Posted: 8/22/2025 9:29:39 AM EDT
[Last Edit: tangbang][Edited]
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I have tickets to a Sunday game, taking four young children (5-10 yrs). Should I use drive and pay to park somewhere? Seems most convenient and allows us to leave on our own schedule. I would really like to add to the experience by taking a train from Crystal Lake but I have never done that before and I do not know y way around Chicago and public transportation, at all. Looks like I can take the Metra to OTC but then seems to be a couple transfers by bus and subway to get to the park. Any idea how long it will take to get from OTC to the ballpark? Should I be concerned about any of this with four wide-eyed children? |
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It's been awhile since I've been to a Sox game. As a NW burbs person myself, my first instinct would be to drive and avoid the CTA altogether. If you really do want to take the train, my recommendation would be to: Exit OTC, walk up Clinton (west side of OTC) to Lake Street and the Green Line station Take the Green Line to 35th St/IIT/Bronzeville Walk west on 35th Street past the Red Line station to the stadium After the game is over, you do the reverse: Walk on 35th Street past the Red Line station to the Green Line station Take the Green Line to Clinton/Lake Exit the Green Line, walk down Clinton to OTC It's one CTA train each way, no transfers and no buses needed. The only downsides are it's a bit of walking, and 35th Street east of the Dan Ryan might seem a bit seedy to you. There should be enough Sox fans wandering around that it shouldn't be an issue. The kids might think it's cool to be walking over an expressway, though. If you do the Green Line and have time for one minor adventure after the game, stay on the Green Line and continue to Ashland. Get off at Ashland and walk on the pedestrian bridge over the tracks. You'll get a GREAT view of the city from the Hancock Tower to the Sears Tower (or whatever those buildings are called now). Those four wide-eyed children might even like it, especially if they thought crossing the Dan Ryan was fun. |
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That seems really cool; I appreciate you taking the time to respond with that level of detail. Looks like 0.1 mile walk from OTC to Clinton Green Line, and then 0.3 mile walk from 35th-Bronzeville to the stadium, so definitely doable with the kids. Can you recommend how I buy the tickets? Day pass? Does that cover both the Metra and CTA or do I need two separate tix for each person? |
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It's been years since I've gone downtown on a train, and I don't have kids to throw into the math, but a quick scan of Metra and CTA shows you have lots of options. First step - Download the Ventra app and set up an account. Metra has a $7 Saturday/Sunday/Holiday Pass. It's good for unlimited rides on Saturday, Sunday, or holiday. If you buy it in the Ventra app, you can tack on a $2.50 Regional Day Pass good on all CTA, Pace, and Metra. On weekends on Metra, three kids 11 and under ride free with each fare-paying adult, so if you're traveling downtown with another adult, your kids should be free. I don't know how they would deal with a fourth kid if you're on your own. It looks like CTA has different fare rules for kids. 6 and under are free, 7-11 are a reduced fare, and you have to tell the train station attendant to make sure you go through on a free or reduced fare. I think you have to put money into the Ventra app's account to get it taken out. I don't know how that plays with the Regional Day Pass. Good luck! Go Twins!  Metra fares CTA fares |