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Things to Do in Chicago with Kids: Our Favorite Spots for Family Adventures
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items Planning a fun day out with kids in Chicago? This handpicked list is packed with exciting places where little ones can climb, splash, explore, and learn — all while parents enjoy a smooth, budget-friendly experience. From wild zoo adventures to playf...
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Outdoor Activities
What to Take With You – From This Nana
Outdoor Activities
A whimsical, storybook-themed playground with climbing towers, suspension bridges, mini golf, and an ice skating ribbon in winter — all set in the heart of the city.
Why kids love it: Endless places to run, climb, and slide with skyline views
Maggie Daley Park
Home to the Centennial Wheel, the Chicago Children’s Museum, funhouse maze, carousel, and family-friendly boat rides.
Why parents love it: Plenty of food, seating, and clean restrooms — plus fireworks on summer nights!
Navy Pier
Kids can meet penguins, stingrays, beluga whales, and sea otters. Touch tanks and aquatic presentations make it interactive.
Tip: Buy tickets ahead to avoid long lines.
Shedd Aquarium
A hands-on STEM paradise. Highlights include the U-505 submarine, baby chick hatchery, giant tornado simulation, and interactive exhibits kids can actually touch.
Recommended for: Ages 4 and up.
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
One of the nation’s last free zoos! Features lions, gorillas, monkeys, and farm animals. There’s even a train ride and splash pad in the summer.
Perfect for: Budget-friendly family outings close to the lake.
Lincoln Park Zoo
Ideal for younger children — think climbing schooners, water play zones, tinker labs, and creative play.
Great for: Rainy or cold days indoors.
Chicago Children's Museum
Located just outside Chicago, this expansive zoo has dolphin shows, big cats, and themed play areas.
Family tip: Rent a wagon or stroller for easier walking.
Brookfield Zoo
Tropical escape with hands-on family programming, scavenger hunts, and lush plant life — all indoors and free.
Hidden gem: Great for winter days.
Garfield Park Conservatory
Blast off into outer space with interactive exhibits, telescope views of the night sky, and immersive shows in the Sky Theater.
Kid-approved: Budding astronauts can touch a moon rock, pilot a spaceship, and explore our solar system up close.
Bonus: L...
Adler Planetarium
A hidden gem with Wizard of Oz-themed statues, a playground, open green space, and shaded picnic areas.
Kid-approved: Little ones love climbing on statues of Dorothy, the Lion, and the Tin Man while playing on “Dorothy’s Playground.”
Bonus: Located n...
Oz Park
This indoor LEGO wonderland is perfect for ages 3–10. It features mini rides, a 4D cinema, build zones, and an impressive Miniland version of Chicago built entirely from LEGO bricks.
Why kids love it: They can build, ride, explore, and even meet LEGO...
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago
A play-based learning museum designed specifically for ages 0–8. Includes over 15 interactive exhibits like pretend grocery shopping, art studio, pet vet center, and water exploration.
Why parents love it: Safe, clean, and thoughtfully designed to pr...
Kohl Children's Museum
This 385-acre garden offers themed landscapes, kid-friendly trails, seasonal flower displays, and an enchanting Model Train Garden in summer.
Why it’s a hit: Kids can run freely, enjoy nature scavenger hunts, and feed the fish in the ponds.
Tip: Admi...
Chicago Botanic Garden
This splash-friendly fountain features two towering LED screens that display the faces of real Chicagoans — and every few minutes, they “spit” water!
Kid-approved: It’s a city splash pad with a twist — fun, interactive, and completely free.
Bonus: Yo...
Crown Fountain
A nostalgic ice cream shop serving its famous five-flavor slice: chocolate, strawberry, Palmer House, pistachio, and orange sherbet.
Kid-approved: The stacked, colorful cone is like a frozen rainbow—Instagram-worthy and delicious!
Bonus: The Navy Pie...
The Original Rainbow Cone - A Century of Smiles
An elevated walking and biking trail with public art, family-friendly green spaces, and cool neighborhood views.
Kid-approved: Great for scootering or stroller walks, with stops for murals and hidden playgrounds.
Bonus: Passes through Logan Square an...
The 606
Take to the water with a family-friendly kayak tour or rent a paddleboat and cruise past skyscrapers.
Kid-approved: Bigger kids love paddling on the river—it feels like an adventure right in the middle of the city.
Bonus: Plenty of riverside cafes an...
Chicago Boat Company | Boat Rentals for Every Occasion
What to Take With You – From This Nana
I use this when the grandkids get a little tired after all the excitement and walking. It’s sturdy and you can add a blanket for added comfort.
Folding Wagons in Camping Furniture(77)
Roomy enough for snacks, toys, wipes—plus it’s adorable. Bonus: easy-to-clean fabric makes it park and playground ready.
Mancro Women's Laptop Backpack with USB Port
For scraped knees and little surprise boo-boos. Accidents happen and this keeps me ready
Johnson & Johnson Compact First Aid Kit, 160 pcs
The little one doesn’t like her food touching so this is a perfect solution. Keeps everything separated and fresh.
Bentgo® Kids Snack | Small Snack Containers
This has saved the day so many times. Very easy to use at the park and it folds up quick and easy.
2-in-1 Go Potty™ with Travel Bag
We like to spread this out for snack time or just a break from walking. It’s easy to shake out and put in the collapsible wagon.
Waterproof Splash Blanket™️ - Mulberry The OG
Lightweight no (as the kid says) weird smell and gentle on sensitive skin. I really like using this.
Babyganics SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
The granddaughter loves pink and cats what a cute way to keep her sun ready.
Girls Baseball Cap & Sunglasses Set, Pink