
38 Things to Do in Chicago with Kids
We’ve rounded up 38 parent-approved things to do in Chicago with kids that will keep the whole family entertained. From exploring hands-on museums and epic playgrounds to wandering colorful neighborhoods and discovering hidden kid-friendly gems, these are tried-and-true favorites from parents who know what works.
Have a favorite Chicago kids activity? Add your tips and reviews to help other families discover new ways to enjoy the city.
Bronzeville Children's Museum
The Bronzeville Children's Museum opened in 1993 as the first and only African-American children's museum in the country. One-hour tours are provided to introduce children to four different subject matters, allowing them to play as they learn. Tours occur every hour on the hour. Learn about African American inventors, STEM leaders, athletes, innovations in medicine, and more. Each exhibit is play-based, with age-appropriate toys and activities to match.
Chicago, IL
Navy Pier
Navy Pier offers restaurants, entertainment, a children's museum, and a friendly venue for year-round special events. You'll also find a quick swing ride, spinning tea cups, a carousel, a drop tower, and more. The 200-foot Centennial Wheel is available year-round (weather permitting). The enclosed gondolas offer 360-degree views of Chicago and Lake Michigan. This iconic ride is a 'must-do adventure' for local and tourist families alike.
Chicago, ILShedd Aquarium
See whales, dolphins, sharks, stingrays, jellyfish and more! Many exhibits are play-based, like the Polar Play Zone, where your kiddo can slip into a penguin suit and waddle around! Experience touch tanks, animal chats, dolphin and whale shows, shark feedings, behind-the-scenes tours, sleepover events, youth camps, and more.
Chicago, ILThe Walnut Room
Before it was Macy's, it was Marshall Field's. The founder, Marshall Field, was from Chicago, and his flagship department store still stands on State Street today. Inside this historic building, a lot has changed, but the Walnut Room remains true to tradition. This iconic restaurant is located on the 7th floor and was the first restaurant ever opened in a department store. If you are visiting during Chicago's Christmas season, they have an enormous tree in the center of the room - viewable from upstairs in the store, too. Make a whole day of shopping and dining on Chicago's State Street!
Chicago, ILServing lunch and dinner
American Girl Place
Alexandra F. said: If you have a doll-loving kid, it is really worth making a visit to the American Girl Store. It's so fun to just browse (though be prepared to maybe also buy!) the elaborate dolls, clothing, and accessories throughout the huge store. Plus, the various experiences like tea or lunch can really make the visit even more special! It's nice, too, that this store is in the heart of Mag Mile, so you can enjoy walking this iconic strip of Chicago's Michigan Avenue with a kid-friendly destination (or starting point!) in mind.
Chicago, ILChicago History Museum
Kristy Pepping said: The Chicago History Museum is located at the South end of Lincoln Park. The building itself is beautiful and the museum hosts a great selection of rotating, interactive exhibits; it's the perfect place to bring your budding historian! Kids can step inside an old L train car, or pretend to be a steam train conductor. There's also a sensory exhibit geared for youth where they can dress up as a Chicago hot dog! Illinois residents 18 and under, and non-residents 12 and under, always enjoy free admission.
Chicago, ILGreen City Market
Sarah Calamita said: Chicago boasts one of the best farmer's markets in the country! There is a variety of fresh and prepared foods (so even if you're visiting from a hotel, go there to soak in the vibe and grab a smoothie, grilled cheese or crepe!), music and cooking demos. It is across from an iconic hotel (go grab a coffee at the Lincoln Hotel beforehand) and across from the Zoo, if that's a destination. The rooftop on the Lincoln Hotel has a really great view of the city!
Chicago, ILWrigley Field
In addition to catching a Chicago Cubs home game at Wrigley Field, consider taking a guided walking tour to learn more about the ballpark and its history.
Sarah Calamita said: Even if you don't like baseball and aren't a Cubs fan, you will have a blast at Wrigley Field, the home of the beloved Cubs. It is a beautiful stadium in a fun neighborhood. Make sure you eat a hot dog there. Outside before game day you can access Gallagher Way which is a fun green space where they have a splash pad and kids games out 2 hours before the game. The atmosphere around Wrigley on game day is second to none.
Chicago, ILGallagher Way
Gallagher Way is a family-friendly sports and entertainment district located just outside Wrigley Field. More than just a gameday thing, families can come throughout the year to enjoy community events, outdoor movies and music, greenspace, a water feature, seasonal ice skating, restaurants and shopping.
Chicago, ILSouthport Corridor
Sarah Calamita said: If you want to venture beyond the touristy areas and check out a neighborhood, the Southport Corridor is the best! Chain stores, cute boutique stores (for both kids and adults), coffee shops, great restaurants (Crosby's is one of the most family friendly restaurants in the city), ice cream (Jeni's is to die for) and playground/splash pads (Juniper Park or Margaret Donahue Playground) and a Thursday night farmer's market. Take a cab or the brown line to Southport.
Chicago, ILBrookfield Zoo
Brookfield Zoo houses around 450 species of animals on 216 acres. Don't miss their dolphin show! After going to the zoo for years I discovered the Hamill Family Play Zoo & Wild Encounters. The Play Zoo is perfect for kids up to age 10 and is very hands-on and lots of fun. During the day you can hear a zookeeper discuss certain animals and walk around with them for kids to pet. Enter the Wild Encounters section and you will be surrounded by red pandas, llamas, alpacas, wallabies, and reindeer...and can even pet and feed some of them! Brookfield Zoo also has one of our favorite Chicago carousels, too.
Brookfield, ILKohl Children’s Museum
Kohl Children’s Museum offers more than a dozen interactive, hands-on exhibits including a play cafe to transact food orders and dine in, a pretend grocery store, a hands-on water play area, pretend veterinarian's office and more! The Adventures in Art room provides more than enough art supplies to create your own masterpieces. There is an outdoor playground area, as well as an in-house cafe restaurant.
Glenview, IL
Pirates' Cove Children's Theme Park
Pirates Cove, located in Chicago's northeastern suburbs, is referred to as Elk Grove's "hidden treasure." This is a local theme park, though non-resident families often make the trip to uncover what the pirates have in store! Kids love the playful pirate ship, paddle boats, slides, carousel, train and daily performances. All attractions are themed and aimed to please the youngest buccaneers.
Vanessa M. said: As a little kid, I remember telling my parents that Pirate's Cove was WAY more fun than the (expensive) trip to Disneyworld we had just taken. Now my kids love it, and it's on our summer bucket list every year! While kids of all ages would have fun, I think it is best enjoyed by kids 2-7 or so.
Elk Grove Village, ILJune-August
Naper Settlement
Naper Settlement is a 19th century outdoor living history museum featuring 12 acres of learning and interactive family-friendly opportunities. Above that, Naper Settlement has a wooden fort-inspired playscape out back that features a trading post, sensory prairie garden, a playground, picnic tables and a seasonal splash pad with water cannons and ground water jets. Naper Settlement is steps away from dining, shopping and the Naperville Riverwalk.
Naperville, ILBlackberry Farm
Blackberry Farm is a part of Fox Valley Park District's living-history museum. The Adventure Playground looks like an old farming community with climbing deck, rope tunnels, zip line, bridges and tons of slides. In addition to the incredible playground, admission to Blackberry Farm includes access to its historical sites, rides and attractions, including the Discovery Barn, train, hay wagon, paddle boats, carousel and ponies.
Aurora, ILMay-September
Primary photo: Sawyer Bengtson on Unsplash
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