Family trip to chicago

Question

My husband and I have been to Chicago and loved it. We would like to do our family trip with our 6 and 4 year old this summer (June) to Chicago.

We relied heavily on the bus and taxi systems when it was just us. I am considering staying in the Lincoln park area and then ubering to and from the city or to the museum area vs public transportation.

Thoughts on the safety of the Uber system there with kids and the easability vs public transport. Or better to stay downtown?

Answer

It’s great that you’re planning a family trip to Chicago! The city offers a lot of fun activities for kids, and both the Lincoln Park area and staying downtown are good options. When deciding between Uber and public transportation, here are some key things to consider:

Staying in the Lincoln Park Area vs Downtown:

Lincoln Park Area: Lincoln Park is a family-friendly neighborhood with plenty of green space, restaurants, and attractions like the Lincoln Park Zoo (free entry) and the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. It’s a quieter area compared to downtown but still offers easy access to the city center. You can certainly Uber to downtown or the museum area, and it might be a little more affordable compared to staying right in the heart of the city. It’s about a 10-20 minute ride from Lincoln Park to downtown attractions like Millennium Park, the Field Museum, or the Art Institute.
Downtown Chicago: Staying downtown (close to the Loop, Millennium Park, and the Magnificent Mile) has the advantage of being near major attractions. You’ll be walking distance from places like Navy Pier, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Willis Tower Skydeck. Public transportation is more accessible, and you can walk or take short rides to most attractions, which is great when you have young kids. If you don’t mind the hustle and bustle of a busy city, staying downtown can make sightseeing a bit easier.

Safety of Uber vs Public Transportation with Kids:

Uber: Uber is generally safe in Chicago, and it can be a convenient option with kids, especially if you're carrying strollers or other gear. Many Uber drivers are happy to accommodate children, but you’ll want to ensure that you’re using an appropriate car seat for your kids. Illinois law requires children under 8 years old to be in a car seat. If you’re concerned about this, you can opt for services like Uber Family or Uber Car Seat, which offer vehicles equipped with car seats, though availability can vary. As long as you're mindful of safety and check the car seat situation, Uber can be a stress-free option, especially for short rides. Plus, it can save you from the hassle of transferring between buses or trains with kids in tow.
Public Transportation (CTA): Chicago’s public transit system, the CTA, is generally safe and efficient. The "L" (train) and buses can get you to most attractions, but with kids, it might be a bit more challenging—especially during rush hours or crowded times. The buses and trains tend to be busier in the summer, so it can be a bit of a squeeze with strollers. Also, depending on where you're staying, you may need to take multiple transfers to reach your destination, which could be tiring for little ones. That said, CTA is affordable and can be a good choice for families who are comfortable navigating the system.

Considerations for Your Trip:

Ease of Travel: If you’re planning to do a lot of sightseeing, staying downtown could be easier since you can walk to many places and avoid the need for public transit altogether. However, with kids, you might still want to use Uber or taxis if you’re traveling long distances or carrying strollers. Lincoln Park offers more space and parks, and you may find it easier to enjoy quieter areas, but you’ll need to factor in the Uber rides back and forth.
Public Transit with Kids: If you prefer public transit, consider using the CTA “L” trains, as they are easier to navigate than buses when it comes to moving around with strollers. Also, many train stations in Chicago are accessible, and you’ll find elevators at most locations to make it easier to get in and out with children. However, buses may be harder with strollers due to crowded conditions and fewer accessibility options on the buses themselves.
Cost: Uber or Lyft rides can get expensive, especially for longer trips from Lincoln Park to downtown. However, public transportation is much more economical, with unlimited ride passes available for tourists. If you're planning a few trips a day, public transit could be a more cost-effective option, though Uber may provide more convenience with small children.

Final Recommendation:

For the most convenience with young kids, Uber or Lyft is a great choice, especially if you want to avoid the stress of navigating public transit with a stroller. You can easily get around without worrying about transfers or crowded buses/trains. Ensure you check the car seat options available with the rideshare services.
If you want to save on transportation costs and your kids are comfortable with public transit, staying downtown and using the CTA could work well, particularly if you're planning to explore areas close to your hotel and use the "L" trains.
Both Lincoln Park and downtown have their pros, but staying downtown will allow you to be closer to key tourist attractions with more walking opportunities. However, if you prefer a quieter neighborhood, Lincoln Park is a solid choice.

In conclusion, Uber or Lyft is likely to be the most convenient and comfortable choice for you and your kids, especially if you're staying in Lincoln Park. However, if you enjoy the hustle and bustle and want easy access to major attractions, staying downtown with the use of public transportation could be an economical and fun option!

Family trip to chicago

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