CHICAGO
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Chicago blog coming soon!
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eat:
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R.J. Grunts
Lincoln Park If you’re looking for a noisy burger joint where no one will notice your kids talking (read: yelling), this is your place! Park your stroller outside after visiting nearby Lincoln Park Zoo & prepare to enjoy tasty wings, big burgers, a plentiful salad bar, and (perhaps most importantly) beer by the pitcher. The kids will like the milkshakes & provided crayons. Reservations are recommended.
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Uptown Wander north of downtown to arguably the most kid-friendly restaurant in Chicago. Your children will be greeted with a bowl of bananas, seasonal spice bread, and a basket of toys. Adults will appreciate the large menu featuring breakfast all day, including gluten-free options, and strong coffee. Must try: the black bean patties with fresh salsa paired with their tiki glass Bloody Mary! FYI: Cash only.
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Pizano's
Several locations Chicago knows pizza! This local chain (with ties to the pizza-famous Malnati family) offers both deep dish & thin crust pizza, along with other traditional Italian favorites. A family-run place that welcomes children with their own menu selections & crayons for entertainment. Must try: start with the chopped salad, which offers a little bit of everything.
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Pork Shoppe
Avondale, Andersonville The Midwest loves meat! And BBQ fits that bill perfectly. Offering two locations, you can enjoy brisket, ribs, pork, and more, available by the pound or as a sandwich combo. Kids eat free on weekdays, from 4 - 7 pm (Andersonville location only). If you do visit the Andersonville location, head down the street to George’s Ice Cream & Sweets, an adorable ice cream shop with 32 flavors straight from Wisconsin. Must try: their #yousalty flavor--it’s what dreams are made of!
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Portillo's
River North Speaking of meat, a trip to Chicago wouldn’t be complete without an Italian beef sandwich or char-broiled hot dog. At Portillo's, you can grab either. Or both. No judgment here! On their birthdays, the kiddos will enjoy a free slice of cake. Must try: Their giardinera--a spicy vinegar-based relish. Yum!
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play:
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Maggie Daley Park
The Loop This new lakefront park offers forts, slides, super cool swings (see above pic), and more. The various playscapes are divided into recommended age ranges so you can let your toddlers explore while big kids have their own entertainment too. Check out the rock climbing walls and a skateboard/ice skating area (depending on the season). Wander across the winding bridge to Millennium Park to see “the bean” and the Crown Fountain, which makes a great splash pad when it's warm. Chicago has a well-established park system, with fantastic playgrounds in all areas of the city.
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Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park One of only two FREE zoos in the country, Chicago’s version, located just north of downtown, offers superb views from all angles--skyscrapers, historic condo buildings, & Lake Michigan. In addition to the traditional array of animals, Lincoln Park Zoo hosts a "farm-in-the-zoo" (feeding & petting are encouraged!), an endangered species carousel, a train, seasonal activities, and a weekly children’s singer (Wednesday & Friday mornings). Check out the fall festival or Zoo Lights, if you’re planning a trip during the autumn/holiday months. Must see: the playscape in the Pritzker family children’s zoo. Just outside the north zoo entrance, you'll find a stunning garden (perfect for a picnic), a playground, & the Lincoln Park Conservatory (also FREE admission!). Stop in and see the exotic plants! FYI: parking in the area can be tricky at times so take the train or give yourself extra time to find parking.
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Farmers' Markets
Various locations Found throughout the city and all week long in the spring and summer months, Chicago does farmers’ markets right! Purchase goods & enjoy food stands from Chicagoland and nearby areas. Some locations offer kid-friendly music. Sun, music, & food--a perfect combination for all ages! Green City Market, located in Lincoln Park, is a weekly staple for WanderMom Megan, while WanderMom Missy has a soft spot for the Wicker Park Farmers’ Market.
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Museum of Science & Industry
Hyde Park What Little doesn’t want to watch chicks hatch? This extraordinarily large museum, located south of downtown, might occupy more than one day on your itinerary. Aside from the hatchery, the kid-friendly attractions are numerous--tour a coal mine, explore a vintage train, venture into a WWII submarine, wander through a mirror maze, engage in interactive weather exhibits...we could go on & on. The rotating exhibits are always on point too, which keeps the locals coming back again and again (annual membership, please!). During the holidays, Christmas trees from around the world are on display. WanderMamas will appreciate the nursing nook. FYI: Admission for children under 3 is free!
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Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Lincoln Park There are numerous museums to explore in Chicago and they're all fantastic! This oft-overlooked gem is located on the northern edge of Lincoln Park and you likely won't battle lines or crowds--always a win with wee ones! The kids will enjoy the Riverworks exhibit, as well as the Hands-on Habitat, and Look-in Lab. The butterfly haven is a must-see, especially during the daily butterfly release at 2:15 pm. FYI: admission is free for children under 3, $6 for the bigger kids.
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The Beach
Various locations Chicago offers 26 miles of public beaches along Lake Michigan. Ohio Street, Oak Street, & North Ave beaches offer fantastic skyline views. For a more family-friendly location, venture north to Foster Beach, which features nearby parking, a concession stand, & bathrooms (!!!). All beaches have lifeguards on duty from Memorial Day - Labor Day.
