Wondering what to do in Chicago with kids? You’re in the right place. This article covers the best activities, attractions, and tips to ensure your family has a fantastic time in Chicago.
Key Takeaways
Chicago offers a wide range of family-friendly accommodations, ensuring a comfortable stay no matter your budget!
Explore the city with ease using public transport or plan ahead for stress-free driving and parking at popular spots!
With a plethora of attractions, both indoor and outdoor, there’s never a dull moment for families visiting Chicago!
Best Places to Stay with Kids in Chicago
Choosing the right hotel can significantly impact your family vacation, and Chicago offers many family-friendly accommodations. The Radisson Blu, featuring spacious family junior suites and a large shared pool, is perfect for post-sightseeing relaxation. Loews Chicago Hotel is another excellent option, known for its welcoming atmosphere and amenities.
For budget-conscious families, the Embassy Suites by Hilton in downtown Chicago provides affordable accommodations and a small pool. For a touch of luxury, the Waldorf Astoria offers a less crowded lap pool, providing a serene environment for relaxation.
The InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile features a deep indoor pool ideal for older kids. Meanwhile, the Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago offers day passes for pool access, letting families enjoy luxury without the full splurge.
Choosing a hotel with family-friendly amenities ensures an enjoyable stay in Chicago. These recommendations will help your family find the perfect home base to explore the city.
Getting Around Chicago with Children Using Public Transportation
Navigating Chicago with kids is easier with the right transportation choices. The city’s public transportation system, including CTA trains, taxis, and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, offers convenient and cost-effective ways to get around. This extensive network ensures easy access to popular destinations like Millennium Park and Michigan Ave without the hassle of driving.
Renting a car offers the convenience of air conditioning and flexible travel schedules, but driving in Chicago can be challenging due to traffic and parking issues. For instance, you can secure parking at Millennium Park online in advance for just $12 per day, making it a practical option for families who prefer the comfort of a car.
Plan your routes and timing carefully to make your trip smoother. Consider the children’s nap and sleep schedules, and aim to travel during off-peak hours to avoid crowds. Whether taking a CTA train ride to the museums or a leisurely walk along the Chicago River, proper planning ensures a stress-free and enjoyable experience for the whole family.
Using Public Transportation
Using public transportation in Chicago is a convenient and affordable way to get around the city with kids. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) offers a variety of options, including buses and trains, that can take you to most major attractions. The CTA website and mobile app provide easy-to-use trip planners and real-time information to help you plan your route.
Some tips for using public transportation with kids:
Consider purchasing a Ventra card, which can be used to pay for fares on both buses and trains.
Take advantage of the CTA’s family-friendly features, such as stroller-friendly buses and trains with designated areas for families.
Plan your route in advance to ensure that you arrive at your destination on time.
Be prepared for crowds and delays, especially during rush hour.
By using public transportation, you can easily explore Chicago’s top attractions without the hassle of driving and parking, making it a stress-free experience for the whole family.
Must-Visit Attractions for Families
Chicago is full of family-friendly attractions that captivate visitors of all ages. One of the top destinations is Navy Pier, a vibrant spot spanning over six city blocks along Lake Michigan. Families can enjoy various activities, including rides, free movies, and concerts. The Chicago Children’s Museum at Navy Pier offers hands-on exhibits that engage and educate children, making it a must-visit.
Lincoln Park Zoo, a free attraction, offers interactive animal experiences and a farm with hands-on activities for kids. Millennium Park is another family favorite, featuring activities like splashing in Crown Fountain and scavenger hunts in Lurie Garden. Maggie Daley Park also boasts multiple themed playgrounds and activities suitable for children aged 0-12.
For educational experiences, the Field Museum is a treasure trove of interactive exhibits that will fascinate both kids and adults. From towering dinosaurs to ancient artifacts, this museum offers a journey through time that’s both fun and informative. With so many options, Chicago’s attractions ensure every family member has an unforgettable experience.
Indoor Fun for Rainy Days
When rainy weather strikes, Chicago still offers plenty of indoor activities to keep kids entertained. The Museum of Ice Cream is a sweet escape, providing an educational experience about ice cream along with dessert-themed installations. Another fantastic venue is the WNDR Museum, featuring immersive art installations that combine technology with interactive exhibits.
