41 Fun Things to Do in Chicago with Kids (Updated) – 2024
Chicago is among the significant metropolitan areas of the United States, and it provides something for individuals of every age. It’s a family-friendly attraction with galleries, entertainment, boat trips, and magnificent architecture and heritage.
Whether you are looking for fun attractions near you or wondering where to take kids for fun,
The listed below are the best activities to do in Chicago with kids; whether you are visiting with friends or family, everybody will thoroughly enjoy it.
Best things to do in Chicago with children
1. Chicago Botanic Garden
The Chicago Botanic Garden is a collection of 27 magnificent landscapes spanning 385 acres.
If you’re in Chicago for the weekend and want to stay in Glencoe, this is a terrific spot to stay.
Why visit?
This is a terrific spot not just for people that enjoy strolling around gardens but also for children who will appreciate components such as the Nature Play Garden, the education center, and the expansive Esplanade that allows them to run through the meadow.
The toddlers will particularly like the arching bridges in the Japanese Pavilion.
2. Kohl Children’s Museum
Kohl Science museum is a fantastic choice for things to do in Chicago with kids.
The museum includes 17 unique displays that children may explore throughout the year.
Why visit?
The displays are unique and will get the people thinking about a variety of topics while also having a great time.
What I appreciate best about this exhibition is the Whole Foods Market for children, which has been designed to appear genuine and is a fantastic imitation of the real thing.
The vet clinic and waterfront station are both must-see attractions at the exhibition.
3. Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center
Especially if you are with children, the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center is a must-see.
The exhibition conveys some terrible realities regarding the Second World War and some crucial lessons that children should be aware of.
Why visit?
The gallery also offers a collection of art and a number of excellent teaching materials for children to learn approximately history.
If you are vacationing with young teenagers, We cannot emphasize the Harvey L Miller Family Youth Exhibit highly enough.
There are various hands-on exercises and events throughout the show that emphasize the development of compassion, leadership abilities, and bravery.
The children will undoubtedly appreciate the display.
Considering the weight of the material, it ranks as one of the highly informational kids’ activities around Chicago.
4. Gallagher Way
Gallagher Way is one of Chicago’s most popular family destinations. This is an exceptionally good option if you’re in Chicago over Christmas.
This promenade is next to the Wrigley Field marquee and is a terrific area just to have fun with the children.
Why visit?
Gallagher Way also has held roller skating accompanied by holiday film screenings during the wintertime!
The children may also engage in wreath-making courses, while you can plan ahead of time by researching various activities available in the square.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is additionally a nearby American classic.
5. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Perhaps one of the most excellent options to do in Chicago with kids is to visit the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.
It’s a terrific historic site in Lincoln Park that creates hands-on activities for the children to participate in while also learning something.
Why visit?
The exhibition is an educational repository of Illinois’ historical development and environment.
I believe the little ones will particularly love playing in the waterbodies, where they may discover everything about streams and their beginnings.
The butterfly greenhouse is also expected to be a significant favorite for both children and adults alike.
6. The 606 Trail
The 606 Trail has a variety of family-friendly attractions.
It is a public park that was created out of an obsolete rail track.
On a nice Chicago night, it’s a terrific area to go riding or for a walk.
Why visit?
Although this isn’t Central Park in New York, where one can recline, eat, and tour the zoo, it is a location where one can admire inventiveness and understand how the city turned a neglected land into something lovely.
It’s a terrific area for getting some exercise and maybe riding a family bike early in the day.
7. Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier
If you’re looking for things to do in Chicago with children, We strongly would suggest the Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier.
The Ferris Wheel is a Chicago classic, and although there are numerous other activities to do at the Navy Pier, it ought to be included in every traveler’s agenda.
Why visit?
The 200-foot-high Ferris wheel provides a magnificent 360-degree panorama of Lake Michigan and the bustling pier.
The covered chairlifts are secure and provide a clear, breathtaking perspective that shouldn’t be skipped.
8. Chicago Shakespeare Theatre
The Chicago Shakespeare Theater is another fantastic spot for family entertainment in Chicago.
This may appear to be an unusual option for a family vacation, but the highlights at this venue feature numerous kid-friendly performances.
Why visit?
There are reduced renditions of the great plays available for children and teenagers to watch.
So, if you’re in the city, make sure to check their webpage to see if a suitable performance is on.
We believe the experience will be worthwhile, and the children will undoubtedly like it.
