Top 26 Things to Do in Chicago with Kids

Looking for the best things to do in Chicago with kids? In this post, I have covered the list of best things to do in Chicago with kids that can be useful to local or tourist families in windy city.

Chicago is known for the best restaurants, breweries and attractions, but our city also has plenty of things to do with kids including museums, attractions, kid-friendly activities, parks and many similar recreational activities.

I have come up with the best things to do in Chicago with kids guide to help families with kids to plan a weekend, spring break or summer holidays in Chicago.

Best things to do in Chicago with kids Guide

Things to Do in Chicago with Kids – ATTRACTIONS

1: Millennium Park

The Millennium Park in downtown Chicago is popular among locals as well as visitors. It features Jay Pritzker Pavilion, “The Cloud Gate” – metal bean and Crown Fountain.

Do not forget to carry your camera, because the Cloud Gate is one of the photo perfect spot in Chicago. Chicago is known for music fest, and during summer season there is always some kind of music fest is going on at Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Visit to Millennium Park is fun for adults too.

During summer season, kids can have a great time under tall crown fountain. So, make sure to pack swim suits for kids.

During winter, families with kids can enjoy free ice-skating at the Millennium Park Ice Rink. Visitors can bring their own ice skating gears or rent them for fee at the Ice Rink.

Millennium Park is located at 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602

2: Navy Pier

Navy Pier is one of the popular tourist attractions. This attraction features Pier Park, restaurants and IMAX Theater. You can also hop on one of boat tours from Navy Pier. The Pier Park at Navy Pier features 200 foot high Centennial Wheel and beer garden.

Family with kids can spend at least few hours at Navy Pier and take advantage of events, activities and dining options. It is one of the best things to do in Chicago with kids.

Admission to Navy Pier is FREE but tickets for Centennial Ferris Wheel is included with Go Chicago Card.

Navy Pier is located at 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago IL 60611

3: Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo is a home of over 1200 animals. Lincoln Park zoo is the only free zoos in the United States of America.

Kids will have great time exploring Lincoln Park zoo and will get a chance to connect with animals.

Lincoln Park zoo is very popular and one of the best things to do in Chicago with kids among locals. Lincoln Park Zoo is frequently visited by Chicagoans for seasonal events and activities.

Lincoln Park Zoo is located at 2001 N Clark St, Chicago IL 60614

4: Brookfield Zoo

Brookfield Zoo features over 216-acres of Nature Park, is the home of over 2000 animals. The Brookfield Zoo features many exhibits, the Great Bear Wilderness is the newest exhibit that gives you an opportunity to view Polar Bears and Grizzlies diving from underwater windows. I also recommend to check out Dolphin in Action show at Seven Seas.

Brookfield Zoo is in the suburbs, away from the city center. Brookfield Zoo is located at 31st St. and First Ave., Brookfield, IL 60513

Admission to Brookfield Zoo is included with all-inclusive Go Chicago Card.

5: Chicago Riverwalk

Chicago Riverwalk is the continuous walkway and hangout place along the Chicago River. Family with kids will have great time enjoying breathtaking views of Chicago’s architecture.

It’s always a good time, just strolling along the river or catching one of those boat rides from boat stations.

Chicago Riverwalk is my favorite place to hang out. It features many restaurants, bars and attractions.

Chicago Riverwalk is located along Wacker Dr from Franklin St to Lake Shore Dr.

Things to Do in Chicago with Kids – MUSEUMS

6: The Shedd Aquarium

The Shedd Aquarium is one of the largest aquarium in the Midwest region. It features over 32000 aquatic life including piranhas, rays, turtles, moray eel, shark, and jellies.

The Shedd Aquarium also features penguins and other marine mammals like sea lions. General admission to the Shedd Aquarium includes access to all permanent exhibits.
For additional fee you can get access to exclusive exhibits. Overall, the Shedd Aquarium is one of the best things to do in Chicago with kids.

Admission to Shedd Aquarium is included with Chicago City PASS and Go Chicago Card.

The Shedd Aquarium is located at 1200 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago IL 60605

7: The Adler Planetarium

The Adler Planetarium is located on the Museum Campus. It features permanent exhibits such as “Mission Moon” and “The Universe: A Walk through Time”. I recommend to consider show at the Adler Planetarium at Grainger Sky Theater.

Chicago visitors will have an opportunity to enjoy breathtaking views of Chicago skyline from outside of the museum on Northerly Island. Overall, you can easily spend 2 hours at the Adler Planetarium.

Admission to the Adler Planetarium is included with Chicago CityPASS and Go Chicago Card.

