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Need chicago suggestions...

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fords8

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I want to take my husband and our 2 sons on a train (metra?) ride from zion to downtown Chicago. My children and husband have never been on the train. I think I was about 10 the last time I rode and i am now 40!!! My children have never been to downtown Chicago, except on the expressway leaving town for vacations. If you were planning a trip to Chicago, what would you want to see? Can you give pointers in riding the train? We do not have any type of pass and hoping that zion accepts cash as we board. Where would you suggest NOT going. Remember we will be taking public transportation or walking.

TIA
 
How old are the children and when are you coming? There are/will be lots of things going on as the holidays approach, staring this weekend w/the Mag. lights festival and parade down Michigan Ave. You could combine that with a trip to the top of the Hancock building and/or Navy Pier.

I can't help too much on the train - do you get off at Union Station or somewhere else?
 
My children are 10 and 12, boys :) Our schedule is open, as in no plans have been made.
 
Some friends have got to top of Sears Tower, forgot the new name. They have the glass that goes out from the building so you feel like you are looking straight down! Not for me, scared of heights, but they loved it. Have also heard that food at the restaurant at top of Hancock Tower is way overpriced for what you get, so I'd skip that; observation area is nice.
 
I'd suggest checking the museums to see if there any special exhibits going on. The Museum of Science & Industry is always a good stop, but taking public transportation there is tricky. All of the other museums are at least in closer proximity to downtown.

The Shedd, Planetarium and Field Museum are literally steps from one another. You could do two of them in one visit (I'd skip the Planetarium unless they kids are really into space.) You're on the lake and can pretty easily get anywhere else from there (if you decide to skip over to Navy Pier for dinner, etc.)

If crowds aren't an issue, I'd check event calendars to see what's happening and see if anything interests you/them and take it from there. If crowds are an issue, then you know what days/dates to avoid.

Navy Pier used to have fireworks on Wednesday and Saturday nights. I think they still do, so that might be a nice end to the day, if you last that long.
 
Our family often frequents the German Fest the day after Thanksgiving downtown. They also do the BIG tree lighting then.... we like it and the food is AWESOME!!
 
Most trains charge extra if you buy a ticket on board unless the ticket booth where you board is closed. I love the Shedd (expensive) Navy Pier and of course browsing windows!!!
 
The Science and Industry or Shedd Aquarium are usually a big hit with that age group.

Navy Pier will also be doing their Winter Wonderland soon I've never been but it sounds fun!
 
Not sure about the metra, but the south shore train (goes from NWI to downtown) gives you free children tickets with a riding adult if you ride on off-peak trains on week-days.

Often if the Southshore is down, you can take metra for free with you monthly pass, so they might have this deal too.

Depending on you son's they might not be into the field museum too much, unless there is a good exhibit right now. I remember taking my son and some friends a few years ago and they were wondering what Sue did beside just stand there? :lol: They loved museum of science and industry though.
 
MrsPiggy said:
Our family often frequents the German Fest the day after Thanksgiving downtown. They also do the BIG tree lighting then.... we like it and the food is AWESOME!!
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I actually thought of mentioning that but didn't think it would have appeal for larger audiences. Love the whole open-air market thing and chestnuts roasting and all that jazz. If it's not too cold it's a lot of fun.
 
I just saw an ad that the skating rink (I am certain there is a nice frilly name for it, but I didn't catch that) downtown opens today... interesting :)
 
we go every year. We take the train down walk to daily plaza for the German fest thing, go across the street to Macy's windows and see Santa and lunch at the Walnut room. We've added Navy Pier's Winter wonderfest - which I must add is the BEST!! All a little pricey but we only do it once a year. Creates a long day but so much fun. The train also has kids ride free so make sure you look into that, and like someone said before. Buy your tickets at the station before hand (a round trip is advised) because it does cost a lot more buying on the train. HAVE FUN!!
 
My kids are younger so all of this may not work for you but it might give you some ideas. We go every year, but we've been driving the last couple of years. It's a bit expensive but for us (one DS has some special needs and if he's overwhelmed and we need to leave we can't wait for a train) but it's easier.

We see the window's at Macy's then go inside to write a letter to Santa, and throw some pennies in the fountain. They have a nice food court in the basement that we eat at too. Then we hop on a free trolley and head to Navy Pier for the Winter Wonderfest (which is for younger ones than yours, but they have lots of other events there) then go to the Kriskindlesmart in Daly Plaza to see it lit up at night. We also wait in the long line for Garrett's popcorn, it's totally worth it!
 
mama22angels said:
I just saw an ad that the skating rink (I am certain there is a nice frilly name for it, but I didn't catch that) downtown opens today... interesting :)
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Ooh, I forgot about that. That's a good idea. You're right in the middle of everything.

melo597 said:
we go every year. We take the train down walk to daily plaza for the German fest thing, go across the street to Macy's windows and see Santa and lunch at the Walnut room.
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We used to do the whole Walnut Room thing the day after Thanksgiving (back when it was Field's) but haven't for years. I'm not sure the windows are even what they once were, but what is? It could still be fun though, especially if you've never done it before.
 
we live downtown and still do all the "tourist" things....KrisKindle market, Disney light parade, Walunt Room, navy pier winter wonder fest etc. I cant believe that you live in the suburbs and your kids have never been downtown....there is so much culture and so many things for them to do. are you walking from union station, if so bring comfy shoes....if not bring cab or bus fare and have fun!!
 
I also was going to suggest the Walnut Room. Oh yah don't forget to pick up some scrumptious Garrett's Popcorn!



IHeartSaving$ said:
Ooh, I forgot about that. That's a good idea. You're right in the middle of everything.



We used to do the whole Walnut Room thing the day after Thanksgiving (back when it was Field's) but haven't for years. I'm not sure the windows are even what they once were, but what is? It could still be fun though, especially if you've never done it before.
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I know Karen, I am kinda embarrassed to admit it. We live 50 miles away and never go. My kids LOVE trains, yet have never been on a real one. They have ridden the thomas the train and the train at wild west town (union city illinois?) but never get on, ride and get off in another city. Trying to see what is doable, kwim?
 
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