Shedd Aquarium in Chicago this weekend?

[Wisconsin Beth]

We're thinking about heading to Chicago this weekend to visit the Shedd Aquarium. 

Our kids are 5.5 (DS) and 7 (DD).  None of us have been there before. 

I think we're thinking of this as a day trip.  We're coming from about 90 minutes north on I94.  I think I'm driving because DH doesn't handling driving in the Chicago area well at all. 

Thoughts? Suggestions?

[giramomma]

We've done Shedd as a daytrip. For us, it was closer to a 3 hour ride though. I think we took all three. The youngest was maybe 1-2. We got advance tickets. Not waiting in line was wonderful.

I think we were there for about 4-5 hours.

I maybe would try to plan to arrive in Chicago by 9:30. You'll miss the initial throng of folks, and then lunch will provide a nice break. Plus, while your walking to the entrance, you get get in a quick snack/drink so they will be ready to walk around.

They are constructing quite a bit..

[Wisconsin Beth]

I think we're going tomorrow but it might be Sunday.  Or not this weekend at all.  We try not to let the kids know about uncertain plans, once a plan is certain we let them in on it. 

DH wanted to go to Door Co. and I just am not up for it.  So I suggested this instead.  So he and I will talk tonight. 

[giramomma]

Jun 26, 2015 9:16:09 GMT -5 Wisconsin Beth said:

I think we're going tomorrow but it might be Sunday.  Or not this weekend at all.  We try not to let the kids know about uncertain plans, once a plan is certain we let them in on it. 

DH wanted to go to Door Co. and I just am not up for it.  So I suggested this instead.  So he and I will talk tonight. 

It's very easy walking around the Shedd.

I would avoid Door County like the Plague right now. High season is just about to start. Last time we went up, I saw like 5 near miss accidents. The line for Al Johnson's was huge. Go in September.

How far are you from the Manitowoc? There's the Maritime museum there..

If it's nice out, what about Old World? They have trams now, all the time, included in the fee.. When I was little, you had to pay for the trams. So we walked the whole thing.

[Lizard Queen]

My thoughts are to swing by millenium park and Lincoln Park zoo while you're over there, since they're free.  Maybe see if you can hop on a bus between the 2 places.  It's walkable, if I remember correctly, but a hike.

[Wisconsin Beth]

I've done the Manitowoc Maritime museum but not recently.  I used to pack my kid brother and his friends into the car and haul them there.  Aztlan Park too.  Oddly (and embarrassingly) I've never been to Old World.  I remember pictures from some years back after the windstorm blew down a HUGE amount of trees. 

My parents have a trailer parked near Sister Bay.  When we go, we stay there, so usually no restaurants lines.  We're going up with my family in a couple of weeks anyway.  We rent a neighboring site and pitch tents on it but spend all our time at Mom and Dad's site.  It's total chaos and I love it. 

[Wisconsin Beth]

Jun 26, 2015 9:31:37 GMT -5 Lizard Queen said:

My thoughts are to swing by millenium park and Lincoln Park zoo while you're over there, since they're free.  Maybe see if you can hop on a bus between the 2 places.  It's walkable, if I remember correctly, but a hike.

Cool! 

[bean29]

I have never been to the Shed Aquarium. We went to the Atlanta Aquarium a few years ago with my in-laws and my teenagers and everyone was fascinated. There were many young children at the aquarium that day, so I am sure your kids will enjoy the trip. Chicago also has a very nice Children's museum to my understanding - The children's museum is at Navy Pier, but I don't know where the Shed is.

My SIL's all take the daughters to the American Girl Museum - that may be a Mother-Daughter trip for the future.

[Wisconsin Beth]

Jun 26, 2015 9:59:37 GMT -5 bean29 said:

My SIL's all take the daughters to the American Girl Museum - that may be a Mother-Daughter trip for the future.

SHHHHHH.  I'm hoping my daughter hasn't learned about that place yet. 

[Lizard Queen]

Jun 26, 2015 9:59:37 GMT -5 bean29 said:

I have never been to the Shed Aquarium. We went to the Atlanta Aquarium a few years ago with my in-laws and my teenagers and everyone was fascinated. There were many young children at the aquarium that day, so I am sure your kids will enjoy the trip. Chicago also has a very nice Children's museum to my understanding - The children's museum is at Navy Pier, but I don't know where the Shed is.

My SIL's all take the daughters to the American Girl Museum - that may be a Mother-Daughter trip for the future.

It looks like it's just North of millennium park, which is North of the Shedd.  The zoo is farther North than all of it--must be why we just drove there and walked the rest.

