My trip

[DGL]

Okay so here's the deal. On July 17th my dad, brother, friend, and I are flying out to the Chicago area for a 5 day mini-vacation (we leave the 21st). On the 20th (Tues) we're going to SFGAm and we're going to see the Cubs-Brewers game on the night we get in. For anyone who knows the area (which I'm thinking is most of you), I was wondering if you could give us any suggestions for what to do on the rest of our time in Chicago. We're planning on going to the Sears Tower and Navy Pier, what other good spots are there for tourists? Also, I'd appreciate any advice on how to work our way through the park, we'll most likely be there from opening until whenever we feel like we've completed the important stuff. Thanks for the help!

[highroller13]

Explore downtown chicago a little bit.

[coasterzak]

Make sure you spend plenty of time on Michigan Ave. Get off at Ohio Street and park at Ohio and Fairbanks there is a nice lot there for $20 for 5 or so hours. It's only a couple blocks to Michigan Avenue - AKA the Magnificent Mile and you can walk that and go into all the different shops, go up the Water Tower which is an awesome shopping mall. If the only reason you go up it is to see the fountains and the glass elevators, DO IT. Also, there is the John Hancock Bldg. which in my opinion has the best skydeck and view of Chicago. This is all on Michigan. On the other side of the street is the Chicago Place which is another pretty sweet shopping mall with multiple floors (8 I think). Make sure you get to do that stuff. I think the Navy Pier is pretty sweet if you have the time and money to do it. There is an IMAX movie usually playing, a motion simulator, a ferris wheel, mini golf and there was ice skating when I was there in the winter. I don't know if the rink is year round or not. If you want to walk a little ways you can get there from that parking lot. A few shops on Michigan Ave. worth checking out are - Virgin Records, H&M (it's real trendy and metrosexual - I know some people that like it), a large book store, the Cheesecake Factory, and those malls I mentioned. If you get a chance to eat anywhere in Chicago, go to Unos or the Rainforest Cafe. Those are my two favorites. Hope that helps.

[B&M Floorless Wanter]

sheed aquarium go there

i like to see the dolphins jump around

[DGL]

H&M (it's real trendy and metrosexual - I know some people that like it)

Yeah we have one of those here in Providence but it's only clothes for women. I've been to ones with men's clothes (NYC & Taunton, MA) and I never see anything worth buying, my mom loves that store though.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

[rct2wizard360]

Also, The Field Museum, is another touristy thing to do.

[Ilovthevu']

I think you mean July. Shed Aquarium is not bad, but the best museum down there in my opinion is the Museum of Science and Industry. They have a coal mine ride, a big submarine, train sets galore, you can go in a plane, and some other real cool stuff. I second Rainforest Cafe, it's a very unique restaurant. Also, I like Brookfield Zoo in Brookfield. It is better than Lincoln Park Zoo. If you see Garrett's popcorn shop downtown, buy some cheese popcorn. Yum.... Yum........

If you like shopping a lot (I don't), near SFGAm is Gurnee Mills Mall. This is a pretty big place.
There is another Rainforest Cafe in this mall.

How do you make your way around the park? Near the beginning of the day, go to the right because you have Raging Bull (very popular ride), Viper, and even Demon (four inversion fun ride). Deja Vu (very popular ride) is this way, but it will probably be closed. UPDATE: It's open now. On the left side is Superman Ultimate Flight (will be packed because it is near the front), Rajin' Cajun (not usually open in beginning of day), V2 (not open now) UPDATE: It's now open. , and Batman The Ride.

Ragin' Cajun, Deja Vu, Raging Bull, and Superman Ultimate Flight are usually the most packed rollercoasters. No matter how short Rajin' Cajun looks, it is long.

So, the better is to the right. Looney Tunes show was not to good. Magician show not that bad. When the park gets jammed packed, I usually head for the flats and come back later for the rollercoasters. SKIP Space Shuttle America (Stargate SG 3000). Rides usually get less packed at night. Also, if you are in a line before closing time, they will let you stay in the line no matter if it's an hour wait.

[B&M Floorless Wanter]

go see a broadway show those rock

[planea380]

We got the beat was an amazing show.

[coastrcorey]

Shed Aquarium is really cool. I'd suggest that, especially if you're into looking at all kinds of sea life. Really neat.

[Dmrbug]

You must get a Portillos Italian beef wile you are here. Portillos are all over Chicago land area. There is one aprox 20-30 min south of SFGAm on route 60 in Vernon Hills. Well worth the stop!!!