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

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.

Kristy Pepping said:  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 restaurant.

Lisa R said:  The tree top ropes courses at Go Ape bring you closer to nature and your chimpanzee ancestors in one go. You'll spend 2-3 hours hiking through the tree top canopy with the aid of suspended ropes and zip lines. The cost of admission includes all of the necessary safety gear and a 30-minute class on safety and course etiquette. Ten to fifteen year olds must be accompanied by an adult 18+, while 16-17 year olds only need a signed waiver. Additional adventures are also available!

Shila said:  Glenview Park District's The Grove is a walkable outdoor history museum. The newly renovated Interpretive Center serves a showcase for local history and nature, and as an educational programming space. At the Interpretive Center, you can explore the large animal tanks and the exciting new Turtle Island habitat, discover new exhibits that let you follow in the footsteps of Illinois naturalist Robert Kennicott, meet a full-size prehistoric relative of the modern-day sloth, and so much more!

Joseph Kelley said:  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.

Sarah D. said:  The Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve boasts 11 miles of trails, many of which are 8 feet wide limestone navigable by stroller or wheelchair. I recommend Waterfall Glen for the main trail access to Rocky Glen trail (.2 miles) which leads to a beautiful waterfall of the same name. The views are amazing, the access parking lot is nearby, and the trail is suitable for all ages!

Shila said:  This is an outdoor, zero depth entry wave pool where 10-minute periods of flowing waves (around 3-foot crests) send kids bobbing about on floaters. There is plenty of lounge space on deck, as well as concessions.

Kristy Pepping said:  Lost Mountain is located in Chicago's western suburb of Woodridge that is built around a mystical three-tiered waterfall. As the saga goes, "Lost Mountain is said to be the last remnant of the fabled Illini Mountains" more than 2 million years ago. The course today challenges young adventurers through daunting holes, bridges, rivers, passing quick sand and racing rapids, and more obstacles to theme. Make your way to the summit of Lost Mountain!

Kristy Pepping 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.

June-August

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!

Gina I. said:  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!