Where to fly into / stay?

My wife and I (40%26#39;s) are meeting our children (20%26#39;s) in Chicago for a weekend getaway at the end of June. Are we better off flying into Midway or O%26#39;Hare? What part of the city should we stay? We will have a car since my wife and I are driving, but my kids are flying in. I do not feel a need to drive around Chicago, but will if that is best. Generally when we go away to a different city for a weekend like this we use public transportation or cabs; but I am comfortable driving in cities.

Where to fly into / stay?

It doesn%26#39;t matter which airport you fly into, they are both equal distance from downtown. Let the airline be your guide. Most tourists stay in the North Michigan or River North area. Some tourists stay in the loop. Others stay east of Michigan near Millenium Park. Others like the south loop. Then you have some that like more of the neighborhoods and stay in Lincoln Park, Wicker Park or Lakeview. So it depends on what your interests are and budget is.

Where to fly into / stay?

Midway Airport is closer to downtown, but both are accessible by public transit with the Blue Line going to O%26#39;Hare and the Orange Line to Midway. Actually, there is ongoing weekend construction and closures on the Blue Line, so I would favor Midway for a trip like this.

If you are going to be staying in the city, a rental car will be more of a burden than a help. Get 3-day CTA passes at the airport and you should be covered transit-wise for the duration of your visit.

As a Chicago native, think that either airport is fine. Just a slightly longer walk to public transportation from Midway than ORD. The EL is very easy to navigate so between that and taxis once you park your car...you can leave it. Beleive that there are some good deals on hotels at the moment.... club quarters might be worth checking out. one right by the river on Wacker that usually caters to business travelers so likely a good deal on the weekend.

for up to date recommendations on happenings...check out metromix.com ( locals rely on that)

www.explorechicago.org to see what%26#39;s going on here during your visit.

www.transitchicago.com for public transit information. You can get CTA visitor passes as the airport train stations. As noted - a car is not needed here. Parking%26#39;s very expensive.

IMO - the loop area tends to get a little quiet in the evenings as it%26#39;s mostly office buildings. Mag Mile or River North areas are best from a tourist perspective. Check for hotel deals here - http://hotels.travelzoo.com/chicago-hotels/

Thank you for all the help. I%26#39;m looking forward to seeing the Windy City. Is it still called that?

Yep.

But not because of the weather. :-)