Advice again for Chicago Please

[Chelle D]

I've been going quite a bit over the past year and you are always all so helpful so I am asking for your help again. This time we are going to pick up the in-laws on Monday at the airport. They don't fly in until after 3:00 so we are going in early to hang out in the city. Here's what we are thinking -

We will arrive in Chicago around 9:30 AM. DH has a business meeting set up with a client from 10-12, leaving me and my almost 2 year old alone on Michigan Avenue for a few hours. Weather permitting, we will just pay and park below Millenium Park and hang out there. So here are my questions -

Is Millenium Park okay for Toddlers for a couple hours? I will have a stroller, snacks and normal toddler stuff. Is there a playground area anywhere? I couldn't find anything like that on the Millenium website.

Is there anything downtown within easy walking distance that I shouldn't miss from a "foodie" standpoint? Restaurants/stores, etc that I can go into with a toddler. We will only be eating lunch downtown and DH may bring his client, but she is cool with family stuff.

Anything else I should know? My inlaws will be at OHare at 3:15 so we will leave downtown by 1:30. They are flying in from Denmark so the International terminal is easier to navigate and we have been there quite a few times.

Thanks!

[maryfargo]

I've traveled to Chicago quite a few times and Millennium park is great for toddlers. Granted I don't have one of my own, but there will be plenty to keep the little one entertained, plenty of room to run around.
Many places to eat around Millennium park and Michigan avenue but I don't have any place to recommend. Perhaps others can chime in.
Or you can go to www.metromix.com. This site is a great place to find a place to eat in Chicago!
Have fun!

[erinl]

Bring a swimsuit! Monday is supposed to be in the mid-80s and the reflecting pond with the faces on either end is a blast to play in. DS was only crawling when we went and even he had a wonderful time. As far as I can remember, there is no actual playground at Millenium Park, but I still think you could keep him entertained there. The playgrounds that I'm familiar with are on the south end of the loop--at least 9th street--probably farther than you want to walk. I'll pop back if I think of some place to eat.

[Kyra]

I was going to suggest bathing suits for the fountain at Millenium Park, but you beat me to it, Erin!

For lunch, what about Heaven on Seven?

[cangoss]

If you're up for a walk, you could head up Michigan Avenue, and go to Trader Joe's, and then there's a cute playground near the Water Tower (http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/parks.detail/object_id/D3C84730-18CA-4913-9637-F12DAA50EFA1.cfm).

[tyroleancutie]

There is a little faked river in the back of the millenium park. This would maybe perfect for your son :)