Chicago is home to stunning architecture, a massive lakefront, world-class cultural institutions and unique tourist attractions. Foodies, sports fans, photographers and avid travelers love Chicago for reasons that are diverse as the city’s 77 neighborhoods.
Whether you’re a local or a first-time visitor, getting to play tourist in Chicago is always exciting. On your next day out in the city, use this list of 101 kid-friendly things to do in Chicago to check off iconic bucket list items or discover a new-to-you hidden gem.
Check something off your Chicago bucket list
Whether you’re a suburbanite or a city dweller, you’re not a true Chicagoan until you’ve checked a few of these quintessential city attractions off your Chicago bucket list. After all, it can be fun to play tourist in your own city!
1. Visit Navy Pier. Nine million people visit Navy Pier each year to ride the Centennial Ferris Wheel, take in the gorgeous lakefront views and enjoy the countless attractions and eateries that Navy Pier offers families. See what all the fuss is about for yourself and get our tips for exploring the popular attraction with your kids in our Navy Pier family guide.
2. Go sightseeing by boat. Once you’ve had your fill of sightseeing on foot, switch up your vantage point by seeing the city from a boat tour.
I highly recommend the Chicago Architecture Tour for both locals and tourists who want to learn more about the city’s rich history. Not a history buff? Check out these other fun family boat tours — including a cruise where pups are welcomed aboard!
3. Step out on The Ledge, a glass balcony that suspends guests off the 103rd floor of the Sears — uh, I mean Willis — Tower. Located at Skydeck, your ticket includes an elevator ride to the 103rd floor, access to The Ledge and an interactive experience that educates guests about the history of Chicago’s tallest building.
4. Get your adrenaline pumping at TILT. I’ve lived in Chicagoland all my life, but it wasn’t until I moved to the city that I finally visited 360 Chicago for the thrilling TILT experience. Located inside the John Hancock Center, the observation deck’s views are stunning, and I guarantee that even locals will walk away having gained a new perspective on the city — literally! The attraction’s main draw is TILT, a thrill ride that tilts riders over 1000 feet over the Magnificent Mile.
Grown ups can enjoy a craft cocktail at CloudBar. In addition to magnificent lakefront and skyline views, the bar offers cocktails and mocktails based on Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods. Personally, I order whichever drink is currently being served in the slanted “tilt” glasses, because we all know that fun drinks just taste better!
5. Tour the neighborhoods. While tourist attractions are part of what makes Chicago such an exciting city, so much of the city’s vibrancy and culture lies in its neighborhoods. Go beyond downtown and explore a new neighborhood using one of our family neighborhood guides.
Explore the South Side with a trip to Bridgeport, Bronzeville, Beverly or Pullman. Find your new favorite spot in the North Shore when you visit Evanston or Skokie . Plus, we have tons of guides for exploring the suburbs, too!
Indulge in a food tour
Chicago is a foodie’s paradise! From staples like Italian beef and Chicago-style pizza and hot dogs to incredible desserts and yummy allergy-friendly options, it would take you a lifetime to eat your way through this city!
With so many new restaurants, cafes and food trucks popping up all over Chicagoland, there’s always something new to try. Here are just a few ideas for creating your own family food tour.
6. Thin crust or deep dish? That’s for you to decide! (Although if you want my take, crispy tavern-cut pizza is the true Chi-town pizza!) Check out these local pizza joints for families that are serving up everything from deep dish to mac ‘n’ cheese pizza and vegan pies.
7. Try a Chicago-style hot dog. When it comes to Chicago’s “no ketchup” rule, kids get a pass at these family-friendly hot dog spots. The kiddos will love playing i-Spy with all the old school art and knick-knacks at Portillo’s, and Superdawg Drive-In’s iconic hot dog statues and cute boxes are sure to win over even picky eaters.
8. Grilled cheese is a fav for kids and adults! And when it comes to picky eaters, every parent knows you can’t go wrong with grilled cheese. These restaurants are serving up the best grilled cheese around the city and suburbs, including some restaurants like Cheesie’s and Everdine’s Grilled Cheese Company that are completely dedicated to creating mouth-watering grilled cheese sandwiches.
9. Visit Garrett’s. Bring home a taste of Chicago by picking up a snack from Garrett Popcorn Shop. The classic Garrett mix combines rich cheddar and sweet caramel popcorn for the perfect sweet-and-salty snack.
10. Satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re visiting for a vacation or just for the day, no trip is complete without dessert! Like me, Chicago has a serious sweet tooth and the city takes its dessert seriously. Find milkshakes topped with sugary treats, animals made out of cotton candy and gelato, vegan treats and even more over-the-top desserts at these Chicagoland sweet shops.
On a hot day, you can’t go wrong by visiting one of these ice cream shops in Chicagoland.
11. The Underground Donut Tour is a great way to get your sugar fix while learning a bit about the city’s history and architecture. You’ll walk two miles over two hours while sampling donuts from four shops in either the Loop or West Loop neighborhoods.
12. Visit a themed restaurant. Turn your next family meal into an exciting experience with a visit to one of these themed restaurants for Chicagoland families. Watch planes take off as you eat, enjoy a meal surrounded by rainforest decor or order food that’s delivered by toy trains!
Visit a cultural gem
Chicago is a cultural hub with world class institutions for families to enjoy, including art, history and science museums. Here are a few of the city’s great cultural centers and events to visit with kids.
13. Chicago Cultural Center is one of the most visited attractions in Chicago. The landmark building offers free admission and features two stunning stained-glass domes and hosts free public events throughout the year.
14. Educate your family on the city’s history. Learn about the city’s fascinating stories at the Chicago History Museum. From the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 to protests in the ‘60s and ‘70s to modern day issues, visitors will learn about the fascinating history and culture that created Chicago as we know it today. Plus, all children 12 and under are free, and Illinois residents 18 and under are free.
15. Channel your own Ferris Bueller’s Day Off with a trip to the Art Institute of Chicago. Kids can stare up in wonder at the Chagall stained glass windows and spot iconic works of art, including American Gothic and Nighthawks. Check out our family museum guide to learn how to customize your family’s trip to the Art Institute with a fun scavenger hunt-style tour.
16. Admission to the National Museum of Mexican Art is always free. Located southwest of downtown in Pilsen, the museum features a diverse collection of paintings, photography, textiles, sculptures and more that span 3,600 years of creativity.
17. When exploring Humboldt Park, a trip to The National Puerto Rican Museum is a must! The community art museum offers free admission and features exciting temporary exhibits and permanent collections from the late-18th century through present day.
18. Museum of Science and Industry is a great destination for hands-on learning and discovery. With 13 learning labs, 35,000 artifacts, a baby chicken hatchery, nine permanent exhibits and more temporary installations, there is a lot of ground to cover at MSI; use our family museum guide to plan your visit and find the best exhibits for kids.
19. Visit The Field Museum where your family can discover dinosaurs, travel the globe, visit ancient civilizations and much more. I have many fond memories of visiting the museum’s beloved Sue the T.rex, starting with when my parents first took me as a young girl. I returned to the Field Museum for my 8th birthday to see an exhibit on King Tut, and have returned many times since to continue making memories with my friends and loved ones. I cannot recommend this museum enough for families!
20. The DuSable Museum of African American History is an excellent education center with kid-friendly exhibits and programming. Illinois residents enjoy free admission on Wednesdays.
21. Explore the cosmos. Have a family adventure that’s out of this world with a trip to the Adler Planetarium. Located on Museum Campus, the planetarium offers great exhibits, sky shows and even stunning lakefront views.
22. Tour a national monument. Chicago’s only national monument is Pullman National Historic Park. The site is free to visit and highlights the stories of workers and community members that created one of the nation’s first planned industrial communities. Start at the visitor center then work your way through 11 historic buildings.
23. See a spectacular performance. Enjoy the city’s thriving theater scene by attending one of these must-see theater shows for families.
Cheer on a Chicago sports team
With a sports team for every major pro sport, thriving minor and amateur leagues and a fierce crosstown rivalry between two MLB teams, Chicago is a great city to spend the day catching a game and cheering on the home team.
24. Play ball! Take the red line to historic Wrigley Field to cheer on the Chicago Cubs.
25. Catch a Chicago White Sox game! Go for an exciting day of baseball, stay for the great kids’ activities in the Xfinity Kids Zone.
26. Cheer on the Chicago Bulls at United Center.
27. Bundle up and hit the ice for a Chicago Blackhawks game.
28. Bear down! See the Chicago Bears play at Soldier Field.
Attend an iconic event with your kids
Consider adding one of these annual events to your Chicago Bucket List for an experience that is quintessential Chicago.
