15 Fun Things to Do in Chicago with Kids
Chicago packs an unusual amount of family fun into one city. World-class museums sit blocks from a lakefront that doubles as a playground, and there is enough variety that rain, heat, or a packed schedule never has to derail the day. Whether you have a weekend or a full week, there are plenty of fun things to do in Chicago with kids, and the adventure does not have to stop at the city limits.
Why Chicago Is a Great City for Kids
Chicago works for families because it does not force a choice between indoor and outdoor fun. The lakefront alone stretches for miles and connects parks, beaches, and free public art, while the museum campus nearby covers science, animals, and natural history within walking distance of each other. That mix means there is always a backup plan if the weather does not cooperate, which makes Chicago one of the more forgiving big cities to visit with a family in tow.
Best Things to Do in Chicago with Kids
The list below covers 15 of the best things to do in Chicago with kids, organized so parents can quickly spot what fits their crew. Some entries are built for a full day, others are quick stops you can knock out in under an hour, and a few are the kind of thing you stumble into and remember for years.
1. Explore the Museum of Science and Industry
The Museum of Science and Industry is the largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere, and it earns that scale. Hands-on exhibits fill nearly every corner, and the U-505 submarine tour alone can eat up an hour. For curious kids who like to touch, press, and build, this is an easy all-day pick.
2. Meet the Animals at Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo is free, open 365 days a year, and one of the simplest budget-friendly wins on this list. Between the animal exhibits, the carousel, and the miniature train ride, it is one of the easiest things to do with kids in Chicago on a tight schedule or a tight budget.
3. Dive Into the Shedd Aquarium
Animal-loving kids tend to gravitate straight to the Shedd. Belugas, sea otters, stingrays, and aquatic life from every corner of the world fill the exhibits, and the sheer range of species makes it one of the more memorable stops for kids who cannot get enough of the ocean.
4. Play at Maggie Daley Park
Maggie Daley Park’s play garden is one of the best free outdoor spots for active kids in the whole city. Climbing walls, slides, and winding paths give kids room to burn energy, and the skating ribbon adds a seasonal twist for families visiting in the cooler months.
5. Snap a Photo at Cloud Gate (The Bean)
Cloud Gate, better known as The Bean, is a quick, free stop in Millennium Park that kids love running circles around. The reflective surface turns a five-minute photo op into a genuine attraction, especially for younger kids who cannot resist seeing themselves warped in the metal.
6. Have Fun at Navy Pier
Navy Pier brings together a Ferris wheel, carnival rides, boat tours, and some of the best lakefront views in the city. It is a classic for a reason. Families can spend anywhere from an hour to a full afternoon here without running out of things to do.
7. Get Hands-On at the Chicago Children’s Museum
Located right on Navy Pier, the Chicago Children’s Museum is built for younger kids who want to climb, play, and explore hands-on exhibits without a lot of structure. It pairs naturally with a Navy Pier visit and gives little ones a chance to burn off energy indoors.
8. See Sue the T. Rex at the Field Museum
The Field Museum’s natural history exhibits draw kids of every age, and Sue the T. rex remains the star of the show. For younger visitors, the Crown Family Play Lab, designed for ages 2 to 6, adds a hands-on layer that keeps the museum from feeling like it is only for older kids.
9. Take in the Views from Skydeck Chicago
Skydeck Chicago’s glass ledge, perched atop Willis Tower, gives older kids a view they will talk about long after the trip ends. Seeing four states from one spot is the kind of big-city moment that sticks, especially for kids old enough to appreciate the height.
10. Brave the Tilt at 360 Chicago
Up on the Magnificent Mile, 360 Chicago’s Tilt experience leans guests forward over a glass floor for a view straight down the building. It is a hair-raising favorite for tweens and teens who want something with a bit more edge than a standard observation deck.
11. Explore Millennium and Grant Parks
Millennium Park and Grant Park anchor downtown with open green space, the Buckingham Fountain, and the interactive Crown Fountain. These are easy, free stops that work well between bigger attractions, giving kids room to run while parents catch a breather.
12. Bike or Walk the Lakefront Trail
The Lakefront Trail stretches along the water with skyline views the whole way, and family bike rentals make it easy to cover more ground than walking alone. It is a simple way to get kids moving outdoors while still feeling like part of the Chicago experience.
13. Hit a Chicago Beach
Chicago’s lakefront beaches are a warm-weather surprise for first-time visitors. Sand and water play sit right in the city, which makes for a good change of pace after a day of museums and sidewalks. Although, the city beaches may get crowded easily on a nice day.
14. Try Classic Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza
No list of things to do in Chicago with kids is complete without a stop for deep-dish pizza, and maybe a Chicago dog on the side. It is an easy, fun food win and part of the quintessential Chicago experience for visiting families.
15. Make a Splash at Raging Waves Waterpark
Just outside the city in Yorkville, Raging Waves Waterpark is the perfect way to cap off a Chicago family trip. As Illinois’ largest waterpark, it brings together water slides, a wave pool, a lazy river, and a dedicated kids’ area, giving families one more full day of fun before heading home.
Tips for Visiting Chicago with Kids
A little planning goes a long way in a city this size. Booking parking ahead of time through an app like SpotHero can save both money and stress, and some form of Chicago travel bundle may be worth considering if you plan to hit several paid attractions in one trip. Buy tickets online in advance where you can, and build in some downtime between big attractions so kids do not burn out halfway through the day.
Best Time to Visit Chicago with Kids
Summer is the easiest season for families, with the lakefront beaches, outdoor parks, and waterpark day trips all in play. Spring and fall bring milder crowds and comfortable weather for walking the city, while winter visits lean on indoor options like the museums, aquarium, and observation decks to keep the day moving.
Plan Your Family Adventure, On to Raging Waves
A Chicago trip does not have to end at the city limits. Raging Waves Waterpark in Yorkville is an easy add-on for families looking to close out the trip with a splash. Browse the park’s attractions to see what is waiting, then buy tickets or grab a season pass if you plan on making it a regular stop all summer long.
