Chicago is a place where kids’ imaginations soar, with endless things to do and see around every corner. From hands-on museums and sprawling parks to exciting theatrical experiences and animal encounters, the city is bursting with family-friendly attractions for all ages. Whether your crew includes curious toddlers or adventurous teens, you’ll find activities and experiences to delight every interest and spark unforgettable adventures.

Kid-friendly museums in Chicago

A family at the Shedd Aquarium
Shedd Aquarium; photo by Abel Arciniega :: @tequilagraphics

Shedd Aquarium
Nestled on the Museum Campus, Shedd Aquarium dives deep into underwater wonders from around the world. Showcasing aquatic life through glass tanks and touch pools, the aquarium offers many opportunities to get up close with marine animals, from shark feeding tours to encounters with belugas, sea otters, and sea lions. Explore engaging exhibits like Wild Reef and Polar Play Zone, with an immersive underwater viewing area and a kid-sized submarine.

Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute sparks curiosity in visitors of all ages, thanks to its trove of nearly 5,000 art pieces on display. Start your visit at the Ryan Learning Center, offering free interactive workshops for youths up to age 14 and Chicago teens under 18. Craft creations at the Artist’s Studio or check out the JourneyMaker kiosks, where kids can design their own museum tour. And be sure to swing by the Thorne Miniature Rooms to discover whimsical, dollhouse-like displays.

American Writers Museum
Experience storytelling like never before with hands-on exhibits at the American Writers Museum. At the Children’s Literature Gallery, kids can play with words and uncover the magic of reading and writing. Cozy up with a timeless book, then take a family photo beside the delightful mural of book-loving squirrels created by celebrated children’s book author and illustrator Paul O. Zelinsky.

Bronzeville Children’s Museum
Tucked away in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood, Bronzeville Children’s Museum spotlights African American history for families with young children. Designed for kids ages 4 to 9, the museum’s exhibits delve into the legacy of pioneering Black inventors, celebrate Bronzeville’s rich history, and showcase kid-friendly science, technology, engineering, art, and math programming.

Chicago: Crossroads of America at Chicago History Museum
Chicago: Crossroads of America at Chicago History Museum

Chicago Children’s Museum
The Chicago Children’s Museum at Navy Pier encourages little ones to climb, splash, and explore through playful exhibitions like Treehouse Trails, Water City, and Dinosaur Expedition. From crafting masterpieces in the Art Studio to experimenting with science-inspired projects in the Tinkering Lab, kids can fully engage their imagination and senses in hands-on fun.

Chicago History Museum
Take a trip back in time at the Chicago History Museum, which brings the city’s story to life through family-friendly activities and interactive exhibits. Little explorers can ride a vintage high-wheel bicycle, follow the fiery tale of the Great Chicago Fire, catch a fly ball at Comiskey Park, and step aboard the original ‘L’ train car No. 1.

Chicago Sports Museum
History and high-tech fun collide at the Chicago Sports Museum. Young sports fans can take on legendary athletes in skill challenges, unravel sports mysteries with CSI-inspired tech, and even step into a broadcast booth to announce a game like Harry Caray. Explore the stories and legends behind Chicago’s most celebrated teams and athletes.

Tip: Planning a parents’ night out? Let Destination Sitters handle childcare with professional, on-site babysitting services at your hotel or vacation rental.

Field Museum
Explore a multi-story replica of an ancient Egyptian tomb, meet SUE the T. rex, and say hello to Máximo the Titanosaur, the most colossal dinosaur on record — the Field Museum is overflowing with curiosities. Situated at the lakeside Museum Campus, along with Adler Planetarium and Shedd Aquarium, this landmark natural history museum has inspired wonder and cultural exploration since 1894.

Tip: Check out the Museum Campus from a fresh perspective — sparkling lake views included — aboard a Shoreline Sightseeing water taxi from Navy Pier, The Magnificent Mile, or Union Station.

Griffin Museum of Science & Industry
Play fuels the learning journey at the Griffin Museum of Science & Industry in Hyde Park. Visit the Western Hemisphere’s largest science center to take control of a towering 40-foot tornado, descend into a realistic underground mineshaft, climb into a World War II-era U-505 submarine, and more. With hands-on experiments and larger-than-life exhibits, this 400,000-square-foot science center lets kids build and explore while learning how the world works.

