Saturday, October 29, 2011

Chicago Field Trip Recon

Aaron and I went to Chicago, Illinois for a concert while we were there we did a recon to see if it would be a great place to take the kids on a field trip.  Well it was so nice. Our plan is to take the train from Lansing, Michigan. We stayed at the Congress Hotel which was so nice and centrally located. in the lobby is a chair from the White House Oval office in which sat for U.S. Presidents including Pres. Harding, Pres.Vanburen, and two others I can't remember which now. From the Congress Hotel it was a short walk (1 mile) along the Lake shore to the Museum of Natural History and Shedd Aquarium. The kids will really like the Museum. It will take us most of the day and then the aquarium. We didn't go to Navy Pier but it was visible from the hotel window. We ate at the Exchequer the food was OK but not that good really although reasonably priced given the discount coupon from the hotel doorman. The Lincoln Hall was incredibly wonderful little stage and I would definitely go to another concert there but it is not a family oriented venue (must be 21 because alcohol is served). It was just a short taxi ride from the hotel. I have been to the zoo and that is a day trip as well so we will go for at least two days stay at the hotel or one near by, and go to the museum and the zoo. Planning is the key to a sucessful trip and having been there recently is a great way to judge if it will work for us. Plan is for us to take the kids and go in the spring when it is getting warm again I would say about late June. But a Momma and Daddy Field trip by ourselves is always in order. Thanks Aaron I love the field trip for momma.

2 comments:

  1. FYI, the Museum of Science and Industry is free for homeschooling families in Illinois. I BELIEVE that this extends to families in other states, too. But check into that before you pay full price for any of the museums downtown. They may require you to provide proof as you are out of state. I'm not sure... Also, EVERY major museum in Chicago has Free Days where general admission is free. Check their sites before you travel because there are tons of dates every month. Navy Pier is kind of a tourist trap unless you're going to the Shakespeare Theater or unless they're hosting a special occasion, but if you do go, be sure to walk through the hallways inside to see the stained glass "museum" (free for all).

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  2. Thank you for your comments! I really can't wait to take the kids to see the jellies at Shedd Aquarium!

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