Beth, I don't know how much you'd feel like fitting into 1 day, but I do remember there were discount tickets for multiple places with bussing in between.  (Parking can add a lot to the cost.). If you go to MP, you might want to bring swimsuits or at least towels for the kids, if they are at all inclined to go into the fountain.

[Tiny]

Here's the link to the shedd website if you haven't already checked it out.

www.sheddaquarium.org/ 

There's alot of stuff going on this weekend in Chicago -

the Pride Parade is on Sunday (but it's a weekend 'Festival') - you might see alot of Pride Rainbows on Buses and billboards and people.    Lincoln  Park  Zoo is in the area of the festival/parade.   Driving there on Sunday may not be the best plan (traffic, no parking).  Taking the L on Sunday might be more 'interesting' than you want for your kids.     it's not rowdy or 'scary' - it's just crowd of people all celebrating the same thing and  going to do something fun.   I'd give you the same advice if you were planning to take the L (or drive to WrigleyVille) when it's a Cubs Game day.   

Metra has extra trains on Sunday and I suspect the CTA will be running extra service.     The Parade is an interesting and fun  thing to see and experience - but not if you don't want to have any interesting conversations with your kids about the 'costumes' and general party atmosphere.       ADDED:  I'd say the same thing about being on the L and in or near Wrigleyville on a Cubs Game day....



That said, bring sunscreen ---  once you are parked and at the museum campus (the Shed/Field Muesum/Adler Planitarium)  I suspect you can still take a Skyline Boat tour - it's a short walk to lake front and the little "Tour Stand" to buy tickets and board the boat.     you could also just walk the Musuem Campus - The Adler has some cool sculptures and a great view of the Lake/Lake front.

You could also walk up the Lake front path and visit Buckingham Fountain and then if you aren't too tired keep walking and visit the gardens and use the Ribbon Bridge to cross Columbus drive - from the end of the Bridge it's just a bit further to the Bean, the and reflecting/splash pool (with the faces shooting water   )   it's  a little more than a mile and a 1/2 walk from the Shed to the Bean.   ( I use to go for lunch time runs  up the lake front from Randolf to the Shedd -- back before it was all nice and touristy.   )      www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/millennium_park.html

ADDED:  expect your kids to get wet (possibly soaked) at the Millenium Park Splash pool -   there's also a splash pool/fountain at Navy Pier.  You might want to be prepared for that.

Do a google for the Free Chicago Trolleys   or Museum Campus Trolley  or Downtown Chicago Trolley....   they change up so much from year to year I can't say reliably what's available.    That said, you might be able to get on a free trolley and get to attractions like Sears (ok, Willis) Tower.   If it's a clear day the Skydeck is cool.    
You might also be able to get to Navy Pier via trolley (without too much walking).


   

[Wisconsin Beth]

Good to know @tiny and Lizard Queen Thanks! 

Funny Tiny mentions boats today.  I was talking with K about upcoming vacations and we do a camping thing with old friends of mine.  Last year we took the kids out on a canoe for an hour and they hated every second of it.  K asked for no boats this camping trip. 

[flamingo]

Jun 26, 2015 10:12:57 GMT -5 Lizard Queen said:

Jun 26, 2015 9:59:37 GMT -5 bean29 said:

I have never been to the Shed Aquarium. We went to the Atlanta Aquarium a few years ago with my in-laws and my teenagers and everyone was fascinated. There were many young children at the aquarium that day, so I am sure your kids will enjoy the trip. Chicago also has a very nice Children's museum to my understanding - The children's museum is at Navy Pier, but I don't know where the Shed is.

My SIL's all take the daughters to the American Girl Museum - that may be a Mother-Daughter trip for the future.

It looks like it's just North of millennium park, which is North of the Shedd.  The zoo is farther North than all of it--must be why we just drove there and walked the rest.

Beth, I don't know how much you'd feel like fitting into 1 day, but I do remember there were discount tickets for multiple places with bussing in between.  (Parking can add a lot to the cost.). If you go to MP, you might want to bring swimsuits or at least towels for the kids, if they are at all inclined to go into the fountain.

Depending on your ability/eagerness to walk, Shedd is not really close to Millennium Park. It's about 1.5 miles. Which I don't think is a lot, but it could be with two relatively young kids. The American Girl store is another mile north of Millennium Park. Millennium Park has a free Family Fun Festival going on each weekend throughout the summer. It's Saturday and Sunday from 10-2.  www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/family_fun_festival.html. Looks like fun and it draws a crowd. Saturday is supposed to be cool but sunny here in Chicago, so you'd have good weather for whatever you decide to do that day. Oh, and the Lincoln Park Zoo is  NOT walkable from downtown with kids. But its a short L ride away
I live in Chi-town, right near Millennium Park. It's a lot of fun, but a lot of people all the time on Saturdays in June. Whatever you do, I hope you have a great time!