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
The natural world comes to life in unexpected ways at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, nestled in the heart of Lincoln Park. Discover interactive exhibits that bring Chicago’s ecology and wildlife right to your fingertips. Highlights include a vibrant greenhouse teeming with free-flying butterflies and birds, toddler-friendly play areas, and picturesque nature trails and gardens.

Adler Planetarium
Perched along the waterfront grounds of the Museum Campus, Adler Planetarium is where space dreams take flight. As the first planetarium built in the Western Hemisphere, it’s now a launchpad for young stargazers, offering dazzling sky shows, hands-on exhibits like Planet Explorers, and out-of-this-world experiences that bring the cosmos a little closer to Earth.

Explore more: Discover more kid-friendly museums in Chicago

Kid-friendly attractions and experiences

Lincoln Park Zoo
Abel Arciniega: @tequilagraphics

Lincoln Park Zoo
A stone’s throw from Lake Shore Drive, Lincoln Park Zoo started with a pair of swans in 1868. Today, one of the nation’s oldest zoos is home to hundreds of animal species, from waddling penguins to majestic primates. Kids love the Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo, which highlights North American wildlife, and the immersive Farm-in-the-Zoo, where children can interact with barnyard animals. Fun fact: The zoo has offered free admission since day one.

Brookfield Zoo
Since 1934, suburban Brookfield Zoo has invited guests to explore 200-plus acres of wildlife and natural beauty. With over 3,400 animals representing more than 500 species, this historic zoo and conservation center combines outdoor adventure with interactive learning. Say hello to koalas at the Hamill Family Play Zoo, watch dolphins leap and splash at Seven Seas, and ride the Ferris wheel for a bird’s-eye view of the zoo grounds.

Millennium Park
Millennium Park is where art, architecture, and green space unite to give downtown Chicago a lively buzz all year long. Lurie Garden flourishes in spring, with flowers in full bloom, and by summer, Crown Fountain’s shallow reflecting pool turns into a cool splash zone for children. Come winter, glide across McCormick Tribune Ice Rink while the city sparkles around you. Between attending a free concert at the Pritzker Pavilion and taking pictures at Cloud Gate, aka “The Bean,” there’s always something to enjoy here.

Tip: Let the city come to you on a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus tour. Board Big Bus Tours Chicago for a fun and easy way to experience the city’s top attractions.

Navy Pier
Framed by Chicago’s dazzling skyline, Navy Pier boasts unmatched lake views, kid-approved eats, and endless fun for the whole family. Popular spots include Polk Bros Park, known for its free public events year-round, and the Chicago Children’s Museum, featuring over a dozen hands-on exhibits. Head to Pier Park for classic rides, a funhouse maze, and sky-high views on the Centennial Wheel. On summer nights, watch the waterfront come alive with a spectacular fireworks show — no ticket required.

Navy Pier

Color Factory
Step into a world bursting with color at Color Factory, an immersive art experience designed for all ages. The vibrant, multi-sensory exhibits were created in collaboration with local artists and designed to spark joy. Wander through rainbow-hued interactive rooms filled with playful installations, giant ball pits, and plenty of creative photo opportunities.

Museum of Ice Cream
Make your sweetest dreams come true at the Museum of Ice Cream, a whimsical wonderland dedicated to all things ice cream. Kids and grown-ups alike can explore themed rooms, slide into a pool of sprinkles, and enjoy unlimited ice cream treats along the way. Guests will love the hands-on experiences, with fun surprises around every corner.

Sloomoo Institute
Sloomoo Institute is part contemporary art exhibit, part sensory playground, and all-out slime heaven. Kids — and kids at heart — can poke, stretch, and swirl their way through rooms filled with gooey textures, sweet scents, and creative experiments that are as fun as they are oddly satisfying.

American Girl Place
Make lasting memories at American Girl Place, tucked away in Water Tower Place on The Magnificent Mile. Look forward to a charming café dining experience, where dolls get their own seat at the table, or treat your kids and their dolls to a spa day with matching hairstyles and even a manicure. Plus, take advantage of complimentary personal shoppers to find the perfect gift for your little one.

