Getting to Navy Pier...
 

I am planning to take the kids to the Children's Museum over Labor Day weekend. We'll be coming in from DeKalb. Should we just aim to get into the city early to get into the Navy Pier parking garage, or is there a smarter way?

Metra
 

http://metrarail.com/System_map/index.html

I'd consider driving along I-88 to Aurora, then catching the Metra Rail downtown. Then you can cab anywhere, take the double-decker sightseeing buses, whatever. Back to Northwestern Station for the Metra ride back out to Aurora at the end of the day, then home. The drive by car in and out of downtown can be pretty brutal, and parknig is expensive.

Downside is you will be tied to the train schedule - shouldn't be a problem though. During the week, earliest train leaves Aurora ~4:30AM, latest train leaves Chicago for Aurora ~12:40AM. Check link for weekend/holiday schedules.

Not a bad deal, especially if you have young kids:

http://metrarail.com/Special_Promoti...mmer_2005.html

Are you planning on seeing anything else in the city that day?

Free Downtown Trolley for our Visitors
 

Leave your car at home (or at the Metra station).

LINK>>

Probably not. The kids are two, so they will be ready for a long nap when we're done at the museum.

Then Metra is the way to go! At 2, they probably like trains. If boys, then this is highly likely. Train down. Cab to the Pier to preserve their little feet. Cab back to preserve your sanity. Nice ride back out to the 'burbs without hassle of traffic or worry of missing an exit.

BTW - it they do like trains, check out the Illinois Railway Museum. Little known gem to the northwest of Chicago. Great collection of working rolling stock, including operating steam trains on weekends. At some point during the summer, they usually also have a "Thomas" weekend.

http://www.irm.org/

>>BTW - it they do like trains, check out the Illinois Railway Museum. Little known gem to the northwest of Chicago. Great collection of working rolling stock, including operating steam trains on weekends. At some point during the summer, they usually also have a "Thomas" weekend.


"Thomas" is at the Illinois Railway Museum this weekend and next. Tickets sell out, so be sure you have them before you set out.

http://www.irm.org/thomas/index.html

My son saw Thomas at 4 years old in Baltimore and was entranced. Always a sedate boy, when we rounded a corner and saw Thomas across the yard, my son took off like a shot and it was all I could do to keep up with him.

BTW, if the kids have any extra energy, you might also take them to see the LEGO store, 520 N. Michigan, 3rd floor (Nordstrom building). Not far from Navy Pier.

One of my son's favorite places.

Is the FAO Schwartz on Michigan near Water Tower still open? That could be good too.

No, FAO has been gone for some time - ever since they declared bankruptcy. I believe that they only have two physical stores left - NYC and LAS.

Well, nearly a year later we were finally able to make this trip over the weekend. Metra (from Elburn) and the free trolley was the way to go. Thanks to everyone for their advice.

The Children's Museum was fantastic!