10 Things to Do with Kids In Chicago
Are you looking for ideas for things to do in Chicago with your children? Check out the numerous family-oriented attractions and sights that are well-suited for kids including zoos, museums, parks, sporting events and so much more in this 10 Things to do with Kids in Chicago.
Chicago is an amazing city and I have called this city home for the past 30 years. I moved to Chicago with one big blue suitcase the day after I graduated from high school and have lived here (except for our year on expat assignment in China) for my entire adult life. I went to college in Chicago, I have worked here, I met my husband and got married and now I live in the suburbs and am raising my children in The Windy City.
There is something about the first sight of the city when you are driving into her that still to this day takes my breath away each time and I am instantly filled with happiness. I love Chicago.
Chicago has so much to offer my family with outdoor adventures, a variety of attractions, arts and amazing museums, the culture and history, tours, sports, baseball, shopping, and more. In addition, there are quite literally some of the best restaurants in the nation right here in Chicago. I can find some of the best places to eat, drink and have fun right in my hometown.
The Field Museum 1400 S Lake Shore Dr
Museum of Science and Industry 5700 S. Lake Shore Dr
The Art institute of Chicago 111 S Michigan Ave, 159 East Monroe Street
Adler Planetarium 1300 S Lake Shore Dr
Chicago Children's Museum 700 E Grand Ave
Peggy Notebaert Natural Museum 2430 N Cannon Dr
Millennium Park
In the heart of Chicago is a beautiful 24-acre park. This popular park has a three-story steel sculpture called Cloud Gate or The Bean. It is a local fav and a spot we pretty much go to every time we are in the city. This is a huge tourist attraction and everyone who visits from out of town wants me to take them here. Right next to The Bean is the Crown Fountain where my kids love to splash and run around. Enjoy Lurie Gardens and then walk across the BP Pedestrian Bridge to Maggie Daley Park and let loose. Maggie Daley Park features activities including a climbing wall, tennis courts, ice-skating ribbon, interactive kids play areas, picnic groves, splash pads, and more.
In the summer, Millennium Park comes alive with concerts and daily activities for kids. A visit to Millennium Park in the summer would not be complete without attending a Grant Park Music Festival concert held in the Jay Pritzker Pavilion from June through August. This is the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic on the lawn.
Millennium Park open 365 days a year and free. 201 E. Randolph Street • Chicago
Maggie Daley Park 337 E Randolph Dr
Jay Pritzker Pavilion Millennium Park
Lurie Garden Millennium Park
Visit the Zoo
Another favorite summer activity is to visit the zoo. We actually go a number of times during the summer and my kids have the layout memorized now. There is a zoo in downtown Chicago that is quite popular with local city families, The Lincoln Park Zoo. The best part is it is FREE! There is also a zoo out in the suburbs, The Brookfield Zoo, and this is the one we frequent the most.
Lincoln Park Zoo is open daily and free. 2001 North Clark Street • Chicago
Brookfield Zoo is open 365 days a year! 3300 Golf Rd • Brookfield
Picnic in the Park
Jay Pritzker Pavilion and the concert lawn at Millennium Park are both perfect locations for a picnic and a concert. Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks has its tour in two neighborhoods, giving more families across all sides of the city access to free Shakespeare. You could also walk down the Chicago Lakefront Trail and look for a spot there as there are numerous locations along this 17-mile strip.
Millennium Park 201 East Randolph Street Between Michigan Avenue & Columbus Avenue
Maggie Daley Park 337 E Randolph Dr
Jay Pritzker Pavilion Millennium Park
Lurie Garden Millennium Park
Grant Park Jackson Drive & Columbus Drive
Hunt for Dinosaurs at The Field Museum
While Sue, the largest, best-preserved T-Rex on the planet, is the star of The Field Museum, the new Creatures of Light exhibit, with interactive features like iPad games and a glow-worm cave, will wow kids as well. There will be a NEW dinosaur exhibit and the new dinosaur and Sue are expected to be unveiled in 2018 in celebration of The Field Museum's 125th anniversary. A touchable cast of the biggest dinosaur ever discovered, {a cast will be made from the fossil bones of the Patagotitan mayorum, a giant, long-necked herbivore from Argentina. It is part of a group of dinosaurs called titanosaurs} and the museum's star attraction, the T. Rex named Sue, will be moved to her own gallery.
