Chicago is a city that never fails to impress, especially when it comes to entertaining kids. With its endless array of family-friendly activities and attractions, Chicago is like a giant playground for children of all ages. From outdoor adventures to indoor museums, there’s something for every interest and imagination. In this article, we’ll explore over 30 kid-friendly things to do in Chicago.
Kid-Friendly Attractions & Museums
Chicago boasts a wide range of kid-friendly attractions and museums that are sure to captivate young minds. Here are some highlights:
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Lincoln Park Zoo: Established in 1868, the Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the nation. Kids will love the carousel, locomotive rides, and the Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo. They can also visit the Farm-in-the-Zoo to pet goats, cows, and ponies.
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Brookfield Zoo: Located in a 216-acre nature park, Brookfield Zoo has been captivating visitors since 1934. With over 2,000 residents, the zoo offers dolphin shows, giraffe feedings, penguin encounters, and educational animal kingdom experiences.
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Millennium Park: At Millennium Park, kids can splash around in Crown Fountain during the summer, explore Lurie Garden during spring, and skate at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink during winter. They can also make faces in the reflective sculpture known as “The Bean.”
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Navy Pier: Navy Pier is an iconic destination for kids. It offers rides on a towering Ferris wheel, a Wave Swinger, and a 1920s-inspired musical carousel at Pier Park. There are also fireworks, sightseeing cruises, the Chicago Children’s Museum, stores, and the FlyOver Chicago ride.
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Shedd Aquarium: The Shedd Aquarium, located next to the Field Museum and Adler Planetarium, offers an incredible underwater experience. Kids can explore aquatic worlds, participate in unique animal encounters, and go behind-the-scenes for an unforgettable adventure.
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Art Institute of Chicago: Don’t underestimate the Art Institute of Chicago for kids. The Thorne Miniature Rooms and the Ryan Education Center offer engaging experiences tailored to young visitors. Kids can also enjoy free admission to the Ryan Education Center.
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American Writers Museum: The Children’s Literature Gallery at the American Writers Museum features a fabulous mural by illustrator Paul O. Belinsky. It’s a great place to spark a love for reading in kids.
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Bronzeville Children’s Museum: The first African American children’s museum in the country, the Bronzeville Children’s Museum offers interactive exhibits for children aged 3 to 9. It provides an educational experience in a unique tour format.
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Chicago Children’s Museum: Located at Navy Pier, the Chicago Children’s Museum offers interactive exhibits like WaterWays, Dinosaur Expedition, and Treehouse Trails. It’s a great destination for hands-on learning and exploration.
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Chicago History Museum: The Chicago History Museum takes visitors on a journey through Chicago’s past. Kids can explore the city’s history through interactive exhibits and experiences, such as riding a high-wheel bicycle and diving into a giant Chicago-style hot dog.
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Sloomoo Institute: The Sloomoo Institute is an interactive slime museum that offers a sensory play experience for kids and kids at heart. Visitors can explore various hands-on exhibits featuring different types of slime.
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Chicago Sports Museum: The Chicago Sports Museum combines high-tech interactivity with sports memorabilia and artifacts. Kids can test their skills, solve mysteries, and even step into a replica broadcast booth to call a game.
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Field Museum: The Field Museum offers exciting adventures, with exhibits like SUE the T. rex and Máximo the Titanosaur. Visitors can explore the wonders of nature and history at this lakeside museum.
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Museum of Science & Industry: As the largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere, the Museum of Science & Industry offers an abundance of exhibits and experiences. Kids can explore everything from tornadoes and U-boats to trains and planes.
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Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum: The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum features native animals, nature-inspired art, play spaces, and an exotic butterfly house. It’s a perfect destination for young nature enthusiasts.
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Adler Planetarium: The Adler Planetarium, located on the Museum Campus, offers interactive exhibits, planetarium shows, and special programming to inspire future explorers and astronomers.
Kid-Friendly Outdoor Activities
Chicago’s outdoor activities provide endless opportunities for kids to have fun and explore. Here are some favorite outdoor attractions:
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Maggie Daley Park: Maggie Daley Park offers a Skating Ribbon, a Play Garden inspired by fairy tales, a mini golf course with Chicago-themed obstacles, and a climbing wall along the lakefront.
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Bike tours: Bobby’s Bike Hike and Bike and Roll Chicago offer kid-friendly bike tours. Kids aged 10 and under can join Bobby’s Tike Hike, and both companies provide special equipment for infants and toddlers.
