23 of the best things to do in Chicago with kids

Chicago has popped up in so many movies, a visit almost feels like seeing an old friend – and with so many things to do in Chicago with kids, how much more tempting do you need to book?

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The biggest city in Illinois, it was voted best large city in the US three years in a row – hardly surprising when you consider the fantastic museums, its famous skyscrapers, plus plenty of green space and its setting on Lake Michigan.

So whether you’re looking forward to seeing the world’s largest dinosaur, trying some deep dish pizza, exploring the Chicago river or playing with your reflection in the Bean, I’ve got 23 of the best things to do in Chicago with kids to start you off.

If Chicago is your starting point for a great road trip, see my tips for Route 66 family attractions, as well as a Lake Michigan road trip with kids or a Midwest road trip with kids

The Field Museum of Natural History

Home to world famous 40ft T-Rex skeleton Sue, the expertly curated collections at the Field Museum are unmissable for anyone visiting Chicago with kids.

Once you’ve said hello to the 67 million-year-old Tyrannosaurus, the most complete T-Rex exhibit in the world, you can also see the largest dinosaur that ever lived, Maximo the Titanosaur at the natural history museum.

Then take a stroll to see the mummies and hieroglyphics of the Inside Ancient Egypt exhibit, before travelling to the 1800s to visit the Pawnee Earth Lodge, or one of the temporary exhibitions.

Little ones will love the Crown Family Play Lab (open Thursday to Monday). Aimed at kids aged two to six, they can learn about science through play while dressing up as animals and uncovering fossils.

Buy skip-the-line tickets to the Field Museum with free cancellation, including the chance to opt for a one-hour VIP tour and ticketed exhibitions

Museum of Science and Industry

Fancy creating a tidal wave, seeing the start of a tornado or climbing inside a Second World War submarine? A trip to the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry in Jackson Park is a memorable way to get hands on – including getting blown away by a Tesla coil!

Science and history aside, you’ll find pop-up exhibits showcasing pop-culture favourites – previous ones have focused on Harry Potter and the Marvel Universe, complete with original costumes – plus shows at the Giant Dome Theater.

But don’t miss the classics like the chicks at The Hatchery and bringing maths to life in the Mirror Maze – not to mention the museum’s first exhibit, descending into the real Coal Mine.

One of the largest science museums in the US, you’ll also find interactive exhibits filling three whole floors, as well as the Henry Crown Space Center, so it’s best to plan a whole day here.

Buy tickets to the Museum of Science and Industry with free cancellation here

Shedd Aquarium 

The Shedd Aquarium may no longer be the largest aquarium in the world, but it held that title for years and is still one of the most impressive with 32,000 animals within the aquarium walls.

You won’t just see fish, there are exhibits with birds, snakes, amphibians, along with sharks. The Amazon Rising Exhibit has glass windows right down to the floor, so it’s easy for younger kids to see what’s happening, from electric eels and frogs to small monkeys.

Or drop by the Abbott Oceanarium exhibit to witness dolphins and beluga whales, before heading to the Wild Reef Exhibit below for stunning corals, sharks and stingrays.

The Polar Play Zone is the perfect place for little ones to let off steam while playing dress up and pretend (as penguins, of course)! Don’t forget to visit the touch pool to see what starfish and stingrays feel like too, plus you’re right by the lake shore too.

Buy a Chicago City pass to get access to five major Chicago attractions, with an option to visit the Shedd Aquarium and several others including the Field Museum, as well as the Museum of Science and Industry and Skydeck Chicago

Adler Planetarium 

Take a peek at Chicago’s night sky, trace the history of stargazing over the ages and venture into space to see how different planets look up close at the wonderful Adler Planetarium.

It’s perfect if you’re visiting Chicago with kids, with plenty that’s hands on: enjoy jumping on exploding stars or look around space via computer on A Walk Through Space and Time.

Or in the Planet Explorers exhibit, let kids burn off energy by jumping, crawling, flying, and even launching a computer animated rocket ship, before getting your own creative juices flowing at the Community Design Labs – the Community Play Lab is aimed at kids aged under six.

Even the shows have options targeted at the littest stargazers, including a chance to join Big Bird and Elmo on a trip to the moon.

Art Institute of Chicago

With over 300,000 works from all over the world, there’s no shortage of art to see at the Art Institute of Chicago – and no shortage of things to do with children at this Chicago attraction either.

In the Family Room, you can make your own work of art and create your own personalised family museum tour, plus regular family festivals and new exhibitions. If you’re visiting Chicago with teens, they will love the special audio guide produced by Chicago teens as well.

Not to mention contemporary and modern art galore to inspire young artists: Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet, Renoir, Matisse, Warhol, Pollock… the list goes on.