Sports enthusiasts will love the Chicago Sports Museum, where kids can test their athletic skills through hands-on sports simulations. For those interested in the human psyche, Mindworks offers engaging interactive exhibits related to behavioral science. Additionally, the Color Factory in Willis Tower provides a vibrant and colorful experience suitable for visitors of all ages.
Don’t miss Amazing Chicago’s Funhouse Maze, a 4,000-square-foot sensory adventure that captivates children and adults alike. For those who love slime, the Sloomoo Institute offers a unique opportunity to play with various types of slime and even create your own. With so many indoor options, a little rain won’t dampen your family’s fun in Chicago.
Water Tower Place: A Fun Destination for Kids
Water Tower Place is a popular destination for families in Chicago, offering a variety of activities and attractions for kids of all ages. Located on Michigan Avenue, Water Tower Place is a great place to spend the day with your family.
Some of the top attractions for kids at Water Tower Place include:
The American Girl Place: Kids can shop for their favorite dolls and accessories, and even enjoy a meal at the American Girl Café.
The LEGO Store: A paradise for young builders, where kids can create and play with LEGO bricks to their heart’s content.
Hershey’s Chocolate World: Learn about the history of chocolate and sample some delicious treats, making it a sweet stop for the whole family.
The Water Tower Place Ice Skating Rink: During the winter months, kids can enjoy some fun on the ice, making it a perfect seasonal activity.
With so many exciting options, Water Tower Place is a must-visit destination that promises fun and entertainment for kids and adults alike.
Outdoor Adventures for the Whole Family
Chicago’s outdoor offerings are plentiful, making it easy for families to enjoy nature and adventure together. The city boasts around 600 parks and 26 miles of waterfront, providing ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. One exciting option is taking a kayaking tour on the Chicago River, offering unique experiences like sunset and historic tours.
Maggie Daley Park is a fantastic destination for families, featuring a climbing wall that caters to both beginners and experienced climbers. The 606 is another excellent spot, an elevated 2.7-mile path ideal for biking and walking, connecting multiple neighborhoods.
For a beach day, North Avenue Beach offers family-friendly activities like beach volleyball and fun things like a restaurant shaped like a boat, making it a delightful spot to relax and play mini golf.
Whether exploring the parks, enjoying lake cruises, or embarking on a boating adventure, Chicago’s outdoor activities promise endless fun for the whole family.
Kid-Friendly Dining Spots
Finding the perfect dining spot that caters to both kids and adults can be challenging, but Chicago has plenty of family-friendly restaurants with several locations throughout the city. Lou Malnati’s is a must-visit, renowned for its delicious deep-dish pizza that appeals to both children and adults. Small Cheval is another great option, known for its mouth-watering burgers and a large outdoor patio with picnic tables, making it ideal for families.
For a diverse culinary experience, check out restaurants like Daisies, which offers kid-friendly buttered noodles, and Joy Yee, known for its customizable drinks. Ed Debevic’s retro diner provides a fun dining atmosphere that kids will love.
If you’re near Pier Park, you’ll find a variety of dining options that cater to the whole family, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied. With so many family-friendly dining spots, Chicago makes it easy to enjoy delicious food while keeping the little ones happy.
Unique Experiences for Kids at Navy Pier
Chicago offers several unique experiences that will leave your kids in awe. One is the ‘Tilt’ at the Hancock Building’s observation deck, where visitors can lean out over the city for a thrilling view. The Urban Adventure Quest is another exciting option, a family-friendly scavenger hunt city tour that lets kids explore and discover Chicago in an engaging way.
For a magical experience, families can find their inner hero with Miraculous characters during the CAMP x Miraculous event. Additionally, the Disney-themed dance party at the Brookfield Public Library on March 28, 2025, promises a day of fun and enchantment for families. With so many options, Chicago ensures kids have a blast while creating lasting memories.
Seasonal Events and Festivals
Chicago loves to celebrate, and its seasonal events and festivals are perfect for families. The pier’s seasonal events often feature family-friendly festivals, arts and crafts activities, and live entertainment. For art lovers, the Millennium Art Festival showcases original art and includes children’s crafts activities, making it a great family outing.
Another fantastic event is the Taste of Polonia Festival, which combines carnival rides and games, ensuring an exciting experience for children. The ‘Switch on Summer’ event at Buckingham Fountain features activities, entertainment, and food vendors, making it a lively and engaging event for families.
