A Trip With No Running!

We've been toying with the idea of taking a family trip the day after Christmas coming back in time to take down the Christmas tree and get ready for our New Year's Eve party. Because there just haven't been enough parties this year we need another! This one will not require seating for 20 and 14 pounds of beef so that's a relief.

Last night we finally decided we'd take a trip to Chicago, something we've been meaning to do with the kids for the last two years but since Logan didn't want to run the Chicago marathon we never did it. (Oops! I almost forgot I'm done being bitter.)

I shouldn't really write about it because it's part of the kid's Christmas surprise. But I'm pretty sure Madison finds this website really boring and dumb and never reads it so I'm mostly sure we're safe. I could also block this site from her account but if I did that I'd have to block all the porn too and how else is she going to learn about S-E-X?

I'm starting to poke around looking for lodging and other information and because I know you're all full of good advice I want ideas, opinions and places to look into.

Even though this is our family gift, we're still going cheap. Mostly because that's who we are, cheap people. Ideally we wouldn't spend more than $400 on lodging (for three nights). I'm not sure how big a deal our location is, we'd love taking the El and the subway with the kids because they'd love it and Maddie could use the experience to have under her belt. We usually prefer staying out of downtown because everything we like to do (shop, eat and drink) is in the neighborhoods. But, with kids we'll be doing less shopping, eating and drinking so I'm not sure that's a concern.

In my fantasy we would stay at a place with a separate room for the kids so we don't have to go to bed at the same time as them every night. Something like this would be great except it's way too big and too expensive for this cheap family. Also I might never come home if I stayed there.

We'll be doing a lot of touristy things like the aquarium, the Field and Science & Industry museums. We'll probably have to visit Michigan Avenue. Other than that we're open.

All suggestions are more than welcome.

Comments

[JenC]

We're heading to Chicago with a total of 4 couples and planning to stay at an Embassy Suites. They have the sleeping area and a living area (with pullout couch) along with a kitchenette.

[mazza]

Hello -
We stayed at the Homewood Suites on Grand Avenue in Chicago. It was great. A 2 room suite with kitchenette! Not badly priced either. Also, included is a very nice breakfast! It is very close to all the tourist sites. I highly recommend it.

Have Fun!

[dutch]

we just pricelined it, got a 4-star hotel downtown for $70 a night, and spent a fraction of what we saved on the hotel on cab fares.

[Catie]

The Days Inn - Lincoln Park. They won the best Days Inn in the country award or somesuch a couple of years ago. VERY nice European-ish hotel in a cool neighborhood. AWESOME free breakfast. Walking distance to Lincoln Park Zoo and tons of restaurants.

http://www.lpndaysinn.com/index2.html

We stayed there a month ago with our toddler and they just couldn't have been kinder about our kidly issues (needed roll away, bigger room to fit rollaway, early check in) not only did they accommodate it all, but they accommodated it all on the day of the Chicago Marathon. I will definitely be staying there again. Just terrific. So good I wrote a letter when we got back and they sent me an e-mail back good for a free upgraded room next time we stay.

I'm gushing, but I highly recommend. We paid less than $150 a night, I think.

[Joel]

I wasn't sure what your price range would get you so a quick check of expedia says...
1. A 2 double/2bath at THE PALMER HOUSE!!!!! If you can stretch to $450+tax do it. Awesome hotel. http://tinyurl.com/yt8sbx
2. A superior at the Sofitel, 2dbl w/sitting area $330. It's out by O'hare but there's an L stop within walking distance and a couple restaurants like Harry Carey's too. http://tinyurl.com/ynqahx
3. The Westin River North, 2dbl $380. http://tinyurl.com/2h3c65
4. If you can spend more like $600 check out the Swissotel.

Don't forget Navy Pier (navypier.com) the ferris wheel should be running and there's the Chicago Children's Museum (free admission Thurs nights 5-8).

If you want some restaurant suggestions, let me know jbarbel at gmail

PS If money is extra tight, make sure to ask how much parking is because it can get significant. I'm sure all 1,3 and 4 are, but I'm not sure if parking is extra at the Sofitel so be sure to ask.

