Chicago is practically tailor-made for family getaways, with a wealth of interactive museums, fabulous parks, and jaw-dropping architecture. Public transport options are great, which is a relief to little legs trying to cover everything. Here’s everything you need to know about bringing the whole family to the Windy City.
Is Chicago good for kids?
From tots to teens, there’s something for every child in the Windy City – without the aloof attitude or supersized footprint that make some big cities feel like no-fly zones for tiny tourists. Moreover, exploring the many kid-friendly happenings in town can be budget-friendly: children under age 7 ride free on the L train and public buses, while those ages 7 to 11 pay a reduced fare.
Best things to do in Chicago with kids
Ferocious dinosaurs at the Field Museum of Natural History, an ark’s worth of beasts at Lincoln Park Zoo, lakefront boat rides, and sandy beaches are among the top choices for visiting Chicago with kids. Add in magical playgrounds, fun tours, and family-friendly food, and it’s clear that Chicago is a kid’s kind of town.
1. Get a bird’s-eye view at Chicago’s skyscraper viewing decks
An up-close encounter with Chicago’s legendary architecture is a must for visitors of all ages. Wee daredevils will delight in the city’s high-altitude viewing decks. 360° Chicago on the 94th floor of the 875 N Michigan Ave building and the 103rd-floor Skydeck at the Willis Tower are both thrilling options.
As if the observatories’ heights weren’t dizzying enough, glassy viewing alcoves reward brave little ones with the sensation of being suspended over the city. Not sure which to pick? Skydeck scores points for sheer loftiness, while lakeside 360° Chicago has the edge in the panorama department.
2. Gaze up at the skyline on a Chicago boat tour
For a ground-up view of the skyline and a fun boat ride, treat tweens and teens to a river tour, delivering an overview of the city center’s most important buildings from aboard a double-decker cruiser.
If your children are too young to know their Burnham from their Mies, skip the formal tour and hop on a water taxi. This service links two of the most popular ports of call for visiting families: Navy Pier and the Museum Campus.
3. Art historians in the making will love the Art Institute of Chicago
At the Art Institute of Chicago – free for under-14s – a real-life audience with some of the most recognizable paintings may stir your child’s inner Picasso. Dollhouse fans will be enchanted by the tiny universe of the Thorne Miniature Rooms.
The Ryan Learning Center provides art-making activities and interactive games, ensuring even the most jaded teen will crack a smile for selfies with the iconic stone lions that stand sentinel on the museum’s front steps.
4. Go Jurassic at the Field Museum
Bring on the dinosaurs. The sprawling Field Museum of Natural History captivates young imaginations with colossal fossils. The Crown Family PlayLab on the ground floor lets kids excavate bones and make exciting discoveries.
The museum houses about 30 million artifacts, all tended to by a team of PhD-wielding scientists. The collection’s rock star is Sue, the largest Tyrannosaurus rex yet discovered. The museum is vast, so get a map at the desk and plan your exploration.
5. Learning gets seriously fun at the Museum of Science and Industry
For an interactive experience to suit a broad range of ages and interests, it’s hard to top the Museum of Science and Industry. Families could spend weeks here without seeing it all.
Big kids will enjoy descending into a coal mine, transmitting secret messages in the whispering gallery, and playing astronaut at the Henry Crown Space Center, while little ones will love peeping at the adorable hatchery chicks and catching their reflections in the mirror maze.
6. Encounter a delightful menagerie at Lincoln Park Zoo
Wildlife enthusiasts are in for a treat at Lincoln Park Zoo, where chimps swing from trees and Japanese macaques chill in hot springs. With its relaxed pace, the adjacent Farm-in-the-Zoo is especially geared toward the littlest visitors.
Be sure to stroll the boardwalk linking the two, where you’ll find an otherworldly pavilion perfect for capturing memorable family photos. Perhaps best of all for parents, the entire experience is free – even parking, if you’re lucky enough to score a spot nearby.
7. Let little ones burn off energy at Millennium Park and Maggie Daley Park
When the kids are looking to let loose, Chicago is ready with miles of lakefront and a plethora of parks. Maggie Daley Park features vertiginous crow’s nests, climbing walls, and a wintertime skating ribbon, while Grant Park, known for the picturesque Buckingham Fountain, is a better match for smaller children.
8. Make a splash at Chicago’s many beaches
In the summer, countless lifeguard-staffed beaches beckon young swimmers. 12th Street Beach is particularly family-friendly with its manageable size and proximity to the Loop.
At North Avenue Beach, adventurous teens can test their balance on stand-up paddleboards, while the beach house offers essential amenities and snacks.
9. Experience nature under a glass roof at Garfield Park Conservatory
When the weather heads south, Garfield Park Conservatory provides a year-round escape filled with balmy air and lush greenery. Built in 1907, this stunning space offers rooms filled with palms, ferns, orchids, and koi-filled ponds.
From May to October, the outdoor grounds include a lily pool and the Monet Garden, a lovely kid-friendly environment.
10. Life is always a carnival at Navy Pier
Amusements abound at Navy Pier, where families will enjoy everything from a giant Ferris wheel to interactive fountains. The pier also hosts the Chicago Children’s Museum and offers a delightful carnival atmosphere.
Where to eat with kids in Chicago
Most restaurants in Chicago accommodate children with ease, although it might be beneficial to have your doggie bags ready by 6:30 PM when dinner crowds peak. Adventure seekers will appreciate trying the noodle spots in Chinatown or the large dosas on Devon Ave.
Where to stay with kids in Chicago
Rental apartments are widely available throughout Chicago’s vibrant neighborhoods. If self-catering isn’t your family’s preference, a variety of boutique hotels and popular chains around the Loop, Streeterville, and River North neighborhoods provide excellent bases close to kid-centric attractions.
How to get around with kids in Chicago
Taxis and ride-sharing services are convenient, but rather than scrambling with strollers, consider riding the L train. Most major sights are within walking distance of elevator-equipped stations, making it easier to navigate with kids.
Attractions tend to be less crowded early in the morning. For families planning to visit multiple attractions, a CityPass allows admission to various major sights while also providing fast-track entry, saving time and reducing stress.
This article was first published on Apr 5, 2018, and updated on Aug 8, 2023.