Escape rooms
Think you have what it takes to break out of prison, recover priceless art, find hidden gold, or launch a spaceship? Family-friendly escape rooms in Chicago are full of creative twists and challenges, with every clue bringing you one step closer to victory. The Escape Game Chicago offers a variety of themed rooms, including a heist, a prison break, and a mission to Mars.

Explore more: Find kid-friendly restaurants in Chicago.

Kids play at Crown Fountain in Millennium Park on a sunny day
Crown Fountain in Millennium Park

Indoor skydiving
Feel the rush of skydiving without having to board a plane at iFLY. This indoor skydiving spot is excellent for kids looking for an exhilarating yet safe activity. Step into a vertical wind tunnel where you can float and fly with guidance from trained instructors. While no experience is needed, your kiddos can visit multiple times to master tricks, such as twists, flips, and 360-degree turns.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center
A must-visit for LEGO-loving kids, LEGOLAND Discovery Center in nearby Schaumburg mixes open-ended play with a 4D movie theatre, two fantastical rides, and an epic VR attraction. Creativity knows no limits at this sprawling indoor playground, featuring several themed build-and-play areas like Chicago Miniland and Jungle Expedition. And when you’re in Chicago, keep the brick-tastic fun going at the LEGO Store at Water Tower Place.

Skydeck Chicago
Get ready for jaw-dropping views of the city and waterfront at Skydeck Chicago in Willis Tower, one of the world’s tallest buildings. Visit the Skydeck Museum for interactive exhibits, then tiptoe onto The Ledge, a glass balcony extending 4.3 feet beyond Willis Tower, allowing dizzying views of the city and four states from 103 floors up.

TILT at 360 CHICAGO
Embrace the thrill of TILT, an adrenaline-charged ride that involves tilting outward over 1,000 feet (94 floors!) above The Magnificent Mile at 360 CHICAGO. This sky-high observation deck on iconic Michigan Avenue boasts 360-degree views of the lakeside and cityscapes stretching across four states.

Urban Adventure Quest
Inspired by the Amazing Race, Urban Adventure Quest delivers a fun-filled scavenger hunt brimming with local history and engaging puzzles. Using your smartphone as a guide, you’ll track down clues and tackle challenges at various landmarks and lesser-known corners of the city.

Kid-friendly outdoor activities

Mandatory Photo Credit:
Abel Arciniega :: @tequilagraphics

Maggie Daley Park
Maggie Daley Park is a 20-acre wonderland for children. Enjoy an alfresco lunch at one of the Picnic Groves, frolic at the storybook-inspired Play Garden, or take on the 18-hole miniature golf course packed with playful nods to Chicago landmarks. Scale new heights at the city’s first and only Climbing Park, and — if you’re visiting in the winter — lace up your ice skates and take a spin on the Skating Ribbon.

Bike tours
Two wheels, unforgettable adventures — that’s the spirit of Bike and Roll Chicago and Bobby’s Bike Hike. For foodie families, Bobby’s offers a kid-friendly dining-focused bike tour with samples of the city’s most iconic eats, such as deep-dish pizza and authentic Chicago dogs. Or explore the lovely Lakefront Trail and sandy beachfront with Bike and Roll’s classic tour.

Grant Park Skate Park
In the heart of downtown, Grant Park offers a family-friendly hub for action and energy. Wheels spin nonstop at Grant Skate Park, where skaters, rollerbladers, and BMX riders launch tricks on concrete ramps and grinding rails designed for beginners and pros alike.

Kayaking
Trade sidewalks for waterways and take in the cityscape by kayak — no experience needed. Providing guided tours from Chicago’s Riverwalk or Lakefront, Urban Kayaks makes it easy to paddle past skyscrapers and under historic bridges for a truly memorable view of the city.

Boat cruises
In Chicago, the real magic is on the water. Explore notable architectural gems on a First Lady cruise, catch the wind aboard Tall Ship Windy, or go full throttle with Seadog Cruises. Whatever your family’s boating style, the lake and river always deliver.

Explore more: Discover Chicago’s top boat cruises on the river and lakefront.

Free things to do in Chicago with kids

Outdoor things to do in Chicago with kids

Indoor things to do in Chicago with kids