30 Terrific Things to Do in Chicago with Kids
If you’re looking for some fun things to do in Chicago with kids, I’ve got some great ideas for you!
Chicago is a wonderful family-friendly destination with so many museums, parks, and fun activities it’s hard to know where to start!
Having grown up in Southeastern Wisconsin, just over an hour drive from the Windy City, I spent many weekends exploring this beautiful city on Lake Michigan.
Recently we took our 4 kids to Chicago to do some of the “touristy” things we had never done before, and we had an absolute blast! The only thing I would have changed is adding an extra day to fit in more activities, because we only stayed one night and had too much packed into our time there.
This post will share what to do in Chicago with kids to help you plan your next Chicago family vacation!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. That means if you click on a link and make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Planning Your Chicago Family Vacation
Follow my vacation planning guide, and be sure to check out my Family Travel Planner!
Parking & Transportation in Chicago with Kids
One of the first things to consider when you’re planning a trip to Chicago is what to do about parking. Try to find a hotel in the downtown area so you have the benefit of walking everywhere so you don't have to worry about parking, which can be expensive and stressful. We did end up spending a small fortune on parking, BUT I’ve heard the Spot Hero app works wonders for helping you find a parking spot you can reserve ahead of time. Wish I had known about that before our trip! I’ll definitely try it out if we go back for a winter getaway!
If you’re flying into the city, avoid renting a car and use Uber, Lyft, or public transportation instead. For Ubers, Lyfts, and taxis, you’ll likely need to bring your own car seats, but you can avoid hauling them through the airport by using BabyQuip instead!
We used BabyQuip on our trip to South Dakota to rent a crib and a stroller, but you can also use it for renting clean, quality car seats. You can click here and use the code AMOMEXPLORES for 10% off if you’re a first time customer!
>> Insider’s Tip: I have also used and loved the Mifold compact car seats. It makes it easy to bring car seats on flights, especially for older kids. There is a Mifold high-back booster seat, too, for younger kids.
Where to Stay in Chicago with Kids
If you’re looking for kid-friendly places to stay in Chicago, look no further than the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago. It’s one of the best places to stay in Chicago thanks to its location within walking distance of attractions like the Magnificent Mile, Skydeck Chicago, and the lakefront.
I’ve written an entire review of this safe, and family-friendly Chicago hotel, so be sure to check that out if you’re looking for luxury, comfort, and lots of fun!
>> Four Seasons Hotel Chicago: Family-Friendly Luxury in the Windy City
For other family-friendly options, check below:
Is Chicago kid friendly?
As the largest city in the Midwest and the 3rd largest city in the country, Chicago offers a multitude of family-friendly activities from museums to parks to zoos and more. Kids will enjoy the educational activities, the skyscrapers, the diverse array of food, and the outdoor activities. You’ll never run out of things to do, and there’s something for every member of the family to love.
Things to Do with Kids in Chicago
Free Things to Do in Chicago
Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo is always free to visit and open 365 days a year! In a city where expenses can add up quickly, this is such a wonderful activity for families. The zoo is located within Lincoln Park near Lake Shore Drive, and has its own (paid) parking lot.
See camels, zebras, apes, giraffes, rhinos, and more, or pay a bit extra for an encounter with the penguins, a train ride, or a carousel.
American Girl Place
The American Girl Place is a dream come true for kids who love to play with dolls and learn about our country’s history through storytelling and imaginative play.
I had an American Girl Doll growing up, and my daughter got one for her 4th birthday which she still loves to dress up and play with as an 8-year-old.
The American Girl Place is four stories with plenty of dolls, accessories, books, a salon, a cafe, and more. It’s quite the experience!
Lakefront
Did you know you can hit the beach in Chicago? Situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, the sixth-largest freshwater lake in the world, Chicago provides plenty of opportunities for water-related activities.
North Avenue Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Chicago, and it offers everything from metered lot parking and beachside restaurants to paddle board and kayak rentals.
Navy Pier
Once a place to house Navy personal during WWI, Navy Pier is now a Chicago landmark and entertainment district open to the public.
There is so much to see and do at Navy Pier, but if you want to keep it free (or cheap), you can simply walk around and take in the sights and sounds.
There’s also plenty of shopping with apparel, artisanal shops, souvenirs, and more. The marketplace is bustling and brimming with energy.
If you want to splurge a little, be sure to ride the Centennial Wheel, a Ferris wheel that rises 200 ft. above Chicago.
Stay for the free fireworks in summer on Wednesdays and Saturdays!
Maggie Daley Park
Millennium Park gets all the attention, but don’t miss Maggie Daley park which is just a few blocks away. There’s a play garden with climbing structures and splash pads, mini golf, a climbing wall, and tennis courts.
Take a stroll through the lovely Cancer Survivors’ Garden or take your scooters for a spin on the ribbon.
The park is also steps from Lake Michigan, so you can combine your activities here with a lakefront walk.
Millennium Park
Millennium Park is an iconic Chicago activity featuring the Cloud Gate statue, also known as The Bean. I would try to get here earlier in the day, because by the time we got there around 10 a.m., it was packed and so hard to get a picture!
