Planning a trip to Chicago with children is exciting because Chicago offers a wide range of activities that appeal to kids and adults alike. From world-class museums to expansive parks, there’s something for kids of all ages in this vibrant metropolis. In fact, as any Chicago parent knows, the real challenge is deciding which adventure to tackle first. Whether you’re visiting during spring break or the summer months, you’ll find plenty of family-friendly activities to keep everyone entertained. Chicago is a great destination for family trips year-round.
Navy Pier
This iconic attraction along the waterfront has become a one-stop hub of fun for families. At Pier Park, you can ride the towering Ferris wheel and an old-school carousel, offering great views and plenty of thrills for little ones. Indoors, it houses the Chicago Children’s Museum, where kids can enjoy creative play across three floors. The pier also features an amazing funhouse maze, a miniature golf course, and occasional special events like summer fireworks. With souvenir shops and plenty of family-friendly restaurants (think casual eateries and ice cream stands), this lively spot is ideal for an afternoon. Rain or shine, it’s a fantastic spot for the whole family to experience Chicago’s lakefront entertainment.
Millennium Park
This popular park is the perfect place for free outdoor fun in the heart of downtown. Children love splashing around the Crown Fountain, which essentially doubles as a splash pad in warm weather, spouting water for kids to cool off under the giant video towers of smiling faces. The park’s expansive lawns and paths offer space for many different activities – kids can stretch their legs, enjoy a picnic, or marvel at the shiny Cloud Gate sculpture (aka “The Bean”). During summer, the park hosts family-friendly concerts and movie nights, while in winter it features ice skating nearby. Its location within historic Grant Park means you’re also steps away from gardens and Buckingham Fountain.
Maggie Daley Park
This wonderland for active kids boasts a massive play garden with slides, bridges, and climbing structures that cater to both young kids and older children. Adventurous family members can tackle the outdoor climbing wall or, in the winter, glide along the ribbon-shaped skating ribbon (and in summer, that same path is used for scootering and roller skating). There’s also an 18-hole mini-golf course themed around Chicago landmarks, ensuring everyone finds something to enjoy. The park includes water play areas and picnic spots, providing ample space for outdoor adventures. With the skyline as a backdrop, it’s an ideal spot to let kids burn off energy while adults relax in the surroundings.
Lincoln Park Zoo
One of the nation’s last free zoos and a true Chicago gem for families, this zoo is home to over a thousand animals – from big cats and apes to farm critters and American animals like bison and bears. Children will delight in the red pandas, penguins, and playful monkeys. During warmer months, they can take short locomotive rides on the zoo’s kiddie train or spin the carousel. Learning stations in the children’s barn and educational chats with zookeepers engage the youngest visitors. Seasonal highlights such as easter egg hunts in spring and the dazzling ZooLights display in winter add extra magic. Nestled in Lincoln Park with gardens and a pond nearby, the zoo offers a full day of fun without costing a dime.
Field Museum
This famous natural history museum is a must-see attraction that captivates visitors of all ages. Walking through the main entrance, your family will be greeted by towering dinosaur skeletons – including “Maximo” the titanosaur, which sets an adventurous tone. Through rich exhibits, kids can explore Egyptian mummies, see giant gemstones, and learn about cultures worldwide. Downstairs, the Crown Family PlayLab offers interactive exhibits specifically designed for young children, from music and dress-up to digging for dinosaur bones, making the museum fun and approachable for all ages. As part of the Lakefront Museum Campus, it is conveniently located near the aquarium and planetarium, and it’s part of the city’s tourist pass packages if you plan to visit multiple attractions. Tip: Check for free admission days for Illinois residents for an even better way to visit this world-class museum on a budget.
Shedd Aquarium
This renowned aquarium sits by the lake, and for a long time, it was the largest indoor aquarium in the world. Inside, families can watch dolphins leap and beluga whales glide in the aquatic shows, or pop into the immersive Polar Play Zone where children can dress as penguins and explore a kid-sized submarine. Touch tanks with sea stars and sturgeons provide a chance to actually feel aquatic creatures, and plenty of underwater viewing galleries that are mesmerising for kids and grown-ups alike. Surrounded by skyline views and parks, a trip to the aquarium is educational and engaging, so your children might not want to leave.
