What to do in Chi-town with a baby

Rich, Josh and I will be joining my parents in Chicago for four days at the start of August.  Just wondering what there is to do around there with a 14 month old (At the time)  I've only been once before and I LOVED it.  I'm hoping when we decide to move to the US (If we do at all) this will be where we end up.

Anyway, do people find the town to be child-friendly?  Any books you recommend?

Thank you

What part of the city are you going to be in?  I've taken Paige up there off and on for years. Lincoln Park Zoo is great fun and free! It's a pretty good-sized zoo and nice to walk around, she always had a great time there. They've also added a couple new exhibits over the last few years and the area around the zoo is one big park.

Shedd Aquarium is good for kids too, but is a bit expensive. Tickets are about $24.00 a person for adults, not sure what the ticket prices are for kids.

We've always had great fun and have found people very friendly with children. She and I used to go up 2 or 3 times over the summer. I know you won't be able to fit loads in 4 days, but Navy Pier has a nice childrens musuem. There are also boat tours on and around the lake and the Chicago river that little ones and you might find fun.

I second Lincoln Park zoo. I grew up around that area! Also Navy Pier is fun which is just a few mins drive from the zoo. Also if youre at Navy Pier you can get a nice boat ride along the Chicago river.Very scenic. Navy Pier also has one of those London eye type ferris wheels. The Shedd Aquarium is full of pretty fishies 
The Buckingham Fountain very pretty especially at night. All these places are very close to each other.You can walk from Navy Pier to the Buckingham Fountain if you like. A nice stroll along the lake is also very nice.
When are you going in Aug? Ill be there for a few days at the end of the month 

Thank you!  I believe we will be near the waterfront, (Navy Pier area)  I love Zoo's that sounds great!

$24 for one, yikes, prices keep going up don't they.

I think I might post a get together in Chicago when we are there.  So hoping you guys can come.  We are there the 2nd and leaving to come back here on the 6th.

Pebbles, I did an architecture tour of the city last time.  It was fantastic, I want to do one again.

Aww....I'll be there the end of the month. But it would have been cool to meet up on both sides of the pond. 

Aww....I'll be there the end of the month. But it would have been cool to meet up on both sides of the pond. 

That stinks! :\\\'(

We are there the 2nd and leaving to come back here on the 6th.

I'll be around!!  I'd totally drive down to meet up.  Squeee!

I'll be around!!  I'd totally drive down to meet up.  Squeee!

OMG!!!!!!!

Yeah

I agree w/ what's been said.   

Lincoln Park/Zoo:  We used to live in this neighborhood and two places we liked to eat were RJ Grunts and My Pi Pizza.  Both are just a few blocks away.

Navy Pier and the ferris wheel.

The beach!  Always a great idea with small children.

Ghirardelli ice cream shop: expensive though!

Horse and carriage ride.

Millenium Park has concerts and other events ... there could be some good family things going on.

OMG!!!!!!!

Yeah

I think a meet up is a great idea.  There are a few of us quasi-locals who would probably be willing to drive in for the day.

Something to look forward to... YAY!

Depends on the day, but I'd be up for it!! Sounds like fun!

Count me in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The boat rides can be fun on a good day and the views of the skyline are fantastic.

Stacey, if you go to the Shedd Aquarium, there may be a long line in the summer.  We went when my inlaws were in town two years ago and I was surprised at the wait - I believe about an hour and half, but it was a Saturday.  Nevertheless, it was worth the wait.

I second Lincoln Park Zoo, and it's free so you can just stroll in.

It's always interesting to go The Hancock Observatory, too...

Anyway, I'd blast downtown for a UKY gathering!

YEAH!!!!!!

I'm so excited now! (I was before just going to Chicago, but...) 

   JEALOUS    :\\\'(

COME VISIT US!!!!!!!!!!

Woo freaking hoo!!!!

You won't be able to stop us from visiting you, so there. We can hop on a train all easy-like (our line runs into Union Station) - and then ooh ooh, maybe we can even book a hotel room near you guys that way in the evening when the boring men are sleeping with the tired babies, the two girls can go ruin Chicago with their good looks and mischeivous ways!!! WHEE!