Fun Things To Do in Chicago With Kids | City & Suburbs

Chicago is a vibrant city filled with iconic landmarks, family-friendly attractions, and great food, making it a fantastic destination for a family vacation. Whether you’re strolling along the shores of Lake Michigan enjoying outdoor activities or exploring one of the city’s many museums, Chicago offers plenty to keep kids of all ages entertained. I’m also a fan of the variety of things to do with kids in the Chicago suburbs, so I have outlined a few of those options below. 

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How Long to Stay in Chicago with Kids

To fully experience the best places in Chicago with your family, a visit of 4 to 6 days is ideal. This gives you enough time to explore the city’s major attractions, spend some time outdoors along the lakefront, and even venture into the surrounding suburbs for a change of pace. You can plan a mix of museum visits, outdoor adventures, and relaxation without feeling rushed. 

This also allows for a mix of guided tours, time to roam freely, and plenty of time to eat amazing foods- like deep-dish pizza!

Getting Around: Transportation Tips

Chicago is known for its extensive public transportation system, which is easy to navigate with kids. Here are some tips for getting around:

• Public Transit (CTA): The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates both buses and trains (known as the “L”). The “L” is a convenient way to travel around the city, and kids will enjoy riding the elevated trains that offer great views. The Ventra Card can be purchased and used on both buses and trains, and it’s easy to refill.
• Walking and Biking: Chicago is a very walkable city, and many attractions are close together, especially around the downtown area. 
• Biking. Divvy Bikes, the city’s bike-share program, is also available, and you can find bike rentals for the family along the lakefront. This is hands down my favorite option if you have kids old enough to ride bikes around traffic in some areas. 
• Driving and Parking: If you plan to explore areas outside the downtown core, renting a car or driving may be necessary. Parking downtown can be pricey, but using apps like SpotHero can help you find deals on parking. Many suburban attractions offer free parking.
• Water Taxis: For a fun and unique way to get around, consider taking a Chicago Water Taxi. It’s a relaxing way to see the city from the Chicago River and connect between areas like Michigan Avenue and Chinatown.

Top Things To Do In Chicago With Kids

Chicago absolutely does not lack things to do, and if you wanted to do it all you would basically have to live there. I suggest reading through the list and determining which would be most exciting for your entire family, then narrow down your itinerary based on what is near other things that may be fun. 

• Millennium Park: No trip to Chicago is complete without a visit to Millennium Park. Here, your kids can see the famous “Bean” (Cloud Gate) sculpture, splash around in the interactive Crown Fountain, and run around the large, open spaces of the park. In the summer, the park often hosts free family-friendly events, like outdoor concerts and movie screenings.
• Navy Pier: Packed with activities for families, Navy Pier is perfect for an afternoon of excitement. Including the Centennial Wheel, a giant Ferris wheel that offers breathtaking views of the skyline and Lake Michigan. The pier also has a children’s museum, an IMAX theater, and boat tours. During the warmer months, there are often live performances and fireworks shows in the evenings.
• Shedd Aquarium: One of the largest indoor aquariums in the world, the Shedd Aquarium is a must-visit for families. Kids will love the exhibits featuring dolphins, sea otters, sharks, and more. Be sure to catch a live show, where trainers interact with marine animals like dolphins and beluga whales. The interactive exhibits in the Polar Play Zone are especially fun for younger children. (included in the Chicago CityPass)
• Lincoln Park Zoo: This free zoo is perfect for families, offering a variety of animals to see and plenty of space for kids to run around. Highlights include the Regenstein Center for African Apes, the Lion House, and a small petting zoo where kids can get up close with farm animals. The zoo is located in the beautiful Lincoln Park, where you can also enjoy a picnic or walk along the lake. You can also spend time learning more about the zoo at the Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo. 
• Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum: For nature-loving families, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is a must-visit. Located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, this museum is dedicated to connecting visitors with the natural world through interactive exhibits. Kids will love the Butterfly Haven, where they can walk among hundreds of live butterflies in a lush greenhouse. The museum also features hands-on exhibits about local ecosystems, including wetlands, woodlands, and prairies. The Nature Trails outside the museum offer a peaceful space to explore, with plenty of opportunities for birdwatching and learning about Chicago’s natural habitats.
• Field Museum: Home to Sue, the largest and most complete T. rex ever discovered. This natural history museum is packed with kid-friendly exhibits, including dinosaur skeletons, mummies, and interactive displays in the Crown Family PlayLab, designed for younger children.

