Safe to walk Chicago with my son? (Harvey, Lincoln: neighborhood, purchase)

[fusillirob1983]

Originally Posted by padad1

He's 12 and is definitely aware of his surroundings.

Should be fine!

[padad1]

Originally Posted by frimpter928

Super safe. Crime is limited to specific parts of the city that are far away from the downtown area.

With that being said, Willis Tower is great, but I recommend John Hancock instead if you can. More beautiful view of the city from that building. Also, Willis Tower is in the very business centric part of downtown, so it's a bit sterile and "boring" for a tourist. If you do the John Hancock observatory, you are in an amazing spot for restaurants, landmarks and you will probably enjoy it more. Walk down Michigan avenue up to the river, explore the riverwalk, etc. It's a much better experience than starting off at Willis Tower. The area surrounding the Willis Tower is rather bland.

It it were me I would recommend:
-John Hancock Observatory (they have parking in the building or at least attached to the building).
-Then walk down Michigan Avenue to the river
-Do the river walk
-Then walk to Millennium Park

That should fill in 4 hours so, I would definitely not add more and enjoy those 4 things I listed without being rushed.

Thanks for the heads up. My son actually did a project on the Willis Tower for school where he had to build a replica complete with sky deck so he is very interested in seeing the actual thing.

[padad1]

Originally Posted by Master Jay

padad1, I understand your inquiry on safety. My only concern is when people feel safety is an issue wherever they are in Chicago simply because it is CHICAGO. I attribute that to the daily reports on shootings, which although obviously are unfortunate, they typically occur in certain neighborhoods. Can incidents occur ANYwhere you go? That is true too. I know people in Milwaukee that ask me why I am not afraid to go to Chicago, based on the news reports.... Well, there are daily reports of car accidents, but does that stop people from wanting to drive???.. I think you will love the energy of the downtown area... When I visit downtown, I jump on the Brown Line L train in Lincoln Square and get off near Madison Street, which is a couple blocks west of Millennium Park (with Cloud Gate, aka "the Bean"). If seeing the city via an L train ride is anything of interest to you, I would recommend it... For dining, I would recommend Pizano's on Madison Street. And ask if Uncle Chach is serving. THAT GUY IS A RIOT! Anyone out there know who I'm talking about???? Have a great time with your son! Master Jay in Milwaukee

I'm thinking we may have to change our itinerary based upon all these awesome ideas. We will be driving into the city from Macedonia, OH and staying in Wood Dale.

[Chicago60614]

Originally Posted by padad1

I'm thinking we may have to change our itinerary based upon all these awesome ideas. We will be driving into the city from Macedonia, OH and staying in Wood Dale.

Why are you staying out in Wood Dale? With friends or family? You can always take the train in as well if you're out that way, park at a blue line and don't mess with parking downtown.

As others said, there are around a million people on any given weekday and still a lot on weekends who are all over the downtown area. You're in virtually no danger from violent crime.

[BOBNCHI]

Just a thought not knowing your full itinerary. If staying in Wooddale, you might want to look at taking the Metra from there into the city. It arrives at Union Station, just a 5 minute walk to Willis. It eliminates any possible traffic and parking hassles.

[flamadiddle]

Originally Posted by padad1

I'm thinking we may have to change our itinerary based upon all these awesome ideas. We will be driving into the city from Macedonia, OH and staying in Wood Dale.

Oh, we've only scratched the surface. We could keep you busy all week if you have the time.

[Koji7]

Originally Posted by frimpter928

Super safe. Crime is limited to specific parts of the city that are far away from the downtown area.

With that being said, Willis Tower is great, but I recommend John Hancock instead if you can. More beautiful view of the city from that building. Also, Willis Tower is in the very business centric part of downtown, so it's a bit sterile and "boring" for a tourist. If you do the John Hancock observatory, you are in an amazing spot for restaurants, landmarks and you will probably enjoy it more. Walk down Michigan avenue up to the river, explore the riverwalk, etc. It's a much better experience than starting off at Willis Tower. The area surrounding the Willis Tower is rather bland.

It it were me I would recommend:
-John Hancock Observatory (they have parking in the building or at least attached to the building).
-Then walk down Michigan Avenue to the river
-Do the river walk
-Then walk to Millennium Park

That should fill in 4 hours so, I would definitely not add more and enjoy those 4 things I listed without being rushed.

Totally agree with this guy ☝️

[Manigault]

Originally Posted by padad1

Thanks for the heads up. My son actually did a project on the Willis Tower for school where he had to build a replica complete with sky deck so he is very interested in seeing the actual thing.

Tell your son that some locals call the tower "Big Willie". He won't get the joke but don't explain!

[padad1]

Originally Posted by Chicago60614

Why are you staying out in Wood Dale? With friends or family? You can always take the train in as well if you're out that way, park at a blue line and don't mess with parking downtown.

As others said, there are around a million people on any given weekday and still a lot on weekends who are all over the downtown area. You're in virtually no danger from violent crime.

We're actually coming in from OH on Saturday so the plan was to head right into the city from the South, spend a few hours then head out to Wood Dale, spend the night and be on our way to MO.

[padad1]

Originally Posted by BOBNCHI

Just a thought not knowing your full itinerary. If staying in Wooddale, you might want to look at taking the Metra from there into the city. It arrives at Union Station, just a 5 minute walk to Willis. It eliminates any possible traffic and parking hassles.

Staying at the Double Tree in Wood Dale