DH and I are doing a little staycation in Chicago the first week in March. We'd like to do some activities with our 26 month old boy. Since it's winter, though, we're having trouble coming up with many ideas! We might do the zoo if it's not bitterly cold, though it's not really the ideal time of year for it. We have a membership for the Kohl's Children's Museum and could go there one day too, but it's not such a novelty since we go often. I was trying to think if any of the other typical Chicago touristy activities/museums would be appropriate for a toddler. Maybe Willis Tower? We've been to the Shedd twice in the last year so I'm not really into going again. Are there any places we can go to take a class or activity but not have to sign up for a whole series? Any indoor splash pad/kiddie pools we could visit? Really, just looking for some inspiration!
Pick up a Chicago Parent magazine, it's free and available at many children's places and libraries. It has a ton of things to do in and around Chicago. You can also see it online http://www.chicagoparent.com/
Have fun.
Ice skating on the 94th floor of the Hancock may still be open. Also the Peggy Notebart Nature Museum is always good yet overlooked by so many families. You can always do a fun dinner spot like Dave and Busters or Cheesecake Factory. I don't know of any great pools but water of any kind at that age is usually loved. I like the Chicago Savvy Source site for helpful ideas. Enjoy your staycation!
How about going to Legoland or the DuPage Children's museum? DuPage is great, you could make a day of it.
We go to the Brookfield Zoo year round. They have a great indoor play zoo.
Have you taken your son to a Monkey Joes? My kids would live there if I could afford it....
Legoland is not really for a 26 month old to have fun at. We went with our 23 month old and he did not really have a lot of fun since all the rides are for older kids. You want to wait at least till he's 4. Once you do go Legoland it really isn't all its cracked up to be for the price you pay. You could try the Exploratorium in Skokie- (http://www.skokieparks.org/exploritorium). I haven't been there yet but it is supposed to be like the Kohl's Children Museum also if you go to Navy Pier they have a Children Museum inside you can use your pass for and there is two levels of fun. Hope this helps.
Check out the Glenview Park District at www.glenviewparks.org
They have several great places to visit at Wagner Farm (a real working farm) or The Grove (lots of live animals). And they are FREE! There is also an indoor pool at Park Center. The different sites offer one day classes periodically, look through their website, and there's a Farmer's Market on the weekends. It's a lot of fun!
