My Chicago Family Bucket List

Monday, June 27, 2011

Amy Bizzarri
ChiTown Parent

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Last year, fellow Chicago Parent writer Jennifer DuBose asked parents to consider making a family "bucket list", i.e. a list of all the things you want to do with your kids before they fly the coop.

I recently proofread a Chicago travel guidebook: this freelance task entailed checking up on every Chicago restaurant, cafe, museum, shoe store, ice cream parlour - yes, just about *every* noteworthy place in our city. I thought I already knew our city inside out, but let me tell you, after this task, I *really* know our city inside out.

But as I filed through the sights and scenery, making notes and corrections, I realized that there are still so many things that I have yet to experience! And there are so many gems that I have yet to introduce to my children. So as I worked on the project, I kept a running list of everything I still wanted to experience with my family, in this windy city.

Here are a few of the items on my Chicago family bucket list:

Breakfast at the original Lou Mitchell's. I'd been here years ago with my parents - how can I have completely forgotten to take my pancake-loving son to this place?! There's nothing like Milk Duds, whipped cream topped pancakes, and ice cream to get me moving in the morning...
I'm also determined to make an early morning run to the Donut Vault.
Pullman Historic District - I've never been to this historic district; I swear I'll catch the annual house tour this October.
Kayak the Chicago River
I've had tea at the Four Seasons and the Peninsula but never at the Drake Hotel's Palm Court.[Check out 7 Kid-Friendly Tea Joints]
Sail Lake Michigan