Last weekend, my family and I had the pleasure of having a Chicago Vacation with our kids (staycation in our case) at the Intercontinental Chicago! We had such a great time being tourists in our own city. It was so fun sharing the excitement of downtown Chicago with our 2 boys, ages 3 & 5! Even though they were both so tuckered out at the end of the night. A day of running around, swimming at the hotel and sight seeing does that to you!
Chicago was the first big city vacation that we took when I was a child and it always struck me as a place I would want to live. Years later, my husband and I moved here and have lived in Chicago for the past 10 years. We used to vacation in Chicago before we moved here and at times had work trips here. Some of the recommendations here are old standby classics from years ago that have stood the test of time! I will start with where to STAY.
STAY DURING YOUR CHICAGO VACATION KIDS
A Chicago vacation with kids is not complete without enjoying the skyscrapers, which is why I loved staying at the Intercontinental Hotel. We stayed in the heart of Michigan Ave, across the street from all my favorite shopping destinations and restaurants. The hotel is located on the Michigan Ave between cross streets of Grand Ave & Illinois St. and is simply stunning.
First Impressions
Upon first impression, the lobby and entrance are grand! It is a comfortable luxury feel and everyone was so friendly and accommodating. We’ve been to some hotels where we sense children are frowned upon, but this was the total opposite! The kids were welcome and they had 2 Backpacks filled with goodies waiting for them with: a plush Lion toy, journal, scavenger map of Chicago fun spots, a back pack and other goodies! They were sooo happy which immediately put my husband and I at ease. Finally, don’t forget to inquire about the Scavenger Hunt Package when you make reservations!
The Suite
The suite itself was extremely spacious even for 2 little boys to spread out into and they had a fun time looking out the window at the cars and other skyscrapers! Similarly, they (as well as me too) were overjoyed at the room service featuring macaroons, milk, and cookies!
The Pool
One of our favorite parts of our Chicago vacation with kids was staying at the IC Chicago was the SPECTACULAR indoor swimming pool and spa! My goodness, this was a lifesaver on May weekend turned cold. The pool is a gorgeous 1920’structure with high ceilings and moldings for the most instagrammable moments! Bring a camera, and enjoy the tile and beauty of the space. Even the kids felt special. Ha!
SHOP ON YOUR CHICAGO VACATION WITH KIDS
The Disney Store
717 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
First of all, my kids aren’t usually too keen on shopping. However, once I say “Mickey” they’re on board! There is a Disney Store paradise a couple of blocks down from the hotel and it’s conveniently next to a Neiman Marcus, just sayin’! 🙂
Ghirardelli Chocolate & Ice Cream Shoppe
830 North Michigan Ave
This place has such a great vibe, you get handed a free chocolate treat the second you walk in the door! If you’ve been to the Bay Area store, this location does a great job of recreating the energy and wonder of a classic chocolate shop! Furthermore, it is a great place to people watch as well as get to the Water Tower, a landmark on the Intercontinental Chicago’s scavenger hunt!
Block 37
108 N State St, Chicago, IL 60602
This shopping mall is a good place to grab a quick bite and catch a movie. It is fairly easy to navigate and has yet another Disney Store in case you missed the one on the other side of the street. 😉 If you want a quick shop with some options, check it out!
American Girl Place
835 Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611
Girl mama? There’s a great location on Michigan Ave. My boys don’t care for it, but maybe yours do! It’s a beautiful store for bonding and creating memories.
ADVENTURE IN CHICAGO WITH KIDS
The IC Chicago Scavenger Hunt
The map included in the boys’ backpacks was so helpful in navigating our Chicago vacation with kids. It was filled with all the things that I either know and love, or picks I needed to get to! Here are some of my favorites:
Sky Deck Chicago
233 S Wacker Dr Chicago, IL 60606
The view at Sky Deck Chicago is pretty unbeatable and the kids love seeing the cars be teensy underneath them and feel like they are in the clouds! I would recommend this with kids of all ages! Children under 3 are free too. Don’t forget to check the weather first, so that you can make sure to go when it’s not overcast or cloudy. You don’t want to miss this view!
