Chicago vacation ideas Dec 5-9

[High Lord Gomer]

A friend of mine is taking his 11 year old son to Chicago Dec5-9. Any of you Chicago folks have any suggestions for places to go, things to do, places to eat?

He's really into science and natural history, so I've got Rich penciled in for a nuclear reactor tour.

 

[SpDyKen]

Museum of Science & Industry is a "must see," and the Chicago Museum of Natural History is very good. The Planetarium there is good, as well.

I highly recommend that they try to find a place downtown to stay, even though a bit pricy, when doing the museum days, as commuting downtown in Chicago traffic can consume a great deal of the day.

Chigago is THE BEST city to spend time downtown in, that I have EVER been to!

Oh yea, my kids always want to eat at the ultra modern, 2-story McDonalds between Ontario and Ohio Streets. (Free parking for an hour, with purchase.)

I'll post more after consulting with my kids!

 

[Patman]

Lou Minalti Pizza! Man I loved that place! Morton's if you want some steak. Great museums as noted! Maybe get a tour of the hood from Rich?

 

[SINGLETRAC]

is ditkas still open ??? good food and alot of bears stuff....the bears.. :laugh:

 

[nikki]

Just throwing some stuff of my favorites out there, some things depend on the weather.

Attractions
- Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium (all in the same area)
- Museum of Science and Industry (south of the city)
- Observatories - Sears Tower Skydeck, Hancock Observatory
- Navy Pier - Chicago Children's Museum, Amazing Chicago Funhouse Maze, IMAX, Ferris Wheel, shopping, etc.
- Millennium Park - outdoor ice skating (weather permitting) & the "bean"
- Chicago History Museum
- Art Institute
- Lincoln Park Zoo (open all year)
- Sports & Games - ESPN Zone, Dave & Busters
- Magnificent Mile (Michigan Ave.) - shopping & Christmas lights


Places to Eat:
- Kid Friendly - Rainforest Cafe, Rock N' Roll McDonalds, Hard Rock Cafe, Ed Debevic's, Portillos
- Pizza - Ginos East, Giordanos, Lou Malnatis, Pizzeria Uno
- Fogo de Chao (Brazillian Steakhouse, good stuff!!)
- Steak - Gibsons, Chop House, Weber Grill, Harry Caray's
- Italian - Italian Village, Maggianos, Buca Di Beppo
- Seafood - Bob Chinn's, Shaw's
- Cheesecake Factory
- Carson's Ribs


Fun Hotels Downtown:
Hard Rock Hotel & House of Blues Hotels

 

[Mully]

Museum of Science & Industry is a "must see," and the Chicago Museum of Natural History is very good.

Been to both of those 4 times each. I never get tired of either.

Patman, I have two of Lou's giant deep dish Pizza's in my freezer right now. mmmmmmmmmmmmmm.............

Giordanos is my second fav Peezaaaaaaa!!!!

 

[Rich Rohrich]

Just throwing some stuff of my favorites out there, some things depend on the weather.

Nikki - You missed your calling as a tour guide. :)

 

[truespode]

Nikki - You missed your calling as a tour guide. :)

I agree... if I ever go to Chicago I'm hiring her!

Ivan

 

[High Lord Gomer]

I was considering telling him to hire her, but his kid is only 11 and being escorted by Nik-Dog would leave him dissatisfied with all future, lesser females.

BTW, thanks everyone (especially Nikki!)!

Rich...will he still need a night-light after your tour?

 

[truespode]

Rich...will he still need a night-light after your tour?

I guess that depends if he is also giving him a tour of his apartment and going over fuel types :)

Ivan

 

[GETMETOCA]

- Fogo de Chao (Brazillian Steakhouse, good stuff!!)
-

Beat me to it!!! Princess Leia Meat!!!! YAY! :yeehaw:

Here's a few of my fave's:

The Cheeseburger Cheeseburger place (From SNL - it's a real restaurant). I think it is called the Billy Goat Tavern,

The architectural boat rides right in front of the Wrigley Building dock (near Trump Tower).

Day Spa at the Red Door....uhhhh if yer into that. They don't call 'em "Man"icures for nothin!

Bob Chinn's Downtown - seafood.

And there's nothing like good old slummin' ! I enjoy stopping to talk to the bums that want cash. I get to know them. I ask them questions like "Where do you sleep when it is snowing?" and "How do you eat that leftover steak from The Chicago Chop House if you have no teef?" In return, They help me find White Pantry's so I too, can enjoy a 5th of something. If you see "Smiley" tell him Natalie said hello!!