[alekscake]

First comments ever! As a lifelong Chicagoan, I thought I'd share some tips. First, I'd say of the museums you list, I think the Shedd Aquarium is the most entertaining -- especially check out the amazing coral reef (sharks!), the beluga whales (there's a new baby) and the lizard exhibit (Faust the Komodo dragon is on billboards all over town). I'd probably choose either the Field or the Museum, depending on your kids' interests (i.e. dinosaurs = Field). They both have high admission fees, plus certain special exhibits cost even more. I'm going to put in a plug for the Garfield Park Conservatory, if your family likes nature. It's FREE (and the place my husband and I got married). It's pretty cool to be in the tropics or the desert in the middle of winter in Chicago. You have to take the green line there, which can be a little sketchy, but during the day, you should be fine. I think they have kid-friendly activities on the weekends. The Lincoln Park Zoo mentioned in another comment is free and fun, but probably not much cooler than the Detroit Zoo. Hope this helps some.

[MelissaS]

dutch: How much was parking?

[Liz]

If you're doing more then one museum you might want to look into the City Pass. It's much cheaper then paying each admission. Navy Pier has the Children's Museum and a thing called the Winter Wonderfest. It's basically an indoor amusement park with a skating rink. Or if you're into skating go over to Millenium Park. It's so beautiful over there. Check out the "bean" and then go skating! The zoo has the ZooLights going on till the 1st. If it's not too cold that's beautiful! And free!! Enjoy!

[Steve J]

I love the Science and Industry museum. But then I'm a sucker for that submarine. Really, I love it. And the Enigma machine. I mean, talk about something that changed history. And the math those folks in Bletchley Park were able to do. Amazing. Amazing stuff.

I guess what I am trying to say is, go there. Right now. Drop everything and go. Why are you still reading this? Go.

steve
winescorecard.com

[bigpikchur]

YAY for you! Google 'Uncle Fun Chicago' and 'The Boring Store Chicago' for the quirkiest of fun stuff for kids in Chicago! Just make sure you double check the hours because we once spent an entire day with 6 places to hit and only 3 were open (Oddly, it was a Friday). Millenium Park w/ Cloudgate ("the bean") is fantastic; Ed Debevic's is a fun place to eat w/ the kids... OH! and if you're walking and there is a Garrett's popcorn shop (there are plenty throughout the city) anywhere in a 10-block radius, you should stop there to get some of their still-warm caramel corn. It's legendary, and worth the wait in line. Don't forget that if you have AAA you can get discounted entry/tickets into some places! Have a fantastic time enjoying my city!
Jules
House of Jules

[bigpikchur]

Almost forgot: In Lincoln Park there's a really great place the locals go (myself included) called Chicago Oven & Pizza Grinder Co. and they've been around forever. If you go, have the Pizza Pot Pie. Sounds disgusting, but it is what their entire business has been built on (figuratively!) and no-frills neighborhood places are only around forever for one reason: they're actually good. Of course I also suggest the more famous Pizzario Uno's or Malnati's (excellent traditional Chicago deep dish at either place) but whenever my friends with kids come to town, we always take them to enjoy their first pizza pot pies.
Jules
House of Jules

[Kyran]

what?? you don't want to stay downtown at the 'W', with the beach rocks in the sinks, the doorless bathrooms, and the 24-hour deiter sprocket extravaganza in the lobby???

[MelissaS]

We love Uncle Fun, the first time I went to Chicago with Logan 14 years ago. Awesome.

[Jenn]

Pick up "CityPass" we got them in October when we went to Chicago and it saves a TON of money! Even if you only use two of the passes (Field Museum and Sheds Aquarium)it totally pays for itself! http://www.citypass.com/city/chicago.html?id=BXseG58N

[summer]

I'm a big fan of the Hampton Inn downtown, and not just because I'm all about getting a free breakfast.

http://www.hamptondt.com/

[summer]

Whoops. Wrong link. Sorry.

http://www.hamptoninn.com/en/hp/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=CHIHSHX

[carriesegall]

We took the kids to Chicago in April and the highlight of the trip for them (which they still talk about regularly) was a meal at a dinner called Ed Debevick's (mentioned above). It's one of those 50s type dinners with a crazy wait staff who insult customers and dance on the counter. The food isn't great, but the milkshakes are and they make the world's smallest sundae. We all had a great time.

Gino's East is great for a genuine deep dish pizza experience and they give the kids markers to write on the walls.

Also, if you belong to a local museum, bring your card. Our Museum of Science Card from Boston got us into the Field Museum and Science and Industry for free!

Another thing we loved was a boat tour on the river. It was fun for the kids just as a ride, and for the adults there was an architectural guide to the buildings which was fascinating. Don't know if they do that in the winter, though.

Navy Pier is fun, but shockingly expensive. We had to limit the kids to one ride each, so be forewarned!

Don't forget the Art Institute!

Have a great time!

[Rayne of Terror]

Last time I stayed in Chicago I stayed at the Allerton for $88 per night. The Allerton is on the Mag Mile by Ralph Lauren. That price is a AAA special. The time before that I stayed at a hotel in Skokie because it was closer to the far north side neighborhoods where I would be spending time w/ my sister.

[izzosmom]

We pricelined a 4 star hotel in central Chicago for, I think $65/night, and got the Chicago Hilton.

http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/CHICHHH-Hilton-Chicago-Illinois/index.do

It is perfect for families, but I think parking is, like $50/night (we flew, used the El).

It is about 3-4 blocks from an El Station, but RIGHT on the park, so you can walk to the aquarium. At that time, late summer, there was a lot going on in the park, too (salsa lessons!!)

The room we had was very spacious, and had 2 bathrooms. Woohoo! There is a Caribou Coffee around the block, which we did not discover until the last day.

I just stayed in Chicago (for business)at the Hard Rock Hotel, and was not impressed. It was okay, if you can get a good deal on it.

[Dan]

First time leaving a comment. I live in the Chicago burbs....me and my girlfriend try to make it down to the German Market every year in Daley Plaza. Lot's of cool little specialty shops and hot authentic German food. I would go at night to see the tree and decorations in Daley Plaza. Here is a link... http://www.christkindlmarket.com/

[dutch]

parking: $49@swissotel with in/out. did I pay that? of course not. I paid $20@day the millenium park garage and walked three blocks after dropping off the family. I'm sure there was closer public parking on lower wacker.

we looked at the days inn lincoln park too, but quickly figured out we could get a much better hotel for half the price. plus, we didn't have to stay in lincoln park, which I find more nauseating than downtown. but then again, I'm a straight up asshole.

[Dan]

Sorry forget my last comment, I just noticed that you aren't coming to town until after Christmas....the market ends on 12/24. Sorry.

[MelissaS]

Dutch, I think you'd be happier staying in Gary.

[Strizz]

I keep hearing bitter is the new lack and EVERYONE looks good in black so by all means rock it.

http://sanctitysabbatical.blogspot.com/

[Katie]

The Sears Tower is cool although I think the address amuses me more (Wacker Dr).

I really don't have anything else to add other than I love Chicago!

[De in D.C.]

If you want to get a City Pass that everyone has mentioned, Costco sells them for even less than you can get on the CityPass website. We used them when we went to San Diego last spring. I easily saved $75 a person over 4 days.

[karla k]

Hi. I'm a Chicagoan and a friend and her family recently came to visit. She stayed at one of these apartments:

http://www.chinadollguesthouse.com/

It was very affordable. They stayed at the two-flat in Bucktown and had they driven they would have been able to park on the street for free. It was also very close to the blue line. There are other cheaper options too.

karla

[AMG]

I know your kids are picky eaters, so they might not go for the traditional Chicago Deep Dish, but I LOVE Gino's East Pizza. Here's the website (super crappy website):

http://featuredfoods.com/cgi-local/SoftCart.exe/a-store/gino_p1.shtml?L+scstore+cmsm9357ginosffaac2aa+1197656335

But what they might like about it is that every single square inch of the interior is customer graffiti. You can plan ahead and take a couple sharpies or something for them to write their name and message to the world. I took my cousins who are Max and Maddie's age there and they LOVED it and wrote their names about a dozen places each.

