Over the summer I had two opportunities to go to Chicago for a couple of days each with very different kinds of experiences.  

The first was with my friend Tina.  We went to a photo shoot, art gallery and interesting shops while meandering the city.  We tried out trendy new restaurants and hung out at several uber cool roof top bars enjoying the view.  

I did a blog post about it.  You can read it if you click here.  Chicago with a fun Friend. 

I also went to Chicago with my 7 year old grand daughter. What a different experience.  I had taken her older sister last summer and this summer was her turn.  Both trips were good fun, just different.  

The trip with Avery started with a very early call to catch the Amtrak out of Grand Rapids at 6 am.  It was her first train ride and filled with new things to learn.  We decided we didn’t like the donuts in the cafe car—stale— but loved riding along looking at the scenery while the haunting hooting sounds of the train surrounded us. 

We talked about the different kinds of trains that we observed—passenger and freight.  When we got to Chicago we noted commuter trains that roared by over head and I pointed out that some commuter trains go underground and are called subways.  This would be no big deal for a city child but Grand Rapids has buses for mass transit not trains.

Shedd Aquarium  

The first major excursion was the Shedd Aquarium.  Looking at the fish in the tanks and matching them up with the labels was challenging.  We also loved the dolphin show.  Another highlight was the 4-D movie complete with bubbles wafting through the air.  

American Girl Store

No trip to Chicago is complete for this age little girl without some time at the American Girl store.  Yep, we took Rebecca, Avery’s companion, on this trip and to dinner.  All three of us enjoyed ourselves.  I frankly had a moment missing my Mom who loved dolls and the times I took her to this store for lunch with my daughter and older granddaughter.  She enjoyed it so much. How she would have loved being with us.

Chicago Riverwalk  

Day Two included a short walk on the Chicago Riverwalk.  If you haven’t done this, it is a good one for all ages.  I recommend it.   Here’s a blog link for a DesignDestinations post about this recent addition to the Chicago offerings of things to do.  Chicago Riverwalk. 

360 Chicago

The next visit was Chicago 360, an experience new to me.  This is an observation area on top of the Hancock Building on Michigan Avenue with expansive views in all directions.  We went fairly early in the morning so there was no wait time for the 40 second elevator ride to the top. The views are spectacular.  

Chicago Children’s Museum

After lunch we headed to the Chicago Children’s Museum, a must do for families.  I can imagine it gets crowded on rainy days, but we went when it wasn’t busy and thoroughly enjoyed the many exhibits and hands-on activities.  I recommend it if you have little ones in tow.   

Ferris Wheel

The last adventure that day was a ride on the huge Ferris Wheel at the Navy Pier.    When I suggested it I wondered if Avery would be scared. Nope.  Not at all.  She confidently took her seat and waited to start.  We had wonderful time checking out the Hancock building and Chicago sky line on one side and Lake Michigan on the other while swooping over the Navy Pier.  An added bonus were jets zipping by, practicing for the weekend’s air show.  It felt like they were performing just for us.  

Waiting to get on the train to head home.  Looks like a new Yoga position.