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Hi,

I’ll be be visiting with my family (wife and 2 boys aged 4 and 7). I have a couple varying questions was hoping I could get help with.

1. We are staying at the Londonhouse and plan to take the train from the airport to our hotel. How does this work with kids, am I buying Ventra cards for them ?

2. We are planning to attend a Blackhawks game. Is there a recommendation for a place that is kid friendly for some pre game food and drinks near the arena ?

3. We are going to be coming as fans of the opposing teams, do you envision any concerns after the game in terms of safety ? What would be the best way to get back to our hotel ? I am reading the uber pickup can be a bit of a nightmare.

4. Any recommendations for some must eat places to eat in the city that are ok to bring kids to ?

I appreciate any and all help.

Answer

Visiting Chicago with your family can be a lot of fun, especially with kids in tow. Here’s a detailed breakdown for your upcoming trip questions:

1. Airport Train (CTA) and Ventra Cards with Kids

From O’Hare Airport, you can take the CTA Blue Line directly to downtown, which is convenient for reaching the LondonHouse hotel. Children under 7 ride for free when accompanied by a paying adult. For kids aged 7 and up, you will need to purchase a Ventra card or single ride tickets. The Ventra card can be loaded with a transit pass or pay-per-ride balance. At the airport station, there are Ventra vending machines and ticket booths where you can purchase cards and load them. Remember to tap your cards when entering the train.

Kids under 7: Free ride with adult.
Kids 7 and older: Require Ventra card or ticket.
Convenience: Load enough balance for the whole family to avoid multiple stops.

2. Kid-Friendly Pre-Game Spots Near United Center

The United Center is home to the Blackhawks, and there are several family-friendly restaurants nearby for pre-game meals. Many have casual seating, quick service, and kid menus:

Giordano’s – Famous for deep-dish pizza, offers a fun Chicago experience that kids often enjoy.
Elizabeth’s Pizza – Cozy and casual spot with family-friendly dining and pizza favorites.
Frontera Grill or nearby casual diners – While Frontera is a bit more upscale, nearby casual diners and fast-casual restaurants offer easy access and kid-appropriate options.

3. Safety and Getting Back After the Game

Chicago is generally safe around the arena immediately after games, but it’s wise to stay in well-lit, populated areas. As a visiting family, avoid walking through alleyways or empty streets, especially if supporting the visiting team. Regarding transportation back:

Uber/Lyft: Can be crowded immediately after games; consider ordering the ride a bit before the game ends or walk a few blocks away from the main pickup point.
CTA buses or trains: Take the #20 Madison bus or other routes to reach downtown; the Blue Line from nearby stops can bring you back to the hotel.
Driving: If you rent a car, allow extra time for post-game traffic.

4. Must-Eat, Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Chicago

Chicago is famous for its food, and there are plenty of family-friendly options where kids are welcome:

Lou Malnati’s or Giordano’s – Iconic deep-dish pizza.
Portillo’s – Hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, and a casual environment for families.
Rainforest Cafe – Near downtown, fun for kids with animated decor and easy menu options.
Maggie Daley Park snack spots – Casual options if you’re combining dining with park activities.
Shake Shack or other burger joints – Quick, easy, and kid-pleasing meals across the city.

Overall, Chicago is very accommodating for families. Using the CTA is simple once you understand the Ventra system, pre-game meals near the United Center are easy to find, and the city has plenty of kid-friendly restaurants that allow you to enjoy classic Chicago food without stress.

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