With 60+ parks, 20+ beaches, and endless family-friendly attractions, it’s easy to soak up summer and sunshine in Chicago.
Find your family summer fun
Whether you’re kayaking through downtown on the Chicago River or watching dolphins jump and play, there’s no shortage of summer fun for all ages. Grab your sunscreen and dive into the ultimate summer in the city — no matter what your family likes to do, there’s a summer adventure waiting for you!
For families that love thrill rides
Fly 200 feet into the clouds on the Centennial Wheel: Hop into an enclosed gondola on Navy Pier’s iconic Ferris wheel and see the city from a seagull’s perspective. Plus, check out other exciting experiences on the Pier like FlyOver Chicago and the classic carnival rides at Pier Park.
Tilt outward 1,030 feet above Michigan Avenue: TILT is Chicago’s highest thrill ride, where you can hover high above one of Chicago’s most iconic streets. You’ll find this heart-pounding attraction at 360 CHICAGO, an observation deck on the 94th floor of a skyscraper on The Magnificent Mile.
Cruise Lake Michigan aboard a lightning-fast speedboat: The Chicago Seadog Extreme Thrill Ride speeds along the lakefront, then zips down the Chicago River; it’s the fastest and most exhilarating architecture cruise in the city. Just keep in mind you may get wet.
Soar on a zipline high above the ground: Explore greater Chicagoland and check out The Forge: Lemont Quarries, a 300-acre adventure destination. Conquer high ropes, rappel, and fly above a quarry on the 1,200-foot zipline.
For families that love creatures big and small
See lions, gorillas, and meerkats up close at Lincoln Park Zoo: The historic Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the oldest free zoos in the country. Come see creatures and critters from around the world, plus plenty of rides, activities, and zookeeper chats. This summer, don’t miss the rare black rhino calf that was just born at the zoo.
Mingle with butterflies at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum: The tropical greenhouse at this family-friendly museum is filled with more than 1,000 free-flying butterflies. Time your visit to witness the First Flight Butterfly Release each afternoon, where newly-emerged butterflies take their first flight.
Come face to face with sharks and sea otters at the Shedd Aquarium: Head to the lakefront Museum Campus to explore the Shedd Aquarium. Don’t forget to pet a friendly stingray at the Stingray Touch exhibit, where kids can gently interact with these fascinating creatures.
Watch polar bears splash or feed a friendly giraffe: Located just outside the city, Brookfield Zoo is home to over 3,000 animals. Catch a captivating dolphin show, ride the seasonal Ferris wheel, and step inside a butterfly enclosure.
For families that love history and culture
Earn your Junior Park Ranger Badge: Explore the Pullman National Historical Park, the country’s first planned industrial community, and complete fun (and educational!) activities to receive an official Pullman Junior Ranger badge.
Play at the new Obama Presidential Center: The new Obama Presidential Center was designed for all ages, with interactive exhibits and sprawling grounds that includes a whimsical nature-inspired playground.
See Pokémon fossils at the Field Museum: This blockbuster summer exhibit is now open at the Field Museum, bringing together the worlds of Pokémon and paleontology. Kids will love exploring the rest of the museum, home to everything from ancient Egyptian tombs to massive gemstones.
Search for street art in Pilsen: Set off on a self-guided walking tour of Pilsen, known for its rich Latino culture and colorful street art scene. A great starting point is the National Museum of Mexican Art, which offers free admission and showcases Mexican art and culture.
Explore more: Check out top activities for teens and tweens in Chicago.
For families that love sports and outdoors
Play a round of mini golf with the skyline as your backdrop: City Mini Golf in Maggie Daley Park offers 18 holes with Chicago-themed obstacles. Stick around and scale the climbing walls or roller skate the ribbon at this fun-filled urban playground.
Catch a Cubs game at iconic Wrigley Field: Nothing screams “summer in Chicago” as much as singing “Go Cubs Go!” and cheering on the Cubbies. Plus, go behind the scenes during a tour of the historic ballpark.
Paddle the Chicago River: Rent kayaks from one of the many rental shops along the Chicago Riverwalk, then hop in and paddle past our city’s architectural gems and under historic bridges.
Join the Bike the Drive event: Wrap up summer with this beloved annual event. One Sunday per year, Lake Shore Drive is closed to cars. On Sept. 6, bikers of all ages can enjoy a leisurely bike ride with jaw-dropping skyline and lakefront views.
