38 Things to Do in Chicago with Kids

Sarah Calamita said:  The Chicago Riverwalk is an amazing space that runs from downtown to the lake. Along it you will find outdoor kids games, restaurants, bars, live music, kayaks, cycle boats, bike rentals and more. You can also take the water taxi there from various parts of the city, which kids will love!

One of Chicago's most popular beaches, North Avenue Beach features a unique, ocean-liner-inspired beach house. In addition to the obvious sand & water, the beach also has a multitude of bikers, runners, walkers and rollerbladers streaming down the lakefront trail. It's a cool people-watching spot. Most notably, though, this beach boasts one of the best views in and of the city.

Skydeck is located on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower, the tallest building in Chicago. This 360-degree experience offers a fun way of experiencing the city, and those who dare can walk out onto The Ledge, a glass balcony that extends 4 feet away from the building.

Sarah Calamita said:  The best doughnut shop in the city is in an old bank vault off a little side street in River North. Plan to wait in line, but they are fresh and to die for. (If you can't make it there, Fire Cakes and Stan's are the 2 runner ups!)

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.

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!

Open daily and always free since it was first established in 1868, the Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the best things to do in Chicago with kids for those who live here as well as those who are visiting. Parking fees do apply, though the zoo is also easily accessible via public transportation. Be sure to check out their website for a list of daily activities and educational animal experiences.

Kristy Pepping said:  This is a great museum to explore any time of year, with plenty of indoor conservation-based exhibits to complement the beautiful outdoor sanctuary. Kids especially love the bright and warm Butterfly Haven, interactive RiverWorks water play area and indoor playground.

Kelly R said:  The Lincoln Park area is a great spot to enjoy plentiful green space and to capture great skyline views from the north side. Take a walk along the lakefront or the nature boardwalk. Both paths are within blocks of the (free) Lincoln Park Zoo and Lincoln Park Conservatory. Stop in at any one of the many family-friendly restaurants for lunch, like RJ Grunts or the Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder. And be sure to admire the historic tree-lined streets throughout the neighborhood. There are several playgrounds in the area, too, including the one at Oz Park - a local favorite!

From koi fish to tropical palms to ancient ferns, this conservatory houses both unique plants and grows thousands of plants used in local parks. Visit the Orchid Room featuring a gorgeous array of exotic blooms, and the live model train run that's set up during winter- when it's also toasty warm inside! The free Lincoln Park Zoo and Lily Pool are next door.

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.

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.

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.

Sarah Calamita said:  The 606 is Chicagos's form of NYC's High Line. It's in a fun, trendy neighborhood with lots of stores and restaurants. Take the blue line to Damen (or hop in a cab) and get on the 606 at Damen Ave. A really great walk, bike, scooter in a fun green space!

Kelly R said:  Pedal around Humboldt Park Lagoon in one of the cool swan boats offered for hourly rental. It's such a unique thing to do with kids during the milder months of the year!

April-September