V-Flyer

Two reasons for posting

1. To say that I have just successfully used the Amex Upgrade Vouchers to upgrade our miles tickets to ORD to PE in September Finally they have been useful. We are staying for 5 nights, very excited as we have heard many good things about Chicago and it seems like a good place for kids too (we have 3.5 year old)

2. Now need some ideas on somewhere special where we (me,hubby and said toddler) could celebrate hubbys 40th while we are there. Needs to be somewhere happy to have toddlers, and for lunch.

Any other tips also gratefully received, especially on good hotels, pref where we can self cater if we need to.

Thanks
L2H

Congrats on getting the upgrade using the vouchers - not the easiest task in the world ! (now that whould be a task for The Aoorentice candidates to undertake !)

I assume toddler is a dinosaur fan?

In which case to the Field Museum is a must as 'Sue' has centre stage in the main hall. Its also in the same park as the Shedd Aquarium (which has recently been extended) and the Adler Planitarium as well. All very family friendly.

September is a beautiful time to enjoy Chicago - which remains my favourite US city. It's also a great city for a 4 year old. The Field museum and planetarium are great. I suggest you would all enjoy the Lincoln Park Zoo - and if you do that in the morning head for RJ Grunts for burgers for lunch, great fun place. For all to enjoy there's also Navy Pier.

The really special place in Chicago is Charlie Trotters, but if I assume you'll be taking the young 'un along I like Catch 35 downtown, the Signature Room on the 95th floor of the Hancock is great (better for the views than the food though, which is OK), and look at North Pond in Lincoln Park, which is a lovely setting - oh and try opentable.com.