RE: Chicago area Moms please give some advice
If you stay in Schaumburg, you'll be surrounded by all the chains - stores, restuarants, you name it. Plenty to choose from, but nothing really uniquely Chicago. You could drive to the Cumberland El stop and take the El into the city (gives you tons of flexibility with your time) but if you are coming to see the city, I'd stay in the city not in Schaumburg.
The aquarium is overrated. It will cost you well over $50 to get in, and on the weekend you'll have to stand in line a loooong time to get in (unless you get there right when it opens). If you drive, it's another $15 for parking. And it's just not that amazing. Instead, try Lincoln Park Zoo (free) though note it will also be busy on the weekend and parking may be scarce, but you can take a bus there from your hotel in Chicago. Also up there is the Peggy Notebart nature museum - not free, though.
Go play at the beach and if the red flag isn't up, splash in the water. Play in the fountain at Navy Pier. Take a Wendella boat ride on the Chicago river (they offer architectural tours, I believe). Take a ride around the loop on the El.
Single mom to
DS ("twice exceptional") - September 2002
DS - February 2006
DD - July 2009
DD - July 2009