Thread: 15 Year Old Girls First Trip to Chicago?

For what it's worth, some of the coolest exhibits in the Field Museum, like Sue, the most complete T-rex skeleton ever discovered (I think), are relatively new and wouldn't have been there 30 years ago. Really, all the museums are interesting. Even the buildings are cool. I agree with the idea that any museum that your step-daughter thinks sounds interesting will be.

Fellow BB members: you are amazing! There are so many awesome ideas posted. The museums, the ice skating, the zoo lights, all are a must. I am going to try to write up a schedule so that she doesn't miss out on a minute of the fun that Chicago has to offer. Thanks again, you guys are the best!! -Heather

Quote: I haven't been in the Sears Tower since they changed the name. It's not really near any other touristy attractions. I wouldn't pay to go up on a deck. Both the Sears Tower and the Hancock have top floor restaurants where you can get a seat with a view for the price of a drink. You can see the view from the 96th floor of the John Hancock Tower for the price of a soda and/or dessert, but honestly, the two times I've...

Quote: Originally Posted by Kahlico You can see the view from the 96th floor of the John Hancock Tower for the price of a soda and/or dessert, but honestly, the two times I've been up there I haven't had to order a thing. We just went it, admired the view and left within 10 minutes without being pestered by any wait staff. Also, like I tell everyone who visits the Hancock Tower, do take her into the woman's washroom for the...

one thing I've always wanted to do but haven't yet is go to the Museum of Science and Industry and see Colleen Moore's fairy castle

You should take her over to Garrett's for popcorn at some point. My DD loves popcorn but couldn't imagine what was so special until she saw the line out the door on a normal Tuesday in mid-afternoon! Now she's hooked. If she's a baseball fan like you and DH, take a tour of Wrigley Field. DD and I loved it even though our first love will always be Fenway. Wicker Park is a very cool artsy edgy shopping district with used...

I would go to the Museum of Science and Industry over the Field Museum. Keep in mind, that I haven't been back to Chicago in over 30 years but I never cared for the Field Museum (except for the gem collection). I would also go up the Willis Tower (used to be named Sears) to admire the view and to check out the the new Sky Ledge . In general, I would go to any museum that struck her fancy. They are MUCH better in Chicago then the museums...

I agree with the Museum of Science and Industry and Michigan Ave! My cousin finally took me there for the first time ever last Christmas...and I've been going down to Chicago for family Christmas time for YEARS. If it can make a 34 year old look with wonder and beauty, imagine what it will do for a 15 year old!

I agree with many of the items already recommended, especially Millennium Park. One more to add - if you want to be a super-cool step-mom, take her to 1154 Lill to design her own purse. The neighborhood around the store is really neat too with lots of funky shops.

Oh, Gilgamesh, I was going to suggest Colleen Moore's dollhouse. I have loved it all of my life! I still have a souvenir book I got when I was about 10. I am not at all the girly-girl doll type--dolls creep me out--but the dollhouse is like a fairytale come true.