38 Things to Do in Chicago with Kids

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.

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.

Since 1951, this train-themed restaurant's success can be attributed to its friendly environment, homemade food, and a model train run that delivers food to your counter seat. Popular meals on wheels include old-fashioned burgers, Chicago-style hot dogs, and sloppy Joes. Milkshakes and malts are also recommended. If it's your birthday, they'll play a special song for you--train whistle toots and all! And you can even arrive via the Metra! The UP-NW Des Plaines train stop is 1 block away.

Joseph Kelley said:  

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.

June-August

Bison's Bluff Nature Playground is an award-winning, nature-inspired play area designed to immerse children in unstructured, imaginative play within a safe, natural setting. Located within the Spring Valley Nature Center, the playground features elements like a flowing stream, rock formations, sand areas, and a towering bison sculpture. During peak times, play sessions are limited to one hour, with a nominal admission fee. Admission is free between November 1 and March 31.

Yoli B said:  Located at the Spring Valley Nature Center in Schaumburg, Bison's Bluff has one of the best playgrounds in the Chicago suburbs. You have to see it in person to believe all the activities to do here. There is a waterfall that empties into a rock pond designed for exploration, and every structure is designed for either climbing, music-making, or learning! I've personally spent 3 hours at this park without one kid complaint; now that is a "win" in my book!

Step back in time, and experience Schaumburg as an early German settler at Volkening Heritage Farm. Authentically dressed interpreters will show you around the 1880s farmhouse, let you help with seasonal farm chores, and teach you all about what life was like for some of Schaumburg's early residents. Visit the barn and say 'hello' to the local livestock. While you're there you may even see some chickens roaming freely throughout the grounds!

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.

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.

May-September