3 Days in Chicago with Kids

How to Spend 3 Days in Chicago with Kids

Summer season is full of fun in Chicago. Planning at least 3 days in Chicago with Kids is one of the best summer vacation ideas.

Our Chicago city is full of museums, attractions, landmarks and parks, that makes it easy for families to plan 3 days in Chicago with Kids.

Chicago is famous for food and restaurants, families with kids will have plenty of dining options for adults and kids.

When you are in Chicago, I recommend you to try our Chicago style food including our Deep Dish Pizza and Hot Dogs.

Considering the available things to do in Chicago, you may get confused while planning a trip to Chicago. In my opinion, you will need a full week to explore Chicago city, but 3 days in Chicago with kids are ideal.

I would say, majority of the people, who live in Chicago or nearby states, have not visited Chicago to explore.

People visit Chicago for shopping or attending concert or any different purpose rather than exploring the tourist side of the city.

Yes, our Chicago city has lot more to offer to families with kids than we think. Let’s find out today how family can spend 3-Days in Chicago with Kids.

Family with kids will have great time spending 3-Days in Chicago during summer season with advance planning. Plan to visit Chicago with Kids in summer as there will be so many things to see & do in Chicago with kids

Today’s post will give you sample itinerary for 3 Days in Chicago with Kids and some useful tips that can help you plan your day. This itinerary is perfect for first time Chicago visitors with kids.

I have designed Chicago with kids itinerary using must-see attractions. Fortunately, these attractions are included on Chicago CityPASS, that can save you lot of money.

Hotel to Spend 3 Days in Chicago with Kids

I recommend families to book hotel room in downtown Chicago. You may pay little more money in downtown Chicago during peak season, but in my opinion it is worth spending more money on hotel rooms in downtown Chicago.

Families with kids will save lot of commute time when you book hotel room in downtown Chicago. Visitors will have much more time to explore rather than wasting time in traffic.

Chicago is known for traffic problems, especially going towards downtown might take lot of time. During summer season, there are many concerts and conventions that will increase commute time.

You have only 3-Days in Chicago, you should be exploring our Windy City rather than spending time on the roads by getting stuck in traffic.

You can book hotel room either on Magnificent Mile on Michigan Ave, or the Loop area in downtown Chicago. Both locations are conveniently located close to top attractions.

Hyatt Chicago Magnificent Mile, Hampton Inn North Loop Hotel and The Congress Plaza Hotel are popular hotels in downtown Chicago. You can read my complete guide on where to stay in Chicago to get more details.

Now, let me get into things to see & do in Chicago with Kids. In this section, I will give you alternative options for few attraction that can help plan your itinerary based on kids interest.

3 Days in Chicago with Kids: Day 1

On Day 1, I would recommend you to choose either Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower or 360 TILT at John Hancock building. These two attractions are similar in nature as you get an opportunity to see excellent views of downtown Chicago and Lake Michigan from the height.

Tip: You must check weather before choosing either of these attractions to make sure it’s not a cloudy day in Chicago! On cloudy day visibility is not good from the height! So feel free to switch day among three days based on weather conditions.

Stop 1: Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower

Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower, formerly known Sears Tower. One of the famous attractions in Chicago known for best city views and neighboring states from 1335 feet height. Make sure to carry your camera because Skydeck Chicago is one of locations in Chicago to take perfect picture. Personally, I love the views of Lake Michigan from 1335 feet height.

Skydeck Chicago features glass bottom window, on which you can walk out 1335 feet up in the air.
I recommend you to start your day by visiting Skydeck first thing in the morning. Morning visit will help you avoid long wait time. Visitors will have to go through security checkpoint at Skydeck Chicago on Willis Tower. Visitors will be spending approximately 1 and half hour to 2 hours at Skydeck Chicago.

Admission to Skydeck Chicago is included with Chicago CityPASS.

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Stop 1: 360 TILT at John Hancock

Enjoy excellent views of Lake Michigan and Chicago city’s skyline from the observatory deck on 94th floor of John Hancock building. 360 Chicago has new attraction called TILT.

Name says it, now you can TILT outward over 1000 feet above the magnificent mile. This attraction can hold up to 8 visitors at a time. TILT is unique thrill ride attraction in Chicago.

During weekend 360 Chicago tends to get busy so adjust your timing to get there to avoid long wait. At 360 Chicago, you can enjoy cocktail or drink at the cafe while enjoying amazing views.