[Shelli]

We went to Chicago last year after christmas with Oliver and the gang and had a blast!
We stayed right off of Michigan Ave in a holiday inn. It was clean, cheap and had a pool! Note: parking in the city can be pricey ours was 40.00 per night!!!!!
We also bought CityPass: http://www.citypass.com/city/chicago.html
this was great and we went up into the Hancock building at night at it was fantastic (and empty)
We did a lot of free stuff as well like walking and window shopping, looking in the "silver bean", etc. We did take a ride on the El and got lost...oops. The kids loved the urban hike back to the hotel. HA!
so it was a huge success for our budget and on the fun level.

[leanne]

I love your blog but this is my first time commenting! I've lived in Chicago my whole life and while I love downtown, I also love the neighborhoods. When my brother comes back for a visit, food is always on his list: Chicago-style hot dog, pizza, Italian beef, the Billy Goat tavern blah blah blah. Geoffrey Baer just did a documentary on Chicago's PBS station called: Food of Chicago: A Delicious History. I highly recommend checking out the Chicago Cultural Center- which is across the street from Millennium Park. There are free rotating art exhibits, music programs, the world's largest Tiffany stain-glass dome, bathrooms AND an information center. You can get A LOT of free and/or discount coupons for city restaurants and sites! Check out the Marshall Field windows, use the free trolleys and the Hancock Observatory is great (get some coupons at the Cultural Center). There is a great new exhibit at the Field Museum called Maps:Finding our place in the world. The Redmoon Theater specializes in high profile and unique productions using both human actors and puppets. The Notebaert Nature Museum is very close to the Lincoln Park Zoo. The museum is free on Thursdays and has a great butterfly haven. Andersonville (on the north side/ red line trains) is a fun Swedish neighborhood with several theaters if that's your thing. Ravenswood and Lincoln Square (north side/ brown line trains) have a wonderful European feel. And the Wicker Park/Bucktown/Ukrainian Village neighborhoods (west side/ blue line) have some great artist galleries, coffee houses, book stores, neat shops, etc. Chicago Parent magazine might have some good suggestions, too. Have a great trip!

[jpa]

All these comments make me wish I'd gotten of my butt earlier in my life to go to Chicago. Must make it a priority for 2008. Have fun!

[a different kate]

My sister and I (and our kids) stayed at the Best Western Grant Park. Pretty reasonable room prices (don't know the parking price –we took the train in). The best part is that it's really close to the museum "campus" they have now, walking distance close.

The hotel is right off of Grant Park and if you have the right room, you can see the bean and the amphitheater from your room window.

Have a great time!

[sally404]

Three museums in three days! Wow. Not that you can't do it, and all three of those museums are awesome. You do realize too that Science & Industry is located a bit farther south than the others. I do believe it is accessible by Metra (the commuter train) but not by the El. Its a beautiful part of town but surrounded by some sketchy areas.

The Days Inn at Lincoln Park - Old Town has a great neighborhood feel, there are lots of restaurants right there on Wells Street. It is one of the least expensive hotels in the area. I never stayed there but worked at a restaurant across the street from it and heard it was "old". For whatever that's worth. Its a 10minute walk to Mag Mile but unless you want frostbite I'd recommend the 151 bus that runs down Michigan. I think the 151 will also take you from Mag Mile to the Aquarium/Field Museum. If you take the El to the Aquarium/Field you'll have a bit of a walk from the train east to the lake.

I have stayed at the Red Roof Inn in the Gold Coast. I believe it is the cheapest place in the Gold Coast. Just blocks from Mag Mile (and Northwestern Memorial Hospital). The rooms are small but clean. No breakfast. Parking garage across the street, don't know if they have discounts on parking. If you want to spend a lot of time on Mag/Mile and Aquarium/Field this is prime location. Red line and buses are easy.

Chicago Pizza & Oven Grinder is awesome but can have long waits.

[sally404]

Three museums in three days! Wow. Not that you can't do it, and all three of those museums are awesome. You do realize too that Science & Industry is located a bit farther south than the others. I do believe it is accessible by Metra (the commuter train) but not by the El. Its a beautiful part of town but surrounded by some sketchy areas.