Adler Planetarium
This planetarium sparks curiosity about the cosmos, making it ideal for space-loving kids. Opened in 1930 as the first planetarium in the Western Hemisphere, Adler has a long history of inspiring stargazers. Families can catch an immersive sky show that virtually flies you to the Moon and beyond, or check out the museum’s exhibits about planets, galaxies, and space exploration. There are hands-on areas like the Planet Explorers exhibit, where little ones can pretend to blast off to Mars, and older kids enjoy peering through telescopes and engaging with space science displays. Situated on the lakeshore, the planetarium also offers a stunning view of the city skyline – a picturesque spot for family photos. Whether your children are future astronauts or just curious about the night sky, Adler will leave them starry-eyed and inspired.
Museum of Science and Industry
This museum is a massive playground of science that will leave your family in awe. Housed in a historic building on the South Side, it’s the largest science museum in the city. Kids can descend into a coal mine shaft, step inside a real WWII submarine, and watch baby chicks hatch, among many other wonders. There’s a whole section of hands-on exhibits in the Idea Factory for little ones, and older kids love the simulated tornado, the mirror maze, and historic trains on display. With so many exhibits under one roof, you could spend an entire day here and still have more to see. The museum also offers on-site dining and even free days for locals, making it one of the best places to spark a love of science in children.
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is a smaller museum tucked in Lincoln Park that focuses on local nature and hands-on learning. It’s especially great for little kids curious about butterflies, turtles, and the environment. The highlight for most families is the tropical butterfly haven, where hundreds of butterflies flit around and might even land on visitors. Young explorers can enjoy interactive stations like a water table to learn about rivers, and kids often take part in crafts or other kids’ arts activities in the wilderness-themed play space. The museum also organises a whimsical Mad Hatter party tea event and seasonal nature walks, adding extra fun throughout the year. Because it’s a more intimate space, parents often find it a great option for a calmer, shorter outing that still offers plenty of fun learning opportunities. After exploring indoors, you can step outside to the adjacent pond and nature trail to continue the adventure.
Art Institute of Chicago
It might not spring to mind immediately for families, but this world-famous art museum offers surprising delights for budding artists and inquisitive kids. The museum has free admission for children under 14, and it features the Ryan Learning Center, a family area where kids can create their own artwork and engage in interactive games related to art and design. Inside the galleries are exhibits sure to catch a child’s attention – from knights’ armour and glittering treasures to the dollhouse-like Thorne Miniature Rooms. The Art Institute provides sketchbooks and ideas to help engage the children as you explore, making art appreciation accessible and fun. This museum is an enriching stop that offers a great way to introduce young minds to the arts during your Chicago visit.
Chicago Children’s Museum
Chicago Children’s Museum is all about play-based learning and is one of the top kid-friendly attractions in the city. Located on the upper level of Chicago’s famous pier, this museum has exhibits where kids can climb, build, and get creative. Future architects can construct forts and skyscrapers in the Tinkering Lab, little adventurers can dig for dinosaur bones, and aspiring firefighters can drive a real fire truck. There are interactive displays like a water play area (bring a change of clothes for the tots!) and an art studio for messy fun. The museum caters especially to younger children, but even older siblings will find something engaging here. Parents will appreciate the safe, enclosed environment where the little ones can explore freely. After a visit, your kids will likely be gushing about their favourite activities – a sure sign of a successful outing.
Garfield Park Conservatory
The Garfield Park Conservatory offers a lush, green escape that families can enjoy together, especially if you need a break from the typical hustle and bustle. Often called “landscape art under glass,” this huge conservatory is filled with tropical plants, palms, ferns, and flowers in elaborate indoor gardens. Children love the interactive elements in the dedicated Children’s Garden, where they can climb on a giant seed, explore a splash area, and even slide down a treehouse-style slide. Exploring the conservatory feels like an outdoor adventure, perfect for chilly days when you still want a dose of nature. The surrounding grounds also have play spaces and gardens to roam. Best of all, admission is donation-based (essentially free), which makes it a great place for budget-conscious families to visit. It’s a calm, beautiful spot where everyone in the family can recharge amidst nature.
