing in the water. Not sure about November though. It can either be a glorious Autumn day or the coldest winter's experience ever with a ferocious wind blowing off the lake. Plan some indoor alternatives. There used to be a fun indoor waterpark in Arlington Heights but it closed a few weeks ago.

Was looking at the pool at arlington heights, can't believe it's closed !!! I am bursting with excitment now thanks so much. The Art Institute looks amazing. Myself and DD have been looking at the little videos on the site. I think I will take buggy thanks for advice on that. DH won't( hopefully) be working weekends anything you would recommend for all 3 of us to do ? We're only there for 2 weeks but obv want to enjoy ourselves. Loved the doll shop too though might leave purse at home that day . Are you in Chicago ?