This summer we were treated to a weekend stay-cation with the kids at the Kimpton Hotels hosting business meetings and events at their luxury properties in Arizona and California, I’ve never had the opportunity to experience as a leisure travel guest. Needless to say, I was beyond excited to be included in their Kids Rule media trip. The itinerary was packed with kid-friendly activities around the city, that surprisingly we had yet to do with our girls.
We began with a Kids Happy Hour in the Hotel Allegro’s Lobby Living Room. Hosted every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 4 – 5 pm, the set up was so adorable offering bags of freshly made popcorn, lemonade, a hot buffet with cheese, crackers, chicken satay, macaroni & cheese on ceramic spoons and of course adult beverages for the moms. As the moms got to know one another and our Hotel Allegro hosts, the kids played the Wii, puzzles and board games. Following the Kids Hour, we stopped by the complimentary Wine Hour hosted everyday for hotel guests from 5 p.m.-6 p.m. in the Lobby Living Room.
The “Kids Rule” program runs from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend and is complimentary for all hotel guests. The program includes a special children’s welcome amenity, a child-size animal print robe for loan or purchase and comment cards just for kids. To keep the fun going, parents should make a pit stop at the desk of Hotel Allegro’s resident FUNcierge.
For more information about the “Kids Rule” summer program or to book your stay, please visit www.allegrochicago.com or call 312-236-0123. Connect with Kimpton on Facebook and Twitter and be sure to check out the hashtag #AllegroKidsRule.
After a quick bite to eat, we headed up to our room and were greeted with a Kimpton Kids goodie bag filled with fun items that made our visit just a little more special for the girls.
After exploring the room, we were off to a dinner date with Daddy at Shaw’s Crab House. It’s our favorite place in the city for fresh seafood. Finishing up our yummy meal, the girls were anxious to return to the Hotel Allegro. The day ended with a night cap of chocolate chip cookies, milk, Larry Gets Lost in Chicago and in room movie!
The following morning we made a quick stop at the hotel’s coffee bar, then it was lunch at the Park Grill in Millennium Park with the group. After lunch we set off to explore the city on our own and participated in a scavenger hunt to find five of Chicago’s most popular attractions. We managed to accomplish a few of the stops before L was ready to call it quits.
A gourmet dinner was hosted at 312 Chicago, the hotel’s restaurant along with a pizza and cookie making party for the kidswith Chef Luca Corazzina.
The following morning we stopped by 312 for an amazing breakfast. I could not believe the amount of food we were served for $11. As part of the Kids Rule program, our kids meal was free.
Around noon, the group boarded an open air Chicago Trolley to take us around the city. It was definitely a unique experience for both moms and the kids. The trolley is a fantastic way to see the city and our driver/tour guide was not only knowledgeable he was pretty entertaining.
Lunch was hosted at Ed Debevic’s, a Chicago establishment and the place where the wait staff yell at you. The food is not that great but the atmosphere and experience is fun for the kids.
The weekend concluded with a Seadog Boat Cruise at Navy Pier. Initially I was worried it would be too much for my 4 year old, however she along with the other kids had a blast. A boat cruise along Lake Michigan or the river is a amazing way to see the city from a different view. We can’t wait to do this again with both kids.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!
SLEEP
There are tons of options to choose from when selecting a 
On the weekend Chicago’s theatre district is low key during the day, but within minutes you are amongst all the action on Michigan Avenue. I personally found it relaxing and extremely quiet, especially at night.
For a preview of our room, watch our video tour.
EAT
The Allegro’s 312 Chicago is my new favorite restaurant. The food was delicious and we will definitely be back. I highly recommend for breakfast, lunch or dinner especially if you are local and headed to the theatre district. There are hundreds of choices when it comes to dining in Chicago. These are my top kid-friendly restaurants.
- Ed Debevic’s – You don’t go here for the food it is strictly for the atmosphere and entertainment for kids. Fun for out of town guests.
- Big & Little’s – This is a must! Hello who else serves foie gras and fries?? Rumor has it they have the best fish and chips in the city. Must be special considering Guy Fieri featured on Diners, Drive-in and Dives.
- Shaw’s Crab House – amazing seafood and sushi. We love the bar for a casual night out.
- Osteria Via Stato – amazing Italian food with the option of a family style menu. Order the veal meatballs and parmesan crusted sweet onions. You won’t be disappointed. They also have a pizzeria open for lunch and dinner.
- Lou Malnati’s – Best pizza in town!
- 312 Chicago – open for breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Do-Rite Donuts – I am personally not the biggest donut fan, however Do-Rite is located just a few blocks from Hotel Allegro and their donuts are pretty fantastic. Stop by for coffee and your pick of crazy flavors like Vanilla Bean Glazed, Boston Creme Pie, PB&J Bullseye, Candied Maple Bacon along with your standard chocolate and plain.
SHOP
Just like eating, shopping in Chicago could be a competitive sport. When I’m not shopping online, these are the places I love to hit for some of best
- Michigan Avenue
- 900 North Shops
- Vosges Haut-chocolat. Highly recommend stopping by for the truffles.
- Water Tower Place
- Disney Store – There are two locations in city and one is a few blocks from Hotel Allegro.
- Old Navy – This particular Old Navy is my favorite in the city. It normally carries items that other stores may not receive and it is located a few blocks from Hotel Allegro.
- Lori’s Shoes is one of the best shoe boutiques in the city but you’ll find other unique boutiques, restaurants and salons along Armitage Avenue, Halsted Street and Webster Avenue.
PLAY
Centrally located in Chicago’s financial and theatre district, Hotel Allegro offers easy access to almost every major attraction. Just steps away from Michigan Avenue and Millennium Park and only a few blocks from the Skydeck Tower, you can walk to some of the hottest and kid-friendly activities Chicago has to offer. There are so many choices but if you had limited time, these are my top kid-friendly activities.
- Skydeck at Willis Tower
- Navy Pier
- Chicago Children’s Museum
- Millennium Park
- American Girl Place
- Architecture River Tour
- Chicago Trolley Tours
- Seadog Boat Cruise
For sample itinerary when visiting Chicago with family and kids, visit Choose Chicago.
Sassy Moms in the City was not paid for this post. Our trip was hosted by the Hotel Allegro and complimentary, however reviews and opinions are always our own. After spending over 13 years managing and overseeing travel for corporate clients, it is such a pleasure to share our family travel experiences with our sassy readers.
Hotel Allegro Kids Rule in Pictures
