Things to do with kids & public transit suggestions

Question

My family and I (myself, husband, and 6 kids ages 4-12) will be roadtripping to Chicago in late May. We have an airbnb reserved in the Avondale area (right off the 90 freeway). We will be there 4 nights.

So far, we have three plans:

-Evening of arrival we have a private walking/food tour of Chinatown scheduled

-The following day we've rented bikes for the day. The rough plan was to follow the same route/stops as a bike group tour would take, but do it on our own... so basically see the main tourist stops in the downtown area. Open to suggestions here!

-One day we're planning to drive to St. Joseph, MI, both to cross Michigan off our state list and to spend a full day at the "beach"

We have heard great things about the architectural boat tour, but are unsure if it will be worth the cost with all our kids. They are well behaved and the older ones may find it interesting, but we still have to drop money on the younger ones who won't care about it at all. Is it worth it?

We definitely want to get a deep dish pizza and a chicago hot dog at some point.

We are not interested in zoos, children's museums, aquariums, or science centers unless it's something exceptional that no other big city offers. We road trip quite a bit and like to focus on the things that make the city unique.

We basically have two full days to fill: one where we will have bikes and one where we will not. What would you suggest we do with each of those days?

And a follow up question: the airbnb is apparently 1 min from a bus stop and an 11 min walk to the blue line at Belmont. Would you suggest we use public transport everywhere we go? Can you get off the blue line and walk to Chinatown or will we need to hop onto the red line?

I apologize if this post is too long! I just wanted to give all the info so it could help shape the suggestions. I appreciate the help!

Answer

It sounds like you’ve got a fun trip planned! Chicago is a great city for families, and with a large group of kids, there’s plenty to see and do that will be unique to the city. Let’s break it down based on your plans and how to make the most of your time.

1. Architectural Boat Tour: As for the architectural boat tour, I’d say it could be a great choice if your kids enjoy being on the water and the older ones might appreciate the history and architecture. However, considering the age range of your kids and that some may not be as engaged, it might be a bit of a splurge, especially if you have to pay for younger kids who won't be interested. Some families skip this, but if your budget allows and you think the older kids will find it interesting, it could be a memorable experience. The boat tour also provides a nice way to cool off and see the city from a different angle, which can be a nice break from walking. If you’re undecided, you could also check if any family deals or discounts are available.

2. Bikes and Downtown Sights: Great idea to rent bikes for the day! Chicago is very bike-friendly, and there’s a designated bike path along the lakefront as well as many scenic spots you’ll want to see. Since you mentioned visiting downtown, here’s a suggested route that’s both kid-friendly and full of highlights:

Grant Park: Start your bike ride in the heart of downtown at Grant Park. You can check out Buckingham Fountain (kids will love the large water feature) and take in the open spaces.
Lakefront Trail: Ride along the Lakefront Trail, which offers beautiful views of Lake Michigan. You can stop at Oak Street Beach or Navy Pier if the kids want to take a break or grab a snack.
Millennium Park: Stop by Millennium Park to see the famous “Bean” (Cloud Gate). It’s a great spot for photos and a fun, free stop.
Riverwalk: Explore the Chicago Riverwalk where you can grab a quick snack or drink at one of the cafes along the river and let the kids watch the boats.

If you feel adventurous, you can ride towards the Museum Campus (which houses the Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium) or to Lincoln Park to see the lakefront parks and beaches. Since you’re not interested in the aquarium or science center, the park areas are perfect for just exploring the outdoors without feeling like you have to pay for an attraction.

3. Day Trip to St. Joseph, MI: This sounds like a fun and relaxing day with the kids! The beach in St. Joseph is a great stop, and it’s not too far from Chicago (about a 2-hour drive). You can explore Silver Beach County Park or check out the St. Joseph Lighthouse. A visit to the beach will give everyone a chance to relax, and it’s a good way to break up the trip.

4. Deep Dish Pizza and Chicago Hot Dog: Definitely don’t miss trying deep-dish pizza and a Chicago-style hot dog. For deep-dish, popular spots like Lou Malnati’s, Giordano’s, or Pequod’s are great choices. For a hot dog, head to Portillo’s or Superdawg for a true Chicago experience. Since you have kids, they might appreciate the casual vibe at Portillo’s where there’s a variety of food options, including kid-friendly ones.

5. Things to Do Without Bikes: For your second full day without bikes, you can still explore plenty of the city with public transit or by walking.

The Art Institute of Chicago: Since you’re looking for unique experiences, the Art Institute is a must-see. The museum is world-renowned, and it has a fantastic collection of art that will appeal to both adults and kids. The modern wing is particularly kid-friendly.
Millennium Park and Maggie Daley Park: While you’re already planning to visit Millennium Park, the nearby Maggie Daley Park has a beautiful playground for the kids to burn off energy. There's also a mini climbing wall and a skating ribbon (weather permitting).
Chicago Cultural Center: If your family enjoys architecture, this building is free to enter and has an incredible domed glass ceiling. They sometimes offer free performances or exhibitions.
Lincoln Park and the Conservatory: Although you mentioned avoiding zoos, the Lincoln Park Conservatory is a beautiful and peaceful space for a stroll. It’s a great spot to relax if you need a break from the city bustle.

6. Public Transit Suggestions: Using public transit can be a convenient and affordable way to get around Chicago, especially with your Airbnb location being close to the Belmont Blue Line stop. From there, you can easily travel to many of the city’s top spots.

Blue Line to Chinatown: The Blue Line will take you to the Loop, where you can transfer to the Red Line to reach Chinatown. It’s not a long trip, but depending on how much time you have and the size of your group, you might find it easier to hop off at the Blue Line and take a quick transfer. Alternatively, you could just take the bus directly from your location to Chinatown.
CTA Passes: Consider getting a CTA family pass or Ventra card for unlimited rides during your stay. This will make it easier for your large group to get around without worrying about buying individual tickets each time.
Bus Routes: There are also several bus routes that will take you to key areas in the city, such as the #8 Halsted or #22 Clark routes, which can get you to downtown and other neighborhoods like Lincoln Park or Old Town.

Overall, Chicago has a lot to offer, and public transportation is a great way to get around, especially when you're with a large group. The city is easy to navigate, and you'll be able to see the major attractions without worrying about parking or traffic.

Hope this helps, and enjoy your trip to Chicago!