Leaving your child for the first time can be a mix of emotions—excitement, nervousness, and a little guilt. But as parents, it’s also essential to take time for yourselves, reconnect, and recharge. This trip to Chicago was a milestone for us—it was our first time away from Aza, and it was an experience filled with adventure, great food, and unforgettable moments. If you’re a parent thinking about traveling without your little one for the first time, this blog will take you through our journey, how we handled the separation, and the incredible things we did in the Windy City.
Preparing for Our Trip
The anticipation of this trip started weeks before our departure. We knew we wanted to explore Chicago, but the biggest challenge was preparing to leave Aza behind. We made sure everything was set up for a smooth transition:
- Trusted Caregiver: Aza stayed with a close family member who knows her routines, likes, and dislikes.
- Detailed Schedule: We wrote out her daily routine, meals, nap times, and favorite activities.
- Video Calls & Check-ins: We planned FaceTime calls to stay connected without overwhelming ourselves.
- Packing with Purpose: While it was a trip for us, we still made sure to leave everything Aza needed to feel comfortable in our absence.
With these preparations in place, we felt reassured and ready to embrace our adventure.
Day 1: Arrival & Exploring Downtown Chicago
We arrived in Chicago in the early afternoon, checked into our hotel, and immediately felt the excitement of being in a bustling city. The first thing we did? Drop our bags and head out to explore!
- Millennium Park & The Bean
- Our first stop was Cloud Gate, more famously known as “The Bean.” The iconic sculpture was even more breathtaking in person, reflecting the city skyline and giving us the perfect backdrop for photos.
- Strolling Along the Riverwalk
- Walking along the Chicago River was an incredible way to take in the city’s architecture. The mix of historic and modern buildings created a stunning skyline, and we loved the lively atmosphere.
- Dinner at Girl & the Goat
- For dinner, we had reservations at Girl & the Goat, one of Chicago’s most famous restaurants. The dishes were full of bold flavors, and every bite was worth the hype. If you visit, don’t skip the wood-fired oysters and roasted cauliflower!
Day 2: Museum Hopping & Deep-Dish Pizza
We woke up refreshed and ready for a full day of sightseeing. After a quick coffee run, we headed out to experience some of Chicago’s world-renowned museums.
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Home to famous works like “A Sunday on La Grande Jatte” by Georges Seurat, this museum was a dream for any art lover. We spent hours wandering through the exhibits, taking in everything from Impressionist masterpieces to contemporary installations.
- Shedd Aquarium
- Next, we visited the Shedd Aquarium, where we got up close with beluga whales, sea turtles, and colorful coral reef fish. It was an unforgettable experience that made us feel like kids again.
- Giordano’s for Deep-Dish Pizza
- No trip to Chicago is complete without trying deep-dish pizza, and Giordano’s did not disappoint. The cheese pull was unreal, and the buttery crust was worth every calorie.
After our food coma, we headed back to the hotel for some downtime before a night out.
Day 3: Shopping, Coffee, & a Rooftop Sunset
Our last full day in Chicago was all about relaxing and enjoying the city’s vibrant culture.
- Shopping on Magnificent Mile
- We strolled down Michigan Avenue, popping into stores and treating ourselves to a few souvenirs.
- Intelligentsia Coffee
- Chicago is known for its coffee culture, so we stopped by Intelligentsia for a perfectly brewed latte. It was just what we needed before our next adventure.
- Rooftop Drinks with a View
- We ended our day at Cindy’s Rooftop, which had a stunning view of Millennium Park and Lake Michigan. Watching the sunset while sipping on handcrafted cocktails was the perfect way to wrap up our trip.
Heading Home: Reflecting on Our Experience
The trip flew by, and before we knew it, we were packing our bags and heading to the airport. As much as we loved exploring Chicago, we couldn’t wait to reunite with Aza.
We learned a few important things from this trip:
- It’s Okay to Take Time for Yourself: Stepping away for a few days helped us recharge and appreciate parenting even more.
- Trust the Process: Although we missed Aza, knowing she was in good hands made the trip enjoyable.
- Memories Are Worth It: The experiences we had in Chicago will always be special, and we look forward to more adventures as a family in the future.
If you’re a parent thinking about traveling without your little one, know that it’s okay to have fun and take time for yourself. Chicago was the perfect destination for our first getaway, and we can’t wait for the next adventure!
Have you ever taken a trip without your child? Share your experience in the comments below!