The Days Inn at Lincoln Park - Old Town has a great neighborhood feel, there are lots of restaurants right there on Wells Street. It is one of the least expensive hotels in the area. I never stayed there but worked at a restaurant across the street from it and heard it was "old". For whatever that's worth. Its a 10minute walk to Mag Mile but unless you want frostbite I'd recommend the 151 bus that runs down Michigan. I think the 151 will also take you from Mag Mile to the Aquarium/Field Museum. If you take the El to the Aquarium/Field you'll have a bit of a walk from the train east to the lake.

I have stayed at the Red Roof Inn in the Gold Coast. I believe it is the cheapest place in the Gold Coast. Just blocks from Mag Mile (and Northwestern Memorial Hospital). The rooms are small but clean. No breakfast. Parking garage across the street, don't know if they have discounts on parking. If you want to spend a lot of time on Mag/Mile and Aquarium/Field this is prime location. Red line and buses are easy.

Chicago Pizza & Oven Grinder is awesome but can have long waits.

[Mel]

My boyfriend and I went to Chicago in April and ended up staying in Merrillville, IN. Not terribly exciting, but only 30-45 minutes from Chicago and a lot cheaper, too.

The Aquarium/Field Museum/Science&Industy museum are fairly close together. Just don't get lost near the Science/Industry Museum...You'll get stuck in a very bad part of town...

Warning: Do not waste time, if you are considering...at the Planetarium at the Aquarium/Field area. It is not cheap and it's completely boring and worthless. True story...

[Fenicle]

ost people have already mentioned things I would suggest (Navy Pier, Children's Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Field & Science Museum...).

My big suggestion would be Millennium Park!! Go ice skating outdoors. It's like $7 for skate rental - not bad. They also have cool art/landscape design & a place to warm up inside afterwards & grab a meal (Park Grill - fairly reasonable).

HAVE FUN!!!

[Fenicle]

OH, and if you can get there - go to SUPERDAWG and have a hotdog. They are worldly famous & yum :)

http://www.superdawg.com

[frankiecamaro]

Make sure you check out the Chicago Reader online and Time Out Chicago. Even this time of year the city is loaded with great family friendly events. The Lincoln Park Zoo's holiday lights thing may be up still... I think through the end of the year, and is way cool.

[centrs]

i love conservatories, but garfield sucks and it's not close to much else. even if maddie is not into dolls, the american girl store off of michigan is a trip - even if she just wants to scoff at the other kids. haha. i don't know how much fun navy pier would be if it's freezing!

[deannagabriel]

i was just in chicago for a wedding in october. i stayed with some friends, but a good chunk of the wedding party stayed at the homewood suites someone else mentioned in one of the first comments. they all raved about how it was reasonably priced, in a good location, and had all sorts of great ammenities (ie separate rooms and a full kitchen) that made their pre and post wedding festivities super easy.

as a twenty-something without kids, my enjoyment of chicago was probably a little different than what youre going for (read: bar crawl), but whatever you do--a stop at garrett's popcorn is a MUST. there is one on michigan ave and state street (somewhere in that vicinity, across the street from the apple store) and since youll likely be in that area anyways its worth the stop and wait in line!

have a great time. i remember visiting chicago in the summer with my parents and my sister when i was younger and hope you and your family return from the trip with your own wonderful memories.

[travis]

Hey Melissa,

We have a little-known inn right off of Lake Michigan in Lakeview. Free coffee and continental breakfast in the morning, on a quiet street.

It's right off of the lake, one block south of Addison and Lake Shore, about 7 blocks from Wrigley Field, and steps from a bus stop that has a bus to Lincoln Park Zoo (no transfers) and two express buses that go straight to Michigan Avenue. A fantastic drive down Lake Shore Drive, and only about 10 minutes. And there are always lots of cabs on Lake Shore and Addison.

http://www.cityinns.com/majestic/

Our friends always stay here, even when we're not hanging out with them.

Have a blast...the neighborhoods in Chicago are unmatched. Have a beer in Lincoln Square and you'll swear you're in Germany for a moment!

