13 Best Family Things to Do in Chicago

Chicago’s Millennium Park is home to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. No family trip to the Windy City is complete without taking a snap at Cloud Gate. This giant sculpture in the park has a smoothly polished, mirror-like stainless steel surface, which reflects the skyscraper scene around it. It’s fondly nicknamed “The Bean” for its shape.

The little ones can have fun splashing at Crown Fountain. In the summer, the fountain’s wall depicts faces with water shooting out from their mouths. So, make sure you have your camera ready to snap some memorable photos.

Shedd Aquarium just off Chicago’s lakefront trail is fun, educational and toddler-friendly, with good accessibility for strollers. From the majestic beluga whales to the colorful coral reefs, the aquarium boasts an incredible variety of aquatic species from around the world. The little ones will be wowed by sharks and giant sea turtles, while the cheeky otters are guaranteed to make you laugh. At certain times of the day, a diver goes down to feed the fish.

If you’re travelling on a budget, check out the Aquariums extensive programs for discounts and free days. To secure your spot for some family fun, book your tickets in advance.

As one of America’s oldest zoos, Lincoln Park Zoo is a great animal attraction for families in Chicago and it’s free to visit. The enclosures are designed to closely mimic the animals’ natural habitats. You’ll find gorillas at the Regenstein Center for African Apes, as well as polar bears, snow leopards, and penguins in climate-controlled environments.

Pritzker Family Children's Zoo area features smaller animals and interactive exhibits specifically tailored for young children. With plenty of green spaces and playgrounds, kids can burn off energy while exploring the zoo. When the tummies start to rumble, you can have a picnic or head to one of the restaurants and cafés on the grounds.

The next generation of space explorers can get inspired at the monumental Adler Planetarium on the north-eastern tip of Northerly Island. This science facility’s main highlight is the Grainger Sky Theater with its digital projection inside the great dome.

Young kids can enjoy the dedicated kids’ section with space shuttle-themed playgrounds. They can play for hours and even dress up as astronauts. Note that all tickets must be purchased online, in advance of your visit. Start your countdown to an exciting day exploring the great unknown by vising the Planetarium’s website for tickets.

Both entertaining and educational, the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) is renowned for its hands-on displays that make learning fun and engaging. From exploring the human body to understanding the power of energy, you’ll find nuggets of information to satisfy even the most curious minds.

The MSI houses iconic exhibits like the U-505 submarine and the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft and grand scale exhibits, such as the coal mine and the giant model of a human heart, creating awe-inspiring moments. The museum even offers live demonstrations and experiments that bring science to life in a thrilling way. Be ready to be amazed at this unique museum in the beautiful Hyde Park neighborhood.

Chicago may be part of a landlocked state, but the North Avenue Beach offers a great setting for family fun building sandcastles in the sun. This energetic beach offers amenities like playgrounds, volleyball courts and kayak rentals. In the beach house and nearby restaurants and stores, you’ll find snacks and drinks to make your day on the beach comfortable.

The North Avenue Beach is centrally located, so it’s easy to get here even with a kid or 2 in tow. You can enjoy breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline while the children play in the sand. Note that Lake Michigan can have strong currents and waves, so make sure your kiddos stay safe when entering the water.

360 Chicago observation deck on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center building overlooks the city from high above. It offers stunning panoramic views of the city skyline, Lake Michigan and beyond. It’s a fun way for families to experience the city, with different daily agendas set throughout the week.

The daredevils in the family will find their thrills in the main highlight, TILT. It’s a moving glass platform that extends over the edge of the building and is guaranteed to make your heart beat faster. If thrill seeking is not your thing, enjoy the interactive exhibits to learn more about Chicago’s history and culture while taking in the amazing scenery. 

The Field Museum is the home of Sue, the most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex fossil in the world. You can also visit Maximo, the largest dinosaur that ever lived, in this museum that’s right next door to Shedd Aquarium.

Here, your family can learn about the animal kingdom, geology, and paleontology. The Field Museum features a range of permanent exhibitions that showcase subjects like the evolution of life, biodiversity across all of Earth’s continents and the human history of hunters and gatherers in the Ancient Americas. Be sure to check out the events calendar on the museum’s website to find out about the latest kid-friendly happenings.

Chicago’s Navy Pier is a great spot for family recreation as it’s filled with gardens, shopping arcades, various restaurants and bars and the iconic Centennial Wheel. The Centennial Wheel features air-conditioned gondolas that take you on a 200-ft-high ride that offers panoramic views over the Chicago skyline and Michigan lakefront.

The Navy Pier Park also features carousels and a pool with remote-controlled boats. The budget-conscious travellers will appreciate the free access to the pier. Come in the summer and you can expect fireworks every Wednesday and Saturday. 

Head to SkyDeck Chicago at the Willis Tower on South Wacker Drive to experience the Windy City from one of the world’s tallest skyscrapers. From the ground floor, the lift takes you up in just 60 seconds.

On the observation deck, you’ll you stand on the 103rd-floor edge of the skyscraper, towering at over 1,300 ft. high and with the Chicago cityscape in view. Step into either of the 2 glass boxes, which extend out, with your feet seemingly hovering over the city in dizzying heights.

As one of Chicago’s great urban spaces, Maggie Daley Park has plenty of fun in store for kids. The park has picnic groves, mini golf courses, skating ribbons and climbing walls, as well as the expansive Play Garden that’s filled with slides, swings and kids’ obstacles.

The Play Garden is suitable for kids under 12. Kids between 2 and 5 can enjoy some splashing fun at The Watering Hole, a 1,200-sq ft. animal-themed play space filled with waterspouts and sprays. Get ready to get soaking wet.

Chicago has a rich collection of beautiful verdant oases, and the Chicago Botanic Garden is one of the absolute green gems in the city. It boasts feature-filled grounds measuring over 380 acres. Among its display gardens are a bonsai gallery, the Zen-like Elizabeth Hubert Malott Japanese Garden and the Model Railroad Garden that can be a soothing visual feast which the kids will find amusing. There’s even the beloved Thomas the Tank Engine on his model Island of Sodor.

The Botanic Carden is located In Glencoe, 30 minutes by car or 90 minutes by public transportation north from The Loop. If you’re feeling adventurous, hop on your bikes and explore the Garden from a new perspective.

Toddlers and kids up to 8-year-olds can enjoy a hands-on learning experience at Kohl Children’s Museum. The facility features various exhibits that are designed to make learning fun and interesting.

The museum offers a wide range of interactive exhibits that cover everything from pretend play (like a grocery store or a vet's office) to exploring the natural world. Favourites include a DIY arts corner, a waterworks exhibit where kids can experiment with the imaginative uses of water and the outside garden where they can learn about plants and insects. The museum is in Glenview, Illinois, which is around half an hour’s drive north from The Loop. Before heading back to the city, swing by the Bean Sprouts Café for snacks.