trvljunkiefamily's Passport
 | Been to 104 Attractions |
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 | 38 First to Review |
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Send a ComplimentAbout Me & My Family
We are a family of 4 (one 2 year old and a 4 month old) that loves to travel and explore. Our goal this year is to do one family fun activity a month. I'm here to share our findings.
Our Family's Travel Personality
adventurous, curious, rowdy, relaxed, energetic, easy_going, scheduled
We Just Got Back From
Niagara Falls
Our Favorite Vacation Spot
Hawaii
A Place We'd Love To Visit
Hawaii
Favorite Vacation Memory
Honeymoon with the hubs in Hawaii; proposal in France
Worst Travel Moment With My Kids:
Driving in Friday rush hour with a screaming toddler on the way to Michigan
Websites I Like:
Unique trick-or-treating in the Chicago area
It's fun to go trick-or-treating from house to house, but can be even more fun in a different setting. Check out these fun and safe places to go trick-or-treating in Chicago and beyond!
600 East Grand Ave.
Chicago, Illinois
Comment:
Go to Navy Pier to experience their Really Big Halloween Party 10/26 to 10/28 and Halloween. Trick-or-treating is available but that's not all. They offer a petting zoo, a dance party, and performances all for free!
reviewed on: October 23 2012
"Whole day family fun"
Nitty gritty: Admission to Navy Pier is free. As with most of Chicago, parking is expensive at $25 the whole day. Some restaurants/attractions may validate so it's well worth it to ask. There's a food court where for those who want something fast, or you can take in a meal at one of the many restaurants. The Fun:
Our family was here for the Really Big Halloween Party on a Saturday. There were lots of activities planned for free that include trick-or-treating, shows, petting zoo, and a hayrack ride. We had fun trick-or-treating, but wished there were more than 7 stations for doing so.
Besides participating in Halloween activities, we also enjoyed all that Navy Pier offered. We've been here many times previously before children, but never noticed how it caters to families. There's plenty for kids to do. For the young train lover, there's the Kiddie Train Express that goes around a small track multiple times. Of course, we couldn't leave without riding it, and as usual, my two-year-old loved it. For older kids, there's a maze they can get lost in.There's lots of shops (mostly touristy) and plenty of food to choose from. The best part is that since the shops and restaurants are indoors, you won't have to worry about keeping the lil ones warm.
Although a bit chilly, we still decided to venture outdoors to Pier Park where we found the typical carnival offerings such as the carousel, wave swinger, and our attraction of choice - the Ferris Wheel. We may have frozen our tushies off for 7 minutes, but the views were gorgeous and well worth it. I was a little hesitant on riding this with little tots, but we were moving so slow and at times found it hard to believe that we were actually moving.
Navy Pier has tons of events throughout the year that makes it a great family friendly destination. In winter, you'll find Winter Wonderfest and during the summer, you'll find fireworks.
You can definitely make it a whole day by checking out The Chicago Childen's Museum or if it's nice out take go one of the many boat rides.
Bottom line: Both tourists and locals flock to Navy Pier for good reason - it has a fantastic location by the Lake with great views of the city, plus the Pier caters to families. We love coming here (but could do without the high parking fees) and would encourage anyone - local or tourist to check it out for themselves
Tip: If you'd like to take a breather from the crowds, take your food upstairs to the Crystal Gardens. There are tables there, it's less hectic, and beautiful with fountains, flowers, and trees.
Disclosure: Our family was provided complimentary tickets to Pier Park. I was not required to express a particular point of view and all opinions are my own.
1356 N. Gary Ave
Wheaton, Illinois
Comment:
Come to this smaller zoo for Spooktacular on 10/26 where there are stations located throughout the zoo for the trick-or-treaters. After grabbing the goodies, meet animals, play games, or go through their straw maze.
2001 N Clark St
Chicago, Illinois
Comment:
Come here for Spooky Zoo Spectacular on 10/20. Go trick or treating with animals, enjoy entertainment, and get your craft on!
reviewed on: May 05 2011
"Excellent zoo and free to boot!"