Admission to 360 TILT is included with Chicago CityPASS

Stop 2: Millennium Park

Visit to Chicago is not complete without spending some good time at the world famous Millennium Park. You cannot leave Chicago without visiting the world renowned metal sculpture – “The Bean” at Millennium Park. The metal bean is also known as Cloud Gate.

The Bean is one of the most famous landmarks in United States of America. Make sure to bring your camera as nobody can resist taking a photo with “The Bean”. Don’t forget to check out The Pritzker Pavilion, there is always some events or concerts are going on throughout the year.

During winter season, you can have some good time at The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink located in Millennium Park on Michigan Ave. Skating is FREE and open to the public so either you can bring your own skate or you can rent them on premises for $12.

Admission to Millennium Park is FREE.

Lunch on Day 1 with Kids

While you are in Chicago, I recommend you to enjoy deep dish pizza at Giordano’s as well as Lou Malnati’s. The Giordano’s pizzeria is located close to the Millennium Park so you can take advantage of the location by ordering deep dish pizza at Giordano’s for lunch.

Stop 3: Shedd Aquarium

Family with young kids can consider to head down to the Shedd Aquarium for fun. This attraction features over 32,000 different kinds of marine animals.

The Shedd Aquarium features permanent exhibits called – Waters of the World, Caribbean Reef, Amazon Rising, Abbott Oceanarim, Wild Reef and Polar Play Zone.

Kids will have fun getting close to sharks, piranhas, beluga whale, dolphins, turtles and many similar marine animals. Family with kids will easily need over 3 hours to explore the Shedd Aquarium.

Admission to Shedd Aquarium is included with Chicago CityPASS.

Dinner on Day 1 with Kids

By now, you must be tired exploring Shedd Aquarium. If you like then you can hangout little bit on Museum Campus or take a stroll by Lake Michigan in Grant Park before you head for a dinner.

I recommend you to explore Little Italy neighborhood, so called University Village, just west of the Museum Campus. You can enjoy great authentic Italian food and Chicago-style pizza in the neighborhood of Little Italy in Chicago.

Stop 4: Buckingham

After dinner, head to Buckingham Fountain from the Little Italy neighborhood. Buckingham Fountain is one the world’s largest, Grant Park’s 3-level rococo fountain built in 1927 featuring light & water shows.

The Buckingham Fountain operates on top of every hour, daily between 8:00 am to 11:00 pm starting from mid-April through mid-October.

3 Days in Chicago with Kids: Day 2

On 2nd Day in Chicago with kids, I recommend you to choose either Field Museum of History or Museum of Science & Industry. Visit to both museums are full of knowledge and fun. You will need at least 3 to 4 hours to explore either of the museums in detail.

Stop 1: Field Museum of History

The Field Museum of Natural History, home of Sue the T. Rex! Yup, the Field Museum of Natural History features the world’s largest and most complete skeleton of T. Rex. I recommend you to watch T. Rex 3D show at the museum to learn in detail about Sue.

This world renowned attraction also features large collection of fossils, specimen and other historic objects. According to the survey, The Field Museum of Natural History is visited by over two million visitors every year.

Keep in mind that you will easily need 3 hours to visit the Field Museum of Natural History.

Admission to Field Museum of History is included with Chicago CityPASS.

Stop 1: Museum of Science & Industry

At the museums, my favorite exhibits are coal mine and German submarine U-505 captured during World War II. US 505 is the only German submarine in the United States.

Kids will have fun taking a ride on the rail and learn how coal mining works. There are also other exhibits full of knowledge and learning new things.

Chicago CityPASS includes the admission to Museum of Science and Industry. Museum entry doesn’t include entry to special exhibitions such as US 505 on board tour, Giant Dome Theater films, or the Coal Mine. Visitors can purchase admission to those special exhibits for additional charge.

Overall, visit to the Museum of Science and Industry is also one of the best things to do with kids in Chicago.

Admission to Museum of Science and Industry is included with Chicago CityPASS.

Lunch on Day 2 with Kids at Museum Campus

Personally I prefer to eat at Museum Cafe’s located inside respective Museums. You will need lot of time exploring museums.

I would highly recommend you to eat at any Cafe located inside the selected Museum as you cannot get out for lunch and re-enter.

Stop 3: Navy Pier

Navy Pier is one of the historic attractions in Chicago. You will need at least couple of hours to explore Navy Pier. Considering the favorable winter weather conditions there is always something going on at the pier.

