Chicago is a fantastic city for families, offering a wide array of attractions and activities that appeal to kids of all ages (and their parents!). From incredible parks and world-class museums to unique experiences and delicious treats, the Windy City provides endless opportunities for family fun and memorable adventures.
This guide highlights some of the best kid-friendly spots and provides tips for planning your family trip to Chicago.
Top Kid-Friendly Attractions
- Maggie Daley Park (Downtown): A must-visit! This imaginative park features:
- Play Garden: Enormous, creatively designed play structures with slides, bridges, swings, and climbing areas catering to different age groups.
- Skating Ribbon: A winding ice ribbon in winter, used for rollerblading and scooters in warmer months (rentals available).
- Climbing Walls: Outdoor walls for various skill levels.
- Mini Golf: An 18-hole course with Chicago-themed obstacles.
- Lincoln Park Zoo (Lincoln Park): Free admission makes this a budget-friendly favorite. Kids love seeing the apes, lions, seals, farm animals, and exploring the Pritzker Family Children's Zoo.
- Millennium Park (Downtown):
- Crown Fountain: Kids adore splashing in the shallow reflecting pool between the video towers (seasonal).
- Cloud Gate ("The Bean"): Making funny faces in the reflections is always a hit.
- Pritzker Pavilion Lawn: Great for running around or enjoying free family-friendly movies and concerts in the summer.
- Navy Pier (Streeterville): While it can be touristy, Navy Pier offers several family attractions:
- Centennial Wheel: Get panoramic views of the city and lake from the iconic Ferris wheel.
- Chicago Children's Museum: Hands-on exhibits designed for younger children.
- Pier Park: Rides, games, and amusements (seasonal).
- Boat Tours: Many sightseeing and speedboat tours depart from here.
- Shedd Aquarium (Museum Campus): Always a crowd-pleaser with kids. Explore diverse aquatic environments, watch dolphin shows (extra ticket often required), and see penguins, sharks, and beluga whales.
- Field Museum (Museum Campus): Dinosaurs (especially SUE the T. rex!) are a huge draw. Explore exhibits on ancient Egypt, world cultures, and natural history.
- Museum of Science and Industry (Hyde Park): Highly interactive museum with tons of hands-on exhibits covering science, technology, transportation (trains, airplanes, a U-505 submarine!), and more. Great for curious kids (and adults!).
- Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (Lincoln Park): The Butterfly Haven is magical for all ages. Interactive exhibits focus on local nature and ecology.
Outdoor Fun & Recreation
- Chicago Beaches: Build sandcastles and splash in Lake Michigan (seasonal). North Avenue Beach (great views, concessions) and Ohio Street Beach (calmer water, near Navy Pier) are popular choices.
- Lakefront Trail: Rent bikes (including quad surreys) or simply walk along the scenic path.
- Kayaking on the River: Older kids and teens might enjoy a guided kayak tour on the Chicago River (check age restrictions).
- Grant Park Skate Park: Located near the south end of Grant Park, great for kids who love skateboarding or scootering.
Kid-Friendly Dining
- Pizza: Deep-dish (Lou Malnati's, Giordano's) or tavern-style – always a family pleaser.
- Hot Dogs: Grab a Chicago-style dog at Portillo's or Superdawg Drive-In.
- Diners & Casual Eateries: Lou Mitchell's (donut holes!), Little Goat Diner (creative twists), numerous neighborhood spots.
- Sweet Treats: Visit Margie's Candies for massive sundaes, Sweet Mandy B's for cupcakes, or grab donuts at Firecakes or Do-Rite.
- Food Halls: Offer variety to please picky eaters (Time Out Market, Revival Food Hall).
Planning Tips for Families
- Transportation: Utilize the CTA trains and buses. Kids under 7 often ride free with a paying adult. Consider a multi-day pass for convenience.
- Accommodation: Look for hotels with pools or consider apartment rentals (like Airbnb/VRBO) for more space and kitchen facilities.
- Pace Yourself: Don't try to cram too much into one day. Build in downtime and park breaks.
- Check Schedules: Verify hours, reservation requirements (especially for museums/tours), and event schedules before you go.
- Strollers & Carriers: Chicago is generally stroller-friendly, but navigating crowded sidewalks or CTA trains during rush hour can be tricky. Consider a carrier for younger children.
- Snacks & Water: Always carry snacks and water bottles, especially for park days.
- Restrooms: Public restrooms are available in parks, museums, libraries (like the Cultural Center), and major transit hubs.
Conclusion
Chicago offers a fantastic playground for families. With its mix of world-class museums, incredible parks, lakefront access, and iconic foods, there are endless ways to create lasting memories with your kids. Plan ahead, embrace the adventure, and get ready for some Windy City fun!