20 Best Things to Do in Chicago with Kids

Looking for a city that keeps kids curious, active, and endlessly entertained? Chicago delivers it all.

Chicago, a city where kids have energy to burn and are always asking a thousand questions, and still, somehow, want more. From those massive city parks and their world-class museums to taking a boat ride on one of the many lakeshore trails or grabbing a slice of that famous deep-dish pizza, there's something for every age to enjoy. What's just as awesome is that parents don't have to feel left out of the fun and get to enjoy the trip too!

Here's this guide to the 20 best things to do in Chicago for kids, where the fun never stops. Whether your little one is totally into animals, science-y stuff, or loves climbing over everything in sight, Chicago's got you covered.

Take a cruise on the Chicago River with the Chicago Architecture Center; it's a great way to see the city. These 90-minute cruises depart from the Chicago River's three branches and give you a chance to see some major landmarks like the Tribune Tower, Marina City, and the Wrigley Building.

Best of all, kids get to see the city's skyline and enjoy the bridge openings while sitting outside. And with restrooms and covered seating on the boat, you can bring the whole family. Just be sure to book those timed tickets way in advance if you're planning to visit on a busy summer weekend.

The Riverwalk is a paved path that runs along the south side of the river from Lake Shore Drive to Lake Street. Take a stroll with the family and enjoy the sights; there are seating areas and public art all along the way.

Kids often get a kick out of watching the tour boats go by, too. If you need a break, some stairs connect you to restaurants, restrooms, and even some city streets. Plus, with the Riverwalk being relatively flat, strollers are totally fine to bring along.

You can find Skydeck on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower in downtown Chicago, and yes, the elevators will get you to the top in about 60 seconds flat. On a clear day, you can see for miles, all the way out to Lake Michigan and some of the surrounding states.

The really cool Ledge is made of glass and extends way out over the street; your kids will love putting their feet on it. And with timed entry tickets, you can skip the lines, even on a busy holiday weekend.

Millennium Park is a great place to spend some time; it's in the heart of downtown Chicago, right near Michigan Avenue. The real star of the show is the Cloud Gate sculpture (also known as The Bean), which is a big old piece of stainless steel that reflects the city and pretty much everything in its line of sight. Kids love running around and getting their picture taken in front of this thing, and the park itself has some great open spaces and a really cool fountain you can check out in warm weather. Just don't forget to grab a parking spot or hit up one of the nearby parking garages, and you'll be all set.

If you're looking for a park that's geared towards families, Maggie Daley Park is your spot. It's right over in the East Loop, and it's basically a playground for kids of all ages.

The Play Garden has some really cool climbing towers, slides, and bridges to explore, and there's even a different themed area for different age groups. You can rent skates for the kids in winter and enjoy some really beautiful views and a nice picnic in warmer months. And to top it all off, there are restrooms and snack spots galore. It's one of the biggest kid-friendly spaces in downtown Chicago, no question.

The Field Museum is one of the biggest draws in Chicago, and for good reason; it's got one of the world's most famous T. rex skeletons, Sue, right on display. But that's not all, some other really cool exhibits on dinosaurs, gems, and ancient Egypt are sure to keep the kids (and let's be honest, the adults too) engaged.

Plus, with plenty of large displays to navigate, you can bring your stroller along without a problem. Just be aware that some special exhibitions might require an extra ticket on top of admission. The museum's got some great gift shops and cafés too!

The Museum of Science and Industry is nestled inside the Palace of Fine Arts building in Hyde Park, a pretty historic location. The ones who visit with their families love the fact that you can actually walk through a real German submarine that was captured back in World War II.

Kids get a kick out of the model train display, the tornado exhibit, and can get hands-on with all the science projects on offer. Prices for getting in vary depending on what package you go for. And don't worry, there are elevators and plenty of accessible routes to get you around.

You'll find the Art Institute of Chicago in the middle of Michigan Avenue, right next to Millennium Park. The families that go love checking out the world-famous artworks, like American Gothic and A Sunday on La Grande Jatte.

The Ryan Learning Center does some pretty cool child-friendly workshops and family activities too. Most of the galleries are pretty stroller-friendly. They also give you audio guides and maps to help you get the most out of your visit.

Here's the thing about the Balloon Museum: it's only temporary, and when it happens in Chicago, it’s in a special event space rather than a normal museum building. So you get to see these unique inflatable art installations and get right up close in some immersive rooms.

There's been some pretty cool Chicago editions, but you do need to book tickets in advance. You should also check the fine print because some of the installations have age restrictions. And remember, check the dates before you head on down.

