Originally Posted by
Big4Flyer
I didn't know the zoo was free, I'll certainly look into that. Since the weather can be so variable, we'll probably book a refundable trip so we can change plans if the weather looks bad. I'd love to visit during the summer, and have been trying to look at different dates to see if some holidays/weekends are cheaper than others, but so far it seems like its all about twice the cost of visiting during the winter. I suppose that's the price for being comfortable!
Fall in particular can also be spectacular. What's your target hotel spend per night? Might AirBNB give you some more affordable summer options?
One more to throw into the mix is the Nature Museum. It's a couple blocks north of the Zoo and has some great exhibits for kids including a butterfly haven. You walk into this big tropical room with butterflies all around. Kids love it.
A lot of the museums have at least some things that are kid-focused (eg Art Institute's Modern Wing has some great kids stuff), so look at the museums you want to go to, there's likely some stuff for the kids too.
You could also consider late September/early October (if your oldest isn't in school yet?), prices will be down, weather is still pretty good.
I forgot to mention the Nature Museum. Second that recommendation for kids!