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Friday, October 25, 2019

Activity: Toys R Us Adventure Pop Up


We splurged on a pop up experience created by Toys R Us, popping up in Chicago through January 26, 2020. The Toys R Us Adventure is a ticketed experience, where you purchase for a specific day and time.

There were not many other people there at the day and time we selected (I took a vacation day and our kids are out of school due to a strike - so their schedule was WIDE open), so we felt like it was a nearly private experience with ample time to roam in each room. Each room had a unique theme, starting with a “train ride” to get them to the special land.

As the train kicked off, I was concerned my boys would be too old for this experience (they are 7 and 9), but they LOVED it. Five stars! Five stars! We ran into two families we knew while we were there (all from 1st-3rd grade) and they were also having a great time!

Noteworthy:
  • The highlights for the boys were a zip line and an enormous ball pit (we spent over an hour in there alone). 
  • We zipped through some rooms and spent quite a while in others. It seems like you are able to take each room at your own pace.
  • The only bathroom (unisex, 1 stall only) is in the basement. Be sure to make the kids use it if you are planning to stay a while in the ball pit. (And yes, you will be staying a while in the ball pit). It’s not an easy trip to get there again, as you have to be escorted. 
  • The staff is incredibly welcoming and friendly. 
  • There is candy given in every room. 
  • There is a toy section of all the sponsors of the exhibit, in case you are looking to spend more money while there. 

Age Recommendations:
It seems best for kids 7 and younger, but my 9 year old truly loved it. Not sure I would recommend for kids much older, though.

Cost Savings:
To me, the cost is too high. Especially the price for adults, as we can do very little there.
Price info found here: https://www.toysrusadventure.com/chicago-visit

Location/Transportation:
830 N Michigan Avenue, on the north end of the Magnificent Mile.
El is convenient- red line Chicago stop; numerous bus routes available
Parking info is on their website

Kid's Jury: 5 stars
The kids had a great time! They zipped through a few rooms, but had a great time in the first room (larger than life toys), the zip line, a snow room, and the ball pit! Too expensive for me, but glad they enjoyed themselves!

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Activity: Jack’s Pumpkin Pop up


If you are looking for a fall pumpkin experience without driving to the suburbs, we may have found your #1 option!  Jack’s Pumpkin is a pop up near Goose Island with a good selection of pumpkins, corn maze, bars (yes, adult drinks!), carnival games, food trucks, and so many Instagram worthy shots you may run out of storage on your phone.

Noteworthy:

  • We went during the day and at night would imagine it is great as they have a lot of lights set up throughout the area. 
  • The location has great views of the skyline
  • Carnival games and arcades cost extra. 

Age Recommendations:
All ages

Cost Savings:
Purchasing tickets online provides the best price and quickest entry.

Location/Transportation:
1465 North Elston
Located near Goose Island

Parking is available along the street

Kid's Jury: 5 stars
Kids had a great time, lined the decor and corn maze and spent a long time on some circle swings we had never seen before.

Love having an “in city” option!!