The Nitty Gritty: It is a short walk from the Peggy Notebaert Museum. We just paid for parking here and walked to both locations. Admission is free! Definitely bring the stroller if you need it.The fun: Second part of my son's 1st birthday in May. We saw lions, monkeys, flamingos and more! They have finished the boardwalk and it has a magnificent view of the Chicago skyline.
Son's fav moment: Looking at all the animals
Parent's fav moment: The monkeys and the skyline view.
Bottom Line:A definite MUST see in Chicago. All children will enjoy this zoo. We plan to come here again since my son can now distinguish animals.
100 S. Barnes Road
Aurora, Illinois
Comment:
We went here last year and had so much fun! There are trick-or-treat stations located throughout the "village." After a costume parade contest, the little monsters are free to ride on the train, hayride, carousel as much as they want!
reviewed on: March 27 2012
"So much fun!"
The Nitty Gritty: We went here on a Saturday morning In October for the Trick or Treat Walk. There is plenty of free parking. Admission is charged. We paid a fee for the special event.The fun: Where to begin? Costumed children were walking around the area stopping at every station for a little treat. There was even a costume parade and at the end prizes were awarded. After trick or treating, the whole park was open. We immediately went to check out there mini train ride that circled around the lake. We also went on a hay ride and carousel ride. The best part was that we could go on any ride as much as we wanted. Since it was October, I believe most of the activities/features of the Village weren't available.
Son's fav moment: Riding the train and the carousel
Parent's fav moment: Seeing all the cute kids in their costumes
Bottom Line: we would definitely come here again especilly in warm weather, even if it wasn't for the Trick or Treat Walk. They have other events and even a run I would like to check out.
Tip: During their normal season, it would be great to bring a lunch to eat outside.
1000 Lake Cook Road
Glencoe, Illinois
Comment:
Trains, Tricks, or Treats: Perfect for those train fans. Trick-or-Treat throughout the model railroad garden.
reviewed on: August 28 2011
"Beautiful!"
The Nitty Gritty: We went here on a Saturday afternoon during their Kite Festival. I used a Groupon which was only $10 parking (normally $20). There is plenty of parking. The fun: We went here during the Kite Festival. There was a free tram to ride out to the Island where it was held. The festival highlights included professionals flying their kites to music. My son seemed disinterested in the flying but probably because he was too young to enjoy that sort of thing. We only had time to explore the Bonsai Island, Waterfalls, Model Railroad Garden.
Son's fav moment: Definitely the model railroad garden! We splurged and paid $5 an adult (son was under 2 so free). He loved seeing all the trains going around the miniature replicas of places, statues, monuments and more.
Parent's fav moment: The Bonsai Island. Beautiful and picturesque - take lots of pictures!
Bottom Line: Most definitely recommend. There are tons of picture opportunities, so snap away. If your kids love trains, go ahead and stop on by there. The Garden hosts lots of activities during the year, so it may be worth it to check it out!
Tip: Bring comfortable shoes and don't expect to see everything if you're toting kids.
300 North Central Park Ave.
Chicago, Illinois
Comment:
Nocturnal animals like fruit bats, owls, spiders, and wolves will pay a special visit to those attendees. Creatures of the Night: Besides music and treats, there will be a backyard candlelight costume parade.
reviewed on: March 21 2011
"Great place to escape Chicago's winter weather"
The Nitty Gritty: Admission was free, though they were asking for donations. Parking was free in an adjoining lot, though it was packed, most likely do to the special event we attended. The green line was a few feet away. The surrounding area was a little sketchy but fine during the day. The fun: We went here in February for their Annual Sweet Saturdays during Valentine's day weekend. This is an event where people can sample sweets that come from plants/trees. Though my son was too young to sample all the goodies, my husband and i had a blast tasting real coffee beans, chocolate (of course), banana, papaya, vanilla, gum, coconut and so much more. Very well kept.There is also a children's area in the back. We didn't bring a stroller, and just carried our son bc we figured there would be too many people in a small space. We made the right call. We spent about 2 to 3 hours here.
Son's fav moment: Looking at the koi fish with the Chiluly sculptures.
Parent's fav moment: Learning about different plants and sampling all the goodies.
Bottom Line: Definitely recommended. Bring your camera! Lots of photo ops.