9. Chicago Children’s Museum
The Chicago Children’s Museum, located on the famed Navy Pier, is ideal for kids under the age of ten.
Why visit?
The children may participate in a fun day of experimenting, DIY projects, and embarking on special trips to scoop up fossils and discover further about dinos.
Forget about the youngsters; especially grownups find this thrilling!
If your child has even the tiniest fascination with science and civilization, this is an excellent exhibition for them.
10. Chicago Riverwalk
The Chicago Riverwalk is one of our top recommendations to visit in Chicago.
This commuter walkway spans over a kilometer and a half, with Lake Michigan on one end and Lake Street on the opposite.
Why visit?
This is a shoreline from which you could enjoy the spectacular view of the Chicago skyline rising from the city center.
There are various diners and food vendors along the shoreline where you may have a bite or drink by the beach.
11. Chicago Architecture Center
Chicago boasts a number of the most stunning modernist design in America, and the Chicago Architectural Center is an excellent place to learn more about it.
The facilities offer events and displays for parents and children.
Why visit?
The facility’s element is the integrated digital 3D map of Chicago, with every monument annotated with intriguing facts.
Travelers may use this map to discover more about this ancient city.
Chicago is home to various architectural achievements, which you may read about here.
12. Garfield Park Conservatory
The Garfield Park Conservatory is one of the biggest in the United States of America.
The park is host to several species of plants and includes six conservatories for visitors to enjoy.
Why visit?
Additionally, there are two exposition facilities, which host a variety of events all year long.
The greenhouse conducts weekly activities where youngsters can receive hands-on training, maybe even digging in the ground and getting their fingers dirty while acquiring new knowledge.
13. Chicago Cultural Center
The former Chicago Public Facility now houses the Chicago Community Center.
This structure is one of the city’s oldest recognizable structures, situated in the Loop area.
Why visit?
The stunning vaulted design will have you leaning your neck back to see the ceiling’s magnificence.
While children might not be as enthralled by this old architectural style, but will undoubtedly appreciate the performances, dramatic events, and free displays.
When you arrive in town, ensure that you consult them about the upcoming schedule.
14. Millennium Park
Millennium Park is an acre of prime grassland space in Chicago.
This is one of the highly recommended attractions in the state of Illinois, not just in Chicago.
Why visit?
“The Bean,” a sizeable high-strength steel artwork that is a Chicago icon, is located in the parkland.
The statue was formally called Cloud Gate, and its steel plating brilliantly mirrors the Chicago skyline.
Millennium park also houses the Crown Fountain and stages performances at the Frank Gehry-designed gazebo.
In the wintertime, visitors may also go skiing.
15. Maggie Daley Park
Maggie Daley Park, situated in the city, is residence to the city’s sole outdoor bouldering campground.
During the colder months, you may also enjoy ice skates on the famous skate sash.’
Why visit?
There are also barbecue areas and a play area to play a sport.
Including its tidal lawn, enchanting woods, and thrilling slides, the playground area will be a famous delight for the younger set.
Maggie Daley Park is a fantastic family-friendly spot in the city.
16. Chicago Children’s Theatre
The Chicago Children’s Theater, as the name indicates, is a fantastic location to visit with children.
It is Chicago’s biggest commercial theatre group, and it was created with families and kids in consideration.
Why visit?
This theatre offers magnificent presentations with scale model puppetry as well as plays made by the theater team on the go.
If you are staying in the town for an extended period, you may want to consider enrolling your children in performing courses, after which they can perform their original play.
17. The Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the planet’s largest and most stunning cultural institutions.
If you are visiting with preteens, they are admitted free of charge.
Why visit?
The facility is enormous, and there is plenty to see, so go to the Ryan Learning Center and pick a short tour for the whole group.
The Vitale Family Room is also a terrific spot to look through riddles, activities, and children’s literature.
18. Willis Tower Skydeck
Willis Tower is a classic landmark that has additionally evolved to represent Chicago and its inventive architectural ethos.
For more than thirty years, it stood as the highest skyscraper in the continent.
Why visit?
The skyscraper’s rooftop deck, initially called the Sears Tower, provides a magnificent perspective of Chicago.
The panoramic sky deck trip will also supply you with historical information about Chicago and the Willis tower.
If you’re not frightened of altitudes, We propose stepping on the edge, a glass container that protrudes 4.3 ft from the structure and provides a breathtaking perspective of the town under.