[jkopftwins]

to balance out that popcorn (i agreee; it's fantastic), splurge on mexican at frontera grill/topolobampo. one of the best meals i've ever had, with snow falling outside at night, and a tequila list that demonstrates how good tequila can be (very, very very good -- and no hangover!)

[Vegas_Erin]

I cannot stress enough: use hotwire.com. The downside is that they will not tell you the name of hotel until after you book, and the booking is final -- IE, no refund. But, if you know you're going and you know what area you want to stay in, use it. I just got a six day stay in Chicago in an extended stay Holiday Inn for $330, for Dec. 30-26. I checked on that hotel's website after the confirmation to see what it would be directly through them, and it was over $600. I have used hotels.com as well for booking rooms, but seriously, hotwire has never let me down. You will be shocked at what you find. They do flights and rental cars also. FYI.

[Vegas_Erin]

Sorry, those dates are Dec. 20-26, not 30. 'Cause otherwise I'd be a time traveler!

[Tommy from Michigan]

http://embassysuites1.hilton.com/en_US/es/hotel/CHIDWES-Embassy-Suites-Chicago-Downtown-Illinois/index.do

We've stayed here around Christmas witht the kids when they were younger and loved it. It is a suite so you can keep the kids out of the love shack. THIS MAY BE A HARD TIME TO GET RESERVATIONS HOWEVER. There was a breakfast included that was convenient for the family. We've been back since. Expensive but a smart purchase if you want proximity to shopping and a relaxing room. Peace.

[Tommy from Michigan]

This is the link:

http://embassysuites1.hilton.com/en_US/es/hotel/CHIDWES-Embassy-Suites-Chicago-Downtown-Illinois/index.do

[Tommy from Michigan]

This is the link:

http://embassysuites1.hilton.com/en_US/es/hotel/CHIDWES-Embassy-Suites-Chicago-Downtown-Illinois/index.do

[kate]

I'm "50 miles out of the loop" (as one local blogger put it), and grew up about 30 miles out, so I've only stayed in a hotel in Chicago once. Hyatt Regency - it was great, good view, but not cheap. No advice there.

BUT, there is a major Star Wars exhibit at the MSI going on through Jan. 6. If anyone in your household is a fan. And someone else mentioned the Art Institute - I loved that place as a kid, as odd as that seems, and still love it today.

Have a wonderful trip! There's a lot of beautiful snow on the ground now, but they're predicting a rain/snow mix towards the weekend. I hope it's still pretty when you get here!

[ikate]

Hotel Seneca
http://www.senecahotel.com/
I've stayed here several times - it's right behind the Hancock building and they have suites with kitchens, Call them directly - I've never paid more then $150/night even in Christmas season

[klook]

I spent a week in Chicago with my kids in July while my husband spent his days attending meetings. All 3 of my girls (ages 10,7, and 2) loved the children's museum at Navy Pier. I also took them to the Field museum, Science and Industry, Shedd aquarium, American Girl, and the observation deck of John Hancock tower. We were going to go to the planetarium as well, but after 5 days I couldn't bear another minute in the city.

Hancock's observation deck is more interesting than Sears' because of its location. (More interesting things to look at.) The coral reef exhibit at the Shedd is very nice and the girls had a good time. I, however, am in no hurry to go back any time soon. Skip the dolphin show and be thankful you're not trying to navigate the place with a stroller in tow.

3 museums in 3 days is a lot. If you decide to cut one out, my kids prefer the Museum of Science and Industry over the Field Museum (although they love them both) because S&I has more interactive exhibits. And the submarine is really, really cool now that they've moved it indoors and built a huge exhibit around it.

We stayed at the Hyatt (Hilton?) right on N. Michigan Ave. It's a great location, but kid friendly restaurants are difficult to find. My kids thought Ed Debevic's was a lot of fun. The service was great, but the food was just okay. Giordano's and Lou Malnati's have the best Chicago style pizza. We haven't been impressed with Gino's East the last 2 times we've been there. Fox and Obel is an upscale grocery store near Navy Pier that's a great spot for breakfast. http://www.fox-obel.com/index.asp Taking a family out to eat in Chicago is crazy expensive. We stocked up on breakfast items at the Trader Joe's near our hotel to save some money.

Have fun!