• Adler Planetarium: For space lovers, the Adler Planetarium offers interactive exhibits that allow kids to learn about the solar system, space exploration, and the night sky. The planetarium has shows in its domed theaters, including family-friendly presentations that will spark curiosity about the stars and beyond. (included in the Chicago CityPass)
• Maggie Daley Park: Adjacent to Millennium Park, Maggie Daley Park is a dream for kids, featuring an expansive playground with a pirate ship, climbing walls, and a huge slide. In the winter, the park transforms into an ice-skating ribbon, yes- it’s not a rink, it’s a ribbon, perfect for some outdoor winter fun.
• Museum of Science and Industry: The Museum of Science and Industry is one of the largest science museums in the world, offering hands-on exhibits that are perfect for curious kids. Highlights include the U-505 Submarine, a full-size captured German U-boat that you can tour, and the Science Storms exhibit, which demonstrates natural phenomena like tornadoes, lightning, and tsunamis. The museum also features a replica coal mine and a baby chick hatchery, where kids can see newborn chicks. It’s an all-day adventure with endless opportunities for learning through play.

• Visit Chicago’s Beaches: During the warmer months, Chicago’s sandy beaches along Lake Michigan offer a fun and relaxing day for families. North Avenue Beach and Oak Street Beach are two of the most popular spots, providing sandy shores perfect for building sandcastles, swimming, and enjoying the views of the city skyline. Many of the beaches have nearby playgrounds, bike rentals, and snack stands, so you can easily make a day of it. Bring a frisbee or a volleyball for some beach games, or simply relax and enjoy the sunshine by the lake.
• Chicago Children’s Museum: Located at Navy Pier, the Chicago Children’s Museum is designed specifically for younger kids, with interactive exhibits like Dinosaur Expedition, where kids can dig for dinosaur bones, and WaterWays, where they can experiment with water in a hands-on exhibit. The Play It Safe fire station exhibit is always a hit, allowing kids to dress up like firefighters and practice fire drills. It’s a great spot for toddlers and preschool-aged kids to burn off some energy while learning.
• 360 Chicago Observation Deck (John Hancock Building): Located in the John Hancock Building, 360 Chicago offers stunning views of the city and Lake Michigan from 1,000 feet up. The real thrill for kids, however, is TILT, an enclosed moving platform that tilts you outward from the building, giving you a downward view of the streets below. It’s a thrilling and unique way to see the city! Even without TILT, the observation deck offers amazing panoramic views and interactive exhibits about Chicago’s history.
• Chicago River Architectural Boat Tour: A river cruise is a fun way to see the architectural beauty of Chicago from a different perspective. These tours sail along the Chicago River, and guides provide kid-friendly information about the city’s most famous buildings. It’s a relaxing way to take in the sights while keeping kids engaged with fun stories and fascinating facts about Chicago’s history and skyscrapers.

There are a wide variety of boat tour options in Chicago! I highly recommend the Architectural boat tour as it’s very informative, a beautiful tour and they take place multiple times per day so it’s easy to fit into your itinerary. You can choose between a 45-minute option and a 90-minute option.

Other great tour options are:

• Chicago Sports: If your family loves sports, catching a Chicago Cubs game at Wrigley Field or a Chicago Bulls or Chicago Blackhawks game at United Center can be a fun family outing. Wrigley Field, in particular, is iconic, and kids will love the energy of a live game. Many venues also have kid-friendly food options, team merchandise, and family seating areas.
• Go to an Indoor Waterpark: Depending on how far you want to travel, there are a few to choose from. Great Wolf Lodge is a family favorite of ours as they usually have more than a water park—like laser tag, arcade games, family fun like morning yoga and evening dance parties, and more. The other two local parks are The Water Works Indoor Water Park and Pirate’s Cay Indoor Waterpark. 

If you visit in the winter, Maggie Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon is a must do! It’s so much cooler than a typical outdoor ice rink, so add it to your list! During the winter months, the Ice Skating Ribbon at Maggie Daley Park is a fun alternative to traditional ice rinks. The ribbon winds through a winter wonderland of trees and decorations, offering a scenic route as you skate. Skate rentals are available on-site, and this attraction is perfect for families looking to enjoy some outdoor winter fun while staying active.

Suburban Day Trips Around Chicago

If you have extra time or want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, there are plenty of things to do in the nearby suburbs that are great for kids. Out of the new places we have explored or researched, these are a few of the best Chicago suburbs:

