Visiting the American Girl Store for the 1st time, any suggestions? Any cheap places to park?

Question

We will be driving down to the store with 3 children under 7. We have never been to the store before and we were wondering where to park. We will be there on a Saturday so I am sure it will be crowded. Any suggestions on how to make it a pleasant trip?

Answer 1

Parking can get very expensive, very quickly in Chicago.

For a visit to American Girl, I would recommend you park at the 900 North Michigan Avenue Shops. It's just a short walk to American Girl. Discounted parking rates are available with a $5 purchase from any retailer at The 900 Shops.

We've parked there numerous times and with a validation, you come out way ahead then if you parked elsewhere - which could be upwards of $20+ for a few hours.

Here's their website info...

http://www.shop900.com/directions/parking.asp

And from the website...

Parking with a validation ticket is $11.00 for 3 hours or less. Also, there is a special evening rate of $6.00 for customers who park after 5:00pm and leave before 2:00am, with a validation ticket from a store or restaurant.

The garage may be entered from Rush Street northbound or from Walton Street westbound. Please ask store associate for a validation ticket.

Have fun!

Answer 2

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RE:
Visiting the American Girl Store for the 1st time, any suggestions? Any cheap places to park?
We will be driving down to the store with 3 children under 7. We have never been to the store before and we were wondering where to park. We will be there on a Saturday so I am sure it will be crowded. Any suggestions on how to make it a pleasant trip?

Answer 3

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First of all, make your reservations now! The city can get pretty packed during the taste of Chicago, so hotels may be hard to find. AGP is a little more than a mile away from Grant Park, but it's a nice walk with sights like The Disney Store, the Apple Store, the Tribune Building, the Chicago River, and Millenium park along the way. It will probably be cheaper to stay on te Grant Park side of the river, though you may have problems finding a room now. Definitely try out the Taste of Chicago because it's the best time to be in the city, but plan on going during the weekdays because the weekends can be packed and pretty overwhelming. If you've got time, check out Navy Pier or take a boat tour!

Answer 4

I have been to NYC store a few times. I usually just take the subway since driving in Manhatten makes me neurotic.

If you plan on going to the cafe or the theater you would need o make reservations well ahead of time. call 1-877-AG PLACE to make any.

I do not believe your girls will be allowed in the American Girls Premier ( (6 Yrs and over only) The bitty bears I think is 3 and over.

The cafe is wonderful I took my daughter and had a great time. Again I don't know if you rgirls are old enough


For parking I found this at the website:
Parking
Below are parking facilities close to American Girl Place Chicago.
Average parking rate: $11 to $15 for the first hour. Additional hourly charges apply.

Get a parking discount with any purchase at American Girl Place. Bring your parking voucher and proof of purchase to the concierge desk at American Girl Place to receive validation for a parking discount. (Offer valid at these specific locations of Fordham Self Park and Standard Parking ramps only.)

The Fordham Self Park
20 East Huron
(Between Wabash and State Streets)
Standard Parking
108 E. Pearson
(Between Rush Street and Michigan Avenue)
Standard Parking
1 W Superior Place
(Corner of Superior and State Streets)


Have fun

Answer 5

American Girl Store Chicago

Answer 6

I have taken my little one up there many times and let me tell you, even early its hard to find parking on the street. If it were myself, i would park at the garage across from the store, its a little pricier, but its well worth not having to walk 3 small children through downtown chicago, especially after a tiring day of the store, its an experience all of its own and will take you a while to fully experience everything.

The store is a mad house so keep your little ones close or they will wander off in the sea of little girls and dolls. The store is museum like. My daughter absolutely loves the bitty baby room, and i have to pry her from the stroller each time. We have 4 bitty babies and twins and a few of the other dolls and she goes nuts each time we are there so definately bring your savings with you as its hard to say no to a crying child even when her arms are full of toys you intend to purchase as the toys are all availible and at their level.

You should plan on eating at the store as well if you are going to be there a while, as its inconvienient to leave and find another parking place to go eat. I cant imagine walking around downtown with toys and children trying to find food. With little ones i would skip the shows in the theater as they tend to get bored easily.

If you bring your dolls to the store they will take your picture for a price, and you can take it to the little hair salon to get its hair done as well, also for a price.

Answer 7

Honestly, I have to recommend taking the Metra and/or the Red Line. (I'm assuming you're from the suburbs or out of town). You wind up 1.5 blocks away, you don't pay a ton for parking, not to mention gas, you don't have the aggravation of DT traffic, the kids get to ride the train, and you don't add to the CO2 problem we've got. If it's a possibility for you, it's a great deal.

However, if you do end up driving or if your family likes a good walk, you might want to consider taking the kids to the Rainforest Cafe at 605 N. Clark (south and west of the A. G. Store) for lunch or dinner. It's fun and cute. My nieces loved it. www.rainforestcafe.com

Answer 8

There is a parking lot directly across Chicago Avenue from the store.

There is also one around the corner on Rush Street.

See the map at the link below for other lots.

Answer 9

AND parking is about $25-30 a day. But, it's also easy. The kids will like public transportation. Or you can park west of the loop (try clark or vicinity) and taxi in.

Good luck - that store kills me with how busy it is.

Answer 10

Go early in the morning. You can find parking on the streets if you do, then you can stroll along Michigan avenue, have coffee and relax. Otherwise, I would recommend a parking garage.
You can have lunch there, make a reservation. Bring your dolls if you have some, they will put them in doll seats for you!
Dont forget the camera!