5. Psycho Baby: This funky little place (don't ask us how they came up with the name!) in the happening Wicker Park area is beloved by our kids for its unusual toys and games. 1630 North Damen Avenue; 773-772-2815
6. Armitage Avenue in the Lincoln Park neighborhood: We like to browse in this charming street's fun boutiques, including Stinky Pants for kids' clothing (we're pretty sure the kids like this shop simply because of its name) and the Paul Frank Store for merchandise printed with the brand's famous smiling monkey. And if you have a child of the canine variety, there is even a little basement boutique called Dog-a-holics where you can pick up anything imaginable for your favorite pup. Stinky Pants: 844 West Armitage Avenue; 773-281-4002. The Paul Frank Store: 851 West Armitage Avenue; 773-388-3122. Dog-a-holics: 904 West Armitage Avenue; 773-857-5787
EAT
7. Thai Classic: This restaurant, located along a bustling street in the Lakeview neighborhood, has excellent Thai food and a great buffet on weekends. We love the low-slung tables, where you recline against cushions -- it's kind of like sitting on the floor, but more comfortable. Daughter Gillian's top tip: try the "awesome" Thai potato puffs. Entrees from $7. 3332 North Clark Street; 773-404-2000
8. Kitsch'n Chicago: The two branches of this restaurant serve top-notch comfort foods, salads, and sandwiches amid funky '70s decor. For Sunday brunch, we order the coconut French toast or the chilaquilas. Kids are treated to crayons, a great activity sheet, and a slew of vintage board games to play. Entrees from $10. 2005 West Roscoe Street (west of Wrigley Field); 773-248-7372 n 600 West Chicago Avenue (close to downtown); 312-644-1500
9. Lou Mitchell's Restaurant and Bakery: At this legendary breakfast destination just west of the Loop, diners sit at rows of tables where everyone gets a warm prune or a quartered orange and kids get a small box of Milk Duds with their meal. We've learned to beware of the basket of warm doughnut holes by the front door! Entrees from $3. 565 West Jackson Boulevard; 312-939-3111
10. Mity Nice Grill: Mity Nice is a good place to escape the Michigan Avenue hubbub for a sit-down meal. We like the salads and sandwiches, but you can also get steak, seafood, or a hot turkey plate, and the prices are reasonable considering the prime location on the Magnificent Mile. Entrees from $8. 835 North Michigan Avenue; 312-335-4745
11. My Pie: You won't find many tourists at this pizza place just a few blocks from the Notebaert Nature Museum. It's known by locals like us for its outstanding Chicago deep-dish pies. Pies from $7. 2417 North Clark Street; 773-929-3380