The Field Museum 1400 S Lake Shore Dr
See Fish at the Shedd Aquarium
The Shedd Aquarium has more than 32,000 animals representing 1,500 species, aquatic presentations including Waters of the World, Caribbean Reef, Amazon Rising, Wild Reef, Abbott Oceanarium, Amphibians special exhibit, the aquatic show and Stingray Touch experience, special programs and more! The Shedd Aquarium has plenty for local families and visiting families to explore. Two things not to miss: The aquatic show with dolphins, whales, and sea otters AND the beluga whales -- they are gorgeous!
Shedd Aquarium 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive
Walk the Ledge AND TILT
SKYDECK CHICAGO has unbelievable, unbeatable views of the city and beyond - see parts of 4 different states (Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana & Michigan), Soldier Field, Chicago River, and more. Don’t miss the opportunity to step out onto The Ledge - an all-glass balcony that extends from the side of the building
First, you hop onto an elevator that is America's fastest elevators, which will take you 1,000 feet in 40 seconds going 20 mph! Then you will soar 1,000 feet over Michigan Avenue, 360 CHICAGO is one of the city’s most unique attractions. Located on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center, 360 CHICAGO offers amazing views of Chicago’s skyline and the lakefront. It’s also the only place you can enjoy TILT – Chicago’s highest thrill ride. This one-of-a-kind marvel tilts guests off the side of the building and provides the most thrilling views of Chicago.
TILT is 360 CHICAGO's moving all-glass balcony. TILT is the first of its kind and extends from the building, offering never-before-seen views. The balcony can hold up to 8 visitors at a time and moves around to give you different vantage points. TILT is not included in general admission and can be purchased separately through 360 CHICAGOs website.
360 Chicago Observation Deck 875 N Michigan Ave, 94th Floor//within 360 Chicago
Tilt 103rd floor of the Willis Tower
Ride on a Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier
Take a spin on the iconic Centennial Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier. The Centennial Wheel soars to heights of about 200 feet and gives a 360-degree view of Chicago and Lake Michigan. The pier is also home to Chicago's Children's Museum and Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. There really is so much to do at Navy Pier. You could literally spend the entire day here is you like. There is an IMAX theater, loads of shopping and restaurants, and a funhouse maze. On cold, winter days you could stroll through the Crystal Gardens which is upstairs, and a beautiful indoor, one‐acre, botanical garden. The pier is about 2000 feet long, so you can really have a great day here.
Navy Pier 600 E. Grand Ave Navy Pier
Chicago's Children's Museum 700 E Grand Ave
Chicago Shakespeare Theatre 800 E. Grand Ave
Take A Cruise at Navy Pier
Whilst at Navy Pier you could simply hop on a sightseeing boat ride or a dinner cruise. We have taken a number of the sightseeing cruises and always have a great time. Whether to take in the architecture of this great city of Chicago and the shore line or simply to enjoy the fireworks in the evening; a cruise is always a great time. During a 90-minute tour, docents deliver cool facts about 50 buildings along the Chicago River.
Navy Pier 600 E Grand Ave Navy Pier Departing from Navy Pier and from Michigan Avenue
Shopping The Magnificent Mile
Chicago's Magnificent Mile has endless shopping! The Magnificent Mile is anchored by three major shopping centers, North Michigan Shops, Water Tower Place and the Shops at North Bridge. The Magnificent Mile is a 13-block stretch on North Michigan Avenue that runs from the the Chicago River to Oak Street for about a full square mile. There are more than 460 stores, 275 restaurants, 60 hotels and everything else you could possibly think of in the way of entertainment. Bring your camera!
Magnificent Mile North Michigan Avenue
American Girl Doll Place 835 N Michigan Ave, Water Tower Place
North Michigan Shops 900 N. Michigan Avenue
Water Tower Place 835 N. Michigan Avenue
Shops at North Bridge 520 N. Michigan Avenue
Broadway in Chicago
Make sure to get your tickets early for a show in Chicago, as tickets really do sell out ahead of time. Do no leave your kiddos behind either!! My kids adore going to the live theatre. There are so many benefits for your children when exposing them to the arts! Head to Broadway in Chicago and be transported! On Saturdays, you have the opportunity to take a tour of the Ford Center Performing Arts theater for free if you have time to squeeze this tour into your scheudle.
Chicago Symphony Orchestra 220 S Michigan Ave
Chicago Theatre 175 N. State Street
Civic Opera House 20 N Wacker Dr
Blue Man Group Briar Street Theatre 3133 N. Halsted
Goodman Theatre 170 North Dearborn
Cadillac Palace Theatre 151 W. Randolph
Ford Center for the Arts 24 W. Randolph Street
The Apollo Theater 2540 N. Lincoln Ave.
This is just a list of 10 Things to Do with Kids In Chicago, but there are so many, many more things to do in this amazing city! Have you been to Chicago?
