A Day in Chicago with Kids | Things to Do in Chicago with Kids | Navy Pier Chicago with Toddlers

 Looking back at our recent trip to Chicago, there was one day that was probably my absolute favorite day - Navy Pier day! Not only was the weather perfect, but there were so many really neat things to do. 

We started the day with a short walk over to the Navy Pier at Chicago Children's Museum! This museum was the perfect place to let kiddos explore and play indoors. With several amazing exhibits, like the firefighting area, construction building section or dinosaur dig area, there's something to engage your kiddos.

If you missed getting a ticket to the free Montessori style room for children 0-5, there was also a designated crawling space in the treehouse area just for those who don't yet walk.  While most is geared towards children who are over a year, I feel like there was plenty of opportunities for my infant.

It was well worth the price! However, we did get a 50% discount because we have a membership to another ACM, but they also accept a GoCity Pass.

We grabbed lunch at the McDonald's on the Pier then began our short walk back to the hotel for nap time! I believe that nap times are precious times and that little ones need naps to recharge and stay in good moods for the rest of the day. After nap, we did the short walk back to the Pier for the Shoreline Architecture Tour. 

We chose the 4:30 time slot as it was early enough to do before dinner. It was great way to see the buildings of Chicago and learn more about architecture. Our tour guide was fantastic- super engaging and knowledgeable. Being that it was fall evening, we did bring hats and mittens for the boys. It wasn't super windy, but definitely would recommend! The 75 minute tour was a little long with 2 kids that are two and under, but we made it with only one meltdown. There is a bar in the back of the boat that has drinks and snacks for purchase... nothing a little package of pretzels couldn't fix. 

The Shoreline Architecture Tour is included on both the City Pass and Go City passes. 

It was around 6:00 pm when we got back to the Pier. We went to put our name down for a table at Giordano's. The wait was consistently 45 minutes throughout the entire day but they allow you to place your pizza order then since it takes about 45 minutes to bake. 

While we waited for our table, we walked up to the Ferris Wheel. There was only one kiosk open to purchase tickets, but the wait went quickly as you could also scan a QR code and buy them on your phone. We planned to use the City Pass for the Ferris Wheel ride, but when we got to the attendant she told us just to go straight into the line. There's also the carousel, swings, and teacups. Tickets to ride those are included in the Go City pass. 

We really lucked out with timing all of this because the sun was setting as we were getting in the ferris wheel. It was simply magical to watch the sunset from the wheel.  The ride includes three full spins, which seemed to be enough for us. 

As we were getting off the ferris wheel, we got a text our table was ready! We ordered the Chicago Classic Deep Dish Pizza and the Greek salad from Giordano's. We LOVED all the cheese on the pizza. The salad wasn't anything amazing, but everything was still very good! I think everyone should try deep dish here just for the experience! 

We finished off our evening with Chicago's own The Original Rainbow Cone! A cone with five flavors: Orange Sherbet, Pistachio, Palmer House, Strawberry, and Chocolate sliced (not scooped) into a cone. I would have never ordered these flavors at a regular ice cream shoppe, but my goodness, they were so good together. There's a reason they're been in business over 95 years! 

There was a lot packed into this one day, but I think with the midday nap, it was well worth it! We had so much and everyone slept good that night.