Chicago Area attractions?

[brewmaster15]

Hey guys,
As you know I am planning on making this years show into a bit of a vacation for my family. Having never been to the area before, would you mind if I started this thread asking for information on area attractions. maybe others will make a trip of it too.. Things like Museums, plays, zoos, ,vineyards, natural areas or historical areas. Maybe those of you local to the area can offer up some suggestions and links to websites etc.


Theres got to be a ton of destinations out there for families to check out
thanks,
al

[Phillydubs]

Silly since the forum we are on is aquatic based... But the Chicago Aquarium is one of my favorites in the world and I have been to many in many countries and states near and far! It is a must, especially for a family!!

[Akili]

I have agree with Phil a visit to Shedd Aquarium is a must while in Chicago, Al I recommend you get citypass which gives you entry to 4 more attractions.You will save lots of hassle like lining up for tickets and money
http://www.citypass.com/chicago

[Cosmo]

Can't forget about the Field Museum or the Museum of Science and Industry - Field Museum is in walking distance of the Shedd Aquarium, the other is a fair drive to the South Side. The Art Institute is another must see and is close to the Aquarium, maybe walk on a nice day - and while you're at it you can check out Buckingham Fountain although that is far more intersting at night with the light show. Don't forget the Planetarium next to the Aquarium either :)

[Keith Perkins]

Pat already did some work on this for the show site so let me direct you to that. http://discusnada.org/2016NADAdiscusshow/location/ Definitely a lot of cool stuff listed there.

For those curious it's about 24 miles or 40 minutes from the hotel to the Shedd aquarium by car. With Shedd being on the shore of Lake Michigan that's probably about the furthest you'd drive to any of the major attractions. If dealing with downtown Chicago traffic is too terrifying to contemplate there's also the Metra commuter train. They will get you to the downtown station in right around 45 minutes. The Lombard train station is close to the hotel and their shuttle will gladly run you over there. Trains run about every hour during the week and every 2 hours on the weekend. http://metrarail.com/content/metra/en/home/maps_schedules/metra_system_map/up-w/schedule.html?schedule-start=LOMBARD&schedule-end=OTC&schedule-day=up-w_weekday&selectedTime=15:00&schedule-time=06:00&schedule-submit.x=84&schedule-submit.y=16&schedule-submit=View+Schedule Fares for the train are $5.75 one way for adults or there's an $8 all day pass on the weekends. http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/maps_schedules/metra_system_map/up-w/farestructure.html

[Discus-n00b]

Needless to say you will NOT find me in the Sears Tower Skydeck. NOPE! I'd love some photography spot tips if anyone has any as well. Not sure if I'll have time but if I can escape and snap some shots I'm down, others are welcome to tag along too of course. Personally looking for skyline spots, any place kind of scenic just skirting downtown Chicago. How is North Avenue Beach and Montrose point? Safe at dusk/night? I think Shedd has one of the best views as well, might be worth it to hop on the train. Can hit up the bean while over there.

I must be honest, no aquarium has yet to wow me after visiting Atlanta. Maybe Shedd can do it, I know it's a good one....but the bar has been set so high.

[Wes]

You have to get a Chicago style hot dog, pizza and an Italian beef sandwich.

Brookfield zoo will be 20 minutes from the show.

[rickztahone]

Matt, Pat and I were planning on hitting some areas to get some good shots

[Cosmo]

Navy Pier is a big attration, though I'm not sure why :p I hear the Riverboat Architectural tour is fabulous though I've never taken it. The original Billy Goat Inn (SNL - cheesborger, cheesborer, cheeseborger, no pepsi coke) is across the street from Tribune Tower but you need to go down unerneath Michigan Avenue - (Michigan Ave is in large part a bridge :p)

[Discus-n00b]

Matt, Pat and I were planning on hitting some areas to get some good shots

I'd love to tag along, assuming I have my show work done!

[rickztahone]

I'd love to tag along, assuming I have my show work done!
Same :)

[Keith Perkins]

Personally looking for skyline spots.

The skyline view from the top of the Navy Pier ferris wheel is good. :laugh:

[EJ_B]

The Morton Arboretum in Lisle is about 5 minutes or less from the hotel.

[Bill63SG]

The Morton Arboretum in Lisle is about 5 minutes or less from the hotel.


+1 if you want some outdoor family time.

[Ardan]

What is the difference between "Skydeck Chicago" and "360 Chicago"? or which do you recommend? Or both?
Also I have never been to the planetarium, any thoughts?

I will be on the map soon!

Ardan

[Bill63SG]

Don't know about 360 Chicago but the sky deck is a glass "square" you can step out of on the 103rd floor.Or grab lunch at the Signature room on the 95th floor.prices are a little high to be expected,but you cant beat the view.

[Keith Perkins]

360 Chicago is the newer name for the John Hancock Observatory.

[Ardan]

Thanks Bill and Keith!
Which view is better? or is their a lot of difference?
Thanks!
Ardan

[Bill63SG]

Ive only been to the Sears Tower and that was well before the sky deck.At that height its got to be about the same.

[Keith Perkins]

Yea I would guess it's a coin toss.

[Wes]

Taste of Chicago will be going on July 6th to the 10th.

http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/taste_of_chicago.html

[rickztahone]

Taste of Chicago will be going on July 6th to the 10th.

http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/taste_of_chicago.html

that looks yummy!