Vacation in Chicago? (Oak Park, Brookfield, Lincoln: neighborhoods, price, floor)

[EastonGirl]

Hello everyone, the last time I was in Chicago I was 17 and really didn't have the time to explore the city the way I wanted too. My father was a truck driver and if you know anything about that you'd know they're always in a rush. The pictures I saw on here looked wonderful. Every time I go to a travel agency they never have anything on Chicago. I was wondering if anyone would be willing to inform me on what would be a nice thing to do out there, the best time of the year to go, and are there dinner cruises on Lake Michigan? I would really appreciate any info that you have to offer. Also, are there any kid parks or activities to do while there? Thanks!!!

[chitown85]

The best time to go is April through October because of the weather. The biggest tourist months are July and August. There are plenty of dinner cruises on Lake Michigan and lots of kids activities. Navy Pier, Museum of Science & Industry, Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, just to name a few. The Lincoln Park Zoo. Lots of fun stuff to do. Book your trip early to get good rates.

[Avengerfire]

If you are into baseball go to a Cubs game when the Phillies are in town.

[linicx]

There are boat cruises with/without meals, architectural tours, city tours on a trolly, walking routs and chocolate factory tour to name a few; some are free, some are not. If you are a sports fan Chicago has it all.

The problem with Chicago and Cook County is it is nearly 1000 square miles. Take a week if you cam. It is still not enough time.

Some of the things not mentioned are Chinatown, Buckingham Fountain, Lunch, dinner or drinks on the 95th floor of the Hancock Building (cars look like ants), Millenium Park, Shedd Acquarium,
art museums, Botanican Gardens, You can also find everything "tres chic and upscale", too, from furs to baubles from the oldest Jewelery store in Chicago. You go into the Loop and investigate one of the busiest train stations in America. And you can shop untll you drop. Another thing you can do, is hire a cab - it won't be chepa, to take you on Lower Wacker Drive - under the city -where Al Capone hung out.

But one of the best reasons to visit the city is the 'hoods. Chicago has hundreds of small neighborhoods that are purely cultural when your find regional foods, the kind you have to go to Europe or other countries, to experience. If you want to find "real" Irish, Greek, Italian, French, Bohemian, German foods etc., you go to the 'hoods in Chicago. Be aware there are a few 'hoods you probably would not want to visit.

If you want to leave Chicag a few miles you can visit Brookfield Zoo. If you are interested in turn of the century architecture the Village of Oak Parkand take a walking tour of the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright designed buildings in the world. The drive around the Outer Drive that follows the course of Lake Michigan is beautuful, too.

If you have a very young child I don't know if I would go to the Hancock Building or not. The view is stunning. The Express eleveator decends in a heartbeat The night I was there it was the only elevator open; the fast descent bothered my inner ear for a few hours.

You can't do it all, experience it all. or see it all in a weekend or a week, but bring a camera, and a light jacket unless you visit in July or August.

[EastonGirl]

Thank you all for your input. I will definitely look into all your suggestions.

[jlawrence01]

Everybody has given you a pretty good idea of what to see or do.

Priceline and Hotwire can get you a good room in the tourist areas for under $100. And if you are doing Chicago "on the cheap" you can often get a room for half that in the suburbs and commute into the city.

You can spend an entire week in Chicago and not see everything. Pace yourself accordingly.