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

Shila said:  If your kids love parkour and America Ninja Warriors, you’ve got to check out the Schaumburg Park District’s free outdoor challenge course featuring unique obstacles, ninja steps, floating boards, a vault wall, 40-yard dash & more. Digital timers even allow the little ninjas to score their performance.

Shila said:  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.

Alexandra F. said:  This aviation-themed, casual-dining restaurant is perfect for the plane-loving kids in your family! Check out the reasonably-priced kids menu with all the perennial kid favorites, and sit back and enjoy watching planes and helicopters land and take off from just outside your window!

Yoli B said:  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, bridges and tons of slides. The coolest part will be watching your kid zip line from the silo back to Earth! 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-October

Vanessa M. said:  Bring the family on a wild ride down the Fox River at downtown Yorkville's Marge Cline Whitewater Course. You can B.Y.O.Boat or check out the Yak Shack for boat, kayak, and tube rental. The river breaks into two sections, one for beginners and one for more experienced paddlers, and the pedestrian bridge makes a great observation spot for family members who may not be keen to participate. Nearby restaurants and playground make this destination a fun day trip for families!

Alexandra F. said:  This family run farm outside of Chicago offers a gorgeous sunflower maze three times over the summer and early fall for a truly unique (and picturesque!) family activity. Maze availability is heavily dependent on weather, so be sure to check their Facebook page for the most up-to-date information. The maze begins blooming around mid-July. In addition to the sunflower maze, you can enjoy freshly grown produce from the market for much of the year, and plenty of fall family fun.

Sean Keisman said:  All Seasons Orchard is one of the largest u-pick apple orchards in northern Illinois with more than 15,000 apple trees and two orchards. Their wagon ride will take you to one or both orchards, depending on the pick-your-own apple varieties that are available. They also have thousands of pumpkins to choose from whether you want to pick your own or grab an already-picked pumpkin from their pumpkin farm. The orchard also includes a corn maze, petting zoo, bunny village, giant swings, pedal karts, and more.

Yoli B said:  Do you have little ones that can't get enough of their train table, or watching the trains pass by? If so the Illinois Railway Museum is a perfect place to spend the day. They have collections of vintage rail cars and modern subway cars. Exhibits are outdoors and in hangar style facilities and the best part is you can touch and climb aboard most of the cars and engines. Pack a lunch or eat at the onsite diner, but make sure you enjoy the 25 minute train ride before you leave! This is the venue for the annual Days Out With Thomas.

April-September