Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Chicago, IL

Traveling with preschool-age kids can be a nightmare but it doesn't have to be.  Rule number one is that you have to be prepared in the event of an unexpected delay.  Whether you just get to the airport too early and have some time to kill or you are suffering through a travel delay from hell, here is what you need to know to make the best of your time at either Midway or O'Hare when you are traveling with your little ones.

O'Hare.  This bustling airport actually has quite a bit to offer families. Terminal Two is home to the Kids on the Fly interactive play exhibit which was designed in partnership with the Chicago Children's Museum.  If you find yourself stuck anywhere at O'Hare with some time on your hands, make this play spot your first stop.  When we are traveling out of O'Hare, I actually try to get to the airport a little bit early so my kids can run around and get some energy out before we have to board the plane (where I then pray with all of my might that at least one of them will take a nap).  This is a great family resource take advantage of it.  If you find yourself with lots of time to kill, ride the tram between terminals wheee!  Train rides!

Should you be forced to dine on your delay, O'Hare also has a decent amount of family-friendly food options. If you are looking for something on the go, The Great American Bagel is a healthy choice.  If the whole gang needs to sit down and have an actual meal, Wolfgang Puck's or Johnny Rockets are your best bet.

Midway.  When we travel, we try to fly out of Midway when we can.  Admittedly, Midway has less to offer families than O'Hare.  However, Midway is also home to Southwest Airlines (which runs a pretty family-friendly operation) and flights departing Midway seem to actually have a chance of going out on time or close to it (which never seems to be the case at O'Hare).  So there is less to do at Midway, but hopefully you won't be hanging around there too long.  Midway doesn't have a designated play area but that doesn't mean that there isn't anything to do.  Go for a walk with the kids and see what you see.  Terminal A features life-like statues of the Blues Brothers and various forms of aviation hanging from the ceiling.  Get a game of I spy going.  Buy some postcards from a souvenir shop, details your airport adventures and mail them to yourselves as mementoes.  Don't forget to find a window where the kids can take in all of the excitement out on the tarmac.  And if you get really desperate, there is a toy store called Kid's Corner where you can pick up a fresh round of amusements for your little travelers (check out the sticker books). 

If your group gets hungry, stop by Potbelly's Sandwich Works where the kids can get an ooey-gooey pb & j and Mom and Dad can enjoy a yummy, warm sandwich.

I wish you safe, smooth and timely travels with your little ones.  May you never need to use any of this information.