Take the family on a cultural journey through the ages as you drop by the Thorne Miniature Rooms to take a peek at their tiny European and American interiors from the 13th century to the 1930s.

There’s no charge for kids aged under 14, so it’s ideal if you’re looking for cheap things to do in Chicago with kids as well. Plus you’re surrounded by green space to burn off any energy afterward; there’s Millenium Park, Maggie Daley Park and Grant Park all within minutes.

Buy a Chicago City pass to get access to five major Chicago attractions, including The Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, Art Institute of Chicago and Museum of Science and Industry, as well the Shedd Aquarium and Skydeck Chicago

Chicago History Museum

Discover Chicago’s history, as well as its place in America’s past, at the Chicago History Museum – packed with artefacts and lots of chances to get hands on.

You could see a chunk of the original Fort Dearborn and the first locomotive to operate in Chicago, discover more about the Great Chicago Fire, peer down from an I-beam at the top of the sears Tower, walk across the hardwood from the original Chicago Stadium or learn what it was like to stroll down Maxwell Street in the 1950s.

Older kids can learn more about everything from Abraham Lincoln to the Civil Rights Movement, while for younger kids (OK, everyone), one highlight is going to be pretending to be a Chicago-style hot dog though. It’s also close to Lincoln Park Zoo (read on for more details) if you wanted to combine both.

Buy tickets for the Chicago History Museum with free cancellation

Lincoln Park Zoo

Founded in 1868, Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the oldest in North America, and with 200 different species of animals including birds, reptiles, fish and insects, the zoo has plenty to fascinate kids and adults alike.

As well as being able to see all the exotic inhabitants, younger kids can try the Lionel Train Adventure, which passes forest and canyon, as well as the endangered species carousel. It’s never too early to start learning about conservation!

The zoo has also created a series of self-guided tours to help you discover the highlights. Try the Little Explorer Tour, which includes the Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo, with its hands-on experiences and farm animals. Or you can go for the biggest attractions or the weird and wonderful creatures, among other options.

It’s a fantastic free day out with kids in Chicago (there’s a small charge for activities like the train ride and carousel, and if you’re driving you’ll get free parking for 30 minutes but then there’s a charge).

You’re also close to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, which is also in Lincoln Park – there are kid friendly exhibits and walkways to spot some local wildlife at this museum, which focuses on the environment

Ride Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier

Standing nearly 200 feet tall, you’ll get some amazing 360-degree views across Chicago and Lake Michigan on the Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier – and as they’re enclosed and climate controlled, it’s great whenever you visit Chicago.

Plus there’s plenty more fun to be had at Navy Pier afterwards, sitting nearly a mile into Lake Michigan, with great public art as well as a string of attractions – this is Chicago’s closest option if you love amusement parks.

Try the Amazing Chicago’s Funhouse Maze with 4,000 square feet of effects, splash in the interactive fountains at Polk Bros Park (all 12,500 square foot of them!), stroll the Crystal Gardens indoor botanic gardens or enjoy the rides, from carousel to heart-racing fun.

The Chicago Children’s Museum is also set here – scroll down to read more about why this should be on your list of things to do in Chicago with kids.

Buy tickets to ride the Centennial Wheel with free cancellation here

Willis Tower Skydeck

The iconic Willis Tower – formerly known as the Sears Tower – usually tops every traveller’s Chicago bucket list as the tallest building in the city, and even more so if you’re visiting Chicago with kids.

Standing 1,450 feet tall, its glass Skydeck observatory has unmatched panoramic views of the city and four different states across 50 miles. There are some great free bonuses for families too, including a scavenger hunt and fact sheets to download.

Even more exciting, head to The Ledge to experience the exhilarating feeling of standing on high-strength laminated clear glass that juts out 4.3 feet from the 103rd floor, so you can look straight down from 1,353 feet up in the air! It’s worth knowing that your time is limited – 60 seconds for groups of 3 or less, 90 seconds for groups of 4.

Although you’ll get great views throughout the day, the best times to head to the Skydeck are straight after opening (make the most of any jetlag and get there early!) or arrive around 30 minutes before sunset, to watch the sun go down and see the twinkling city lights at dusk.

360 Chicago

For more great views of the city, check out tickets to 360 Chicago, formerly the John Hancock Building Observatory, 1,000ft above Michigan Avenue.

After a video and a small exhibition on Chicago history and its neighbourhoods, the superfast lift whisks you up to the 94th floor to get some of the best panoramas out over the Windy City.

As well as looking out to the lake and the shore, you can see down to Navy Pier, as well as across some of the skyscrapers of the city’s iconic skyline.

For an added thrill, try Tilt (additional ticket) where the glass window tilts you slowly forward to look down, as if you’re suspended in mid-air.