Navy Pier
600 E. GRAND AVENUE
CHICAGO, IL 60611
This is a classic must see! There’s a carousel, giant Ferris Wheel, shopping, and arcade all along the beautiful lakefront. Navy Pier is truly a kid’s paradise. However, please make sure to keep track of your little ones as it gets super congested and being right by the water makes me nervous. Above all, Navy Pier is a great way to see the skyline and enjoy the lake view but it is definitely very busy!
Lincoln Park Zoo
2391 N Stockton Dr, Chicago, IL 60614
This is one of our favorites! It’s free, it’s beautiful, and there’s a ton to do within. They have an impressive array of wildlife and is not too difficult to navigate. Because it is not that close to downtown you will have to catch a cab, but it is certainly worth the drive. Not too far from there is the Lincoln Park Conservatory which is gorgeously conserved green house garden that stays tropical year round!
THE BEAN AKA CLOUDGATE
201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602
The bean is so unique to Chicago and kids of all ages will be entranced by their reflection. It is also next to the Millennium Park, where numerous free concerts are held during the summer, so it’s worth the hike!
Trolleys, Buses and Boats
One of the best ways to get to see the architectural and waterway beauty of the cities is to hop on a trolley, bus or boat! There are many options and I don’t think you can go wrong with any. Kids LOVE hopping on, and it’s a great way to rest your feet!
EAT
Why is it so hard to feed children sometimes especially on vacation?! Here are a few places that my adorable picky eaters agreed to ingest at.
Garrett’s Popcorn
various locations
First of all, Garrett’s is not a meal but when hunger strikes and you’re still hours away from dinner this place is great for a snack. They are strategically placed all over the downtown area so all you have to do is follow your nose to a warm, sweet, and salty place where all your popcorn dreams will come true. The whole experience is rather nostalgic, and goes to show sometimes the simple things in life are all we need! Enjoy fussing over the packaging and the variety of flavors.
EATALY
43 E Ohio St
Chicago, IL 60611
If you can’t get your kid to eat here, I don’t know what to tell you! JK. There are so many options here that are generally winners with kids, i.e. cheese, carbs, and sweets, a foodie paradise. It is a complete spectacle of the best kind, so don’t miss this place!
Francesca’s On Chestnut
200 E Chestnut St
Chicago, IL 60611
We ate here with the kids and my infant nephew one of the nights of our staycation, and everyone had a great meal! It is a great choice for when you want to have a nice grown-up dinner, but still feel welcome when you bring your brood in. The service was impeccable and there was ample space for a stroller. It is also a lovely 10-15 minute walk from the hotel and that Disney store is on the way I caution you! 🙂
Portillo’s Hot Dogs
100 W Ontario St
Chicago, IL 60654
Get back to basics with tasty burgers and hot dogs the Chicago way! This place is a bucket list place and great for kids or when you just want a basic meal that’s anything but!
Rock N’ Roll McDonald’s
600 N Clark
Chicago, IL 60610-3702
If it’s not against your morals to have your kids occasionally eat fast food, namely McDonald’s, then head to this spectacle in the heart of River North. It’s easy, it’s throwback and McDonald’s was born here, so it’s a good excuse to give the Happy Meal another try!
Wrap Up of Chicago Vacation with Kids
I hope you enjoyed some of the Chicago vacation with kids ideas and that you come to Chicago for your next vacation. Or, if you live here that you take some time to enjoy the city! We can’t wait for our next vacation with Intercontinental Hotels! If you have any must-see’s in Chicago, please comment below. Finally, make sure to check out this post for another Chicago idea without kids and this post about Alinea Restaurant, another Chicago must!
XO, Z
This post was brought to you by a partnership with Dancing Mama Style & Intercontinental Hotel Chicago.
Professional pictures by Shots with Samir.