66 Things To Do in Chicago With Kids (Parent Reviews)

Erin P. said:  Johnson's Farm is home to the largest garden center in the area. There is nothing like local, home grown Johnson strawberries - whether you want to go to the field to pick your own or purchase them pre-picked inside the market. They provide helpful tips for picking your own berries and produce and a tram out to the field. Join them for their fun farm weekends, too, for additional kids activities, including train rides, pedal cars, slides, tunnels, a jump pillow and more!

Strawberries start in early June followed by blueberries and raspberries in July/August

Kristy Pepping said:  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 ever 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.

Kristy Pepping said:  Chicago families love MSI! The Museum of Science and Industry is one of the largest science museums in the world. Exhibits focus on both history and on the future of science and science education, but kids love the interactive exhibits and jaw-dropping experiences geared just for them. They have an amazing model train exhibit, too, that train-enthusiast kids (and adults!) go wild for.

This museum is located a little south of downtown, but a very quick drive. Its campus has tons of open park area for kids to burn off some energy and right next to the lake, too.

Sarah D. said:  Northerly Island trails are an extension of the museum campus and Chicago's famous Lakefront Trail. These paved, pristine trails traverse a hilly, lakefront expanse of Illinois prairie and savanna that form a peninsula out into Lake Michigan. Renowned for the presence of migratory birds, Northerly Island is a sanctuary along the shoreline of a bustling city. With easy access via an on-site lot, this sanctuary is the perfect place to spend time in nature.

Gina I. said:  Chicago's most popular stargazing spot offers education and entertainment for visitors of all ages. Explore a variety of out-of-this-world exhibits and breathtaking shows, and check out the Planet Explorers area, where kids can climb, crawl, play, and join the crew on a mission to space!

Erin P. said:  My mom used to love taking us to Chicago and going for a ride on the Seadog, and I look forward to continuing the tradition with my own kids one day! You can enjoy views of Buckingham Fountain, Grant Park, Chicago Harbor, and Chicago’s Museum Campus. A great summer activity! Thrill seeking Chicago families should try the extreme thrill ride, where speeds hit 45 mph and they do 360 degree spins. You'll get wet!

Kristy Pepping said:  Navy Pier may be a "touristy" attraction, but even if you are from Chicago, there is so much to do and explore that you may have never seen before, including restaurants, shows, cruises, and events. Most notably, kids can enjoy one of the best children's museums in Chicago, as well as the Centennial Ferris Wheel that offers stunning views of the city skyline.

Sarah Calamita said:  If you have dinosaur lovers this is THE place to go. The great thing is you can go in and spend a few hours inside, but then it is right on the lake so you can spend time outside and walk the path along the lake! It is an amazing museum. Don't miss the SUE exhibit!

Kristy Pepping said:  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 and behind-the-scene tours, sleepover events, youth camps, and more.

Lisa R said:  Consistently rated one of the best guided tours in Chicago, Bobby's Bike Hire has a range of walking and biking tours specially tailored for tourists, families with young kids, date night, etc. It's a great way to catch up on Chicago history, learn about new places that you'll want to return to again and again, and (best of all) learn obscure facts that will impress your friends!

Yoli B said:  The incredible 3-acre Play Garden at Maggie Daley Park is one of the best playgrounds in Chicago and is not to be missed. All of the playground equipment is special and includes slides, bridges, swings, boats and more. Each playground is moderately fenced in, as well. Check it out in warmer months and you may be able to hear the summer concerts from adjacent Millennium Park! Additional fun family activities like mini-golf and rock climbing have fees.

Shila said:  Millennium Park's Crown Fountain consists of two 50-foot glass block towers at each end of a shallow reflecting pool. It is a popular gathering place and one of the best splash pads in the city! The fountain acts a public play area and offers people an escape from the summer heat while walking through the fountain's ankle high water.

Kristy Pepping said:  Millennium Park is located on famed Michigan Avenue and within walking distance to several hotels, restaurants, and shopping. It also provides the backdrop for several (often free!) cultural programs including concerts, exhibitions, awesome outdoor movie nights, and more. Kid specific attractions include an outdoor ice skating/roller skating ribbon, rock climbing, splash parks, mini golf, Maggie Daley Park playground, and lush gardens to run or take a leisurely stroll through. Remember to take a picture at "The Bean" sculpture (aka Cloud Gate)!

Kelly R. said:  The bright and colorful children's space located on the second floor of the massive Harold Washington Library offers plenty of fun kids activities in Chicago's South Loop. Areas organized by age are filled with fun STEAM and tech activities, play opportunities, a tween digital media space, and plenty of cozy seating and reading nooks.

Kristy Pepping said:  This comprehensive tour takes you on a boat ride through the heart of Chicago while a professionally-trained guide shares the story behind its legendary architecture and renowned skyline. There is an indoor section on the boat if it is chilly outside, along with bathrooms and snacks for a comfortable ride. Several different tours are available, including a shorter, family-friendly version of the Chicago River Architecture Tour at only 45 minutes.

Kristy Pepping said:  The Chicago Water Taxi may be your mode of transportation while going to work, but it can also be fun as a tourist or as part of a Chicago family staycation! It's a great way to quickly (and cheaply) see the sights and architecture that Chicago has alongside the river without taking a formal tour, and is a fun boat trip for kids!

If you're arriving downtown via Metra to either Oglivie or Union Station, just walk a couple blocks to the river and you've arrived! You can ride the Chicago Water Taxi to Navy Pier, Chinatown, Michigan Ave, or even the Museum Campus.

Kristy Pepping said:  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!

Serving lunch and dinner

Shila said:  American Girl Place is a retail store for everything American Girl and is located on the exciting strip of Michigan Avenue at Water Tower Place. It's a destination in itself! Enjoy selections that appeal to girls and grown-ups alike—plus, they offer special seats just for doll friends. Reservations recommended.

