My kids and I go downtown all the time and never shop! Well, not never. But we often go on our own excursions that are no cost or low cost... So we don't need to shop!
Millenium Park
We take the train part of the way there. We park at an enroute train station. Arrive at Union Station and walk the 10 blocks or cab it to Millennium Park. We usually pack drinking water and bring a change of clothes so we can get wet in the famous Millenium fountain on the west side of the park. We will Walk thru the Prarie area off the north side Monroe & near the newer bridge to Art Institute (and photo opportunities when we cross it!). Of course you can see "clouds gate," locally known as "the bean." Take pictures with your hands on the beam as if holding it up, laying down on the ground with your head towards the bean for a reflection, and another nice one is of the skyline in the beans reflection. Then walk the cool silver bridge 1/2 way towards the lakefront... or walk all the way to lakefront and eat lunch on the grass and watch the boats steps away from LSD at Monroe harbor. Brown bag lunch or buy a dog there. Great pics!! Sometimes they have sponsored day activities. This is all with in a 2 block radius...
Boat Tours
Wendellas boat rides are nice, bring snacks... Park underground then e lunch on the river somewhere. Then walk up the stairs and head south on Michigan avenue across the bridge and about 3 blocks down are a few nice shops, and restaurants (few doors down from the Comfort Suites). Including checking out the artifacts at the Hard Rock cafe.
Chinatown
You can take the water taxi to Chinatown. Lunch is inexpensive! Walk the main strip (Wentworth and Cermack) and visit some of the stores. Kids love the immersion in a different culture. Theres many walking tours, including kid friendly ones, be sure to ask for a short tour...There's great parks and restaurants to enjoy Bubble tea. Take a peek at chicagolikealocal.com for great kid friendly advice: http://chicagolikealocal.com/2011/09/18/chicagos-chinatown-with-kids-in-tow-2/
Fancy Tea Party and pictures
Oh!!! No shopping? How about Tea at the Ritz Carlton or the Peninsula hotel. So fabulous, gotta do it at least once. Phone first for times and availability. Served with Sandwiches & Cookies. Then walk over to Oak Street Beach for a bit. Before the underground passage stop and take pictures in the gazebo & flower garden east of Michigan Avenue and north of Oak Street.
John Hancock and Candy
Pay a visit to the John Hancock 95th / 96th floor for Lunch or kiddie cocktails drinks. Or just take an elevator ride up for free, your not required to eat there. The ladies room has a great view. Then walk over to water tower and ride the escalators all the way up to the CandyAlity store on the 7th floor... Giant lollipops and 3 foot tubes of gum balls. And your steps from Oak Street beach - see above.
Lunch at a BeachStro
Lunch on the beach is wonderful at the Oak Street Beachstro, seasonally only.
Downtown has so much to offer, make the most of it...enjoy!
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