[Lizard Queen]

Jun 26, 2015 10:22:33 GMT -5 flamingo said:

Jun 26, 2015 10:12:57 GMT -5 Lizard Queen said:

It looks like it's just North of millennium park, which is North of the Shedd.  The zoo is farther North than all of it--must be why we just drove there and walked the rest.

Beth, I don't know how much you'd feel like fitting into 1 day, but I do remember there were discount tickets for multiple places with bussing in between.  (Parking can add a lot to the cost.). If you go to MP, you might want to bring swimsuits or at least towels for the kids, if they are at all inclined to go into the fountain.

Depending on your ability/eagerness to walk, Shedd is not really close to Millennium Park. It's about 1.5 miles. Which I don't think is a lot, but it could be with two relatively young kids. The American Girl store is another mile north of Millennium Park. Millennium Park has a free Family Fun Festival going on each weekend throughout the summer. It's Saturday and Sunday from 10-2.  www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/family_fun_festival.html. Looks like fun and it draws a crowd. Saturday is supposed to be cool but sunny here in Chicago, so you'd have good weather for whatever you decide to do that day. Oh, and the Lincoln Park Zoo is  NOT walkable from downtown with kids. But its a short L ride away
I live in Chi-town, right near Millennium Park. It's a lot of fun, but a lot of people all the time on Saturdays in June. Whatever you do, I hope you have a great time!

Yeah, sorry, I meant Shedd to MP were walkable, but a hike.  I couldn't remember where the zoo was in comparison until I checked a map.  If they have a festival going on down there, I'd probably just skip the zoo anyhow.  Sounds like a pita to deal with the crowds.


ETA: Sounds like a fun place to live! (Except in the winter...brrr!  

[Tiny]

Jun 26, 2015 10:21:10 GMT -5 Wisconsin Beth said:

Good to know @tiny and Lizard Queen Thanks! 

Funny Tiny mentions boats today.  I was talking with K about upcoming vacations and we do a camping thing with old friends of mine.  Last year we took the kids out on a canoe for an hour and they hated every second of it.  K asked for no boats this camping trip. 

LOL.  I have an irrational fear of water - so getting on the Tour Boat was a bit of a challenge for me.  Thankfully my friends were patient and didn't make fun of me.     The 'fear' is managable but I can't get rid of it.    The Tour boat ride was pleasant and relaxing (once the panic passed).   you can walk around and there's different levels and you can look at the skyline or the other sail boats - you can point out the break water and if it's clear the you can see the water pumping stations... and there's always seagulls.  Who doesn't 'love' seagulls

I've been in a canoe - my neice talked me into it.  it didn't go well.   after about 10 minutes of waiting for my fear (my inabilitity to breathe and the death grip on had on the paddle and/or the side of the canoe)  to subside with her paddling us near the pier and trying to distract me with trying to get me to paddle.... we called it a day and gave up.   We were in about 3 feet of water on a calm lake about 15 feet from shore.       We still joke about this today.  She sez I  get a panicked look on my face when I remember it. LOL.   who doesn't love 'irrational fears'

[Wisconsin Beth]

Yeah, oddly enough, both kids were fine with a boat ride at Epcot (from the Germany landing back to Epcot) and the pilot/captain wanted my drink.   

[The Captain]

The Shedd is awesome!  Plus they do (or at least used to) a great job of having interactive demonstrations for smaller kids scattered around.

I'm thinking of taking a week off in August and taking DD to a few places downtown.  This is one of the ones on the short list to visit.

Your kids are probably too young for the Museum of Science and Industry but that's cool also!

[Deleted]

Jun 26, 2015 9:32:51 GMT -5 Wisconsin Beth said:

I've done the Manitowoc Maritime museum but not recently.  I used to pack my kid brother and his friends into the car and haul them there.  Aztlan Park too.  Oddly (and embarrassingly) I've never been to Old World.  I remember pictures from some years back after the windstorm blew down a HUGE amount of trees. 

My parents have a trailer parked near Sister Bay.  When we go, we stay there, so usually no restaurants lines.  We're going up with my family in a couple of weeks anyway.  We rent a neighboring site and pitch tents on it but spend all our time at Mom and Dad's site.  It's total chaos and I love it. 

There is something going on in Old World this weekend but can't remember what now.

 We went to a wedding there last summer .

I hadn't been there since I was a kid and didn't remember much but it was a great place for an outdoor wedding.

The aquariam is great. Your kids will love it. I think we were thru it in 1/2 a day.

 

[marvholly]

I live in metro Chicago & have grand kids 2-10 y/o.