Kristy Pepping said:  There are a few landmark buildings that are must-see stops when visiting Chicago. One of them is the former Hancock Center located on Michigan Avenue. Go to the 94th floor of the building for some great views at 360 CHICAGO. 360 CHICAGO observation deck is also home to TILT – Chicago’s highest thrill ride – an enclosed moving platform that literally tilts you out over Michigan Avenue.

The Willis Tower and John Hancock buildings both compete for skydeck view experiences, but both are great - and you get a view of the opposing building! It just depends on what location you find yourself in for the day. Hancock is along the mega shopping district on Michigan Avenue closer to the lake, while The Willis Tower is conveniently located right off the Metra commuter trains a bit southwest.

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!

Shila said:  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.

Memorial Day-Labor Day Swimming

Kristy Pepping said:  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:  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.

Shila said:  This 2 hour kayaking tour guides you down the Chicago River as it flows through downtown. From the water level up, you'll look up to mega skyscrapers, the riverside promenade and learn about Chicago's famous architecture while kayaking along the Chicago River. Other tours include a sunset tour, Navy Pier fireworks tour, gangsters tour, and a moonlight tour.

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.

Sarah D. said:  The Nature Boardwalk at the Lincoln Park Zoo is an oasis in the concrete jungle. This beautiful expanse in Lincoln Park stretches through Illinois prairie and wetland ecosystems with half a mile of boardwalk. The trail can be found at the southernmost end of the Lincoln Park Zoo and provides an educational experience for visitors including seasonal presentations. This trail provides access to the famous Chicago Lakefront Trail and North Avenue Beach.

Shila said:  Lincoln Park Zoo is home to rhinos, monkeys, tigers, bears, lions, penguins, giraffes, exotic birds and more! Open daily and always free since it was first established in 1868, it is one of the best things to do in Chicago with kids for those who live here as well as those who are visiting.

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!

Gina I. said:  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.

Yoli B said:  The Wizard of Oz statues (including Dorothy in her ruby slippers) and sprawling play structure make this one of the best playgrounds in Chicago! The wooden playground is built like a castle and maze and has tons of bridges to climb, tire swings, and even a wooden train. This park is great for hide and seek!

RebeccaH said:  A dynamic combination of art, music, comedy and technology, Blue Man Group encourages audiences to reconnect with their inner (and outer) child in order to see the world through a new perspective. Blue Man Group originally debuted at the Briar Street Theatre in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood in 1997. Three bald and blue men explore today’s cultural norms with wonder, poking fun at the audience’s collective quirks and reminding them how much they all have in common. The show is continually refreshed with new music, stories, custom instruments and state-of-the-art technology.

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.

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

Shila said:  Stroll through acres of indoor and outdoor botanical gardens featuring plant species and landscapes from around the world. The perfect family activity in Chicago to get in touch with nature all year long.

Gina I. said:  Where can you see the stars and learn from Northwestern University Physics & Astronomy students? The Dearborn Observatory! The observatory makes its 18.5 foot refracting telescope available to the public every Friday night. You can make reservations in advance, or show up for the walk-in tours and hope it's not too crowded.

Note that the dome is not climate controlled, and that several staircases must be climbed in order to reach the telescope.

Friday nights

Erin P. said:  Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens is an 85-acre non-profit park that features woodlands, prairie, wetlands, gardens and a 10-acre lake. Adventure seekers can rent canoes or kayaks, or those who prefer dry land might enjoy hiking, jogging or walking along the lake. Their nature center includes reptiles and other animals, as well as books and exhibits for kids. It offers the opportunity for hands-on learning and also hosts several kid-friendly nature programs throughout the year. There is also a children's play area in the Children's Forest.

Shila said:   Skokie Sports Park is top rated golf range that also features two adventure mini-golf courses for the entire family: Traveler's Quest and Kid's Quest. Traveler's Quest is themed with world-wide landmarks, while Kid's Quest is complete with interactive, climbing obstacles on the holes. The mini-course, taking after its premier golf range, is also extensively built with lush landscaping, water falls, and spacious greens.

Gina I. said:  The barn animals change seasonally but they often have a variety of chickens, ducks, turkeys, rabbits, pigs, goats, cows, sheep, horses, ponies and donkeys. Farm volunteers invite the public into each animal pen and are ready to supply information about the animals to inquiring visitors.

Alexandra F. said:  Centennial Park Aquatic Center offers a zero-depth pool with a water play feature for younger children, various slides, a cliff jump, and a lazy river with waterfalls. Two of the larger slides are a 328-foot tube slide and a 200-foot flume slide.

Sarah D. said:  The Skokie Lagoons covers 894 acres of amazing waterscape and beautifully-kept marshes enjoyed by water-lovers from all over the northern suburbs! On any given day, see kayaks, canoes, rowers or even sailboats from the shorelines. With 7.5 miles of trails, 5.9 of which are paved, these trails offer incredible views of nature. With picnic areas and canoe rentals, this is a wonderful day in nature hiking in a natural urban waterscape!

Joseph Kelley said:  This themed restaurant has a large interactive model train table, and a train that goes around the diner's counter style seating delivering food. Check out their party packages when planning your next birthday party!

Brittany Kozielski said:  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!

Alexandra F. said:  The Illinois Prairie Path was North America’s first successful rails-to-trails conversion in the 1960s, and is currently a multi-use nature trail for non-motorized public use. The trail is roughly shaped like a Y: the primarily urban main branch begins in Maywood and continues to Wheaton, where it branches into separate paths to Elgin and Aurora (with additional spurs to Geneva and Batavia). Amenities along the way include bathrooms, drinking fountains, parks and playgrounds.