We are planning to take a long weekend in Chicago in May. Any frugal ideas for a family with small children?

Well the words frugal and Chicago don't usually go together too well Some of the ways we've saved money when visiting there is by staying a little bit out of downtown Chicago. Rooms downtown are very expensive. Last time we visited we stayed in Schaumburg and really liked our hotel which had a great free breakfast and evening cookies. I'll have to ask my dh the name of the place since I'm drawing a blank now.

The other thing is that the Field Museum and Shedd's Aquarium also have free community days, but they're probably not on the wknd. But if you're going to be there some weekdays, you should check into that schedule. The other thing is that they do have a free zoo....the Lincoln Park Zoo. It's pretty nice for a free zoo.

Hopefully some other members will have more ideas.

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I haven't tried this, but it sounds like fun and it's FREE:
Chicago Greeter: Meet a Greeter and make a friend today.

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Yep...the Lincoln Park Zoo is free. I can't really think of anything else offhand that is free. We've done the 'citypass' thing when we've been there, it gets you into a whole bunch of different sites for reduced rate and it's good for over a week IIRC. Just depends if you're going to be visiting a lot of museums, how old your kids are etc

Have you checked to see if your library has any books on Chicago? When we're traveling with the kids, I often look on Amazon for books about traveling with kids (in that particular city) and then get them from my library.

You can also try the site GoCityKids...it can be a little confusing to navigate sometimes. Try using their "Activity Finder". Put in as little info as possible though...I've found that works best for me. So don't fill in the "kind of fun" field. In the age field just indicate "all ages". Then just click on "outdoor fun" or "indoor fun" and hit the search button and you'll get a long list of things.

Go City Kids - Chicago - Kids & Family Activities, Chicago Entertainment & Events

Here are some books that might be worth checking out of your library as you plan your trip...

Amazon.com: Fodor's Around Chicago with Kids, 2nd Edition: 68 Great Things to Do Together (Around the City with Kids): Fodor's: Books

Amazon.com: Frommer's Chicago with Kids: Laura Tiebert: Books

Amazon.com: The Lobster Kids' Guide to Exploring Chicago: Ed Avis,Christine Battuz: Books

Thanks for all the ideas. I have looked at some of the websites and I have some books on hold at the library. Another item I thought of was the reciprocity (sp?) program through zoos, aquariums, museums. I'll see if our membership is accepted in Chicago. I welcome any more comments or great tourist-y ideas! I'll make my goal to post back in late May/early June with anything I learned. Thanks again!

DOn't know if you have gone yet or not, but just in case...the CHicago CHildren's Museum is free from 5-8 p.m. every Thursday night.

Also, check out this website, actually everybody should it's a great place to see what is free in your neck of the woods.

Search the USA for Free Attractions and Free Things to Do

if you have girls they may like to see the American Girl Place- of course the dolls are expensive but I heard a lot of good things about these places- it may be worth a "go see".

yes, the American Girl Place is awesome. it's fun to just look, but if your kids aren't the type who will put up a fight if they can't buy something, it may not be the best place. but it's really nice.