Riverwalk
The Riverwalk is a 1.25 mile path along the Chicago River that is free and open to the public! It runs from Lake Street all the way to the lakefront. You can simply stroll and enjoy the Chicago skyline, stop and grab a bite to eat with a view, or hunt for murals and sculptures along the way.
The 606
The 606 is an elevated trail for walking, running, and biking that used to be an abandoned railway. It’s 2.5 miles long and a great alternative to the Lakeshore paths or the Riverwalk if you’re looking to take it slow and enjoy the views.
Magnificent Mile
Magnificent Mile is a stretch of North Michigan Avenue with the best shopping, hotels, and entertainment in the city. It’s a must-visit spot for tourists and a fun way to spend an afternoon!
Our family used to shop Michigan Ave every December a few weeks before Christmas, and it was so fun to get a hot chocolate and stroll the sidewalk while people watching and popping in and out of stores.
Some of our favorite stops along the way are J. Crew, Disney Store, American Girl Place, and Starbucks Reserve Roastery.
Garfield Park Conservatory
Garfield Park Conservatory is a botanical conservatory with 8 indoor display gardens. It’s FREE to visit and very kid-friendly.
Be sure to stop at the Elizabeth Morse Genius Children’s Garden with its interactive displays and a pond, and large sculptures.
It’s a peaceful oasis in the middle of a vibrant city,
Chicago Greeter Tour
If you register in advance you can get a free guided tour of the city from a friendly local through the Chicago Greeter website! The tours last 2-4 hours and are customized just for your group!
Indoor Chicago Activities
Chicago 360 Observation Deck
Chicago 360 Observation Deck is located in the John Hancock Building on the 94th floor. It offers panoramic views of the city in every direction, and you can pay extra to try 360 Chicago’s TILT! TILT is Chicago’s highest thrill ride that offers downward facing views of the city for only $8 per person!
Since the lines for TILT were long, and we visited later in the evening with a tired toddler, we decided to skip it, but promised our 80-year-old we would bring her back to try it.
Chicago 360 Observation Deck is included on the Chicago CityPASS.
Field Museum
The Field Museum in Chicago is a natural history museum that features SUE the T-Rex, the largest Tyrannosaurs Rex specimen in the world, and also the most complete with 90% of the known bones.
Beyond this awesome dinosaur exhibit, the Field Museum boasts millions of specimens and artifacts from around the world, so there is so much for a family to discover.
You won’t see it all in one visit, but it’s sure fun to soak in as much knowledge about our world as you can while you’re there!
The Field Museum is included on the Chicago CityPass.
Chicago Children’s Museum
The Chicago Children’s Museum is a place where kids can learn through play. It’s comprised of exhibits dedicated to toddlers, kids ages 4-8, and kids ages 9+, so no matter what age your kids are, they’re sure to find something to love here.
You’ll find Chicago Children’s Museum at Navy Pier, and tickets are $19 per person, with the exception of kids under 1.
Shedd Aquarium
Shedd Aquarium is a place where you can discover aquatic life including experiences like petting a stingray (which my 8-year-old was brave enough to do!), watch the belugas (my personal favorite), or even pay extra for an up-close encounter with a beluga, see the Caribbean Reef, or play at the Polar Play Zone.
There’s always the option to pay for experiences like the Penguin Encounter, Beluga Encounter, Shark Feeding, and 4D or Virtual Reality Experiences.
Shedd Aquarium is part of the Chicago CityPASS, AND if you use the CityPass you get free entrance into one of the 4D experiences of your choice.
Art Institute of Chicago
If you love art or have a budding artist in your family, then be sure to stop at the Art Institute of Chicago to see a wide range of paintings, sculptures, and other exhibits that will leave you in awe.
Children under 14 have FREE admission to the Art Institute, and the museum even has designated family spaces such as the Ryan Learning Center and the Family Room.
Choose a few art pieces to see and keep your visit shore and sweet for younger kids to make the most of your time there and avoid meltdowns.
The Art Institute Chicago is included on the CityPASS Chicago.
Skydeck Chicago
The Skydeck Chicago is located in the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower for those of us that grew up with that name!), and offers the opportunity to step out onto a glass ledge that extends 4.3 feet from the building. What a unique way to see the city and feel like you’re having an adventure!
We planned to visit the Skydeck during our visit, but forgot to reserve a time and didn’t want to wait for the 2 hours when we showed up, so we decided we’ll have to do it next time! We really wanted to step out into those glass boxes!
The Skydeck Chicago is included on the CityPASS Chicago.
Adler Planetarium
The Planetarium is currently closed, but once it’s open again, you can learn about the solar system, view the sun safely in the Doane Observatory, or the stars and planets at night, learn about astronomy and more.
The Adler Planetarium is included on the CityPASS Chicago.
Museum of Science and Industry
The Museum of Science and Industry is a fantastic place to visit for kids that love to learn. Check out exhibits on aviation, Chicago energy, submarines, and storms, or take part in experiences like dissecting a cow’s eyeball, a flight and motion simulator, or attempting manufacturing design.
