Ranked – Best Things to Do with Kids in Chicago

This iconic park is a great outdoor space for families to explore. Kids love seeing their reflections in Cloud Gate, also known as "The Bean," a giant, mirrored sculpture that creates fun, distorted images. During the summer, the Crown Fountain offers a splash-friendly area where kids can play in the shallow water as faces appear on two large video towers. The Jay Pritzker Pavilion hosts free outdoor concerts and family-friendly movie screenings. In winter, the park transforms into a festive wonderland with ice skating at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink.

This world-famous natural history museum is home to SUE, the largest and most complete T. rex skeleton ever discovered, which is a must-see for dinosaur-loving kids. The Evolving Planet exhibit takes families on a journey through time, from the age of the dinosaurs to early humans. The Underground Adventure allows kids to experience what it’s like to be the size of an insect, crawling through a giant-scale dirt tunnel. The Crown Family PlayLab provides hands-on activities like digging for fossils, playing musical instruments from different cultures, and dressing up like ancient Egyptians.

A top destination for families, this theater specializes in engaging performances tailored for kids of all ages, from whimsical adaptations of classic stories to interactive shows. The theater also offers hands-on workshops and sensory-friendly performances designed for children with special needs.

This scenic pedestrian path along the Chicago River is a great spot for families to walk, dine, or take a boat tour. Kayak rentals allow families to explore the city from the water, while the various bridges and floating gardens provide fun stops along the way. Kids love watching boats pass through the river locks and feeding ducks along the shore.

This hands-on nature museum is a hidden gem for families, featuring a beautiful butterfly haven where kids can walk among free-flying butterflies. The museum also has live animal encounters, nature-inspired play areas, and rotating exhibits about Chicago’s native wildlife.

Located inside Water Tower Place on Michigan Avenue, the Chicago Sports Museum is a paradise for young sports fans. The museum combines high-tech exhibits, memorabilia, and interactive challenges that allow kids to test their skills in sports like basketball, hockey, and football. Kids can try out the Vertical Leap Challenge to see how high they can jump compared to professional athletes, or experience a Virtual Reality Home Run Derby at Wrigley Field. There’s also an Instant Replay Booth where families can test their referee skills by reviewing controversial sports calls. The museum features exhibits on Chicago’s legendary teams, including the Cubs, Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, and White Sox, with artifacts from famous moments in Chicago sports history.

This charming park in the Lincoln Park neighborhood is dedicated to L. Frank Baum, the author of The Wizard of Oz. Families can stroll through the park and discover life-size statues of beloved characters, including Dorothy and Toto, the Tin Man, the Scarecrow, and the Cowardly Lion. The park’s main highlight is the "Emerald Garden," a beautifully landscaped area perfect for a picnic. Kids can enjoy the Dorothy’s Playlot playground, which features an Emerald City-style climbing structure, slides, swings, and plenty of open space for running and playing. The park also has tennis courts and baseball fields, making it a great spot for active family fun.

This family-friendly attraction offers a mix of thrilling rides, dining, and entertainment. The Centennial Wheel, a giant Ferris wheel, provides panoramic views of the city and Lake Michigan. The pier features a variety of boat tours, including architecture cruises and pirate-themed adventures for kids. Families can enjoy live street performances, interactive fountains, and carnival-style games. In the summer, Navy Pier hosts free fireworks shows on Wednesdays and Saturdays, making it a perfect evening destination.

A beautiful outdoor destination with interactive nature trails, a model railroad garden, and seasonal family programs. The Butterflies & Blooms exhibit lets kids walk through a greenhouse filled with colorful butterflies. The Nature Play Garden encourages hands-on exploration with climbing structures, water play, and gardening activities.

Adjacent to Millennium Park, this whimsical park is designed especially for families. The Play Garden features a giant slide, suspension bridges, and a pirate ship-themed play area. The skating ribbon is a unique looped path that offers roller skating in summer and ice skating in winter. A mini golf course and rock climbing walls provide additional outdoor activities for older kids. The park is also a great picnic spot, with scenic views of the Chicago skyline.

One of the most renowned aquariums in the U.S., Shedd Aquarium offers an immersive experience with thousands of marine creatures. Families can explore diverse exhibits like the Amazon Rising, which showcases piranhas and anacondas, or the Caribbean Reef, where children can watch divers feed stingrays and sea turtles. The Polar Play Zone is a kid-friendly area where little ones can dress up like penguins and explore interactive water play. The Abbott Oceanarium features live dolphin and sea lion shows, making for an unforgettable experience.

A must-visit for curious minds, this museum features massive interactive exhibits, including a real U-505 German submarine captured during World War II. The Science Storms exhibit allows kids to control tornadoes, lightning, and tsunamis in a safe, interactive environment. The museum’s indoor baby chick hatchery gives kids the chance to watch baby chicks hatching in real-time. The Swiss Jolly Ball is the world’s largest pinball machine, providing a mesmerizing kinetic experience. Families can also take a ride on a vintage train and step inside a real Boeing 727 airplane to explore aviation science.