IMHO: Avoid the BIG tourist spots on weekends. There is ALWAYS some festival/parade/?? going on that makes fro traffic nighmares and HUMONGOUS crowds at all the tourist/culteral/fun places.

Try to take a day off during the week to do the Shedd & whatever. 

[Wisconsin Beth]

Jun 27, 2015 6:15:35 GMT -5 marvholly said:

I live in metro Chicago & have grand kids 2-10 y/o.

IMHO: Avoid the BIG tourist spots on weekends. There is ALWAYS some festival/parade/?? going on that makes fro traffic nighmares and HUMONGOUS crowds at all the tourist/culteral/fun places.

Try to take a day off during the week to do the Shedd & whatever. 

We ended up not going this weekend.  We more or less agreed that we'll take a couple of days off and go during the week, sometime this summer.  DH wants to stay overnight.  And he needs to do some research on food because he's gluten and dairy free and it makes restaurants interesting, if he wants something other than salad. 

[flamingo]

Jun 29, 2015 8:51:34 GMT -5 Wisconsin Beth said:

Jun 27, 2015 6:15:35 GMT -5 marvholly said:

I live in metro Chicago & have grand kids 2-10 y/o.

IMHO: Avoid the BIG tourist spots on weekends. There is ALWAYS some festival/parade/?? going on that makes fro traffic nighmares and HUMONGOUS crowds at all the tourist/culteral/fun places.

Try to take a day off during the week to do the Shedd & whatever. 

We ended up not going this weekend.  We more or less agreed that we'll take a couple of days off and go during the week, sometime this summer.  DH wants to stay overnight.  And he needs to do some research on food because he's gluten and dairy free and it makes restaurants interesting, if he wants something other than salad. 

My boss is also gluten and dairy free. She eats out EVERY DAY for lunch. I promise, there are lots of places in Chicago he can get a good a meal To be fair, she does do a lot of research ahead of time, but there are plenty of places that should work.

[muttleynfelix]

I loves the Shedd as a kid. But it has been 20 years since I've been. We'll do that in maybe next summer. We are going to the Brookfield Zoo this summer (with my sister).

[Wisconsin Beth]

Jun 29, 2015 11:04:04 GMT -5 flamingo said:

Jun 29, 2015 8:51:34 GMT -5 Wisconsin Beth said:

We ended up not going this weekend.  We more or less agreed that we'll take a couple of days off and go during the week, sometime this summer.  DH wants to stay overnight.  And he needs to do some research on food because he's gluten and dairy free and it makes restaurants interesting, if he wants something other than salad. 

My boss is also gluten and dairy free. She eats out EVERY DAY for lunch. I promise, there are lots of places in Chicago he can get a good a meal To be fair, she does do a lot of research ahead of time, but there are plenty of places that should work.

Oh yeah, I'm sure there are.  But I'm NOT sure if any are close to the Aquarium.  But he'll have some time now to figure it out.  Or I'll nag him into figuring it out.  After our last fiasco of our last new restaurant when out of town, I also require kid friendly places. 

[sarcasticgirl]

Jun 29, 2015 8:51:34 GMT -5 Wisconsin Beth said:

Jun 27, 2015 6:15:35 GMT -5 marvholly said:

I live in metro Chicago & have grand kids 2-10 y/o.

IMHO: Avoid the BIG tourist spots on weekends. There is ALWAYS some festival/parade/?? going on that makes fro traffic nighmares and HUMONGOUS crowds at all the tourist/culteral/fun places.

Try to take a day off during the week to do the Shedd & whatever. 

We ended up not going this weekend.  We more or less agreed that we'll take a couple of days off and go during the week, sometime this summer.  DH wants to stay overnight.  And he needs to do some research on food because he's gluten and dairy free and it makes restaurants interesting, if he wants something other than salad. 

yeah- the city was CRAZY this weekend and it is still filled with tourists. Everyone comes around july 4th. I just went out to do a little shopping on my lunch break and had to fight my way through people with maps and tourists everywhere. 

[sarcasticgirl]

Jun 29, 2015 11:28:33 GMT -5 Wisconsin Beth said:

Jun 29, 2015 11:04:04 GMT -5 flamingo said:

My boss is also gluten and dairy free. She eats out EVERY DAY for lunch. I promise, there are lots of places in Chicago he can get a good a meal To be fair, she does do a lot of research ahead of time, but there are plenty of places that should work.

Oh yeah, I'm sure there are.  But I'm NOT sure if any are close to the Aquarium.  But he'll have some time now to figure it out.  Or I'll nag him into figuring it out.  After our last fiasco of our last new restaurant when out of town, I also require kid friendly places. 

There aren't really many options on the museum campus, just the food court within the aquarium. You can take the bus over back into the south loop and find some great restaurants.