The Adler Planetarium is located at 1300 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605.

8: The Field Museum of Natural History

The Field Museum of Natural History is the home of Sue, the world famous T-Rex. 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.

Visitors can easily spend 4 hours exploring exhibits at the museum. It is one of the popular and the best things to do in Chicago with kids.
The Field Museum of Natural History is located at 1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605

9: Art Institute of Chicago

Art Institute of Chicago is for families with older kids. Younger kids will not enjoy the visit to Art Institute of Chicago, unless parents love arts and want to explore. It is not a fun place for young kids.

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.

Admission to Art Institute of Chicago is included with Chicago CityPASS and Go Chicago Card.

The Art Institute of Chicago is located at 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603

10: Museum of Science & Industry

Museum of Science and Industry is the place to interact and learn. This museum features many exhibits including restored US-505 German submarine and coal mine exhibit.
Visitors can explore both US-505 submarine and coal mine exhibit for additional fee. But, I recommend to spend little extra fee to explore US-505 German submarine and coal mine exhibit.

Kids will have great time learning and exploring both exhibits. This museums is also one of the best things to do in Chicago with kids.

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

Museum of Science & Industry is located at 5700 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60637

11: Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago

Similar to the Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Contemporary Art is for older kids with interest in contemporary arts.

The Museum of Contemporary Art features large collection of contemporary art. It has Chicago Works series featuring talented work of Chicago’s local artists.

Admission to the Museum of Contemporary Art is included with all-inclusive Go Chicago Card.

Museum of Contemporary Art is located at 220 E Chicago Ave, Chicago

12: Chicago Children’s Museum

Chicago Children’s Museum is located at Navy Pier. I would recommend you to explore Chicago Children’s Museum during your visit to Navy Pier. There are many exhibits at the museum for Children’s learning while having fun.

It also features kids-friendly activities such as dig up dinosaur bones, arts and crafts.

Admission to Chicago Children’s Museum is included with all-inclusive Go Chicago Card.

Chicago Children’s Museum is located at Navy Pier.

13: Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is one of the best way to explore ecosystems and understand the biology of Ice Age-mammals and its conservation. This museum is situated along a lagoon in Lincoln Park.

Kids will have fun exploring thousands of beautiful butterflies at Butterfly Haven. I would say, it is one of the fun thing to do in Chicago with Kids and even also for adults.

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is located at 2430 N Cannon Dr, Chicago IL 60614

14: The Garfield Park Conservatory

The Garfield Park Conservatory is open to the public 365 days a year without any admission fee. Kids can have great time learning about different kinds of plant types in various rooms. The Desert House features different varieties of cactus and the Aroid House is the place to explore popular houseplants.

The Fern Room features jam-packed, lush ferns display. During summer season, outdoor 12 acres of land turns into scenic garden. I recommend to visit the Garfield Park Conservatory during summer season to take advantage of outdoor garden scenery.

The Garfield Park Conservatory is located at 300 N Central Park Ave, Chicago IL

Things to Do in Chicago with Kids – Adventure

15: Skydeck Chicago

Walk on the glass bottom window at 1335 feet height. One of the thrilling things to do in Chicago with kids. Skydeck Chicago is at Willis Tower, formerly known as Sears Tower. Family with kids will have great time enjoying breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and Chicago from top of the Willis Tower.

DO NOT visit Skydeck Chicago on cloud day. You must check weather before visiting Skydeck Chicago.

Admission to Skydeck Chicago is included with Chicago CityPASS and Go Chicago Card.

Skydeck Chicago is located at 233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606

16: TILT 360 Chicago

TILT outward at 1000 feet above the magnificent Mile. It is located on the 94th floor of John Hancock building at 360 Chicago observatory deck.

Apart from TILT attraction, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Chicago skyline. If your goal is to enjoy city skyline views as well then make sure to visit 360 Chicago on clear day.

TILT 360 is one of the best things to do in Chicago with Kids, as kids will have thrilling experience tilting over at the height.

Admission to 360 TILT is included with Chicago CityPASS and Go Chicago Card.

TILT 360 Chicago is located at 875 N Michigan Ave 94th Floor, Chicago, IL 60611

I recommend first time Chicago visitors to visit either Skydeck Chicago or TILT 360 Chicago to save time, as both attractions are kind of similar, unless kids want to walk on the glass bottom window as well as tilt outward at height.

Things to Do in Chicago with Kids – Boat Tours

17: Architecture Boat Tour

I recommend visitors to experience the Architecture boat tour with kids. It’s fun to sail on Chicago River and Lake Michigan while learning about the Architecture and history associated with buildings.