One of the few free zoos in the country, Lincoln Park Zoo is a fantastic family-friendly destination with over 200 species of animals, from majestic lions and playful primates to adorable red pandas. The zoo’s Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo offers an interactive experience where kids can get up close with goats, cows, and chickens. The Farm-in-the-Zoo lets children experience a working farm, complete with animal feedings and gardening activities. Seasonal events, like ZooLights during the winter, add extra fun with dazzling light displays.

Located at the John Hancock Center, this observation deck offers stunning views of the city, Lake Michigan, and even neighboring states on a clear day. The TILT attraction lets visitors lean outward from a glass window high above Michigan Avenue for a thrilling perspective. The deck also features interactive touchscreens where kids can learn about Chicago’s famous landmarks.

As America’s first planetarium, Adler is an exciting destination for families interested in space exploration. Kids can take part in hands-on exhibits like Mission Moon, which tells the story of the Apollo program through real spacecraft and astronaut gear. The Grainger Sky Theater offers breathtaking digital projections of outer space, while interactive stations let children control a virtual Mars rover or learn about constellations. The planetarium’s prime location on the lakefront also provides stunning views of the Chicago skyline.

Families looking for a thrilling experience can visit the Skydeck on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower. The main attraction is The Ledge, a series of glass-floored balconies that extend out from the building, offering heart-racing views straight down to the streets below. Kids love the sensation of "floating" above the city, and interactive exhibits teach visitors about Chicago’s history and architecture.

Located in Glenview, this highly interactive museum is perfect for young children and preschoolers. The Hands-on House exhibit lets kids play with tools and learn about home maintenance. The Grocery Store allows kids to shop, scan items, and play cashier with pretend food. Water Works is a fun splash zone where kids can explore the properties of water by spinning wheels, pumping water, and creating small waves. The Pet Vet exhibit teaches kids about caring for animals, while Potbelly Sandwich Works is a kid-sized restaurant where they can role-play as chefs. The museum hosts special themed days, seasonal activities, and an outdoor Habitat Park with climbing structures and nature trails.

This 91-acre nature preserve along the lakefront offers a peaceful escape from the city, with walking trails, prairie grasslands, and beautiful views of the Chicago skyline. Families can explore the Northerly Island Field Station, which offers free interactive nature programs for kids, including bug hunts, birdwatching sessions, and guided nature walks. The park’s scenic trails are great for biking or strolling, and during the winter months, families can enjoy snowshoeing. The lagoon area is a great spot for fishing, and wildlife enthusiasts may spot herons, turtles, and migratory birds.

Located just outside Chicago, this expansive zoo is home to over 400 animal species, including big cats, gorillas, and dolphins. The Hamill Family Play Zoo offers hands-on experiences where kids can pet animals, dress up as zookeepers, and learn about conservation. Seasonal events like Boo at the Zoo and Holiday Magic add extra fun throughout the year.

Located on Navy Pier, this interactive museum offers hands-on exhibits designed for kids of all ages. Children can climb aboard a life-size schooner in the "Boats" exhibit, dig for dinosaur bones in "Dinosaur Expedition," or experiment with building structures in "Tinkering Lab." The "WaterWays" exhibit lets kids play with water currents and pipes in a fun, educational setting. A dedicated "Kids Town" is perfect for toddlers, featuring a mini grocery store, car wash, and other real-world role-playing activities.

This impressive children’s library features an interactive play area, storytelling sessions, and a vast collection of kid-friendly books. The colorful space includes STEM activities, puppet shows, and hands-on learning stations, making it a great indoor option for young families.

A family-friendly cruise along the Chicago River that provides an engaging way to learn about the city’s famous skyscrapers. Narrated tours share fascinating stories about Chicago’s history and its iconic buildings. Many tour companies offer kid-friendly versions with shorter routes and interactive elements.

A peaceful indoor botanical garden where families can explore lush tropical plants, waterfalls, and colorful flowers. The Children's Garden features interactive plant-based activities and scavenger hunts that make learning about nature fun.

One of baseball’s most iconic stadiums, Wrigley Field offers guided tours that take visitors behind the scenes of the historic home of the Chicago Cubs. Families can step onto the field, visit the dugouts, and see the press box where announcers call the game. The tour includes a walk through the visitor’s clubhouse, the iconic manual scoreboard, and exclusive areas normally reserved for players. Kids will love hearing stories about famous games, legendary players, and the ballpark’s history since its opening in 1914. On game days, families can also enjoy the lively atmosphere around Wrigleyville with food vendors, Cubs memorabilia shops, and kid-friendly attractions.

Located in Schaumburg, about 40 minutes from downtown Chicago, LEGOLAND Discovery Center is an indoor playground for LEGO lovers. Kids can explore interactive LEGO-themed zones, including Miniland Chicago, which showcases a miniature version of the city built entirely out of LEGO bricks. The LEGO 4D Cinema features short movies with wind, rain, and special effects that immerse kids in exciting LEGO adventures. Kingdom Quest is a laser ride where families can defeat trolls and skeletons while rescuing a princess. The LEGO Racers: Build & Test area allows children to design and race their own LEGO cars. There’s also a Duplo Village for toddlers, featuring larger, easy-to-handle blocks.