5 day itinerary for Chicago

Itinerary

Chicago is such a vibrant city with a ton of family-friendly activities, and I’m excited to help you plan a fantastic 5-day itinerary. We’ll mix in some indoor and outdoor options to keep things flexible for whatever the weather throws your way. Let’s dive in!

## Day 1: Explore Downtown and the Riverwalk

Morning:

• Breakfast at Lou Mitchell’s: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at this iconic diner. Their pancakes and coffee are a must-try!
• Chicago Riverwalk: After breakfast, take a stroll along the Riverwalk. It’s beautiful and a great way to see the city’s architecture.

Afternoon:

• Lunch at Portillo’s: Grab a classic Chicago-style hot dog or Italian beef sandwich. The kids will love it!
• Chicago Architecture Boat Tour: Hop on a boat tour to learn about the city’s stunning architecture. It’s a fun way to see the skyline and stay dry if it rains!

Evening:

• Dinner at Giordano’s: You can’t visit Chicago without trying deep-dish pizza! Giordano’s is a family favorite.
• Millennium Park: If the weather is nice, take a walk in Millennium Park and check out the Cloud Gate (aka "The Bean"). It’s a great photo op!

## Day 2: Museums and More

Morning:

• Breakfast at Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe: Fuel up with some delicious pancakes or omelets.
• Field Museum: Spend the morning exploring the Field Museum. The dinosaur exhibits are always a hit with kids!

Afternoon:

• Lunch at the Museum Café: Grab a quick bite at the museum’s café.
• Shedd Aquarium: After lunch, head to the Shedd Aquarium. The aquatic life is mesmerizing, and there are plenty of interactive exhibits for the kids.

Evening:

• Dinner at The Cheesecake Factory: Located near the aquarium, it’s a family-friendly spot with a huge menu.
• Navy Pier: If the weather is nice, take a stroll along Navy Pier. You can ride the Ferris wheel or just enjoy the views of Lake Michigan.

## Day 3: Lincoln Park and Zoo

Morning:

• Breakfast at The Bongo Room: Known for their creative breakfast dishes, it’s a great way to start the day.
• Lincoln Park Zoo: Spend the morning at this free zoo! It’s perfect for families and has a variety of animals to see.

Afternoon:

• Lunch at Café Brauer: Enjoy lunch with a view of the zoo and the surrounding nature.
• Lincoln Park Conservatory: After lunch, explore the beautiful conservatory. It’s a lovely indoor option if it’s raining.

Evening:

• Dinner at Pequod’s Pizza: Another great spot for deep-dish pizza, but this one has a unique caramelized crust!
• Catch a Show: If the kids are up for it, check out a family-friendly show at the Chicago Children’s Theatre or a comedy show at The Second City.

## Day 4: Science and Shopping

Morning:

• Breakfast at Yolk: A popular breakfast spot with a variety of options for everyone.
• Museum of Science and Industry: Spend the morning exploring this interactive museum. The kids will love the hands-on exhibits!

Afternoon:

• Lunch at the Museum’s Food Court: Convenient and kid-friendly options are available.
• Shopping on Michigan Avenue: After the museum, take a stroll down the Magnificent Mile for some shopping. Don’t forget to stop by the LEGO Store!

Evening:

• Dinner at Rainforest Cafe: A fun dining experience with animatronic animals and a jungle theme.
• Skydeck Chicago: If the weather is clear, head to the Skydeck for breathtaking views of the city at sunset.

## Day 5: A Day in the Neighborhoods

Morning:

• Breakfast at a Local Café: Try a local favorite like Intelligentsia Coffee for a quick bite and some great coffee.
• Visit the Art Institute of Chicago: Explore the art collections. The kids might enjoy the Modern Wing and the Thorne Miniature Rooms.

Afternoon:

• Lunch at Lou Malnati’s: Another deep-dish pizza option, but this one is a classic!
• Explore the Chicago Children’s Museum: Located at Navy Pier, this museum is perfect for younger kids with tons of interactive exhibits.

Evening:

• Dinner at a Local Eatery: Try something different, like a taco place in Pilsen or a burger joint in Lincoln Park.
• Final Stroll along the Lakefront: If the weather is nice, take a leisurely walk along the lakefront to soak in your last evening in Chicago.

Tips:

• Weather Check: Always check the weather forecast each day to adjust your plans accordingly.
• Public Transport: Consider using the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) for easy travel around the city. It’s family-friendly and convenient!

I hope this itinerary helps you have an amazing time in Chicago! Enjoy your trip! 🌆✨