The Museum of Science and Industry is included on the CityPASS Chicago.
Outdoor Things to Do in Chicago
Chicago River Boat Architecture Tour
This guided Chicago River Boat Tour takes you on a cruise of the Chicago River to view and learn about Chicago’s many architectural feats including Art Deco Neo-Classical, and Gothic Towers, along with modern skyscrapers.
Ashley from Born Explorers raved about taking this tour with kids when we were discussing what to do with Chicago, so even though we didn’t get to it this time around (I was unsure about being stuck on a boat with a toddler), I definitely want to give it a go next time we’re in Chicago!
Chicago Botanic Garden
Chicago Botanic Garden features 27 gardens and 4 natural areas to explore and admire if you’re looking to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city to enjoy some nature.
Admission to the garden is FREE, but parking is $25/car for non-members, and $30/car on weekends.
North Park Village Nature Center
Another way to experience nature within the city is to visit North Park Village Nature Center, a 46-acre preserve where you can walk the trails through prairies, wetlands, woodlands, and savanna.
I know my kids got tired and annoyed with the noises and hustle of walking through the city, so this would have been a perfect break from the action.
Bike Tour
If you want to see the city from a different perspective while incorporating both exercise and education, consider a family bike tour through the city!
Bobby’s Bike Hike provides a tour specifically for families. Our kids are still a bit young for something like this, but I’ll always remember taking a bike tour of London as one of my favorite activities when we visited, so I would 100% try something like this when the kids are a little older!
Rent Kayaks
Along the lakefront you’ll find lots of options for renting a kayak to get some exercise on the water with incredible Chicago skyline views.
Kid-Friendly Food and Drink Spots in Chicago
Starbucks Reserve Roastery
The Starbucks Reserve Roastery was high on my list of things to check out on this visit to Chicago, but we simply ran our of time. The good news is, we can go back to visit anytime!
One of the reasons we ended up skipping it this time around was that I had heard there are almost always long lines to get inside.
I’m sure if we had visited on a weekday I would have given it a shot, but we were visiting on a weekend meaning the line would be especially long!
The first floor of the Starbucks Reserve is basically like a normal Starbucks, while the second floor has more food options. The third floor features menu items exclusive to the Chicago location, and the 4th floor is more of a bar with drinks that contain alcohol.
Garrett Popcorn Shops
You can’t go to Chicago without tying some Garrett’s Popcorn! Garrett’s has been around Chicago since 1949 and creates unique gourmet popcorn with flavors like CarmelCrist, CheeseCorn, Buttery, and more.
You can find Garrett Popcorn shops at Navy Pier, on the Magnificent Mile, and all around the city.
Cupcake Shops
With a sister that used to live and work in Chicago as a young college grad, I got the lowdown on the best cupcake shops in the city.
We stayed at Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, so my sister mentioned that we should visit Sprinkles which was near our hotel, but her favorite shop was Sweet Mandy Bs.
What kid wouldn’t love a stop at an adorable cupcake shop?
Deep Dish Pizza
Did you even go to Chicago if you didn't try deep dish pizza?
We really enjoyed Pizzeria Due on Wabash Avenue which had an awesome selection of deep dish pizzas to choose from, and we loved the outdoor dining spot!
Sugar Factory
Have you ever been to the Sugar Factory? I know they have locations all over the country so this isn’t necessarily a uniquely Chicago experience, but they are a really fun stop with kids.
You can get traditional American fare here, but the experience is not complete without trying some of their sweet treats like a King Kong Sundae and celebrity-endorsed Coutoure Pops.
When my mom and I took my oldest daughter to Chicago to get her American Girl doll from the American Girl Place we stopped at the Sugar Factory for lunch and it was so much fun!
Where to Stay in Chicago with Kids
If you’re looking for kid-friendly places to stay in Chicago, look no further than the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago. It’s one of the best places to stay in Chicago thanks to its proximity to Magnificent Mile and the lakefront.
I’ve written an entire review of this safe and family-friendly Chicago hotel, so be sure to check that out if you’re looking for luxury, comfort, and lots of fun!
>> Four Seasons Hotel Chicago: Family-Friendly Luxury in the Windy City
Chicago was full of fun things to do as a family, and we can’t wait to go back!
Truly, after reading this article, I’m sure you are also convinced that there’s NO way you can fit in all the Chicago family fun in just one visit, so consider making a return visit, or coming back to experience a different season!
We’re thankful to live within driving distance of Chicago so we can take another family vacation there soon, or simply visit for a day to fit in all the things we missed the first time!
If you’re looking for more incredible Midwest destinations, be sure to check out my other travel guides:
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Emily Krause is a Florida-based travel blogger who writes about exploring the world with kids. On A Mom Explores you’ll find best family travel destinations, Disney World tips, and how to make travel with babies and toddlers a little easier.
Emily believes that exploring starts in our own backyards, and adventure can happen anywhere with the right mindset.