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Shedd Aquarum
The Loop One of three museums featured on Museum Campus (along with the Adler Planetarium & Field Natural History Museum), the aquarium is every child's delight! And adult's too, who are we kiddding? It's nice when museums offer ticketing options, and the Shedd does just that! If you have a youngin' who isn't going to last long at ANY attraction, you can opt for the basic entry ($10/adult, $8/child age 3 -11, free for kids under 3) to gain access to all the tanks--fish, reptiles, and mammals, oh my! But if you want to make a day of it, choose the "Total Experience Pass" to also see the aquatic show, enjoy a 4-D experience, and visit their special exhibit(s). FYI: The weekends are usually busy. To avoid the long ticket line, grab a ticket online in advance, allowing you to use the "will call" line instead. Or visit during the week--you'll face smaller crowds & may find street parking between the aquarium & the planetarium!
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It wouldn’t be a conversation about Chicago without mentioning the Magnificent Mile. Yes, there’s luxurious shopping to be done here, with more affordable shops just off Michigan Avenue. For the kids, there is plenty to see as well: The Disney Store, Build-A-Bear, American Girl Store, Candyality, and Hershey’s Chocolate World. And with it’s proximity to Lake Michigan, the Magnificent Mile is big city shopping at its best! If you have a little horse lover, they'll enjoy the horse-drawn carriage rides offered in the area.
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stay:
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Palmer House Hilton
The Loop Sign your WanderLittles up for “The Peacock Club” so they can enjoy pint-sized amenities, while you admire this distinctly historic hotel. Upon arrival, they’ll receive a “Peacock Club” bag, which includes a bottle of water, colored pencils, a travel journal to document their Chicago visit AND an activity book describing the history of the Palmer House Hilton--too cool! Additional Peacock Club benefits are a terry cloth robe & slippers and a nightly in-room dining amenity, such as cheese & crackers, milk & cookies, or a fruit tray. Upon request, your children can borrow a Radio Flyer Red Wagon for their city excursions. And finally, from May to August, the hotel features Friday Night Splash Screenings--kid-friendly movies shown at the indoor pool. While the kiddos swim, play with provided water toys, & catch a flick, parents can sit nearby with a cocktail & appetizer or enjoy the jacuzzi. This is what traveling with WanderLittles is all about, right? FYI: Sign up for the “Peacock Club” prior to your visit so the hotel can have everything ready.
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Hotel Palomar
River North Three words: Evening wine hour! ‘Nough said, right?!? Ok, fine, let’s talk about the kids. In addition to an indoor pool, hula hoops in the fitness center, and a welcome gift, you can...wait for it...rent a goldfish! And the staff will even feed & take care of the guppy, in case that's not your kiddo’s "thing." The hotel offers bunk bed rooms, kids’ happy hour, and child sized animal print robes (to match the adult sized ones offered in all rooms)! Child safety kits (outlet covers, toilet latches, & nightlights), stroller rentals, & accredited babysitters are available upon request. Wow! Ok, now back to that “evening wine hour”...
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Omni Chicago Hotel
Magnificent Mile The Omni brand of hotels knows how to take care of families! Chicago’s location, on the beautiful Magnificent Mile, is an all-suite hotel offering an indoor pool, rooftop garden with fruits, vegetables, & herbs (encourage that “green thumb” early!), a breakfast buffet, and Disney DVDs for rent from the front desk. Upon check-in, WanderLittles will receive a complimentary backpack that includes crayons, an activity book, a toy, & a healthy snack. As if that wasn’t enough, the hotel delivers free milk & cookies to the kiddos on the first night of your stay--late-night sugar high?? Oh well, it’s vacation!!
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VACATION RENTALS:
Chicago offers numerous vacation rentals in all areas of the city. They are SUPER popular during the summer months so book early for the best options. If you're hoping to stay near most of the city's attractions, consider the following areas:
The Loop (aka downtown)
River North
Old Town
Lincoln Park
South Loop
Lakeview
general tips:
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The "L" (train) is a reliable method of transportation. And it's fun to ride on the elevated portions to see the city from a different vantage point. You can purchase a single use ticket or 1-day, 3-day, or 7-day unlimited ride card. The train cars are relatively clean and riders are kind, unless you're trying to push a stroller onto a packed commuter train--sad, but true. FYI: not all stations have elevators, so be sure to check ahead if your stop(s) will be equipped.
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If you’re planning on visiting the Museum of Science & Industry &/or the Shedd Aquarium, consider purchasing the City Pass. You’ll receive VIP Admission to both sites and 3 other Chicago attractions. And you'll save big bucks!
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If you'll be driving in the city, download the SpotHero app. You can reserve a parking spot near big attractions or your hotel & save the stress of circling for the best location or rate. AND the spots are usually cheaper through the app--win-win! If you're going car-free, Uber is widely used in Chicago and relatively cheap compared to rates in other cities. Be sure to have the Uber app ready for your visit!
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Required reading:
Good Night Chicago, 123 Chicago, Chicago Baby, C is for Chicago, Chicago History for Kids
connect:
Don't worry about this part!