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Grant Park Skate Park: Grant Park Skate Park is not only for skateboarders but also for rollerbladers and BMX bike enthusiasts. The park offers concrete ramps and grinding rails with a stunning view of the lakefront.
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Kayaking: Take a kayak tour of Chicago’s waterways with Urban Kayaks. Kids can enjoy breathtaking city vistas while being guided along the Chicago River or Monroe Harbor.
Kid-Friendly Experiences
In addition to attractions and outdoor activities, Chicago offers unique and exciting experiences for kids. Here are a few remarkable experiences:
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American Girl Place: American Girl Place is a must-visit for kids with big imaginations. From dolls to brunch, this store offers a delightful experience for young visitors.
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Escape rooms: Kids can embark on thrilling adventures in Chicago’s escape rooms. Escape Artistry, The Escape Game Chicago, and Fox in a Box – Chicago offer exciting challenges for problem-solving and team-building.
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Indoor skydiving: iFLY provides the ultimate indoor body-lift experience. Kids can soar without the need for prior skydiving experience, making it an exhilarating activity for teens and tweens.
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LEGOLAND Discovery Center: Located near Chicago in Schaumburg, LEGOLAND Discovery Center offers a day of LEGO-themed adventures with rides, play zones, and a 4D cinema. Back in the city, the LEGO Store at Water Tower Place is worth a visit.
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Skydeck Chicago: Walk on air at Skydeck Chicago, located in Willis Tower. Step into the glass boxes that extend from the skyscraper’s facade, offering a thrilling view from over 1,300 feet above the ground.
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TILT at 360 CHICAGO: Experience a tilt outward over 1,000 feet above The Magnificent Mile at TILT. Enjoy panoramic views of four states from this iconic former John Hancock Building.
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Urban Adventure Quest: Embark on an adventurous city tour with Urban Adventure Quest’s family-friendly scavenger hunt. Solve clues, complete challenges, and learn about local history in a fun and interactive way.
Kid-Friendly Theatre
Chicago’s vibrant theatre scene has plenty of options for kid-friendly shows. Here are some theatres and groups worth checking out:
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PlayMakers Laboratory: PlayMakers Laboratory celebrates the power of children’s imaginations through storytelling and theatre. Professional actors perform material written by Chicago Public School students, providing a unique outlet for their creativity.
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Blue Man Group: Blue Man Group is a multi-sensory performance art experience that keeps kids wide-eyed from start to finish. Make sure to bring a change of clothes if you sit in the “Splash Zone”!
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Chicago Children’s Theatre: For two decades, Chicago Children’s Theatre has presented plays, classes, and camps that inspire curiosity in kids and families.
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ComedySportz: ComedySportz offers an interactive show where two teams compete for laughs through improvised comedy scenes, songs, and games. Audience suggestions play a big role in inspiring the actors’ performances.
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Broadway in Chicago: Broadway in Chicago brings hit musicals, world premieres, and other exciting productions to the city’s stages. Keep an eye on the schedule for family-friendly shows like Peter Pan, The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, and more.
FAQs
Q: Are there any free things to do in Chicago with kids?
A: Yes, there are several free attractions and activities in Chicago for kids. Some highlights include Lincoln Park Zoo, Millennium Park, Maggie Daley Park, Grant Park, and free museum days. These offer fun and educational experiences without breaking the bank.
Q: What are some fun outdoor activities to do in Chicago with kids?
A: Chicago offers a variety of outdoor activities for kids. Some popular options include visiting Maggie Daley Park, going on bike tours with Bobby’s Bike Hike or Bike and Roll Chicago, exploring Grant Park, and enjoying kayak tours with Urban Kayaks.
Q: What are some indoor attractions in Chicago that are kid-friendly?
A: Chicago has numerous indoor attractions that are perfect for kids. The Chicago Children’s Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, American Writers Museum, and Field Museum are just a few examples of indoor destinations that offer engaging experiences for children.
Conclusion
Chicago is a treasure trove of kid-friendly activities and attractions. Whether you’re exploring outdoor parks and waterways or immersing yourself in the city’s museums and theaters, there is no shortage of fun and educational experiences for children. From the Lincoln Park Zoo to the Art Institute of Chicago, the Windy City offers endless opportunities for families to create unforgettable memories. So pack your bags, grab your little ones, and get ready for an adventure-filled journey through the vibrant city of Chicago.