19. Harold Washington Library
The primary facility of the Chicago Resource Center is Harold Washington Library.
The second story of this bookstore is wholly devoted to classic fiction for kids and a variety of hands-on exercises for the younger set.
Why visit?
If it’s pouring, but you don’t want to squander an entire day in the town, the application programs and exercises at the library are ideal for the children, while you can also enjoy the books.
The 9th story also boasts a spectacular rooftop garden.
Take note of the stunning glass roof.
20. Shedd Aquarium
Visitors will adore the Shedd Aquarium.
Parents would be able to enjoy the magnificence of the Beaux-Arts structure, whilst children will be captivated by the aquatic animals.
Why visit?
Freshwater aquariums are particularly popular among the younger generation.
Their reef displays also make due for a spectacular show of beautiful sea life. However, our favorite feature of this incredible indoor tank is the Polar Play Zone, which allows you to view whales, elephant seals, and otters going about their everyday routines.
21. Adler Planetarium
Among the most stunning planetariums in the nation is Adler.
From its very inception in 1930, the observatory has kept Chicagoans interested in the stars.
Why visit?
At the Adler Planetarium, you can see the eclipse via an aperture telescope, see sky presentations, and do much more.
We believe the youngsters would particularly appreciate the Planet Explorer section, which takes a hands-on perspective on the planetary study and will hold the younger visitors interested.
22. The Field Museum
The Field Museum is without a doubt one of our top recommendations for natural history institutions in the United States.
Children will always be fascinated by dinosaurs, no matter what era they were born in—even long before there were enormous, lucrative animated series based on prehistoric creatures.
Why visit?
You’ll be glad to hear that The National Museums is home to “Sue,” one of the country’s most extensive and best-preserved Tyrannosaurus Rex exhibits.
Aside from the spectacular dinosaur fossil, The Field Museum also houses an actual mummy.
It definitely is a delight for the entire clan.
23. National Museum of Mexican Art
The National Museum of Mexican Art is an excellent choice for young toddlers and young teens.
The gallery, which is situated in the Pilsen area, has the most extensive collection of more than ten thousand artifacts.
Why visit?
Such works are a lively assemblage of Mexican cultural heritage and history.
We believe the art workshops and linguistic programs will be famous among the children.
It also offers exhibition tours tailored for families to ensure that everyone may enjoy this exhibition.
24. DuSable Museum of African American History
The DuSable Museum of African American History is not simply a place that displays rich objects from African-American heritage but also a historical edifice.
Why visit?
Primarily built as horse stables by famous Architect H Burnham, the stunning wood and marble edifice from the nineteenth century now contains a collection of the best-curated museums on the planet.
Teenagers and kids will enjoy the art displays and literature reading events that depict the African-American culture.
25. Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago
The Museum of Scientific and Technology in Chicago represents one of the nation’s most prominent science planetariums.
The gallery has over thirty-five thousand artifacts and displays spread across fourteen acres.
Why visit?
It’s no secret that this institution is massive, and you won’t be able to see it all in one visit.
That would be fantastic if you could devote a couple of days nto the exhibition.
If so, We would recommend scheduling and determining which displays you want to attend during the day.
There are various possibilities, but We believe the living tornado will be an experience the children will appreciate witnessing.
26. Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago
Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago is a theatre group that offers spectacular presentations of both modern and traditional African and African-American performing arts such as ballet, opera, drama, folklore, and more.
Why visit?
We’re not sure whether this would amuse extremely young children or toddlers.
However, if you’re visiting with young teenagers or somewhat older children, they’ll probably enjoy the shows and perhaps even acquire new knowledge.
Visitors should check their schedule to determine where and when where they will be performing.
27. The Escape Game Chicago
The Escape Room Chicago is a fascinating indoor pastime.
Although escape rooms might not appear to be child-friendly, this one is both interesting and safe for children of all ages.
Participants will be locked in a room for an hour and will have to work out a way to freedom.
The entire time, players will be guided by a game expert.
The instructor will give you clues you must solve to find your way out of the chamber.
28. Chicago Magic Lounge
Back when we were children, amusement was entirely different from what we do now with our children.
However, in Chicago Fantasy Lounge, adults can relive portions of their own childhood with the children.
Why visit?
In the lounge, visitors may see an old-fashioned magic performance, similar to the ones you might have seen as a youngster at birthday celebrations.
We absolutely miss a number of the basic delights of childhood, such as crowding around magicians to see what illusion they would perform next!
