St Patrick's in Chicago (1 Viewer)

[Orange&Blue]

The Mrs has expressed interest in going to Chicago for St Patricks Day in 2024 with the family (9 year old twins and 15 year boy).

Besides the parade, recommendations on what to do and where to stay?

We've never been to Chicago before.

TIA!

 

[Senor Schmutzig]

Was searching for a Chicago thread and saw that you didn't get any replies so I'll respond to get this back up to the top.

To be close to things, I would suggest staying in the Loop, River North or Near North areas. Plenty of hotels in that area for different budgets.

For some tourist things that your kids might enjoy, the Museum of Science and Industry and the Field Museum are high on the list. It may be a little chilly that time of year, but a Chicago Architectural Boat tour would be cool. Making a stop at the top of the Willis Tower or John Hancock building for some views.

Chicago style hot dogs and tavern pizza (not deep dish) are my favorites.

That's a start.

 

[Brony]

Was searching for a Chicago thread and saw that you didn't get any replies so I'll respond to get this back up to the top.

To be close to things, I would suggest staying in the Loop, River North or Near North areas. Plenty of hotels in that area for different budgets.

For some tourist things that your kids might enjoy, the Museum of Science and Industry and the Field Museum are high on the list. It may be a little chilly that time of year, but a Chicago Architectural Boat tour would be cool. Making a stop at the top of the Willis Tower or John Hancock building for some views.

Chicago style hot dogs and tavern pizza (not deep dish) are my favorites.

That's a start.

This is a good starting point. Taking a boat ride might be challenging with the river dyed that weekend.

There's going to be a lot of drunk people near the river during the late morning that Saturday. After the river is dyed, they typically filter into irish bars and won't be too big of a bother. Most years, mid March is going to be cold enough where you may not enjoy outdoor activities, but not so cold that you need to restrict yourself to being shut-ins.

Museums are great idea. I'd add aquarium or planetarium to your potential list but Field and Science/Industry or Art museum are the best assuming that you have some interest in those areas.

Tons of food and drink options. Out of towners will typically hit up a place for Italian Beef / hot dogs, Deep Dish Pizza and Garrett's popcorn. Dads might enjoy and (also regret) an Old Style with a Malort shot as initiation to the city.