Kids will have fun cruising down the Chicago River on this 60 minute guided boat tour. It’s one of the best experience to enjoy the spectacular skyline including famous buildings like the Wrigley Building, the John Hancock Building and the AON Center. You will pass through more than 40 famous buildings during this boat tour.
Overall, this guided architecture boat tour is full of fun, it is one of the best things to do in Chicago with Kids.

Architecture boat tour is scheduled to depart from Navy Pier or Michigan Ave, you can pick one of the location at the time of booking.

Admission to Shoreline Architecture Tour is included with all-inclusive Go Chicago Card.

18: Speedboat Tour

Try Speedboat tour to add some thrilling experience to your Chicago visit. Due to weather conditions, Speedboat tour on Michigan Lake is only available during summer season.

It’s really a very thrilling experience to zoom along the Lake Michigan shore and pass by famous landmarks such as Grant Park, the Willis Tower and Buckingham Fountain.

Speedboat ride will pause for a little and guide will explain you the history and architecture of the Windy City.

Speedboat Tour is scheduled to depart from Navy Pier.

19: Tall Ship Windy – Skyline Sail with Tales of Real Pirates of the Inland Seas

On board Tall Ship Windy to learn about the real pirates of the Lake Michigan. You will be surprised that pirates are not only in deep seas, they were here on Lake Michigan as well.

Kids will have great time learning about the most famous pirate stories on Lake Michigan. Make sure to carry your camera to capture world-famous skyline from the water.

Tall Ship Windy tour is schedule to depart from Navy Pier. In my opinion, it is one of the best things to do in Chicago with Kids, who are fascinated with pirate stories.

Admission to Tall Ship Windy is included with all-inclusive Go Chicago Card.

20: Legoland Discovery Center

Legoland Discover Center Chicago is in Schaumburg, suburb of Chicago. It is indoor family entertainment center featuring Lego-theme rides, play area, 4D cinema and gift shop.

Kids between age of 3 to 10 can spend easily 2-3 hours exploring Lego kingdom.

Admission to Legoland Discovery Center is included with Go Chicago Card.

Legoland Discovery Center Chicago is located at 601 N Martingale Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60173

Things to Do in Chicago with Kids – OUTDOORS

21: Maggie Daley Park

Maggie Daley Park features 20 acres of recreational area featuring 40-foot tall climbing wall and a quarter mile long skating ribbon. Family with kids can easily spend one full day at Maggie Daley Park as it features recreational activities for adults and kids.

During winter, skating ribbon remains open for ice skating.

Maggie Daley Park is located 337 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601

22: Hangout at Beach in Summer

Chicago is blessed with a long lakefront of Lake Michigan. There are beaches along the Lake Michigan shore.

Plan a day to hangout at one of the best family friendly beaches in Chicago with kids. I would recommend to try Montros Beach or Oak Street Beach for the weekend.

Here is the list of all family-friendly Chicago beaches.

Things to Do in Chicago with Kids – THEATER

23: Chicago Children’s Theater

Chicago Children’s Theater is community focused theater, featuring Children friendly plays, musicals and performances throughout a year. Kids can also join acting classes at Children’s Theater.

Chicago Children’s Theater is located 100 S Racine Ave, Chicago, IL 60607.

24: Blue Man Group

Blue Man Group show will rock your kids! It’s one of the best shows in Chicago to watch with kids. This show will blow your mind, unleash your spirit. Show is full of music, laughter and surprises.

Kids will be have great time throughout the show.

Blue Man Group Show is scheduled everyday at Briar Street Theater, 3133 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657

Things to Do in Chicago with Kids – VISIT TOY STORES

25: American Girl Place

American Girl Place is located in Water Tower Place. Family with little girls can plan a visit to American Girl Place to buy some cute dolls. It’s not just a toy store, American Girl Place is a unique place to explore her favorite doll collections, outfits and more.

I recommend to reserve a spot for dining in advance at American Girl Place has cafe, as it tends to get packed. Little girls will have great time enjoying food with her favorite doll.

American Girl Place is located at 835 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

26: Disney Store

Disney Store in Chicago is the place to get all official licensed Disney toys, clothes and collectibles. Whether your kid’s favorite is Mickey Mouse, the Disney Princess, Pooh, Fairies or any other Disney character, this is the place to get them.

Disney Store Chicago is located at 108 North State Street, Chicago, IL 60602

Hope, above list of things to do in Chicago with Kids will help you plan your family weekend getaway in our lovely Windy City. First time Chicago visitors may also like my post on how to spend 3 days in Chicago with kids.

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