Chicago Children’s Museum

This fun attraction on Navy Pier is designed to let kids experiment, learn and develop their creativity through everything from play to STEM exhibits.

It’s hard to beat if you’ve got kids aged four to eight, whether they’re exploring Cloud Buster, 37 climbable feet of structural steel, wood, wire, rope, acrylic, fiberglass, and artificial turf. Or they can dig for ‘bones’ as they learn about dinosaurs, design skyscrapers or get hands on with some DIY including real tools.

For the youngest visitors to Chicago Children’s Museum there are baby and crawler play trails, ideal if you’re visiting Chicago with a toddler,

Older kids will also love Zoom Room, letting them send toy cars hurtling around a colossal racecourse, with more than 40 tracks to play around with. Fun for even bigger kids too!

Kohl Children’s Museum

If your kids love playing let’s pretend, then Kohl Children’s Museum is perfect. Aimed at kids aged eight and under, there’s a chance to try out real life on a mini scale including the recreations of a Whole Foods Market, Hands On House and Play Cafe.

You’ll also find music, art and books among the 15 permanent indoor areas, as well as the Pet Vet areas for small animal lovers and fun ways to discover science and maths with the chance to build skyscrapers from blocks, play with trains and more.

Don’t miss the Water Works station, balancing balls on water, spinning submerged gears and floating plastic jellyfish – this is always a winner.

Explore the parks

There are an impressive 570 parks in Chicago so it’s easy to get outside and find a green oasis in the city, if you’re visiting Chicago with kids.

No trip to Chicago is complete without a stop at Millennium Park. You’ll find exhibitions and special programmes of events as well as the lovely gardens, plus the mesmerising Cloud Gate, better known as The Bean.

There are also public art walking tours to join, and drop by the Crown Fountain, designed using glass and light as well as water.

This family-friendly bike tour includes Millennium Park and the Riverwalk as you try some of the city’s top food along the way, including deep dish pizza and a true Chicago hot dog, or the Museum of Illusions is only a couple of minutes walk away from the park

Or head to nearby Maggie Daley Park for more adventures to fill your day. Also located in the Loop, the park has a whole string of activities that kids will love, from wall climbing to mini-golf, play areas, a wave garden and slides, not forgetting ice skating during the winter.

For another great day outdoors in Chicago with kids, head to the Chicago Botanic Garden, around a half hour drive from the city itself

The Chicago Riverwalk

Warm weather in the Windy City means long walks and fun outdoors, and there are few places better than the Chicago Riverwalk.

The 1.25 mile trail has some great views of the skyline, as well as activities and plenty of places to grab some food along the way – it’s also fully paved so perfect if you’re looking for something stroller-friendly.

You’ll find more public art, including murals and sculptures along the way, or stop off at the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum to learn about the city’s 18 famous bridges.

Take a boat tour

Once you’ve seen the city from the Riverwalk, head out onto the water itself with a river tour or some kayaking. This 90-minute architecture cruise is family-friendly and departs from near DuSable Bridge, while there’s also a 45-minute architecture cruise if you want a shorter option with younger kids.

We were unlucky enough to book ours for a rainy May evening, but even with the bad weather, we got some fantastic views – when the sun shines (or on dry evenings with the city lit up), it’s hard to beat.

If you prefer to see the city from Lake Michigan, this Lake Michigan Skyline cruise lasts 40 minutes and has a recorded commentary on the city’s landmarks.

Or enjoy views from both the Chicago River and Lake Michigan on a river and lake Cruise – the 90-minute daytime tour packs in some of the architecture, views of Navy Pier and the lighthouse, but also lets you experience the Chicago Harbor Lock as you enter the Great Lake.

Take the hop-on hop-off bus

If you want to get your bearings before exploring, or want a great way to see some of the highlights of Chicago with kids without too much walking, it’s hard to beat a hop-on hop-off bus tour.

There’s live commentary and you’ll pass some of the city’s iconic skyscrapers, as well as stops near Navy Pier, the Willis Tower and attractions including the Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium.

It’s free for kids under two, and there’s no limit to the number of times you can hop on and off, with tickets for one day or two.

Take a Chicago city tour

There’s a lot to discover in Chicago, so joining a tour is a great way to see some of the city’s highlights – take a 90-minute stroll on a Magnificent Mile Walking Tour, try an Offbeat Guided Street Art tour or go for the Must-See Chicago: Prohibition, Architecture & Hidden Gems tour. You can refuel as you go too, with this Chicago Chinatown food tour,

Or how about a Downtown TV sites and movie tour, visiting 30 locations which have featured in some iconic movies – great whether you’re a fan of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, The Dark Knight, the Blues Brothers – or a whole host of TV shows.

