You guys are most helpful. I'm putting together an action-packed 2 1/2 days of fun for my kiddos. I owe you all a beer.

Would you recommend that over top of the Sear's Tower (or whatever it's called now)? About the same?

 

I tried going there with my boys a few years ago. The line was rediculous and we blew it off since we didn't want to wait.

I love Chicago, certainly one of my favorite cities. That said, I've never been in the winter, I've heard it gets a little cold and windy this time of year.

 

Museum of Science and Industry is a must. One of the best museum's in the nation. You could easily spend an entire day there. Kids will love it.

 

Shedd Aquarium is very nice as well.

 

The lake front and Magnificent Mile are awesome when the weather is warm. Not sure right now. Flip side, I'm sure some of the holiday events and lights you mentioned are likely great. Very good pizza or steak town if you are so inclined. Enjoy.

The Museum of Science and Industry sounds like something my son would love. How much time should I free up for that? Few hours or what?

 

Fantastic place, you'll need 1/2 a day at least.

It's nothing spectacular, but for SNL fans, The Billy Goat Tavern is where the "Cheeseburger, cheeseburger, chips, chips, pepsi, pepsi" skit came from.

 

It's a pretty good greasy spoon.

 

 

Billy Goat Tavern Original

430 N. Michigan Ave at Lower Level

Chicago, IL 60611

The best thing that my kids enjoyed was the Museum of Science and Industry. There were many interactive things to do, which was great for kids and was fun for adults. I highly recommend this place. It would be the #1 thing to see with kids in my opinion.

 

The Field Museum is pretty neat to see, and has the dinosaur "Sue" inside, but M of S&I is better for kids.

 

Both take some time to see all of the exhibits so you will need to plan accordingly.

 

We enjoyed just walking up and down the Magnificent Mile. There is a big Lego Land close to the Magnificent Mile, I believe.

 

I'm not a big fan of the Navy Pier. It is a tourist trap in my opinion.

 

Depending on the weather, Millennium Park is really cool to walk around. The have Cloud Gate there with look like a giant mirrored bean.

 

Lou Manalti's is good. I am partial to Giordano's. If there is a decent wait at any of the pizza places, go ahead and place your order when you arrive, especially if you are getting a deep dish pie. It takes about 40 minutes for them to bake it.

 

I would see what sites are close to where you are staying and go from there.

 

My family and I really enjoy Chicago, but my wallet doesn't.

 

Giordano's pizza is the bomb!

While they are all good. Lou Malnati's pizza is the best.

 

My recomendation is sausage, deep dish, butter crust, well done.

 

Giordano's uses too much sauce and it is very sweet.

Gino's puts a little too much corn meal in their crust.

 

But, you can't really go wrong.

 

The Chicago thin crust pizzas are fantastic also.

 

 

If you're near The Mile, and want to take time out for a ball game and grab some lunch. Mother Hubbards is a good stop. Solid thin crust, good dogs, and sandwiches. It's a short walk from Michigan ave.

Hotel Monaco is pretty sweet. We got here late but managed to check out Trump Tower, talk a walk on the Riverwalk and witness a drunk guy with a shopping cart vs a drunk girl in a limo. Good stuff so far.

This place is awesome

I had the greatest weekend ever with my kiddos. We had a blast. I'll post some pics soon. Thanks for all the input :thumb: