Chicago area DU'ers....

[IndianaJones]

I would like to get some opinions on the transit system. Would you consider it kid friendly? I have ridden a few times and have never seen kids, although it has been only on weekdays during business hours. Thanks.

[Bjornsdotter]

1. Kid friendly in what way

...like letting your 8 year old ride alone.....no. Child with an adult, yes. Older child by themselves, it depends on what area of the city and how savvy your child/teen is.

More details would be helpful to really answer your question :hi:

Cheers

[IndianaJones]

3. 3 kids, ages 5-10...

I would like to avoid driving into the city for such things as museums, sporting events, etc. I would ride the South Shore Line from NW Indiana, and then ride Chicago trains to destination. Advisable?

[Bjornsdotter]

4. Yes

You'll be fine....have a great time! BTW, I grew up in Chicago and I NEVER drive in if at all avoidable, I always take the train.

Cheers

[SemiCharmedQuark]

8. I ride the south shore all the time

It's very family friendly, but a little expensive because there is no weekend fare (that I know of). I think the NICTD is the only train you need to take though. You take it right into Chicago and it makes several convenient stops. From whichever spot is nearest your destination, you can grab a bus or a cab or probably even walk to your destination.

[rosesaylavee]

2. Metra from the Western Suburbs

is great and kids are fine if with an attentive adult. My teenager has traveled in and out of the city without a problem too.

[mopinko]

5. one of the best parts of city life, imho. no chauffer duty for me

little kids usually love the train. looking out the front or the back of the train is the most fun.
most of my kids all started taking the cta where they were going in their early teens. i guess i still do my share of dragging them around, but for the most part, they get themselves where they want to go.
i will only warn that trains heading to sporting events bring out the con men and the shell games. fun to watch as long as you don't get suckered.

[madrchsod]

6. you can ride the entire system on the weekends dirt cheap..

my son and his wife took a "trip" on the system last week

[mopinko]

7. yeah, the weekend pass

a great deal!

[SemiCharmedQuark]

9. But there's no weekend pass on the South Shore line

It is the only drawback to traveling in from Indiana on the train. But it is about the same as having to pay parking and the convenience makes it worth it.