29. See a Navy Pier fireworks show. Navy Pier already made the Chicago bucket list, but it is worth one more mention because of its biweekly fireworks display. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, watch as brilliant fireworks light up the night sky over Lake Michigan on Wednesday and Saturday evenings. The show is free, and with plenty of space to spread out on the lakefront, there’s not a bad seat in the house.
30. The Chicago Air and Water Show is the largest free air and water show in the country. Occurring in late summer, families line up along the lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street to watch incredible airplane stunts over Lake Michigan.
31. Eat your way through Chicago. If you don’t have time for a food tour, the Taste of Chicago is a great way to get a sampling of the city’s iconic dishes and culinary delicacies. The annual festival also has live performances and family entertainment.
32. Buckle up! Take the kids to McCormick Place for the Chicago Auto Show, the longest running auto exhibition in the country that happens annually in February.
33. Attend a comic convention. Pop culture junkies and self-declared nerds will love dressing up and browsing vendors, meeting their favorite actors and creators and more at the C2E2 comic con.
34. Enjoy some live music as a family at Lollapalooza. The festival features the biggest names in pop and alternative music and even has a mini festival just for kids.
35. Dine out. At the beginning of the calendar year, hundreds of Chicago’s top restaurants offer prix fixe menus, allowing families to enjoy acclaimed dining experiences for reasonable prices. Find all the great deals and delicious menus that will be offered for Chicago Restaurant Week.
Lose yourself in an immersive experience
Just like any other major city, Chicago is home to many pop ups, selfie museums and interactive experiences. New attractions are announced daily, and it can be difficult to keep up with which ones are worth a visit. Here are a few recommendations for immersive attractions that kids and grown ups of all ages can enjoy.
36. Flyover is the newest immersive experience in Chicago. See the city from a bird’s eye view on this exciting VR ride at Navy Pier that “flies” visitors over Chicago.
37. Experience the rainbow at Color Factory. As a journalist who covers family attractions, I’ve been to my fair share of immersive experiences, pop ups and selfie museums, and I know they aren’t always all they’re made out to be (or worth the price tag). That’s not the case with Color Factory.
With colorful installations and activities that will pique all of your senses, Color Factory goes above and beyond the typical selfie museum. I would recommend this art experience to everyone! Plus, it’s located in Willis Tower, which means you can pair your visit to Color Factory with a trip to the Skydeck observation deck for a full day of fun.
38. Capture the perfect #travelgram photo at WNDR Museum. The interactive selfie museum is filled with unique art installations, trendy photo ops and exciting surprises.
39. CAMP is a hybrid experience/retail store for kids that offers exciting in-store activities, along with popular pop up experiences like Bluey x CAMP, which will be coming to Chicago this spring. Visit the store or find out which immersive experience will be there during your visit.
40. Museum of Ice Cream is one of the city’s sweetest attractions. If your family loves all things pink (or all things ice cream!) then this is the destination for you. Try unique flavors and shapes of ice cream — including hot dog-flavored ice cream — as you play games, snap selfies, jump in the sprinkle pool and create family memories.
41. Prepare to be dazzled! Older kids will be mesmerized at the Museum of Illusions. The museum’s recent expansion includes 20 new mind-bending exhibits, illusions, games and puzzles. Your family will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in illusion rooms and snap photos in captivating photo set ups.
42. Enjoy multi-sensory play at Sloomoo Institute, Chicago’s very own slime factory! Using a DIY bar with 60 scents, over 40 colors and 150 charms, kids can create their own lime. There are also play rooms with kinetic sand, ASMR experience and other sensory surprises.
43. Travel to the suburbs to discover Wonderverse, a Sony entertainment center with escape rooms, VR experiences, bumper cars and a restaurant based on popular Sony entertainment like Ghostbusters and Zombieland.
Spend time in the great outdoors
Chicago weather is notorious for being, well, a bit unstable. It’s not unusual to see people out enjoying the sunshine one day and bundled up to brave the snow the next. Winters here can be frigid, and summers can be hot hot hot!
No matter what the forecast calls for, Chicago offers a variety of ways to enjoy the outdoors in all seasons. Check out these nature spots and places for outdoor play the next time your family wants to enjoy a breath of fresh air.
44. Maggie Daley Park is the ultimate playground in the heart of downtown. There are so many different play structures with adorable themes, a spray area, a rock climbing wall, a roller skating ribbon (ice skating in the winter), a Chicago-themed mini golf course and more.
