Owen turned 10 last year and we’d always told him he’d get to pick a place to visit for his birthday. However, we all know how 2020 played out…so we celebrated this year by going to Chicago to attend The National Sports Collectors Convention. It was our first time in Chicago so we tried to see as much as possible in the short 48 hours we were there.
Our first stop was Millennium Park to see the famous Bean.
I loved seeing all the blooming flowers around the city! I have to say, Chicago wasn’t quite what I expected it to be but was even better!
We walked around the Magnificent Mile, browsed shops and then grabbed lunch at Shake Shack.
You can’t go to Shake Shack without a shake!
One of the most recommended activities was the Architecture Boat Tour! And hands down-it was one of our favorites too!
We got turned around in our directions but thanks to an Uber driver, we made it just on time to board the Emerald Lady. The boat tour was 90 minutes and it was such a fun way to see Chicago and learn about the history and architecture.
While we didn’t get to check out the Navy Pier up close, we were glad to see it from afar.
If it can get the approval of an 11 year old boy, I would recommend it to anyone!
Next up, we headed to Wrigley Field! What a special place to watch baseball!
Everyone was so friendly and made Owen’s day by welcoming him with a first visit certificate!
We loaded up on hot dogs (veggie for me), peanuts and cheered the Cubs on! Sadly, the Reds took home the win but it was an experience we will never forget!
On Wednesday morning, we decided to check out Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the US! Lincoln Park Zoo is also free!
It was such a hot day but we enjoyed seeing the animals, riding the carousel and Owen even had a snow cone before lunch!
I wish we would’ve had more time to explore Lincoln Park neighborhood-the brownstones were so charming!
Sweet Mandy B’s was the most recommended sweet treat in Chicago and we can see why! This snickerdoodle cupcake was worth the Uber ride.
And the moment he had been dreaming of for years…The National! I never thought I’d be attending a sports card show but seeing his eyes light up made following him around for 5 hours completely worth it!
Owen got to meet some of shop owners, like Jimmy from Kentucky Roadshow.
Such a special experience with my boy!
We COULD NOT leave Chicago without trying Chicago pizza! After a lonnnggg day, we Ubered over to Lou Malnati’s….only to find out it was carry-out only! They were nice enough to let us hang out while we waited for our pizza and then Ubered back to eat it! After all that, we can still say it was delicious!!
Chicago-I like you! I’m sorry that I’m just now getting to know you but hope we have lots more fun times ahead!