What to do in Chicago with 4 and 5 yo??

[zoestargrove]

I have a business trip in Chicago this year. I'm bringing the family. We'll be there October 25-November 1.

Can anyone suggest the best places for my husband to take our boys on the days I'll be working? They're 4 and 5.

also, any ideas for what we can do Halloween night? I really want to make it special- my 5yo is starting to get concerned he will miss trick or treating and I keep telling him that we'll have fun exploring Halloween in a new place. We'll pack costumes for sure.

Thanks for any suggestions. I've just begun researching this myself.

Kelly

[srhs]

I have not BTDT with kids (only DH and self) but have visited several times. I'd suggest Shedd Aquarium and Navy Pier as family-friendly.
Looks like Navy Pier has Halloween activities:
http://www.navypier.com/. Don't miss the NP fireworks. Make sure those costumes can be warm though; could be chilly!

[Momof3Labs]

My boys love the Museum of Science and Industry, the Field Museum and the Shedd Aquarium. Navy Pier is a huge tourist trap - it's okay in the summer when the kids can play in the fountains and ride the ferris wheel, but otherwise it's just some overpriced shops and a food court.

What part of Chicago will you be visiting? Will you have a car? That will help guide responses. I don't know about Halloween happenings in the city - I think that there usually isn't much scheduled because kids trick-or-treat in their neighborhood, but sometimes local malls do trick-or-treating from store to store.

[elephantmeg]

we just got back a month ago
lego store! (DS was too young so we didn't do it this time)
navy pier and play in the fountains if it's still warm enough (prob not) otherwise I would skip it
museum of science and industry is awesome.
the zoo was OK-we don't have one nearby so the kids have never been so they thought it was cool.

[o_mom]

DH took DS1 to Chicago for a day this summer. They went to the Rainforest Cafe, Lego Store and then the Sears Tower. As an aside, everyone I know in Chicago says that the view from the Hancock Center is better and not as crowded. OTOH, Sears Tower is the tallest building in the US.

[anothermom]

I agree that Navy Pier is a tourist trap, but it does have the Children's Museum, which I have heard great things about. Haven't BTDT, but I think it is geared to that age group. And, it's on the beginning/west end of the pier, so you don't have to do the whole pier.

And, for Halloween things, I think they're still doing Chicagoween. This is Mayor Daley's favorite holiday, so he started this week-long festival at Daley Plaza with different events each day. The city's website might have more info. I think many of the businesses (at least in the neighborhoods that have their own commercial districts) do their own trick or treating too.

[zoestargrove]

Thanks everyone! We're staying right downtown at the Hyatt.

I wasn't planning on renting a car, but I could be talked into it. I'd hate to miss something amazing just because the bus/train didn't go that route.

It sounds like the museum of science and industry should not be missed.

Also, found out that the children's film festival is going on that week and maybe they can take in a movie that they might not otherwise see.

Shedd Aquarium is doing a halloween party on the 31st. I'll check out the city's website to see what chicagoween is all about.

Please keep the suggestions coming! They're all very helpful!

[Asianmommy]

We like going to Bengtson's Pumpkin Farm, but it's kinda far out in the southwest suburbs. You can also check out a list of things to do with kids in Chicago at my blog.

[sail731]

The Lincoln Park Zoo is always fun. Lots to see, on the bus line, and it's free.

Have fun!