45. Enjoy skyline views, public art, fun activities and yummy eateries along the Chicago Riverwalk.
46. Explore the Lakefront Trail and discover the parks, beach and neighborhoods that surround it.
47. Go for a walk or ride bikes along The 606 elevated trail.
48. Garfield Park Conservatory is a free conservatory with lush, tropical greenhouses, outdoor gardens and children’s play gardens.
49. The free Lincoln Park Conservatory is home to exotic plants, themed showrooms, a gorgeous lawn and more natural wonders.
50. Visit the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe. The living museum is home to 28 gardens and four natural areas. If possible, I recommend planning your visit around the annual orchid show, typically held at the beginning of March.
51. The Morton Arboretum is home to a wonderful children’s garden, a maze garden and an Acorn Express Tram that offers tours of the arboretum’s woodlands, wetlands and prairies. Check their event calendar before you go to find great family programming and events.
52. Have a beach day at one of the best beaches for Chicagoland families.
53. Enjoy a day on the water at these places to go kayaking with kids.
54. Pick your own flowers and snap the perfect Instagram photo at one of these beautiful flower fields worth the drive from Chicago.
Get up close with animals
Lions, tigers and bears — and so much more! Your family can visit and learn about their favorite animals, enjoy nature-based activities and get up close and personal with wildlife at these zoos, nature centers and more.
55. Visit a nature center. Chicagoland has many free nature centers that offer educational programming, nature activities, kid-friendly hiking trails and more for outdoorsy families. Check their upcoming events to find out when you can visit for an animal encounter.
56. The Lincoln Park Zoo is a gem for Chicagoland families. With free admission every day, there’s no limit to what your family will discover at this urban zoo.
57. Located steps away from the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is home to a wonderful butterfly garden, nature programs and family events.
58. Discover sea creatures, interact with marine life, see a dolphin show and enjoy much more under the sea fun at the Shedd Aquarium.
59. Explore your family’s wild side at Brookfield Zoo Chicago. The zoo has been adding many new exhibits and attractions — including a 130-foot-tall Ferris wheel — in honor of its 90th birthday.
Find new ways to play inside
Don’t let the rain dampen your family fun! Whether the weather isn’t cooperating or you just need a new place to play, kids can spend all day at these exciting indoor spots in Chicagoland.
60. Play the day away at one of the best indoor play places in Chicagoland. Peppa Pig World of Play and Legoland Discovery Center are just two of our favorites!
61. Play and learn alongside your kids at the DuPage Children’s Museum in downtown Naperville. The museum has imaginative, hands-on activities that promote science, math and creative skills. Some of my own earliest memories are playing with my mom and little brother at the DuPage Children’s Museum, and the museum has only grown and improved since I was a tot!
62. The Chicago Children’s Museum at Navy Pier is a popular destination for indoor play. Their exhibits are truly one-of-a-kind. Just check out their latest exhibit, Circusville!
63. Kids can learn about African American leaders, healthy eating and more at Bronzeville Children’s Museum, the only African American children’s museum in the nation. The museum has a great grocery store play space that kids will love!
64. The Exploritorium is an indoor imagination playground in Skokie.
65. Play board games and enjoy delicious Puerto Rican food at the Stay & Play Game Cafe.
66. Enjoy arcade games, mini golf, kiddie rides and more at these indoor amusement parks around Chicagoland.
67. Putt around at these indoor mini golf courses in Chicagoland.
68. Travel back in time with a day at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament.
69. Enjoy some old school fun at one of these Chicagoland roller rinks worth taking a spin at.
70. Get active and test your mental and physical agility at Activate Games, a unique gaming center in Oak Brook.
71. Spend the day at the library. These amazing children’s libraries in the city and suburbs offer free activities, a great selection of children’s books, toys and games and other learning resources for families.
Embark on a thrilling adventure
If your family loves an adrenaline-filled adventure, these amusement parks and thrilling adventure parks are sure to deliver tons of family fun.
72. Get your thrills at Six Flags Great America, an amusement park with more than 45 attractions, including a water park, themed kiddie rides and gravity-defying roller coasters.
73. Ho ho ho! Contrary to what its name might suggest, Santa’s Village is a summer amusement and water park in the northwest suburbs. Enjoy thrill rides and water attractions, all while enjoying winter decor and visits with Santa, all summer long.
74. Rock climbing is a great activity for adventurous kids, especially when the Midwest weather isn’t cooperating with an outdoor adventure.
75. Climb through the treetops, bounce on trampolines that are 25 feet above the ground and test your skills in a forest escape room at Go Ape.