The children also get to greet the performer and enjoy an overall authentic experience at the end of the program.
29. Lincoln Park Zoo
The Lincoln Park Zoo has been a popular tourist destination since the 1860s.
It is among the country’s oldest parks and provides free access to experience its numerous treasures and magnificent exotic animals.
This thirty-five-acre zoo caters to more than a thousand different animals from at least 200 different species.
Why visit?
It is an excellent location for animal enthusiasts since it is home to animals such as African penguins, American black bears, marsupials, apes, green tree anacondas, sea lions, chimps, and red pandas, white owls, and more.
It provides exciting education programs, farming instruction, train trips, participatory animal adventures, and other delightful activities.
Make sure to check their web page before you decide to visit to make optimum utilization of your time.
For a bit of cost, enjoy numerous enjoyable experiences with your family, such as going on a ride, live performances, exquisite dining, and so much more.
30. Brookfield Zoo
The beautiful Brookfield Zoo, often known as the Chicago Zoopark, is another must-see for animal enthusiasts.
It is a long-running attraction that first opened in a Chicago suburb in July 1934.
This family-friendly tourism attraction has at least 216 acres of beautifully manicured space to explore and over 2,300 animals.
Why visit?
All around the year, it hosts a variety of entertaining activities such as dolphin performances, camel feedings, wild interactions, carousel excursions, and many more.
African leopards, snow leopards, bearded dragons, Burmese alligators, reindeer, armadillos, marmosets, mole rats, grizzly bears, golden eagles, black rhinos, and more beautiful species await you.
While traveling with toddlers or younger children, be sure to stop by the Hamill Family Play Zoo.
It provides secure play places, participatory activities, and enjoyable opportunities to learn.
Confirm their schedule in advance as they host various exciting events all over the year, such as the Ice Age Giants.
Throughout that event, you may see at least 30 life-sized, mechanical re-creations of Ice Age species from Eurasia and North America.
31. American Writers Museum
The American Writers Museum is an American literature gallery established in downtown Los Angeles in May 2017.
It has around 12 fantastic displays for individuals of all ages to enjoy.
Why visit?
It’s a great location to keep up on your literature, read intriguing tales to your children, engage in special programming, and explore its different interactive features.
It has exhibits celebrating many American literature types, including plays, prose, poems, monologues, fiction, songs, non-fiction, and more.
It also hosts interesting transitory galleries all year, so plan your visit correctly by viewing its website prior to going.
32. Bronzeville Children’s Museum
The Bronzeville Children’s Museum is among the nation’s earliest African-American galleries.
It was first established in the Pill Hill area in 2008.
It provides an incredible array of enjoyable events for a great bonding experience with your children aged, ideally between the age group of 3 to 9.
Why visit?
Art courses, enjoyable scientific activities, practical training, producing pieces of art, role-playing, attending to great storytelling, and other educational activities are available for your children.
Its designed hands-on displays include a gem shop, a laboratory, and a vet, all of which provide intriguing details about notable physicians, researchers, inventors, and others.
Visitors may also discover intriguing facts about famous African Americans, such as innovators Lewis Howard Latimer and Garrett Augustus Morgan.
The guided tour takes place before 2, so plan your visit accordingly.
33. 360 Chicago
Drive to this stunning observation platform, which towers at approximately 1,030 ft above the earth, for breathtaking scenic views of the city.
It is located on the 94th level of the 100-story high tower, The John Hancock Towers.
Take lots of amusing photos with your dear ones to remember your vacation.
Tilt, among the nation’s tallest thrill attractions, will gratify your daring personality.
It enables visitors to lean against a robust and modern glass and enjoy the view from below.
Would you wish to gaze out at the vast Lake Michigan?
Then proceed to the building’s northern edge.
34. Wrigley Field
Wrigley Field, formerly known as Weeghman Park, is a major league baseball venue that first opened in April of 1914.
It is headquarters to the well-known Chicago Clubs and boasts a seating capacity of more than forty thousand people.
Why visit?
It is additionally utilized for events such as concerts and sporting activities. Many famous and renowned performers like Lady Gaga, Guns N’ Roses, Billy Joel, Brad Paisley, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Blake Shelton, James Taylor, and Fall Out Boys have performed there.
Consider signing up for a directed public tour alongside your family for a more pleasurable day as you experience the arena and discover more about the stadium’s heritage, design, and amenities.
