Tips for Chi Town About This Page:

[Teresa]

Taking Samantha for her (sob) last appt. with SHriner's Hospital for Crippled Children (they cut all kids off at 18, except for the Spinal Cord Injuries and they are cut at 21. Samantha will be 21 exactly a week after her appt.)
We are staying at the Penisula on the Miracle Mile. It is around the block right behind American Girl Showcase. We are going to go the dinner, and the play. Then, I am thinking of taking the kids up to Gurnee to the Medieval Times dinner show.
I don't have much more in mind. I will have 2 days to do it in.
We are arriving early on the 18, taking Sam. to the dr. and will be done there about 4 pm. We will leave on the 20th, probably as late as possible. It is only a 3 to 4 hr. drive, so not a big deal.

[loobyoxlip]

It's been a long time since I've been to Chicago. My sister lived there probably about 15 years ago. I do remember the Shedd Aquarium was fantastic. We also did a lot of shopping along Michigan Avenue, and went to the top of the Sears tower, which I remember thinking was very cool!!

We've also been to Six Flags in Gurnee a few times - again, very long ago. I think there is now a great outlet mall there.

What a bummer about the cut off date for Shriners

[karen63]

Navy Pier has a lot of fun things to do, including a huge (I think it's over 100 feet tall) Ferris wheel.

[Hanners]

I went to Chicago and actually spent time there for the first time last winter. I'm in love!!
By far the highlight of the trip was The Art Institute of Chicago. We were blown away. The Field Museum is a world famous natural history museum and Shedd Aquarium is a very cool aquarium (these three are all in the same area along with the Planetarium next to Soldier Field).
There are so many great restaurants to eat at (too many to name), but Pizzeria Uno is a must do when visiting Chicago.
Navy Pier has lots to do for kids.

[Hanners]

Also - I would definitely check out a Cubs game while I were there.
Too much to do!!

[minemoz1]

Hi Teresa,

I know the area your staying at well. I worked around there for 10 years. You are near the Hancock building which has a great observation deck on the 97th floor. It's better than the Sears. If you don't want to spend the $$ for the observation deck you can eat or have a drink at the 95th restaurant on the 95th floor.

The Disney store is just down the block on Michigan. Lots of other shopping, Nike Town, Burberrys. If you are hungry near Ontario St and Michigan, don't pass up the Grand Lux Cafe :Yum: located on the 2nd floor above Ann Taylor.

Medieval Times is not located in Gurnee. It's located in Schaumburg, IL (my town ) Schaumburg has Woodfield, a very large mall, IKEA, and Gameworks. Gurnee has the huge outlet mall, Gurnee Mills and Six Flags right across the highway.

Navy Pier is nice with the large ferris wheel, boat rides, IMAX, Shakespeare Theater and great restaurants (RIVA).

My favorite museums are the Museum of Science and Industry and the Art Institute. If you go to the Shedd Aquarium, don't go see the sharks. It's a dissappointment IMHO.

Have a great time.

[Teresa]

Thanks for all the great suggestions. We had thought about the Art Museum, but weren't sure. We'll go now.

And, Michelle, thanks for clearing up the Gurnee / Shaumberg thing.