76. For the ultimate adventure, visit The Forge: Lemont Quarries and test your skills (and courage!) on the three-story high ropes course and 1,200-foot-long zipline. I consider myself quite the thrill-seeker, and the rope course definitely tested my bravery. This attraction is best for older kiddos and great for athletic families.
Go on a magical quest
Embark on a family quest to discover magical realms and mythological creatures, right here in Chicago! Magic is all around Chicagoland — if you know where to look!
77. Go searching for dinosaurs. From fossil digs to animatronic dinos, there are dinosaurs hidden in plain sight all over Chicagoland. On your next family adventure, check out one of these places to see dinosaurs in Chicagoland.
78. Spot a mermaid. Lake Michigan is home to a variety of marine life, including mermaids! Here are the best places to spot a mermaid in Chicagoland.
79. Transport your family back in time with a trip to the Bristol Renaissance Faire. Meet acrobats, jousters, fairies and more whimsical folk at this exciting Renaissance faire.
Take a day trip
When you need a change of scenery, Chicago is just a drive away from these exciting destinations.
80. Go hiking. A family hiking trip at Starved Rock is fun for all ages! You’ll want to leave the strollers at home, but boardwalks and clearly marked pathways make it easy to explore with kids.
81. Enjoy a charming downtown area. Woodstock, Illinois is just 50 miles north of the city. The charming downtown has great dining options and shops. Discover exciting activities — like visiting a llama farm!— and tour the filming locations from the iconic film, Groundhog Day.
82. Plan a beach day at Indiana Dunes, the closest national park to Chicago.
83. Lake Geneva is a popular summer destination for families looking to relax on the water.
84. A three-hour drive from Chicago, Galena is a quaint, historic town with so many places to eat, shop, play and explore with kids. I’ve taken a girls’ trip there and think it’s the perfect spot for some mother-daughter bonding.
85. Make a splash at Wisconsin Dells, the waterpark capital of the world!
Enjoy seasonal activities in Chicago
No matter what time of year you choose to explore Chicago, there are exciting seasonal activities and traditions to experience with your kids. Discover some of these traditions and events that are unique to Chicago.
86. Go green. St. Patrick’s Day is a big deal in Chicago. With four parades held in the city and countless more in the suburbs, the festivities go on all month long.
The most well-known St. Paddy’s celebration is the annual river dyeing where the Chicago River is dyed a vibrant green. Get all of the inside info for navigating the city’s St. Patrick’s Day parades with kids.
87. Fat Tuesday is the day before Lent begins, and Chicagoans celebrate by eating paczki, indulgent Polish pastries that are traditionally filled with cream, custard or other yummy goodies. Here is where to find paczki in Chicago, but be warned — these delicacies sell out quickly!
88. Go berry picking. Add fresh flavors to your spring and summer meals by picking your own berries at these farms near Chicago.
89. Summer street festivals are an iconic component of Summertime Chi. These kid-friendly summer festivals celebrate everything from art and culture hot dogs, burgers and pierogies.
90. Browsing a farmers market is a great way to shop for produce and farm fresh goodies. You’ll also find live music, kids’ activities, cooking demonstrations and much more at these Chicagoland farmers markets. You’ll find me at the 61st Street Farmers Market in Hyde Park every week!
91. Get sprayed. When the summer heat hits a little too hard, cool off at a splash pad or spray ground.
92. Go apple picking. Welcome the fall season by picking your own apples at one of these apple orchards near Chicagoland.
93. Get lost in one of these corn mazes. There are even haunted mazes and mazes to navigate by flashlight for older kids!
94. Pick your own pumpkin, snap fall photos and enjoy apple cider goodies at these pumpkin patches near Chicagoland.
95. Happy Thanksgiving! Kick off the fall holiday by watching or attending the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade.
96. Celebrate spooky season at Jack O’ Lantern World, a Halloween trail lined with hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns and seasonal photo ops.
97. Enjoy holiday lights. Watch your child’s eyes light up at one of these dazzling holiday light displays.
98. Go ice skating at Millenium Park or Maggie Daley Park and take in the downtown scenery as you glide across the ice.
99. The Christkindlmarket is a beloved holiday tradition in Chicago. The open-air market has three locations across the city and suburbs.
100. Get in the holiday spirit at ZooLights, the annual winter lights festival at Lincoln Park Zoo.
101. Happy Lunar New Year! Start the new year off with a festive celebration at the Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade.
Follow Chicago Parent on Instagram.