If you’re visiting Chicago with teens who are fascinated by the city’s skyscrapers, head inside on a Secret Interiors Architecture Walking Tour which shows you some of the beautiful details inside the landmarks as well as introducing you to the challenges architects faced in designing these impressive towers.

Or learn about Chicago’s darker side, from its gangster history to its ghostly ghoulish past on a Gangsters and Ghosts guided walking tour – open to all ages, though not recommended for families with infants (and in reality, better for older kids given the content).

Don’t want to walk? This Downtown Family Food Tour by Bike squeezes in sightseeing between trying everything from Chicago deep pan pizza and hot dogs to brownies. Kids over 12 can also join a Lakefront Segway Tour of Chicago, zipping through some of the city’s parks along the way.

Chicago Children’s Theatre

The Chicago Children’s Theatre is designed for young audiences, and these enchanting productions are a perfect way to create a memorable family trip, as well as to spark a love of live theatre and the performing arts.

The company performs original plays such as The Selfish Giant, The Hundred Dresses, and The Very Hungry Caterpillar, while you’ll also find puppet shows on their schedule and performances designed to leave kids feeling calmer.

The theatre also runs the Red Kite Project for children on the autism spectrum, with special programmes and initiatives to make their productions accessible to all.

See a ball game

The Chicago Cubs are one of the oldest Major League Baseball teams in the US (some say the oldest, but that’s a longer argument!) as well as having the second oldest stadium at Wrigley Park so it’s a great place to see a ball game – even if you’re not a dedicated fan of the sport, the atmosphere is fantastic.

But that;’s not your only option – the Chicago White Sox are the city’s second MLB team, so you’ve got twice the chance of catching a game while you’re in the city.

The White Sox stadium (Guaranteed Rate Field) is slightly closer to Downtown Chicago, less than 10 minutes’ drive (although do allow time for game day traffic) – you can buy tickets to a Chicago White Sox baseball game here.

Wrigley Field is still only around 15 minutes drive from the city centre (traffic permitting!) and you can buy tickets to a Chicago Cubs baseball game here.

Take a donut tour

What’s better than a walking tour? A walking tour which leads you from donut store to donut store, while learning more about the city.

The Underground Donut tour starts at Chicago’s French Market, with at least four stops along the way during the two-hour stroll. The hardest part? Deciding which donuts you’re going to choose.

A great way to soak up some history and treat yourself. Just be prepared for the sugar rush and crash!

Chicago Museum of Ice Cream

Don’t fancy doughnuts? Who could resist the Museum of Ice Cream – definitely not your average museum!

With 14 multi-sensory installations, you’re encouraged to get hands on as you learn about ice cream and its history, tantalise all your senses – and of course, eat some delicious treats, with five different options to choose between.

To finish, you can play in a pool filled with millions of sprinkles or try a round of mini golf on the Putt-Putt course to burn off some sugar.

You shouldn’t miss a classic Chicago deep pan pizza pie while you’re in the city either – Lou Malnati’s is one of the oldest, first opened in 1971, and there’s a branch not far from the Ice Cream Museum.

Hit the beach

You might not associate Chicago with sunbathing, but with all that lakeshore to enjoy, there are several sandy spots to discover with kids during the summer months.

12th Street Beach isn’t far from the Adler Planetarium, with places to get food and drink as well as swimming areas if the weather’s good enough.

Or if you’re heading out to Lincoln Park Zoo, North Avenue Beach isn’t far away and has some great views out to the city skyline – plus lifeguards between 11am and 7pm during beach season, if you’re hoping to head eading into the water.

Legoland Discovery Center

Not far from O’Hare International Airport, the Lego-themed attraction is home to rides and a 4D cinema, as well as lots of chances to get building among the millions of brick models.

There’s a chance to enjoy the Chicago skyline and cityscape in Miniland, while kids will also love coming face to face with life-size Lego animals on a Jungle Expedition at the Legoland Discovery Center, including a trail as you go.

Or build your own Lego racing car and challenge your family to a race on the test track, as well as adding your own touches to the Lego Friends Heartlake City town.

Perfect for a rainy day in Chicago with kids, or if you’re visiting the city in winter – but this is one family friendly attraction that children will love year-round.

For more inspiration for a US family city break, check out my top things to do in New York with kids, Washington DC with kids, what to do in Boston with kids and the best things to do in San Francisco with kids

*First published 2021, updated 2025*

PIN FOR LATER: THINGS TO DO IN CHICAGO WITH KIDS

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission

Shedd Aquarium interiors/360 Chicago views/cloudy river view/Millennium Park fountain copyright MummyTravels, all other images courtesy of Depositphotos

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