Chicago Recommendations late October

Posted by geruntino.1 on 10/03/23 04:51 PM

Hey all!

I’m headed to Chicago with my wife, 3 kids, and both sets of parents for a long 4 day weekend on October 20-23 and am looking for some recs on what to see do.

I’ve been to Chicago many times and will be hitting up Portillo’s and Lou’s for food, but haven’t really done much of the “inside” activities. So looking for the following info:

1) Info that may make it cheaper/easier to go to the Field /Shedd/Art Institute & what to not miss in each

2) What architecture boat tour is the best education and entertainment for the cost?

3) What unique restaurants are really great around the United Center and who do you feel makes the best Italian Beef? I’m usually an Al’s guy, but willing to see if others have a different opinion.

Thanks everyone!

Posted by Laurie Ann

Chicago, IL, USA

10/03/23 05:30 PM

486 posts

Here are a couple of sources I like to use for special events in Chicago for October.

https://www.timeout.com/chicago/events-calendar/october-events-calendar

https://chicagoreader.com/community-calendar-event-listings/

It looks like there are some fun Halloween themed activities.

You can also look into the individual museums, zoo, etc. websites for special exhibits

Posted by Mumbling & Stumbling

10/03/23 05:40 PM

445 posts

As a lifelong resident, and “it-tayylan beeef” lover, my money is on Buona Beef. A large Buona ‘talian combo, dipped with a little giardiniera an some sweet peppers, AAHHHHHHHH

Buona

Not too far from the United Center is some great Italian food at Pompei Restaurant on Taylor Street Pompei

Then head East on Taylor for some real Italian ice lemon aid.

Posted by PlannerMom

Wisconsin, USA

10/05/23 03:17 AM

148 posts

If you have a family membership at your local zoo or children's museum or art museum, check for discounts for admission while traveling. Or there is a Chicago City Pass, which seems worth checking out if it matches what you want to see.

The Shedd has dynamic pricing so buy tickets in advance. I think it costs less if it is less busy that day and it might be a better choice for one of the weekdays in terms of crowding and wanting to get close to the exhibits.

At the Field Museum, we spent a morning looking at all the animal dioramas and an afternoon in the First Nations and Asian sections. A previous trip had the Egyptian exhibit, the Africa exhibit, the minerals, and the dinosaurs. The First Nations exhibit had an area with interpretors doing demonstrations while I think the Egyptian exhibit includes entering a pyramid and descending through it to the lower level of the museum.

We also like the Museum of Science and Industry. It is more interactive and has some areas intended for younger kids.

With older kids interested in jazz, the under 21 music option that I found was to have dinner at Buddy Guy's, I think it was on Sunday.