I attended the Art Institute of Chicago with the school I work at. The kids were great. Lots of cool and unique exhibits. Pretty secure building. Very clean and quiet.
Sara, buy a Chicago city pass and try to include the museum of science and industry as well. The kids will love it. Stay near millennium park and you can walk to the art institute. The field, shedd, and science museum always have buses. Don't plan on eating by the museum's because there is nothing over there. If you want to go to the famous Billy goat, there are stairs to get down there right outside 444 Michigan Ave. If you have picky eaters, go to food life in water tower. Water tower also has American girl.
Sorry the last place I stayed I wouldn't recommend. The metro is the best way to get around although I used my car. Depends on whether you want to deal with traffic.
You know better than me..
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