There are many things to do at the Navy Pier including performances, museums, IMAX Theater and the famous Navy Pier Centennial Wheel. Family with kids can take advantage of the Navy Pier Centennial Wheel.

Keep your camera ready to take pictures by Lake Michigan and the USS Chicago anchor at the end of the pier. This 8 ton anchor is from the third warship named after the City of Chicago.

I would recommend you to check out Beer Garden at Navy Pier. During summer months, almost every day there is a live music by Beer Garden. Family with kids can easily spend evening at Navy Pier.

Admission to Navy Pier is FREE. You will have to purchase tickets to Centennial Wheel and other recreational rides.

Navy Pier is one of the best place for 3 Days in Chicago with Kids.

Dinner on Day 2 with Kids at Navy Pier

You and your family can have great time enjoying dinner at one of the restaurants at Navy Pier. Navy Pier food court has plenty of options for Chango Loco is one of my favorite restaurant at Navy Pier.

3 Days in Chicago with Kids: Day 3

Stop 1: Architecture Boat Tour

Chicago is world famous for the unique Architecture and structures. Personally, I recommend you to consider Architecture River cruise on your itinerary if weather conditions are good and tours are operating on your travel dates.

Architecture River Cruise departs from the Navy Pier. The cruise schedule depends on the weather condition. The tour has been one of the best activities for visitors in Chicago.

The architecture river cruise features 75 minutes long fun time, learning about history and facts about world famous Chicago skyline and stories behind the architecture. During summer season, it’s recommended to get there little earlier to avoid the line.

You will have to purchase tickets for Architecture Boat Tour separately. It is not included with Chicago CityPASS.

Lunch on Day 3 with Kids

There are plenty of options available for lunch based on your choice of attraction for the Stop#2. If you have not tried Chicago Style Hot Dog then you can consider to try Kim & Carlo’s Chicago Style Hot Dog on Museum Campus.

You will have many options near Art Institute of Chicago for lunch, including Museum Cafe.

Adler Planetarium or Art Institute of Chicago

Stop 2: Adler Planetarium

Adler Planetarium, founded in 1930, inspiring astronomy and astrophysics. One of the educational attractions in Chicago for family traveling with kids.

The Adler Planetarium features three theaters, space science exhibitions and collections for artifacts. From Adler Planetarium, visitors can see planets, stars and galaxies during their visit.

You can easily spend 1-2 hours at the Adler Planetarium on Museum Campus.

Stop 2: Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the top 25 world famous Museums. It is one of the world renowned attractions that attracts millions of people every year. The Art Institute of Chicago features over 300,000 collections of art work.

There is not definite time needed to visit the Art Institute of Chicago. I recommend you to spare one hour or two hours to visit the attraction. If you have lot of time then you can take up to full day exploring world famous arts at this attraction in Chicago.

I recommend you to use their smartphone app to plan your visit. The Art Institute of Chicago app has sample 1 hour and 2 hours tours for visitors convenience that includes top artworks of the museum. The 1-hour tour includes top nine collections of arts of the museum.

If you decide to spend 2-hours at the museum then app will include four more artworks to your tour.

Admission to Art Institute of Chicago is included with Chicago CityPASS.

Stop 3: Shopping on Mag Mile

A mile stretch on Michigan Ave, between Chicago River to Oak Street in the Near North Side, known as Magnificent Mile. The Magnificent Mile, so called Mag Mile, is very vibrant area featuring upscale shops, restaurants and luxurious hotels.

Explore shops on Mag Mile just for fun, these shops are popular among tourists for shopping.

Dinner on Day 3 with Kids

Plan on eating at one of the restaurants on Magnificent Mile. Our Mag Mile is famous for dining. If you are not too much tired then I recommend you to explore Rush Street for dinner on your last day.

Explore dining options at Rush street and Divisor street intersection.

3 Days in Chicago with Kids: Chicago CityPASS

Chicago CityPASS. and Go Chicago Card are two best Chicago attraction passes to save on admission to top attractions. But for 3 Days in Chicago with Kids Itinerary, I would recommend you to choose Chicago CityPASS.

My 3 Days in Chicago with Kids itinerary attractions are all covered with Chicago CityPASS. You can read my post on Chicago CityPASS review to understand how you can save 55% with Chicago CityPASS on admission tickets to attractions compared to purchase at the gate.

Hope this 3 Days in Chicago with Kids itinerary will help you plan your family vacation in Chicago. Visiting Chicago for only one day? Check out my 1-Day Chicago Itinerary with Go Chicago Card!

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