Chicago History Museum
This museum introduces the city’s rich story in a way that can engage children and adults alike. The museum’s exhibits include Sensing Chicago, where kids can ride a high-wheel bicycle, hear the Great Chicago Fire, and even dress up in old-fashioned clothes, making history tangible and fun. Youngsters can climb aboard a vintage “L” train car or see larger-than-life Chicago-style hot dog sculptures, ensuring there’s plenty to make Chicago kids smile. Located near Lincoln Park, this museum is an engaging way to spark curiosity about the city’s past while keeping the kids entertained.
North Avenue Beach
When the sun is out, this popular beach along Lake Michigan is Chicago’s go-to spot for classic summer fun. Families can build sandcastles, splash in the lake’s shallow waters, or participate in a beach volleyball game. There’s a beach house with restrooms, snacks, and even a bar and grill (for the parents to grab refreshments). During summer, the beach is lively with music and occasional free events or fitness classes that everyone can join. It’s easy to pair a beach morning here with an afternoon at the zoo or a nearby playground – just pack some sunscreen and towels, and your entire crew will have a blast by the lake.
Magnificent Mile & Water Tower Place
Chicago’s famous shopping strip on Michigan Avenue is not only for retail therapy – it also offers plenty of family fun. Along this stretch, you’ll find the historic Chicago’s Water Tower Place, a vertical shopping mall that houses kid magnets like the Lego Store and the American Girl store. It’s a perfect stop to let the kids pick out a special souvenir or enjoy a colourful candy shop. Speaking of treats, you can even indulge in goodies like Reese’s peanut butter cups or Garrett’s popcorn as you stroll the avenue. Street-level sights include the old Water Tower (which survived the Great Chicago Fire) and often a busker or two performing. For a bit of whimsy, the city’s new ice cream museum (the Museum of Ice Cream) is located nearby, offering Instagram-worthy installations and unlimited ice cream – a sure hit with children. And when feet get tired, there are family-friendly restaurants in the area for a pit stop. A day around this area balances activities and some urban sightseeing in your family itinerary.
Willis Tower
No trip to Chicago would be complete without taking in the view from its most famous skyscraper. Formerly known as the Sears Tower, this skyscraper held the title of tallest building in the world for many years. Its observation deck, Skydeck Chicago, is a thrill for all ages – especially for anyone brave enough to step out onto “The Ledge,” a glass-floored balcony 1,353 feet above the ground! You can see the vast cityscape, the winding Chicago River, and even beyond Illinois on a clear day. The Skydeck experience is well-organised with timed tickets, and fun exhibits in the queue area explain the tower’s history and engineering. Visiting around sunset lets you watch the city light up in real time. The adrenaline and amazing views will give your family a story to tell.
Tips for a Family-Friendly Chicago Trip
- Getting Around: Chicago’s public transportation (buses and “L” trains) can take you to nearly all of these attractions, so you might not need a car. For longer distances or late nights, ride-sharing services are a convenient backup for tired feet or off-hour trips.
- Consider City Passes: Grab a Chicago CityPASS or other tourist pass to maximise your sightseeing (and save money). It bundles entry to multiple major attractions and is one of the best ways to save money while skipping some ticket lines.
- Plan for Weather: Chicago can be very hot in summer and quite cold in winter. If you’re visiting in the colder months, remember that Chicago offers great options for both indoor and outdoor activities. Consider a hotel with an indoor pool so the kids can splash around after a day of sightseeing. Likewise, pack layers for everyone and plan indoor stops on chilly days.
- Beyond Downtown: If you have extra time, remember that the greater Chicago area offers even more. There are exciting amusement parks in the northwest suburbs (like Six Flags Great America) and a world-class zoo in the western suburbs (Brookfield Zoo), among other destinations. Older kids might enjoy unique activities like segway tours along the lakefront or solving puzzles in one of the city’s many escape rooms.
- Family Dining: You’ll find family-friendly restaurants all over Chicago, from deep-dish pizzerias to casual diners. Many attractions have cafés or food stands on site. Bringing snacks can help tide little ones over between meals while you explore.
Chicago provides endless family-friendly attractions, making tailoring the perfect trip for your clan easy. The city offers something for everyone with a mix of interactive museums, beautiful parks, towering views, and even sandy beaches. By balancing indoor and outdoor activities and taking advantage of the city’s resources, you’ll quickly see why Chicago is such a fun place for families. Ultimately, Chicago ensures your entire family has so much fun creating lasting memories in this spectacular city.