Thanks for the ideas, everyone! We got in early yesterday evening and went to Gino's East for some deep dish (kids loved that they could write on the walls!), did Museum of Science and Industry today, we'll probably hit Millennium Park tomorrow.

What is the Brookfield Zoo like? I have an old friend who lives in a suburb that's on the same train line as that zoo so thinking maybe combining a visit to her and the zoo either Wednesday or Thursday. Don't want to spend the money if it's not that great though.

Millennium Park is awesome for kids

River or lake tours

Navy Pier

Shedd Aquarium *sucks* -- do not bother as it is a total waste if you are from the DC area and can go to the Baltimore Aquarium

The rest of the museums on the museum campus are cool though

Art Institute of Chicago

We went to a Cubs game while we were there, but it is not baseball season yet. Maybe a stadium tour.

Museum of Science Industry. I have fond memories of visiting that as a child. I guess you may need to take a taxi there.

http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/strandbeest.html

Don't forget the museums! The Museum of Science and Industry in Hyde Park is best for that age group, but the Adler Planetarium, the Field Museum, and Shedd Aquarium are fantastic as well. The Art Institute is great but might bore your kids depending on how much they like art.

Eat breakfast at Lou Mitchell's.

Find a reason to take a water taxi.

Go to the Bongo Room for brunch! Your kids will adore the pancakes, and you will love the rest of the menu (actually you might love the pancakes too!)

Chicago is a fantastic city for kids!
-Millenium Park
-Boat tour
-everything on the museum campus is great- Shedd Aquarium, Field, Science and Industry, Adler Planetarium. Could easily spend a full day at each.
-Lincoln Park Zoo or Brookfield Zoo, which is in the suburbs but super easy to get to via Metra
-Navy Pier...kind of tacky but the Ferris wheel is fun as is just walking up and down it
-some fun stores on Mich Ave- American Girl, Disney, Nike
-deep dish pizza! You can't go wrong with Gino's East and my kids love writing on the wall
-super cliche but if the line isn't too long, Skydeck at the Sears a Tower (errr...Willis) is very cool


Have fun! Went to college there and love to bring my kids back when we get the chance!

My kids loved Millenium Park. We were there for hours and they didn't even try everything. Plus, it's open really late.

Lincoln park zoo
Ride the train/el - easy to use
There are several boat tours in the river/waterfront depending on the weather.

You can get city pass tickets which is worth it if you are gong to go to the Field, Museum of Science and Industry, Planetarium, and Aquarium--all world-class. And the Art Institute is included.

Take winter coats.

Super fun and I just did it. Here are some things we did--- shop Michigan Avenue - Dylan's candy bar, (they have American Girl if your kids are into that - mine are boys so no) but also Disney store, Nike, a milion others, there is also a Hershey Store and Godiva, I think, also Millenium Park, Mus of Science and Industry, walk on the beach at Lake Michigan, see if there is hockey or basketball game (or is time yet for baseball?), there is an amusement park at the peer - not sure when it opens it wasn't open a few weeks ago. Go up to see Northwestern - beautiful college campus, eat deep dish pizza.

DH is on a three week project in Chicago and I just booked super duper last minute tickets with the kids to visit him (also because the idea of having to entertain 3 children all week is kind of daunting ) Going Sunday-Thursday. Staying right off Michigan Avenue.

Kids are 9, 6, and 5. Totally open to anything. Won't have a car though. Ideas?!