Chicago hotel help (with kids) this summer

There are plenty of great threads and information on Chicago on this board. Some really great knowledge.

I copy and pasted some of my older posts.... but def use the search bar and just type in Chicago and dive in!

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Obviously I’m trying to compress a lot into too little time, but tell me if something seems way off.

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Sure, but at the same time you'll always be able to do MORE in Chicago. Just so much to do. So don't feel like you didn't get the trip right. Make the most of what yall have planned and enjoy!

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Would you be worried about the safety of the blue line from Ohare to downtown in midday?

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Usually fly SW, so come from the Southside and usually anyone from the airports are all the same crowd. So def not too sketch. Should have no issue.

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Is there a particular section of the river walk you recommend?

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I'll let others chime in, but the riverwalk really isn't much. We enjoyed Happy Hour at TinyTapp with some live music and relaxing right there, but its not much more than just walking and taking in some sights.

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It’s supposed to be in low 60s with a 10 mph East wind with a rain possibly. How cold is that going to feel to South Louisiana folks?
I know we shouldn’t wear shorts, but do we need jackets/hoodies IYO?

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Shorts and a light jacket is perfect. Dress comfortable. If you're doing the amount of walking etc. it's good not to have all those extra layers on and you won't sweat. You'll just enjoy the temps and the sights.

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I guess I left off walking the Mag Mile.

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Yeah, they have plenty of stops on Mag Mile that teens would like and enjoy + the sights obv. My 12 year old enjoyed the Nike Store (4-5 levels), and other shops on Mag Mile.

***I always add this in here but the Chicago Athletic Association is always a fun stop. Took my son there, played some pool and other games. Great architecture and great vibes. They'll enjoy. Not far from the Bean etc.





They have a nice rooftop spot that overlooks The Bean called Cindy's there. Altogether a really cool spot/stop. I've been to Chi 3x now and every time I pop in.

First and foremost, use Search on this board and F&DB for Chicago. There are countless threads. I live here, but wife and I do not have kids. Will help where
I can but probably a few city visitors with kids that might be more helpful.

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Taking the kids to some cubs/white sox games and spending 4-5 nights in Chicago. Any recommendations for a hotel that is kid friendly (cool pool?) and is in a good location with easy access to these areas?

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There are so many damn hotels, across all price ranges, in River North, Mag Mile and The Loop.

For Cubs / Sox, your best bet is to be at a hotel near a Red Line station - Grand, Clark/Division, Chicago, Lake, Monroe, etc, etc. However, and coincidentally brought it up in another thread recently, something like The Westin in River North could be perfect - they do have a pool and are in proximity of both Red and Brown Line stations. Upside is, Brown Line for a Cubs game won't be as full as Red. Get off at Belmont and walk straight up Sheffield. For Sox, don't really have another option - will need to be on the Red Line. Not that big of a deal. It's totally fine.

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Bonus points for other fun activities in the city for kids aged 5-11.

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Mentioned earlier that somene else may be more helpful for a question like this, but here are some kid-friendly options: Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, top of the Willis, Lincoln Park Zoo / walk down Lake Shore trail, Logan Square Farmers Market, check out the street festival calendar (assuming you'll be here in the summer; always kid-friendly and great way to see another neighborhood outside of a very touristy downtown), and Montrose beach (great beach and bird sanctuary w/ skyline views).

ETA: Immediate area around The Bean has been under construction since late last summer. Bean is supposed to open back up in the spring, but just a quick warning since I don't know your travel dates.

Stayed a couple years ago with our young kids at the Intercontinental downtown. Really enjoyed it.

It has an awesome and historic indoor pool. Rooms are a little dated in decor but always try to get a suite set up with kids and they have a lot. Bus line goes up and down the length of Michigan Avenue.

Also found the price to be right as compared to other options.

That age group is a little older than ours, but Maggie Daley playground is the best playground I’ve ever seen in my life.