Okay my IMWANian friends. My wife and I decided to go on vacation next week before the kids start school. We are hitting Chicago since it is only a five hour drive. We are leaving Tuesday or Wednesday and coming home Sunday. And we really have no plan. So who wants to throw out some ideas? I have no idea how long we should plan for different activities, so a time frame for reference would be helpful.

Oh the boys are 5 and 10.

Here is what I have so far...
Saturday we are going to Wizard World (this was my wife's idea, she's awesome.) Should we plan on the entire day? Its my first con ever.
We also want to hit the Museum of Science and Industry (my choice. I have fond memories from when I was tiny)
The wife wants Shed's Aquarium and the Lincoln Park Zoo
The five year old really, really, really wants to play mini golf. So I need something awesome in regard to putt putt.
I through out Medieval Times for cheesy goodness the kids will enjoy.

Also, with some of those things in mind, ideas on where to stay would be cool too.

Thanks for being helpful and planning my vacation. If this is successful, I have this work project I am going to post and let you guys plan out for me. Don't let down the five year old.

Find out where in Chicago Simko lives, set up lawn chairs and a tent in the front yard, start a cook fire, make smores, drink a lot, and knock on his door every ten minutes asking if you can use his bathroom.

We were talking about camping...not a bad idea. And I so LOVE indoor plumbing!

There is a holiday inn that takes up the top 10 floors of the Tribune building downtown, like the FF's Baxter Building. The views are spectacular at night, and lots of cool stuff in walking distance (like the bridges that were featured in The Dark Knight).

If there is room, stay at the convention area for a couple of days.
I greatly enjoyed my stay at the Days Inn on the Navy Pier downtown.
If you are lucky you get a view of Lake Michigan.
Everything is within walking distance or a short cab ride.
The Art Museum downtown is also very cool.
Your other ideas are good.