J.K.
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My son is turning 2 in a few weeks, and I thought it would be fun to take the train into the city and then go to Lincoln Park Zoo. My question though is how do you get from the train station to the zoo? I would never take a taxi, because then I have to drag a car seat and I don't trust those drivers. Is there a shuttle, bus, trolley that takes you there? Any other suggestions for fun with a 2 and 4 year old in the big city? I probably will be with just them, as my husband has to work. I could always drive too???
Your son might be too young for the train right now. No matter what train you take in you are at their mercy as far as schedules. The frequency is low in the afternoon so if your son has a meltdown or you have one and the next train back home isn't for 2 hours you are stuck downtown with an upset kid and upset Mommy. Personally I'd suggest waiting a few more years for the trip so you know it will be fun.
My 3 1/2 year old and 1 1/2 year old love taking the el! They aren't too young at all. We go to the city all the time by el and it's really good to start talking about taking public transportation, etc. Walking is good for them too. I hate when I see 4 and 5 year olds in a stroller all the time. They need to walk and get some exercise. Your two year old would probably need a stroller I imagine. Have a great time!
You didn't say what train you are taking, but the 151 Sheridan bus (you can catch it along Michigan Ave.) stops at the zoo. And there's a bus every few minutes.
I am a frequent public transit user and fan, so I don't want to discourage the use of the train! My kids love any chance to ride the El or Metra. But I think the train + bus + zoo walking might be a lot for kids that young. Taking the train downtown to Millennium Park or the Museum Campus might be a better choice for your first train adventure.
OK, I have to update my response today after my son went to the lincoln park zoo for a field trip this morning with his camp. LOVED it. I guess the new children's section has a bunch of cool stuff to climb on and do. So . . . considering that it's free anyway, you might want to spring for cab fare or parking. Either way, have fun! And definitely get to Millennium Park before winter - the fountain is so much fun.
I just took my girls ages 5 & 3 to Oak Street Beach. I haven't been there in years and the girls loved it. Then we went to Michegan Avenue to Hersheys for ice cream. I drove because they are so young and all the travel would have been to much plus the beach.
I would save the train for brookfield where you can bring stroller and walk the bit right there.
Hope this helps.
