Feedback on itinerary

Question

Hi all,

Heading to Chicago later this year and was wondering if I can gather some feedback on my itinerary please? This is for 2 adults no children, staying near magnificent mile. I have left a bit of space as this is a surprise for my husbands 30th and I want him to have some input once the surprise is revealed, the trip to Milwaukee is a must for him. We are here a Tuesday - Tuesday:

Day 1: Land: 14:00, ponder for the evening

Day 2: MOSI museum, Field Museum & 360 Chicago

Day 3: River walk, navy pier, millennium park & boat tour

Day 4: Wrigley field & Lincoln park zoo

Day 5: day trip to Milwaukee - American family field, public market & river walk.

Day 6: Alder Planitarium & Shedd aquarium

Day 7: Garfield Park Conservatory, Magnificent mile and sky deck Chicago

Day 8: Ponder, head back to airport at 12:30

Thank you all :)

Answer

Your itinerary looks well-planned and covers a great mix of iconic attractions and personal interests. It’s exciting that you're planning a surprise for your husband’s 30th birthday, and with a bit of flexibility, I’m sure he’ll enjoy his time in Chicago and Milwaukee. Here’s some detailed feedback, along with a few suggestions that might enhance the experience:

Day 1: Arrival & Evening Ponder
Landing at 14:00 gives you plenty of time to settle in and get a feel for the city. Since you're staying near the Magnificent Mile, you’ll be in the heart of downtown with easy access to many restaurants and attractions. For the evening, it’s a great idea to just wander around and relax, perhaps check out the nearby shopping centers or walk along Michigan Avenue to enjoy the vibe of the city. You could even have dinner at one of Chicago’s iconic restaurants, like The Signature Room at the 95th on top of the John Hancock Center, for amazing views of the skyline.

Day 2: Museums & 360 Chicago
Your Day 2 itinerary looks packed but exciting! The Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) and Field Museum are both fantastic places, though they are large and can take a few hours each. It might be a good idea to leave some time for a quick lunch in between or visit one of the museums in the morning, with the other in the afternoon. The 360 Chicago observation deck is also a great addition at the end of the day. If you can, try to time your visit around sunset to get the best views of the city as it lights up.

Tip: Consider purchasing tickets for the museums in advance to save time on the day. You might also want to double-check the museum hours and whether there are any special exhibits during your visit.

Day 3: Riverwalk, Navy Pier, Millennium Park & Boat Tour
Day 3 is a great mix of outdoor exploration and Chicago classics. The Riverwalk is a scenic way to enjoy the city’s architecture and vibe. Navy Pier is always lively, with restaurants, shops, and even a Ferris wheel with fantastic views of Lake Michigan. Millennium Park is a must-see, and don’t forget to visit the iconic Cloud Gate (The Bean) and the Crown Fountain. A boat tour is a wonderful way to learn about Chicago's history and architecture—definitely a highlight.

Tip: Depending on the time of year, be prepared for varying weather, as it could be chilly by the lake in the evening. If it’s cooler, consider visiting the indoor gardens at the Crystal Gardens at Navy Pier.

Day 4: Wrigley Field & Lincoln Park Zoo
Wrigley Field is an amazing historic spot, and even if you’re not attending a game, a tour of the stadium can be a lot of fun. The Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the country and is free to visit. It’s a lovely way to spend part of the day, especially if the weather is nice.

Tip: If you're into baseball, consider catching a game at Wrigley if it aligns with your travel dates—it’s an iconic Chicago experience!

Day 5: Day Trip to Milwaukee
A trip to Milwaukee is a great choice for your husband. The American Family Field (formerly Miller Park) is a fantastic sports venue, and the Public Market is perfect for grabbing some local eats. The Milwaukee Riverwalk is beautiful for a stroll and offers a nice view of the city. It might be a bit of a drive (about 1.5 hours), so be sure to plan ahead for parking and time management.

Tip: Consider a guided brewery tour in Milwaukee if you both enjoy craft beers—Milwaukee is known for its breweries!

Day 6: Adler Planetarium & Shedd Aquarium
Day 6 covers two of Chicago's top attractions. The Adler Planetarium is fantastic for space enthusiasts and offers amazing views of the skyline from its lakeside location. The Shedd Aquarium is one of the largest and most impressive aquariums in the U.S., with a variety of exhibits from aquatic life across the globe.

Tip: You might want to split up these visits into a morning and afternoon, as both places can take a few hours. Consider checking out the Shedd’s new exhibits or special shows in the planetarium.

Day 7: Garfield Park Conservatory, Magnificent Mile & Skydeck Chicago
Garfield Park Conservatory is a lovely, tranquil spot, perfect for a more relaxed morning. Then, spend the afternoon exploring the Magnificent Mile for shopping, dining, and sightseeing. Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower is another must-do, offering panoramic views of the city. If you're interested in more Chicago history or art, you might consider visiting the Art Institute, which is nearby.

Tip: The Skydeck can get crowded, especially during peak hours, so try to go early in the day if you can. You’ll get stunning views and a great photo opportunity!

Day 8: Ponder & Head to Airport
On your last day, you’ll have time for a leisurely breakfast or a final walk around the city before heading to the airport. Since you’re leaving at 12:30, you could use the morning to check out a nearby spot you may have missed or just relax before your flight.

Overall, your itinerary is well-balanced with a great mix of sightseeing, cultural experiences, and downtime. It allows for a mix of iconic Chicago attractions and more unique experiences, like the Milwaukee day trip and the Adler Planetarium. I would suggest keeping the days flexible if possible, especially the day in Milwaukee, since travel time can vary. Make sure to double-check the opening times and availability for any special exhibits or events during your visit!

Enjoy your trip, and I’m sure your husband will love the surprise! :)