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Traveling with Babies & Toddlers in Chicago!
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items Visiting Chicago with kids? Here are my must haves and must dos with babies and toddlers. Take it from someone who lived there for 9 years! From things to do to restaurants that aren’t downtown. You have to venture out to the neighborhoods for some o...
Sections
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Gear
Fun Things to Do!
Chicago Family Eats!
Gear
All of my gear that I take traveling is located in my Toddler Travel Gear List. I’ll list a few things here as well.
Perfect lightweight stroller for Chicago! It fits through standard doorways and is perfect for the museums.
Zoe Twin: Lightweight Double Stroller
This is such a fun activity to keep your child engaged while walking around the city. I’ve also used it at restaurants.
LMC Kids Scavenger Hunt Cards Outdoor
These will be in every single list I make because I find them that important. I use them all of the time. I attach snack cups, toys, teethers, anything I can to these things to keep attached to the stroller and highchairs at restaurants!
ROCCED 6pcs Silicone Baby Toy Straps Set
Is this an amazing travel crib? Yes. Do you need it for hotels? For most of them no. I’d recommend requesting a crib if needed instead to save room and definitely request a crib if flying. This isn’t necessary to fly with!
Guava Family Travel Crib with Backpack
I will always and forever travel with a white noise machine. Not only for my kids but for me too. I sleep better with it!
Frida Baby 2-in-1 Sound Machine & Nightlight
These are always in my diaper bag or stroller just in case! You never know when might have too much stuff under the stroller and need this.
Stroller Hooks 6.3", 2 Pack Large Carabiner
I love packing this in the stroller for restaurants. It’s also great for the plane and car rides if you’re taking a road trip to Chicago! I have one in the back of my car for a road activity all the time.
Wellchild Magnetic Drawing Board for Kids
I always pack a few interactive books for days out in the city because you can put them under the stroller and they can read while walking!
Make Tracks: Farm (Volume 3)
Fun Things to Do!
Chicago with kids? Amazing. Chicago is one of a kind.
I’m obsessed with this aquarium. It is so much fun!
Shedd Aquarium
I absolutely LOVE the children’s museum. It is located at Navy Pier so there are many spots to grab a bite to eat afterwards if you need something quick.
Chicago Children's Museum
I love this museum for kids of all ages! It is great to just explore. There is currently a Spider-Man exhibit.
Home Page | Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
Illinois residents are free every Wednesday. We love the Field Museum. There is a new Dinosaur exhibit and a Reptiles Alive exhibit open.
Explore the World at the Field - Field Museum
If you have young daughters I suggest making a reservation here. They have all day brunch and lunch plus the girls can get their hair and nails done too.
American Girl Doll Store - Chicago, IL | Shop, Dine & Play
This nature museum is a must do in my opinion. I’ve been numerous times.
They have a designated hands on play area for kids 7 and under. They also do free days throughout the year for Illinois residents and have a lot of options for discounted ticket...
Inspiring Nature Champions
So this is technically a 45 minute drive from downtown Chicago but it is another fun option if you want to get out of the city for a little bit and explore the suburbs!
LEGOLAND Address | LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago
It’s the museum of ice cream…need I say more?! Such a great interactive experience.
Visit Chicago - MUSEUM OF ICE CREAM
Something free in Chicago?! Yupp sure is! The zoo is free. It’s a great little break from the city. It’s also close to the Peggy Norbert Museum.
Wildlife Experience in the Heart of Chicago | Lincoln Park Zoo
Another fantastic immersive experience! There are only three cities this is located in and Chicago is one of them.
Color Factory - Interactive Art Experiences for All Ages
An amazing interactive children’s museum! You can spend hours here with your kids!
Interactive Children Museum South Loop (Chicago), Illinois: Dive & Discover!
Chicago Family Eats!
There are SO many restaurants in Chicago that are family friendly. I’ll recommend a lot that are in neighborhoods so you can get a real feel of the city and not just downtown.
Chicago and deep dish? Of course. Pequods is by far my favorite. Hands down. People will argue about what they like better but to me this is the best deep dish.
Deep Dish Pizza Restaurant in Chicago | Make a Reservation
Did you even go to Chicago if you didn’t go to Portillo’s? The location downtown is a must see. Great for kids!
Order Unrivaled Chicago Street Food | Portillo's
I love their honey butter!
Honey Butter Fried Chicken
I was there in the first few days of opening and then back several times after. Food is amazing!
Daisies
Breakfast/brunch here is not to be missed. Chicago is a BIG brunch city!
Lula Cafe | Inventive, market-driven, mostly organic food in a casual, funky space, hosting an especially popular brunch in Chicago, IL.
Great food, great atmosphere, even better neighborhood!
Crosby's Kitchen Southport | American restaurant in Chicago, IL
Took my daughter here when she was 3 months old because I love it so much that I couldn’t stay away! Love their food and the atmosphere is so cool!
Andros Taverna | Greek Restaurant in Chicago, IL
We have been here so many times and it never gets old. Their margaritas are amazing and I haven’t have a single bad dish on the menu!!
TZUCO | Mexican restaurant in River North, Chicago