Participating in these special events provides families with opportunities to bond, learn, and create lasting memories. From art fairs to cultural celebrations, Chicago’s seasonal events offer endless fun for the whole family.
Chicago’s Best Family-Friendly Shows and Events
Chicago is a city that is always buzzing with activity, and there are plenty of family-friendly shows and events to enjoy. From musicals and plays to concerts and festivals, there’s something for every interest and age.
Some of the top family-friendly shows and events in Chicago include:
The Chicago Children’s Theatre: Producing a variety of shows for kids of all ages, this theatre offers engaging performances that captivate young audiences.
The Field Museum’s Dinosaur Exhibit: Featuring life-sized dinosaur skeletons and interactive displays, this exhibit is a hit with kids and adults alike.
The Shedd Aquarium’s Dolphin Show: Watch acrobatic dolphins and other marine animals perform in an entertaining and educational show.
The Navy Pier Fireworks Display: Taking place every Wednesday evening during the summer months, this dazzling display is a perfect way to end a day of fun at Navy Pier.
The Taste of Chicago: This iconic food festival features delicious food from some of the city’s top restaurants and live music performances, making it a great family outing.
With so many family-friendly shows and events, Chicago ensures that there’s always something exciting happening for the whole family to enjoy.
Tips for Visiting Chicago with Kids
Planning ahead is key to a successful family trip to Chicago. If visiting during the summer, pack light clothing, sunscreen, and bug spray to combat the heat and humidity. Renting a car can provide the convenience of air conditioning and ease of transportation around the city, although public transportation is also a viable option.
For parking, secure a spot at popular attractions like Millennium Park online in advance for just $12 per day. Arriving early at Lincoln Park Zoo is recommended to secure parking, especially on weekends.
It’s also important to consider your children’s interests, ages, nap schedules, and the seasonality of activities when planning your itinerary. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your family trip to Chicago.
Day Trips and Nearby Attractions
Chicago’s surrounding areas offer fantastic day trip options that are easily accessible and perfect for families. The Chicago Botanic Gardens in Glencoe is a sprawling area featuring 23 distinct gardens and interactive exhibits, making it a delightful place to explore with children.
Another great spot is Gilson Park in Wilmette, which offers a public beach that is great for swimming and less crowded than many other beaches.
For thrill-seekers, Six Flags Great America in Gurnee offers numerous rides and entertainment options, making it a popular family destination. Cultural enthusiasts will enjoy the Cuneo Museum and Gardens in Vernon Hills, showcasing a mansion filled with art and beautiful Italian-inspired gardens.
For a unique spiritual experience, visit the Baha’i House of Worship in Wilmette, a nine-sided temple that serves as the spiritual center for the Baha’i faith in the U.S.
With these nearby attractions, families can easily extend their Chicago trip with exciting day trips that offer something for everyone.
Summary
Chicago is a treasure trove of family-friendly activities, from interactive museums and outdoor adventures to unique dining spots and seasonal events. By choosing the right accommodations, planning your transportation, and exploring the city’s top attractions, your family is sure to have an unforgettable experience.
Whether you’re splashing around in Millennium Park, enjoying a deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati’s, or embarking on a kayaking tour of the Chicago River, every moment in Chicago promises fun and excitement. So pack your bags, gather the kids, and get ready to create lasting memories in the Windy City!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best family-friendly hotels in Chicago?
You’ll love staying at the Radisson Blu, Loews Chicago Hotel, or Embassy Suites by Hilton—these spots are perfect for families! Enjoy a fantastic trip in the heart of Chicago!
How can I get around Chicago with kids?
Getting around Chicago with kids is a breeze with options like the CTA trains, taxis, or ride-sharing services! Just hop on a train or catch a ride, and you’re ready to explore the city together!
What are must-visit attractions for families in Chicago?
You can’t miss Navy Pier, Lincoln Park Zoo, Millennium Park, and the Field Museum for a fantastic family adventure in Chicago! Each spot offers unique experiences that everyone will love!
Are there kid-friendly dining spots in Chicago?
Absolutely! Lou Malnati’s, Small Cheval, and Ed Debevic’s are fantastic kid-friendly spots in Chicago that your family will love!
What are some good day trips from Chicago with kids?
You’ll love taking the kids to the Chicago Botanic Gardens, enjoying thrills at Six Flags Great America, or exploring the Baha’i House of Worship in Wilmette! These spots are sure to create unforgettable family memories!