Chi-Town
This summer we took our kids to the big city! It was their first time in Chicago, which is a five-hour drive from Des Moines. Eric and I hadn’t been there since 2017. The main reason for our trip was for Rooney and I to attend The Eras Tour, and it evolved into a birthday trip for Finch. He turned 8 while we were there!
WHERE WE STAYED
We ended up staying near the airport because everything downtown was extra expensive due to Taylor Swift being in town. We loved our stay at Marriott Chicago O’Hare! We paid a little extra for a poolside room, which was super convenient. The indoor/outdoor pool was really neat, and we had the place to ourselves most of the time! The airplane noise was minimal, and it’s also located super close to the El train so we could easily hop on the Blue Line to get downtown. If you’re flying in, you could also get there from the Blue Line from O’Hare so there’s no need to rent a car.
WHAT WE DID
Millennium Park: The Bean, Crown Fountain
Maggie Daley Park: playground & mini golf (they also have rock climbing and scooter/rollerblade rentals)
Bike and Roll bike rental — we biked from Millennium Park to Navy Pier!
Navy Pier: we rode the Ferris wheel and browsed some shops
Willis Tower Skydeck: great views from the tallest building in Chicago
IDEAS FOR NEXT TIME
I figured I would also share what we didn’t do, in case you are visiting for a longer time, and for myself to reference next time:
Home Alone house: 671 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka, IL
iFLY indoor skydiving
WHERE TO EAT
My favorite restaurant in Chicago is Antique Taco. Eric loves Portillo’s!
For deep dish pizza, try Gino’s East or Lou Malnati’s.
Next time, I want to try Tortazo!
YUMMY TREATS
GENERAL REMINDER
If traveling with kids, lower your expectations, and then lower them again. Chicago can require a lot of walking, and can be hot (or cold), and just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean your kids will magically stop fighting … but adventure is out there if you can push through!