Chicago with almost 3 year olds

Hi all,
My wife is attending a conference in Chicago at McCormick Place for 4 days , May 30 to June 3. She was wondering if I wanted to come with the twins(B/G almost 3 by then). She will be attending lectures all day so it will be me alone with the kids. Not a big deal as I am a stay at home dad. Just wondering, can I keep them safe/happy/busy downtown Chicago for 4 days. We don't even know where we would stay. We were hoping for something with a kitchenette as our kids are very picky eaters. Probably wouldn't rent a car either?! Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated!!
Mike

 

Chicago is a spectacular city for toddlers. Mine have been twice - the first time was for a conference I was attending by the airport. My nanny was able to take them into the city on the train with no trouble, where there is the wonderful Millenium Park and so many sites to see. On my day off we took a double decker bus tour - a great way to see everything. We also wanted to do a boat tour, but ran out of time. We go back this August and will do that then.

I went to tripadvisor.com and did a search of "toddler" under the Chicago forums. There is more than enough to do with four days.

We brought a double stroller on the train with no problem, except during rush hour - then it took awhile before we could board - just something to keep in mind. The train was easy enough for my English-as- a-second-language nanny to navigate alone with my twins - they were able to go anywhere they wanted with a train ride and a short walk.

As far as where to stay - Embassy Suites or Residence Inns are always great in any city when travelling with twins.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Best,
Mia

 

Should be plenty to do especially around then (I am flying back with my oldest for 8 days early June too, 6/6 - 6/14).

- Millenium Park (with the fountains, bring swimgear; my oldest loves that; she's already talking about it)
- Navy Pier with Children's Museum (a little too touristy and too tacky but still fun)
- Lunch at the Gran Lux Cafe on Michigan Avenue
- Boat tours near the Wrigley Building, on the lake and/or river
- Lincoln Park Zoo (about 10 minutes from downtown = free)
- Oak Street and/or North Avenue Beach (Oak Street is basically downtown, North Avenue 6 blocks north)
- Shed Aquarium, Field Museum, Nature Museum (near the Zoo) and the Planetarium
- Take a ride in the EL
- Disney Store on Michigan Avenue; Lego Store in the Nordstrom building

O God ... I miss Chicago ...

www.chicagokids.com; www.gocitykids.com and www.chicagoparent.com are great resources as well.

Hotels:
- Residence Inn River North (brand new opening in April)
- Residence Inn Magnificient Mile (currently under major renovation; done early May)
- Embassy Suites on State Street
- Embassy Suites on Illinois
- Homewood Suites on Grand/Wabash (steps from my old house)
- Hampton Suites in River North

All these places have 1-bedroom suites (Residence Inn has 2-bedroom suites).

Walking should be fine, they have the free trolleys as well during the summer season. Taxis are plentiful and pretty cheap.

 

I agree with Franca per above with things to do in Chicago.

I would highly recommend the luncheon at the Gran Lux Cafe on Michigan Avenue.

Have a wonderful time!
Diana w/Rianna and Justin