Getting to Navy Pier...
Aug 17, 2005 | 9:41 am
#1
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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?
Aug 17, 2005 | 1:04 pm
#2
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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.
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.
Aug 17, 2005 | 7:54 pm
#3
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Not a bad deal, especially if you have young kids:
http://metrarail.com/Special_Promoti...mmer_2005.html
http://metrarail.com/Special_Promoti...mmer_2005.html
Aug 18, 2005 | 10:57 am
#6
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Originally Posted by plat
Are you planning on seeing anything else in the city that day?
Aug 18, 2005 | 11:55 am
#7
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Originally Posted by curbcrusher
Probably not. The kids are two, so they will be ready for a long nap when we're done at the museum.
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/
Aug 19, 2005 | 8:50 am
#8
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>>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.
"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.
Aug 19, 2005 | 9:11 am
#9
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Originally Posted by curbcrusher
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?
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.
Jul 4, 2006 | 7:15 pm
#12
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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!
The Children's Museum was fantastic!