Is your family joining you in Chicago? While you participate at conference, make their stay more comfortable and enjoyable with these great family resources for visiting Chicago.
MPSA Childcare Scholarships
MPSA offers Childcare Scholarships to help defray the hourly cost of childcare for parents or guardians that are current members of MPSA, registered and attending the annual conference in-person, staying at one of the Conference Hotels (Palmer House, Hilton Chicago or Hosteling International of Chicago). If you are a Chicago resident, you may request consideration, however you must meet all of the other guidelines to be awarded the scholarship. A limited number of scholarships will be awarded on a first come, first served basis. Childcare must be provided by a bonded and insured sitter service within Chicago, and not be the childcare costs a member is already paying on a day-to-day basis. Learn more and apply today for a Conference Childcare Award.
Hotel Kid-Friendly Amenities
Palmer House Hotel
Call (312) 726-7500 to add any of these family-friendly amenities to your reservation:
- Children’s Menu at Lockwood Restaurant
- Lockwood Express – Grab & Go favorites for any member of the family. Hours are 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
- A limited supply of cribs, rollaway beds and highchairs are available upon request.
- Ice Machines are located on every floor.
- Microwaves are available on the 8th, 12th, 17th and 20th floors in the ice machine areas.
- Pool: Open Daily, 5:30-9:00 p.m.
- Concierge Desk (312) 917-3477
Chicago Hilton
Call (312) 922-4400 to add any of these family-friendly amenities to your reservation:
- Kitty O’Sheas restaurant features a children’s menu. Hours of operation are: Monday–Friday: 4:00pm-11:00pm and Saturday–Sunday: 4:00 p.m. – midnight
- Herb n’’ Kitchen – on the go urban market Hours: Monday – Thursday 6:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 6:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
- Cribs are free of cost and available. Roll-aways (cots) are $40 per stay.
- Ice machines are located on every guest floor.
- Microwaves are available in grab-n-go for guest use.
- Pool: Open Daily 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Concierge Desk (312) 786-6210
MPSA Nursing Mothers’ Room
We have set aside a room for nursing mothers during the conference. If you wish to use the room, please check in at the conference registration desk for room location and access information when you arrive onsite. The nursing mothers room is located only at the Palmer House hotel. Room amenities include:
- Baby Wipes
- Disposable Nursing Pads
- Disposable Diaper Sacks/Diaper Bags, Unscented, Anti-Mircobial
- Save Breastmilk Bags
- Disposable Changing Pads
- Lanolin Cream
- Water
Nearby Family Restaurants and Activities for Kids
Restaurants
This article features a list of family-friendly restaurants to make your family dining experience easier.
Choose Chicago Concierge
Make the most of your time in Chicago with Chicago Concierge! This complimentary online service will guide you to the award-winning restaurants, attractions and retailers in town to help make your time in the city as memorable as possible. Type in keywords or select specific categories through the search engine to find an interactive map and list of suggestions.
Chicago City Pass
The CityPass offers tickets to five of Chicago’s best attractions and saves you 48 percent off prices if purchased individually. This is not a group tour and is designed to allow independent touring. The CityPass includes admission to the Adler Planetarium or the Art Institute of Chicago, Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Skydeck Chicago, and Museum of Science and Industry or 360 Chicago Express Entry. Tickets are valid for nine days from first use and are $139 for adults and $109 for children. CityPass may be purchased at any of these attractions. For questions, visit their web site at www.citypass.com or call (208) 784-4300, 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. daily.
Nearby Parks
Chicago Metro Map | Things to Do in Chicago
Millennium Park
241-299 E Randolph Drive, Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 742-1168
Millennium Park is located on the east side of downtown, bordered on the west by Michigan Avenue, on the east by Columbus Drive, on the north by Randolph Street, and on the south by Monroe Street. Primary Chicago public transportation to the park is either the Michigan Avenue CTA bus #151, or the Red Line subway train, Randolph stop. Admission to Millennium Park is free, and is open daily from 6 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Lake Shore Park
808 N Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 742-7891
Lake Shore Park offers extensive outdoor recreational opportunities – including tennis courts, a quarter mile soft surface running track, softball diamonds, and a playground. Inside is a full-size gymnasium, a fitness center, and meeting rooms. Admission to Lake Shore Park is free, and is open daily from 6 a.m.. – 11:00 p.m.
Maggie Daley Park
337 E Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 552-3000
The former Daley Bicentennial Plaza site has been transformed into Maggie Daley Park, a magnificent lakefront recreation center. Visit maggiedaleypark.com to learn more about the park and all its features and center operating hours. Park Hours: 6 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Park 574
2540 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60612
This colorful play lot boasts fun for all ages. Big kids will love the zipline, 22-foot slide and pummel horses, while little ones will appreciate the rubbery surface, raised play structures and various things to climb on. Adults aren’t left out, either: There’s a walking path complete with fitness circuit equipment. When warm weather hits, there is also a natural stone water-spray area.
Looking for additional resources for the conference and/or your visit to Chicago?
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