The kids headed off to Montana for a nice little two week break from the parents while the parents (John and I) flew to Chicago for a couple of days.  John had two days of meetings in Naperville (30 miles west of Chicago).  We decided to go a couple of days early so we could spend time together and explore the city.  I researched hotels, exhibits, parks, attractions, and transportation and came up with a plan.  I purchased a two day GoChicago card that allowed us to get into different exhibits and in some cases skip the lines.  This is highly highly highly recommended especially if it is a weekend. We also purchased a 3 day transit card for the el and the buses.  Another highly recommended thing to do.  It was $14 a person for three days with unlimited transfers verses $2.50 a ride.  So after 6 rides it paid for itself.  We arrived around 7:30 on Saturday night at Chicago O'Hare and took the free hotel shuttle.  We checked in stretched out and then made plans to get downtown to Navy Pier.  The Blue Line downtown to Grant and a bus over to Navy Pier and we were good to go in time for the fireworks they have on Saturday night.  Then walk around, eat a Chicago Dog and a Boston Dog, some Ben & Jerry's ice cream.  A little band music and it was midnight.  A bus ride, another Blue Line train and back to the hotel by 2 am.