What to do in the Chicago airport for 8 hours?

So, due to some cat issues, we need to be at Chicago WAY before our flight takes off that evening.  I'm asking anyone who is really familiar with the O'Hare airport, what is there to do to keep us and my 3 year old busy!?!?!  Any suggestions will be great.  We have been there lots, but usually are just running from one terminal to the next!  I'm guessing they have a website about the airport, but at work my internet is limited.  Thanks for any help!

I always check out the bar in the international terminal....but depending on whether you want to do that with your 3 year old is up to you!

Maybe you have a relaxing cocktail while your 3 year old colors or something else constructive??

You'll probably want her running around as much as possible before you board. Is there an observation area where she can watch the airplanes? Even if it's dark outside, the lights are fun for kids.

I've never been to O'Hare but most airports have an area to look out the window that is connected to the lounge where kids can run around. My kids loved climbing up and over the chairs in the waiting area.

Some suggestions: Don't feed her until you get there, and spend some time eating. Go to the dollar store beforehand and buy lots of little toys, wrap them up in wrapping paper, and let her open one every hour (or whatever). That will help keep her occupied! Get a little travel etch-a-sketch and lots of new books. And little stickers can go a long way.

Don't have high expectations, and you might be pleasantly surprised. 

Good luck!

I had to pass 3.5 hours there on Monday and that was pushing it as there is only so much walking about you can do and only so many shops you can look at. I also thought that there were less shops in O'Hare than in other airports I've been to.

I'd take lots of things to keep your 3-year old or try to get them to play a mammoth 8-hour "stay quiet" game 

If I remember correctly, the Museum of Natural History has a display in one of the O'Hare terminals, including a big dinosaur skeleton. That might have some fun things for the kiddo. There's also a tunnel between two terminals that has a crazy light display--personally, it makes me slightly ill, but it might appeal to a kid, or not.

Word to the wise...

THERE IS NO FOOD ONCE YOU PASS THROUGH SECURITY FOR THE INTERNATIONAL TERMINAL!

Don't make the same mistake I did - otherwise you'll have to drink your dinner, as per Marlene's suggestion.    (On the other hand, your three-year-old would sleep right through that flight to England!)

That's pretty much the sum of my advice, right there - I've only flown through Chicago twice.  Although if you happen to leave your laptop computer at security *looks shifty* I can tell you how to find the TSA/Homeland Security offices....

what airline are you taking from Chicago.  I was there in Jan and flew out on United and we were not in the international terminal, we were just in the United terminal with all other United flights both domestic and international.  I was there for about 6 hours and there really isn't much to do and not much choice in the food department but you should be able to find something for your little one.
If you are flying over business or first class then you can go to the lounge.

The light display in the tunnel between terminals is good and there is the train that goes between terminals as well you can ride that a few times. 

all great advice, thanks!  I definitely need to check out more info on the airport and find out where everything is before we go.  We are flying Virgin Atlantic and have to check the cats in somewhere in cargo, so hopefully we don't have to go through security at that point!!  We were thinking that we could spend at least an hour or so with eating lunch and of course the frequent potty breaks will take a bit of time.  I got some new things to pack in her carry on and we'll have two travel DVD players that we can hopefully plug in for her.  It's a long time for my little busy body to sit!  I'll keep all this in mind and I think I kind of remember the lighted tunnel!  She would like that.

Do you have a military ID card or will be traveling with someone that does?  If so, you can go to the USO in terminal 2 and rest, relax and have a nice place to wait out your hours.  If not, then don't have any other suggestions.

all great advice, thanks!  I definitely need to check out more info on the airport and find out where everything is before we go.  We are flying Virgin Atlantic and have to check the cats in somewhere in cargo, so hopefully we don't have to go through security at that point!!  We were thinking that we could spend at least an hour or so with eating lunch and of course the frequent potty breaks will take a bit of time.  I got some new things to pack in her carry on and we'll have two travel DVD players that we can hopefully plug in for her.  It's a long time for my little busy body to sit!  I'll keep all this in mind and I think I kind of remember the lighted tunnel!  She would like that.

You can also consider buying a lounge pass if that's a possibility. I think some airlines allow you to for $25-$50 pp for day's usage.

It does seem like a lot of money, but usually lounges have free all-you-can-eat food and easy bathroom access, not to mention free wifi if you're interested, and that should make them something to consider.

O'hare has some kiddie play areas in some terminals. Maybe you can check out their website and see where they are.

Also time seems to pass much faster in large airports. Have a meal and browse the many shops and before you know it you'll be boarding!

And don't forget that check-in and boarding take time, too!

I'll have to get on their website when I get home!  I couldn't remember the exact layout of where the "real" food was as opposed to the fast food things in O'Hare.  We thought if we could get into a sit down place, that would kill way more time.  I'll have to look into the buying a pass for the lounge!  That sounds like a great idea and maybe she could actually get a nap in there.  Thank you all for the suggestions!  We haven't even tried to have this long of a lay over with the munchkin!

Take the blue line train into downtown Chicago! It takes about 40 minutes to get there, provided part of the line isnt still being worked on (was in December). If thats the case, then youll have to get off, take a detour bus, get back on the line and continue.... which would be a huge hassle.

Its worth asking though, and I highly recommend going to eat at this fantastic restaurant immediately off the Damen stop, but i cant remember what its called!!! It sells these big bowls of chinese food, but its like a soup... gah so frustrating.

Take the blue line train into downtown Chicago! It takes about 40 minutes to get there

Maybe it's just me needing to be super cautious and super early for flights, etc. but I can't imagine leaving the airport and going downtown with a toddler in tow, and then assuming all will go smoothly and I'll be back in time for check in....that thought makes me nervous.

I had more than two hours to make a connecting flight at O'Hare and *everything* took forever, every line was long, the tram was reduced to running on one track only (the wait was long!), I was told to get in the wrong line 3 times, etc. etc.  No surprise that I missed the flight.