• Brookfield Zoo (Brookfield, IL): Located just 20 minutes from downtown Chicago, Brookfield Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the country. It offers a wide variety of animal exhibits, including the Great Bear Wilderness, where you can see grizzly bears, polar bears, and bison. The zoo also has a carousel, playgrounds, and a dolphin show.
• LEGOLAND Discovery Center (Schaumburg, IL): About 40 minutes from downtown, LEGOLAND Discovery Center is an indoor attraction featuring LEGO-themed rides, building workshops, and a 4D movie theater. Kids will love the interactive LEGO exhibits and the large play area where they can create their own structures.
• Morton Arboretum (Lisle, IL): Just a 30-minute drive from the city, the Morton Arboretum offers 1,700 acres of natural beauty, perfect for a day of outdoor exploration. The Children’s Garden is a hit with families, featuring treehouses, mazes, and interactive exhibits that teach kids about nature. The arboretum also has seasonal events like the Illumination light show during the winter.
• The Chicago Botanic Garden (Highland Park, IL): Located about 25 minutes north of the city, the Chicago Botanic Garden is a peaceful retreat where kids can explore nature. The Butterflies & Blooms exhibit allows children to walk among hundreds of butterflies, and the Model Railroad Garden is a fun outdoor exhibit featuring miniature trains and landscapes. 
• Six Flags Great America (Gurnee, IL): About an hour’s drive from Chicago, Six Flags Great America is a theme park filled with thrilling roller coasters, kid-friendly rides, and a water park during the summer months. The Hurricane Harbor section is perfect for cooling off with water slides, lazy rivers, and splash zones. For families with kids of all ages, Six Flags offers fun and excitement with plenty of entertainment and dining options. If your family enjoys amusement parks- this would be a great day trip! 
• The Grove Nature Preserve (Glenview, IL): Just a 30-minute drive north of Chicago, The Grove is a 150-acre nature preserve that combines historical and environmental education. Families can explore nature trails, visit a replica Native American longhouse, and learn about Illinois’ ecosystems. The Interpretive Center features live animals and exhibits about local wildlife, which is especially engaging for younger children. It’s a peaceful place to enjoy a walk, observe animals, and learn about the region’s natural history.
• Kohl Children’s Museum (Glenview, IL): Located about 40 minutes north of downtown, Kohl Children’s Museum is perfect for little kids (up to age 8). It’s filled with interactive, hands-on exhibits that encourage play and learning. The museum’s exhibits cover topics like science, the environment, and art, and there are many spaces where kids can build, create, and explore. Highlights include the Hands-On House, where kids can experience real-life activities like grocery shopping or working in a vet clinic.

• Cosley Zoo (Wheaton, IL): About 45 minutes from Chicago, Cosley Zoo is a smaller, more manageable zoo for younger children. It focuses on domestic and native Illinois animals, including farm animals, white-tailed deer, and red foxes. There’s a petting area where kids can interact with goats and other farm animals, and the zoo is located in a beautiful, natural setting that’s easy to navigate.
• Raging Waves Waterpark (Yorkville, IL): If you’re visiting during the summer, take a day trip to Raging Waves, Illinois’ largest water park, located about an hour from Chicago. The park features a variety of water slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and splash zones for younger children. It’s a fantastic way to cool down on a hot summer day and spend time splashing around as a family.
• Naper Settlement (Naperville, IL): A 45-minute drive from Chicago, Naperville is one of the Western suburbs of Chicago. Naper Settlement is an outdoor history museum that transports families back in time to the 19th century. The 12-acre campus features historic buildings, including a blacksmith shop, a schoolhouse, and a working farm, offering kids the chance to learn about life in the 1800s through hands-on activities. The museum often hosts seasonal events like historical reenactments, craft workshops, and special exhibitions. You can also visit the Dupage Children’s Museum while you are in the area. 
• Cantigny Park (Wheaton, IL): Just 45 minutes from the city, Cantigny Park is a sprawling estate featuring beautifully manicured gardens, a military museum, and a tank park that kids will love climbing on. The First Division Museum offers interactive exhibits about the U.S. Army’s 1st Infantry Division, while the surrounding grounds provide plenty of space for picnicking and running around. The Children’s Garden is an especially fun area for younger visitors.
• Historic Market Square (Lake Forest, IL): Located about 30 miles north of downtown Chicago, Lake Forest is one of the North Shore’s most picturesque and affluent suburbs. Known for its historic homes, lush green spaces, and access to Lake Michigan, it’s a beautiful destination for families looking to explore a quieter area outside the city.

Free or Budget-Friendly Activities for Families

• Lincoln Park Zoo: As mentioned above, this is one of the few zoos with free admission in the country and offers a fun day out.
• Chicago Riverwalk: A scenic place to walk with kids, featuring parks, cafes, and public art exhbits.
• Chicago Cultural Center: Offers free family-friendly exhibits and events.
• Navy Pier: Walking around the area is free, though some of the activities are for a fee. 
• Maggie Daley Park: Free to access with tons of fun for kids in the playground and garden areas.
• Lakefront Trail: Perfect for biking or walking, the trail offers beautiful views of the lake and skyline.

Chicago offers a wide range of things to do with kids in Chicago suburbs and in the city, from exciting downtown attractions to peaceful suburban escapes, it’s a great place for a vacation. Whether you’re exploring the city’s world-class museums or venturing into the nearby suburbs, plan your trip and visit today! With its mix of educational experiences, outdoor fun, and iconic landmarks, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy.