Start the new year off the right way by diving into the city’s newest and best family-friendly experiences. In 2026, Chicago is full of new, low-cost, low-barrier ways to build curiosity and learning into everyday activities for kids—all without breaking the bank.
As new attractions and exhibits open up across the city, Chicago families are invited to discover exciting subjects, places and opportunities together.Â
“I AM WILD: A Charley Harper Exhibit”
Located at the Chicago Children’s Museum, this exhibit is an exploration of Charley Harper’s iconic artwork and the world of his children’s books. This journey through different habitats and ecosystems will give kids a chance to roam on the wild side. With opportunities for multi-sensory play, hands-on art projects and interactive games with other kids, “I Am Wild” is a can’t-miss for the aspiring King of the Jungle.Â
- Hours: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fridays-Sundays
- Dates: Jan. 17-May 10, 2026
- Location: 700 East Grand Ave., Chicago
- Price: $21 per person for Illinois residents, $25 per person for nonresidents
- Kids Free Day: 10 a.m.-5p.m. Feb. 22 (children of all ages enter free)
“Crafting Character: The Costumes of Paul Tazewell”
In 2026, award-winning costume designer Paul Tazewell puts his creations on display at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry in “Crafting Character.” For the musical-theater enthusiast, explore the creative process that produced the intricate costumes seen in “Wicked,” Broadway’s “Hamilton” and Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story.” With fun features like displays of sketches and blockbuster costumes, kids can enjoy this unique, behind-the-seams experience like true theater insiders.Â
- Hours: 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. daily
- Opening date: Jan. 19, 2026
- Location: 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
- Price: $14.95 ages 3-11, $25.95 ages 12 and up
- Free entry days: Jan. 25-28
“Powering the Future”
Additionally, at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, kids can uncover the museum’s newest permanent exhibit, “Powering the Future.” This showcase sparks curiosity about energy in a hands-on, interactive way, with a two-story slide, climbing structures and opportunities to experiment with power grids and other energy sources. While its opening date has not been announced yet, families can expect to be energized by this immersive experience in early 2026.Â
- Hours: 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. daily
- Opening: early 2026
- Location: 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60637
- Price: $14.95 ages 3-11, $25.95 ages 12 and up
- Free entry days: Jan. 12-14, 25-28
Shedd Aquarium’s 4D Immersion Theater
A new development in Shedd Aquarium’s “Experience Evolution” project will transport families into an undiscovered world of life under the sea. Through an interactive pre-show and large-scale underwater visuals, children can get a close-up look at marine life and ocean habitats. The aquarium’s 4D Immersion Theater will make a splash for families in Spring 2026 .
- Hours: Hours may vary; check the aquarium’s site before visiting.
- Opening: Spring 2026
- Location: 1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605
- Price: Varies daily for children and adults; Chicago adult general admission is $19.95 daily. See the Shedd Aquarium calendar for full pricing details.
- Free entry: Jan. 19-20, 27-29; Feb. 3-5, 10-12, 17-19, 24-26
“Pokémon Fossil Museum” at the Field Museum
For PokĂ©mon fans and aspiring archaeologists, Chicago kids can combine fantasy fun with real-world paleontology processes in this brand new exhibit at the Field Museum. Making its North American debut, “PokĂ©mon Fossil Museum” is a hands-on, immersive experience for science lovers to explore natural history and the techniques of fossil excavation. Kids can dig in starting May 22, 2026.Â
- Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
- Dates: May 22, 2026-April 11, 2027
- Location: 1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605
- Price: Unavailable at this time; check the Field Museum website for updates
- Free entry: Every Wednesday for Illinois residents
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The Obama Presidential CenterÂ
Spanning 19 acres, the historic campus of the Obama Presidential Center will contain a museum honoring former President Obama’s time in-office, a fruit and vegetable garden, a branch of the Chicago Public Library and much more. Families and kids can enjoy this new Chicago landmark with exhibits, activities and outdoor spaces designed for all ages starting in June 2026.
- Opening: June 2026
- Location: 6001 S. Stony Island Ave., Chicago
Free museum days
Chicago offers plenty of opportunities for families to enjoy museums and other cultural institutions free of charge or for discounted prices on select days. Showcases are always changing and new exhibitions will continue to be announced throughout the year. Check each institution’s website for the most current information.
- Adler Planetarium
- Discount days for Illinois residents: Jan. 21, 26, 28; Feb. 2, 4, 9, 11, 18, 23; March 2, 4, 9, 11, 18, 25; April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Free entry for Illinois residents: Weekdays from Jan. 5-Feb. 28
- Free entry for kids under 14 daily
- Brookfield Zoo
- Free entry for all guests: Jan. 5-Feb. 28 (excluding Feb. 16)
- Chicago Botanic Garden
- Free entry days for Illinois residents: Feb. 1-6, Feb. 16, March 16-19; April 6-10; May 5, 7; June 9, 11, 19
- Chicago History Museum
- Free entry days for Illinois residents: Jan. 21-23, 27-30; Feb. 16, all Tuesdays-Fridays
- Driehaus Museum
- Free entry for all guests every Wednesday from 4-7 p.m.
- DuSable Black History Museum
- Free entry every Wednesday for Illinois residents
- Field Museum
- Free entry every Wednesday for Illinois residents
- Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
- Free entry days for Illinois residents: Jan. 25-28; Feb. 2-5, 8-12, 17-19, 23-26; April 19; June 4, 19
- Lincoln Park Zoo
- Free entry for all guests dailyÂ
- Museum of Contemporary Art
- Free entry for Illinois residents every Tuesday from 5-9 p.m.
- Free entry for anyone under 18 daily
- Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
- Free entry every Thursday for Illinois residents
- Phillips Park Zoo
- Free entry for all guests dailyÂ
- Shedd Aquarium
- Free entry days for Illinois residents: Jan. 27-29; Feb. 3-5, 10-12, 17-19, 24-26
- Free entry nights for Illinois residents (5-9 p.m.): March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; April 7, 14, 21, 28; May 5, 12, 19, 26; June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
