FAMILY TRAVEL - CHICAGO WITH KIDS!
Embarking on a family adventure to Chicago might raise a few eyebrows, but let me tell you, it's an absolute gem waiting to be explored! We'd always dreamt of wandering the streets of The Windy City, and this October, we turned that dream into reality. So, armed with our three kids under the age of 8 and a 12-hour road trip ahead, we hit the road, ready for an unforgettable experience.
Now, you might be wondering how anyone survives such a journey with young children. Well, we've mastered the art of long car rides, and you can check out some of our survival tips [link to your tips article]. Fast forward to our week in Chicago, and I can confidently say we're already planning our next visit. I even whispered to my husband that if a job transfer ever came knocking, I'd seriously consider relocating our whole clan!
But let's get to the exciting part – what on earth do you do in Chicago with three little adventurers for a whole week? Turns out, there's a ton to do, and we tried to squeeze in as much fun as humanly possible. Here are some of our absolute favorites:
Family Eats
Delicious deep dish pizza at Giordano’s!
Eataly: Imagine a place that's a dining haven, a fresh food paradise, and a haven for Italian kitchenware enthusiasts. That's Eataly for you! Located conveniently next to our hotel, it became our go-to spot for delightful meals, including a family favorite at La Pizza & La Pasta. And here's the kicker – they shape the kids' pizzas as per their whims. Check them out HERE.
Shake Shack: Our lucky streak continued when we discovered that Shake Shack was just a block away from our hotel. Burgers, fries, and shakes – it was an instant hit with the whole family. Heads up, though – those shakes are decadently rich and generously sized, so it's definitely a good idea to share them among the little ones.
Molly's Cupcakes: Being Food Network fans, we couldn't resist the allure of Molly's Cupcakes on our way to the Children's Museum. Imagine getting to create your own cupcakes – from cake flavor to icing and decorations! And, of course, we couldn't resist trying the flavor of the day. Spoiler alert: they were all delicious.
Giordano's: Deep-dish pizza is synonymous with Chicago, so our pizza-loving 8-year-old insisted on trying Giordano's. Conveniently located near our hotel at The Navy Pier, we made it a lunchtime stop after visiting the Children's Museum. The verdict? Delicious!
STAY
Our home away from home for the week was the incredible Homewood Suites by Hilton. What sets it apart for us? Well, for starters, the bedrooms are tucked away in a separate room, making it a perfect haven for traveling with little ones. And let's talk about convenience – a full kitchen equipped with a fridge, stove, dishwasher, and microwave. It was a game-changer for those moments when we wanted to feed the kids without venturing out to a restaurant.
But wait, there's more! A full hot breakfast is included with your stay, and my kids took full advantage of this perk. Picture this – an early 6:30 am breakfast expedition with hubby while mama catches some extra zzz's, followed by a "second breakfast" around 9 when mama is fully awake and ready to join in. Plus, our location even hosted an evening cocktail hour with appetizers, and yes, there was a pool to splash around in!
PLAY
Now, let's dive into the heart of our Chicago adventure – the places that stole our hearts and made our trip unforgettable.
Shedd Aquarium: When seeking recommendations for Chicago, Shedd Aquarium kept popping up, and now we know why! This aquarium is the perfect size for a full-day visit, striking the ideal balance between exploration and relaxation. The main show is not just entertainment; it's an educational extravaganza, teaching the kids about animals and how to protect them. A definite WOW factor!
American Girl Store: Witnessing the sheer delight in my middle child's eyes as we entered the American Girl store was a magical moment. The sparkle, the dropped jaw, the enormous smile – etched in my mind forever. What started as a "maybe" on the American Girl Doll front turned into a few precious hours of mother-daughter bonding. And kudos to American Girl for their branding – it's so captivating; I almost left with a doll for myself!
Chicago’s Children Museum: We worried that our 8-year-old might find the Children's Museum a bit dull? Turns out, he was the one reluctant to leave! Located conveniently at the Navy Pier, this spacious and hands-on museum was a hit with all three kids. We had the Joovy Stroller for the toddler, and with restaurants on-site, grabbing a quick bite was a breeze. Plus, the freedom to come and go throughout the day was a parent's dream!
Chicago Children’s Museum has hours and hours of fun!
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum: Nestled by the water and across from the Lincoln Park Zoo, this museum provided a day of exploration for the whole family. A heads up for off-season visits – pack some snacks because the dining options are limited. From snakes and lizards to butterflies, it was a delightful learning experience for all.
Lincoln Park Zoo:This zoo, reminiscent of the Washington Zoo, offered vast outdoor spaces, free entry, and activities for the kids – a rare find with free admission. Even though we visited in the off-season, the "Fall Fest" added an extra layer of joy with rides, mazes, and pumpkins for the kids to take home.
As we reflect on our Chicago escapade, the only question lingering is when we'll be back. There's so much more to explore on The Magnificent Mile, the Navy Pier in the summer, and the depths of this incredible city that captivated our entire family!
Note: Some of our stay/activities were compensated but all opinions (as always!) are our own!