Chicago or Boston for summer trip?

[mikeys_mom]

We are still trying to decide where to go with the kids for a trip this summer. The current two options (which change almost weekly ) are Boston and Chicago. We are now trying to see if one is a better option than the other. At the moment it looks like it will come down to where we find a better rate on a hotel.

Both are about the same distance - around 9hrs drive.
They both have enough kid-friendly activities for the 3.5 days we are going to be there.

Any advantages to one over the other? We plan to go the first week of August - what is the weather like at that time?
Also, any hotel recommendations for either city - preferably with a suite?

[truly scrumptious]

Boston is lovely in the summer! Just wanted to suggest that if you come to Boston, to consider staying at the Beacon Inn
www.beaconinn.com
It is a converted house, and is really reasonable compared to a hotel, and you can get multiple rooms on the same floor. It is also really well located (on the T) so it's easy to get around. I'm not sure about parking, though.
We had our entire family stay there when they came out for our wedding.

[arivecchi]

I have lived in both cities and Chicago just in the summer! Seriously, no other city comes ALIVE like this! It is a playground in the summer for both children and adults:

Lakefront
Navy Pier
Millenium Park
Wrigley Field
State St
Magnificent Mile
Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park Zoo
Chicago Botanic Gardens
Art Institute
Second City
Chicago River
Chicago architecture
Loop
Art fairs
Museum of Science and Industry
Adler Planetarium
Shedd Acquarium
Field Museum
Biggest McD's in US
Incredible restaurant scene
Awesome shopping

I could go on and on. Chicago is magnificent in the summer! Feel free to PM me if you have more questions!

[mikeys_mom]

Wow - that is a great list! You should work for the Chicago department of tourism with your enthusiasm for the city . I have a bunch of specific questions. I will PM you later. Thanks again!

[arivecchi]

I Chicago! These links may help:

http://www.explorechicago.org/city/en.html

http://www.chicagokids.com/

http://www.chicagotraveler.com/kids-things-to-do.htm

http://www.deliciousbaby.com/travel/usa/il/chicago/

[egoldber]

I also think that Chicago is much more kid friendly.

I stayed here with my older DD last summer and it was a really perfect location IMO: http://www.senecahotel.com/

Spacious rooms with suites and kitchens.

[alien_host]

I love Boston, but of course I live here Lots of history, lots to do with kids. You can also take a day trip to the beach if that interests you.

New England Aquarium (neaq.org)
a Whale Watch is very interesting.
Museum of Science (mos.org)
Children's Museum (www.bostonchildrensmuseum.org)
Swan Boats
Freedom Trail
Fanuiel Hall/Quincy Market
Red Sox Game, but tickets are hard to come by.
Dinner in the North End (Italian)
We have a small zoo, Franklin Park Zoo that is OK - if you've been to other bigger zoos it might be disappointing.
Newbury Street is fun to walk - shopping is expensive there but lots of nice restaurants and fun people watching

A duck tour is a fun way to see a lot www.bostonducktours.com

August can be hot, but heck it's summer. Boston is a great city to walk around.

I don't have any hotel recommendations off the top of my head since I never stay in town. Let me think about it.

[newnana]

Beth, thank you so much for the Seneca Hotel recommendation! We were already planning a trip to Chicago but didn't know where to stay. My DH, DD, and I loved it here. The location was perfect, DD could go to bed before us and we could leave a closet light on and close the door, the full kitchen was really handy and we came with a few groceries, and they have a buy 2 nights, get one free deal right now. This place could not have been better. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

[egoldber]

I'm so glad you liked it! It's a wonderful little hotel in a fantastic area.