Traveling with Kids to sox game on the Red line? (Chicago: hotel, buy)

[Baskins]

I live in Indiana ,and visit the wonderful city of Chicago about 8 times a year. I consider myself pretty educated about the city, but I'm looking for some advise.

Last year I took my 4 year little old girl to a Sox game. We are fan of the other team (Angels), however I was greeted with kindness, and was barley harassed even though we both had Angels jersey on. On this occasion we simply parked in a Sox parking area.

This year however I'm taking the whole family. Wife, daughter now 5 and son 3 to a game. We are staying at the Essex inn at 800 Michigian Ave.

My question is should we take the redline to the game, bus, taxi or drive? The redline, which I know quite well would be cool, but I want to make sure it would be safe for us and the kids, and will the walk to the stations be safe? From the Hotel we would have to walk to the Harrison station, via Mich ave,balbo ave, and S state ave. Once on the train we would take it to Sox-35th. Whats the walk like from there? Its a 7pm game so I imagine we'll take a taxi back to the Hotel after the game. I would love to take the Redline to the game if its feesible with the kids.

Any Advise would be greatly appericated.
Thanks

[Avengerfire]

I believe driving or taking a taxi would be comparable in price to the CTA. Even if it costs a few bucks more (which it probably will) I would drive or take a taxi. (Besides it saves a hell of a lot of time)

When the kids get older consider the train.

[CarolinaBredChicagoan]

Originally Posted by Baskins

I live in Indiana ,and visit the wonderful city of Chicago about 8 times a year. I consider myself pretty educated about the city, but I'm looking for some advise.

Last year I took my 4 year little old girl to a Sox game. We are fan of the other team (Angels), however I was greeted with kindness, and was barley harassed even though we both had Angels jersey on. On this occasion we simply parked in a Sox parking area.

This year however I'm taking the whole family. Wife, daughter now 5 and son 3 to a game. We are staying at the Essex inn at 800 Michigian Ave.

My question is should we take the redline to the game, bus, taxi or drive? The redline, which I know quite well would be cool, but I want to make sure it would be safe for us and the kids, and will the walk to the stations be safe? From the Hotel we would have to walk to the Harrison station, via Mich ave,balbo ave, and S state ave. Once on the train we would take it to Sox-35th. Whats the walk like from there? Its a 7pm game so I imagine we'll take a taxi back to the Hotel after the game. I would love to take the Redline to the game if its feesible with the kids.

Any Advise would be greatly appericated.
Thanks

The Red Line stops right at the park. There'll be thousands of people doing exactly what you're doing. Things'll likely be crowded, so (obviously) keep the kids close, but that's common sense.

Otherwise, nothing about what you propose involves walking through rough areas or any other risky behavior. I see nothing risky about what you propose.

Now, one thing someone else can weigh in on is how easy/hard cabs are to get at the game. I'd imagine it couldn't be THAT hard, but I've never cabbed away from Sox Park. Only driven or taken trains. I do know that getting a cab around Wrigley after a game can take forever.

[Avengerfire]

I forgot about the Cab situation at Comiskey. Just drive.

I would not recommend taking very small children on the Red Line for a night game at Comiskey (or to Wrigley for that matter.)

[Baskins]

Thanks for the advise. So you wouldn't suggest taking the kids on the train even to the game? It will be daylight on the commute to the Cell.

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by Baskins

...So you wouldn't suggest taking the kids on the train even to the game? It will be daylight on the commute to the Cell.

Well in daylight it is much better. The tricky thing is getting a cab back.

After the game later in the evening when people are all liquored up (and the bums and goons are out) I would not take young children on any CTA train (especially the Red Line.)

That is just me. I always err on the side of caution when advising non-residents.

[Baskins]

Really that suprises me...would you suggest calling a cab company as game lets out or no. I really dont feel like paying $30 to park when my hotel is only a few miles away. However I will do so if you suggest, as I respect and apericate the advise

[Avengerfire]

"Parking is $23 for cars, minivans, motorcycles and other vehicles that require one parking space. Buses must park in Lot A and cost $30 in advance (at least 14 business days) by calling 312-674-1000, or $35 on the day of the game. The lots open two hours prior to game time and close one hour after the game. Comiskey Cash can be used to pay for White Sox parking."

A-Z Ballpark FAQ | whitesox.com: Ballpark

That price is probably cheaper than what cab would cost roundtrip.

The train will cost you $9 roundtrip if you have a farecard.

If you are going to do other things while you are here and use the CTA you might as well buy a $5.75 (1-day) or
$14 (3-day) pass each for you and your wife while you are here.

Kids under 7 are free.

[Baskins]

Thanks again Angelfire. I will most likely drive then. I plan on taking the Kids to the City year after year, so eventually I'll get them on the train.

[jwaiter]

Originally Posted by Baskins

Thanks again Angelfire. I will most likely drive then.

I think driving is ridiculous. The Red Line is very safe before and after the games, it'll be packed with people all going to or leaving the game, same as you. Sure, after the game there'll be drunk people, but not dangerous ones, just drunk happy baseball fans, I know, I'm usually one of them. Take the train.