Chicago in The Summer

July 22nd, 2012

I left you hangin’ a couple of weeks ago, on where we went on our short (but maximized) family getaway. We headed just a few hours from here to Chicago for a nice change of pace and scenery.

the bean family picture chicago millineum park

Our little dudes were such trooper tourists this trip! They carried their own backpacks  all over the city as we took in all the sites and fun things to do. (We took the train up from Northern Indiana and walked a mile to our hotel.)

chicago millineum park with kids

Our transportation for the weekend included trains, taxis, and even a water taxi which was a thrill for the boys!

water taxi downtown chicago michigan ave to navy pier

We stayed in the heart of the city at the  Embassy Suites Chicago Downtown/Lakefront – right in the middle of all the action (Navy Pier, The Magnificent Mile, etc.) And the view was pretty magnificent on it’s own. 

navy pier highrise view downtown chicago

We loved so many things about this hotel:

  • Perfect Location
  • Super Friendly Staff
  • Indoor Pool (Sometimes Hard to Find in Downtown Chicago)
  • Enormous Cook-To-Order Breakfast Spread
  • High-Rise Glass Elevators
  • 2 Room Suite to Spread Out and Sleep Better
  • Evening Snacks To Keep the Travelers Happy
  • Feel of Luxury, But Family-Friendly Environment

 embassy suites downtown lakeside chicago rooms

We maximized our overnight getaway by taking in as much of the city as possible during our short stay. This included a TON of walking for 8 little legs, but they seemed to love being somewhere new so much that the complaints were few.

navy pier boardwalk with kids chicago

Of course, we took lots of breaks along the way, including free iPad kid’s entertainment at the Apple Store on Michigan Ave.

 apple store michigan ave chicago magnificant mile    

And nice 7 minute break on the 150 foot-high Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier.

summer navy pier chicago ferris wheel  

And of course a stop at the Lego Store at Water Tower Place was a highlight!

lego store tower place chicago     

I love making traveling memories as a family, don’t you?  Tell me about where YOU’VE been this summer!

Speaking of getaways, Embassy Suites Hotels Facebook Page is hosting an incredible giveaway right now, in which 5 families will win a week long vacation package. Show them your vacation face, and find out more details on how to enter…

 {I wrote this review while participating in an Ambassador Program by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Embassy Suites Hotels and received a one-night complimentary stay at an Embassy Suites Hotel to facilitate my reviews and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.}