360 Chicago is the observation deck all the way up on the 94th floor of the old John Hancock Building at 875 North Michigan Avenue. Families will get to see the whole of Lake Michigan, Navy Pier, and the city skyline from these awesome enclosed windows.

And if you're feeling adventurous, you can also ride the TILT platform that pitches you out at a bit of an angle. Just be aware that there are some height and supervision rules you'll need to follow. Standard entry gets you into the main viewing area, though.

The Shedd Aquarium is nestled on Chicago's Museum Campus right on the shores of Lake Michigan. Families flock here to get up close and personal with beluga whales, penguins, sharks, stingrays, and all sorts of beautiful reef fish, each in their own little galleries.

Visitors rave about the Abbott Oceanarium, which is, without a doubt, one of the aquarium's most popular spots. Lots of kids love getting hands-on at the interactive experiences on offer too, so long as those are on.

Color Factory Chicago is an insider’s guide to an awesome and highly interactive attraction, crammed into the heart of the Willis Tower. Families get to wander through a series of bright and cheerful rooms filled with all sorts of wacky art installations, games, and sensory experiences.

Many of the installations are designed with photo opportunities in mind, getting the whole family moving. You'll usually need to buy your timed tickets in advance online. They also have elevators and restrooms on hand. It is one of the best Chicago Activities For Kids!

You can find the historic Starbucks Reserve Roastery on North Michigan Avenue in a real eye-catching setting. It's a multi-storey affair with its different floors connected by escalators and elevators.

For kids, there's the bonus of watching real coffee roasting equipment in action or observing the baristas at work, while you grab a snack from the bakery or a steaming cup of hot chocolate. There are loads of places to sit and relax on the various levels. And yes, you can pretty much bet your bottom dollar that there will be long lines on weekend afternoons and holidays.

If you're looking for a taste of the wizarding world, you won't want to miss the fantastic Harry Potter Shop Chicago, located right on North Michigan Avenue. Families can browse all manner of goodies based on their Hogwarts houses, get their hands on the latest wands, robes, or, who knows, maybe pick up a collectible or two.

Some of the in-store displays even feature props and other decorative elements inspired straight from the movies. Lots of kids just love picking out some house colours or striking a pose for a photo shoot inside.

Navy Pier is a real hub for families in Chicago, and it juts out into the waters of Lake Michigan. Kids love coming here to take in the great views of the city from the Centennial Wheel, and there's also a carousel, seasonal rides, boat tours, restaurants, and loads of places to just sit and take in the atmosphere. There are fountains nearby too, and lots of kids love chasing after the water.

2D Restaurant is probably one of the more unusual dining options Chicago has to offer; the whole interior has been done up to look like a black-and-white comic strip. It's no wonder families flock here to snag some novelty photos and enjoy the fun and playful dining rooms. Menus have included burgers, sandwiches, and all sorts of yummy desserts. For most kids, it's the fun of eating in cartoon land that's the real draw, but they might also take a little while to get used to the novelty of going out to eat.

The Nutella Café in Chicago, located on North Michigan Avenue, is the perfect spot for families to grab a bite. You can order up waffles, crepes, or try some croissants, pancakes, and fruit topped with their famous hazelnut spread. They've got plenty of indoor seating and a counter where you can order right away.

The kids love watching the desserts get whipped up right behind the service counter. But be warned, on the weekends, you might find a wait, especially in the mornings and afternoons. Since you're right in the thick of downtown shopping streets, it's a great little stop to make during your visit.

The "L" in Chicago is basically their elevated and subway train system run by the CTA. If you're a family looking to get around, you've got options: grab the Brown, Red, Blue, or Green Line to get to all the attractions. The elevated parts of the ride give the kids a great view of the streets, bridges, and buildings below. Just pay with a Ventra card or tap on with your phone; rush hour can get a little crazy, though, so keep a close eye on the little ones on the platform.

Lincoln Park Zoo is tucked in amongst the gardens of Lincoln Park, and the best part? Admission is totally free. You can bring the kids to see lions, gorillas, penguins, all sorts of reptiles, and even farm animals in their own special habitats. There's also a carousel nearby, and the Nature Boardwalk area with a pond or two and some great city views. You'll find restrooms and cafés on site, plus they've even got stroller rentals.

The Magnificent Mile is basically the bit of Michigan Avenue between the Chicago River and Oak Street. It's a great place for a family stroll, so you can walk by all the major stores, historic buildings, and even check out some public plazas.

The kids love window shopping and checking out the seasonal decorations during holidays. You won't be too far from some of the city's top spots; the Chicago Water Tower is nearby, plus there are plenty of sweet treat spots.

In a nutshell, from animal encounters to skyline views, these Chicago attractions for kids make it easy to plan a trip filled with learning, play, and memorable moments.

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