Any parent that’s traveled with a child knows it isn’t easy. Often, we have to curate an in-flight experience and also find creative ways to entertain them at the airport. Next time you find yourself stuck at MDW or ORD, consider these tried and true recommendations.
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Chicago O’Hare International Airport
Best thing to see: The Sky’s the Limit art installation
This 745-foot art installation features 466 rainbow lights that illuminate the underground walkway between Concourses B and C in Terminal 1.
Best shop: Field Museum Store
With two locations in Terminals 1 (you can’t miss the skeleton model of a Brachiosaurus near the entrance) and 3, the Field Museum Store offers unique merchandise.
Best family-friendly eatery: Chili’s Too
In addition to having chicken crispers and mac and cheese that even the pickiest eaters will love, Chili’s Too in Terminal 3 is a prime spot for kiddos to watch planes take off and land.
Best place to pick up a quick snack: Eli’s Cheesecake
With a huge selection of cheesecakes by the slice, one of Chicago’s most famous dessert shops has a small home in Terminal 1 that’ll satisfy any sweet tooth.
Photo courtesy of Chicago Midway International Airport
Chicago Midway International Airport
Best thing to see: WWII Battle of Midway exhibit
Use some extra time at the airport as a teaching moment for your kiddo. Beneath the SBD Dauntless Dive-bomber that’s suspended from the ceiling outside Concourse A, you can check out photos and interactive video kiosks that illustrates this historic event.
Best shop: Kids Works
Near the start of Concourse B, adjacent to the Food Court, Kids Works is the holy grail store if you are looking to bribe your child for good behavior. It carries a large selection of toys, plushes, candy and books. Kids’ tablet dead? They also carry back up chargers.
Best family-friendly eatery: Reilly’s Daughter
The Irish Pub, located in Concourse A, specializes in fish and chips and has a pretty extensive children’s menu. Having a particularly hard day? The bartenders have been known to pour adult drinks into a “to-go” cup.
Best place to pick up a quick snack: Nuts on Clark
Located in the Central Market just past security, kids can enjoy travel-sized bags of freshly made caramel corn, cheese corn, kettle corn and mixed nuts.
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