Trying to decide if Chicago is a feasible option for our family vacation. Family of 4, that includes a 2 1/2 year old and a 11 month old (ages at time of travel). We will be driving from Michigan, but prefer not to drive once we arrive, instead want to walk for the most part, maybe the train if necessary. The hotel we%26#39;re looking at is Homewood Suites by Hilton, Chicago Downtown. We want to go to Shedd Aquarium and Navy Pier for sure. We will be there June 28-July 2 (somewhat flexible). I mapquested from the hotel to each of these locations and it said both were approx. 1.5 miles from the hotel. Does this sound about right? Other than distance is this walkable? Any other suggestions? Many thanks in advance.
Chicago w/ infant %26amp; toddler...walking, distances, etc...
Chicago is a very walkable city, however, Transit is very frequent, and Cabs are relatively inexpensive for groups, so you can realy choose how much you want to walk once you are here. Navy Pier would be a long walk from the Homewood Suites, Shedd Aquarium would not be walkable,
If you are comfortable with the transit system consider getting day passes for when you are here. If you are going to be going to a lot of the Museums check out the Citypass, the Aquarium in particular will have a long line to buy tickets.
Chicago w/ infant %26amp; toddler...walking, distances, etc...
The only reason I want to avoid taxis is because we would have to lug carseats for both children. Bummer, I was hoping it would be walkable, but still a possibility with the options you%26#39;ve given. Thanks!
Yes, those distances are about right. It depends on what you mean by ';walkable.'; If you don%26#39;t mind walking, you will be fine. You can walk through Millennium Park and Grant Park on your way to the aquarium. The ';L'; train won%26#39;t help you much for where you%26#39;re going, but is an option if you decide to venture farther from your hotel. Be sure you bring a stroller for the kids!
Oops, I was typing while others were posting! But, I guess this goes to show that different people have different definitions of ';walkable.'; I have walked from the area around Shedd Aquarium all the way up to the north end of Mag Mile in a day. It%26#39;s a hike, but I enjoy walking. I think it just depends on personal preference, and what your kids can handle!
We have a double stroller, so we plan to put some miles on it! :)
Those walks are very nice if the distance doesn%26#39;t bother you. I%26#39;ve walked both several times, but never with children in tow. If they ride well in carriers or strollers and you%26#39;re physically comfortable walking those distances, you%26#39;ll have no problems. There are crosswalks and underpasses to get across Lake Shore Drive to reach both the Shedd and Navy Pier.
You can stop at the Crown Fountain in Millennium Park on the way to or from (or both) the Shedd. It%26#39;s a great fountain that the kids (and adults) can play in - a great break during hot weather.
You also do not need carseats in cabs (by law). If you%26#39;re comfortable holding your children on your laps for these rides, it%26#39;s perfectly legal to do so.
Bus is also an option for those destinations if the weather turns bad or you%26#39;re too tired to walk back at the end of a long day.
I guess I was reading into your post that you were leary of long walks, to Navy Pier it will be 20 mins, Shedd, 60 mins. So you can decide if that is long/short for you.
If you are not able to do cabs, bus #65 will get you to Navy Pier, Get on at Illinois and State.
Bus #146 will get you to Shedd, get on at Michigan and Grand. (Grand goes under Michigan, stairs, elevator to get up).
Yes, absolutely feasible - would be a great vacation and not driving once you arrive is the way to go. The walk to Navy Pier is easy. And you can always walk part way to Shedd and grab a taxi or bus if the gang gets tired.
Other transportation considerations:
Free trolley service. There is a trolley stop one block east from the Homewood on Grand Ave. that goes to Navy Pier. Leaving Navy Pier via trolley can be a bit more congested and chaotic though. There are other free trolley routes accessing different tourist destinations city-wide.
There is also a water taxi that operates between Navy Pier and Museum Campus/Shedd.
And another water taxi service that operates from Navy Pier up/down the Chicago River, with a couple stops in between. The water taxis of course will cost some $$$, but my young kids enjoy the boats and that cost is just part of being in the city.
I assume these services will again be up and running this summer?
Walking directions/distances - http://www.hopstop.com/?city=chicago
Just an FYI, the only free trolley currently operating is the Navy Pier one. The other ones were discontinued at the beginning of the year due to budget cuts. Haven%26#39;t heard anything different, as far as I know, for the rest of the year. I was going to suggest the water taxi, especially between the Shedd and Navy Pier. The kids would probably enjoy Lincoln Park Zoo as well, and you can access that by bus. Check transitchicago.com for bus routes and schedules. Taste of Chicago will be going on, and there are various kids activities there as well. Just make sure to go on a weekday when it%26#39;s less crowded.
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