35. Oz Park
Spend a leisure day outside with your children in Oz Park, located in the Lincoln Park area, and breathe in some natural light.
It is spread over fourteen acres of land and has a fantastic Wizards of Oz concept.
Take a photo with well-known figures such as Dorothy, the Tin Man, the Scarecrow, as well as the Cowardly Lion.
Why visit?
Have a good day chasing your kids around the park or wandering around beautiful landscapes.
Additional enjoyable activities with your group include training your children to ride a bike, seeing open-air cinema during the summertime, visiting a carnival, and participating in exciting sports such as football, tennis, and volleyball.
The Pumpkin Patch is an enjoyable, family-friendly event that takes place throughout Halloween, where you can customize and decorate pumpkins with your family.
36. Original Rainbow Cone
Breaking away from sightseeing and escaping the sun with a delectable dessert at the Original Rainbow Cone is among the most remarkable things to do in Chicago with children.
It is a long-running seasonal ice cream business that opened its doors in Beverly over 95 years ago.
Why visit?
Cool down by sampling various gourmet sundaes, ice creams, banana divides, milkshakes, chocolate rolls, and a plethora of other tantalizing selections.
Choose from various mouth-watering ice cream flavors.
Unless the original store is located too far away, you may visit their food truck near the Shedd Aquarium on Lakeshore Drive.
37. Rock and Roll Playground
There is absolutely no more significant moment for a young musical enthusiast to spend than an entire day at the Rock and Roll Playhouse.
Why visit?
This kid’s music event, which is now available in over seventeen locations, was inspired by one father’s wish to share his love of live entertainment with his family, and local Chicago mom Samantha Zackowitz thinks the organization has done admirably. The presentations combine activities, dancing, tales, music by David Bowie and Aretha Franklin, and the Fab Four. They also have special concerts according to the upcoming events, so check their calendar for exciting performances.
38. American Girl Place
There’s one thing visitors should know about American Girl Place: it’s not a typical toy store. Sure, it’s crammed with each of a 6-year-favorite old’s dolls, but the enterprise offers a lot more to offer.
Why visit?
To begin with? The well-known American Girl Café allows you to enjoy a fixed-price meal for only 25 dollars per person. (There’s also enough space for your kids’ plastic friends to join in the fun.) There are also other entertaining one-time activities to visit.
39. The Cheesecake Factory
Undoubtedly, your children will be tempted to consume the store’s more than 30 delectable types of cheesecake at any one moment, but we’re ready to guess they’ll be as enthralled with the structure itself.
Why visit?
Jordan Mozer’s sixteen thousand sq ft area on the lowest level of the John Hancock Center is reminiscent of a comical ant burrow blown out to measure: Around every curve, there are passageways and boroughs to discover. In between eats from the children’s menu, take in the zig-zag countertop seating, enormous flower-shaped arches, and soaring recessed skylights. A piece of advice? Make your bookings early because there is frequently a wait.
40. Climbzone
ClimbZone is a terrific first stop if the previous two seasons of the epidemic have left you and the kids yearning for a bit more intense fitness.
Why visit?
Your family could indeed reap the benefits of the facility’s 68 climbable art wall surfaces, which stretch 25 feet and highlight brightly colored, exceptional features (imagine a wall of alphabet blocks or an ascendable row of emoticons) which are skillfully constructed to boost participation and encourage climbers of all age ranges to establish strength and agility. Not only that, but visitors can also enroll for laser tag, bumper cars, and even zip lines and arcade games, providing entertainment for the entire clan.
41. Krypton VR Lounge
Whether you’ve got a grumpy teenager with you or kids who won’t leave the PlayStation, we’ve found exactly the place for you. Welcome to Krypton VR, Chicago’s top interactive virtual club. Visitors with their families may rent over one of the company’s private playrooms for an hour, where they’ll be given access to cutting-edge virtual reality headgear. The hyper-realistic gadget can transport you across the globe without really leaving the city, earning you “cool mom” credit. What else could possibly be better?
Conclusion
Chicago will give you memories and memoirs, explorations, and experiences. Every moment you spend here will be with reminiscing for the rest of your lives, so go ahead and have a spectacular vacation with your family and children, utilize this listicle of the best 41 things to do in Chicago with kids to make sure you do not miss out on the most remarkable spots.
Take back the most incredible times of your lives with your kids while living your best in the city. Enjoy the thrill and the adrenaline because life is too short not to.
