Chicago in January

My family and I spent three days in Chicago early this month.  Although we had arrived in Chicago from Wisconsin and the temperatures were higher, it felt MUCH colder by comparison.  However, the pain would only last for about a block; by then, our legs and faces were numb.  No matter which direction you face in Chicago, you are heading into the wind.

I love Chicago.  I lived and worked there for a short time over a decade ago.  It is the most beautiful big city in America, in my opinion.  I wanted to share it with my children.  So what to do in Chicago when you have two days with kids and it is freezing cold.....

(1)  Eat.  Chicago has fabulous food.  You can walk into a dive and not be disappointed.  We ate Italian at Rosebud on Rush (family style, fresh pasta).  We ordered Giordano's stuffed pizza, a style unique to Chicago - three inches high with loads of cheese and the sauce on top.  We enjoyed cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory below the Hancock Building.  We walked into a chain "Hot Wok, Cool Sushi" and enjoyed better Asian food than can be found in any restaurant in Texas.  We ate dim sum in China Town, a comparatively easy place to find cheap parking.  I wanted Greek food, but could not find the time to get to Greek Town.  I tried Pegasus at the Midway Airport, but for great Greek food, you must visit Greek Town. 

(2)  Visit Millenium Park.  Known officially as "The Cloud", it is generally referred to as "The Helmet."  There is no better photo opportunity in the Windy City.  Its reflective surface provides fantastic views of Michigan Avenue and Lake Michigan.  The curves make it even desirable to take a self-portrait or two.  Next to "The Cloud" are fountains created by glass blocks that transform dots into multi-storied videos of random faces.  (This is even better in the summer when the faces spit water on dodging kids.)  And when the cold is too much to bear, your kids are now willing to enter the Art Institute without a bribe so that you can take a look at some of the best artwork in the world.  Choose carefully, because kids warm up quickly and you will have only a hour at most.

(3)  The Magnificent Mile.  There is something here for everyone.  My family's favorites include the decadent drinking chocolate and ice cream fountain at Ghirardelli's near The Water Tower.  Hershey's is directly across the street.  My youngest loves American Girl, and while it costs a fortune to buy anything there, the sightseeing should be enough.  Before entering, I just make clear that they must use their OWN money, not mine. Kids use much greater discretion with their own funds.  Window shopping at Cartier is nice, and looking up you can see great Gothic architecture towering over the shoppers.

(4)  The Museum of Science and Industry.  It is out of the way, but well worth the trip.  Plan for a full day, and age isn't an issue.  Young and not-so-young will find the exhibits provocative, engaging, and inspirational. Best of all - it is big competition for a teenager's attention when otherwise bent on texting. 

(5)  Visit Friends.  Always a good idea.