Chicago Staycation Ideas for Families

Kristy Pepping said:  Visiting the Art Institute of Chicago is a great way to introduce your child to art appreciation, plus see the iconic lions out front! This popular downtown Chicago museum offers family programs and daily workshops with hands-on experiences, story times and more. Families with younger kids may particularly enjoy walking through The Thorne Miniature Rooms, The Touch Gallery, or viewing the vibrant glass treasures found in the Paperweight Gallery.

Erin P. said:  My mom used to love taking us to Chicago and going for a ride on the Seadog, and I look forward to continuing the tradition with my own kids one day! You can enjoy views of Buckingham Fountain, Grant Park, Chicago Harbor, and Chicago’s Museum Campus. A great summer activity! Thrill seeking Chicago families should try the extreme thrill ride, where speeds hit 45 mph and they do 360 degree spins. You'll get wet!

Kelly R. said:  If you're a Cubs fan in Chicago, you have likely watched a game from inside Wrigley. But have you had the chance to witness what goes on behind the scenes of the friendly confines? Wrigley Field offers 75-90 minute guided walking tours, where you can learn more about the ballpark and its history. Tour routes vary, but can include the press box, dugout, clubhouse, and field. This is a unique experience gift for kids who love sports!

Sarah D. said:  Northerly Island trails are an extension of the museum campus and Chicago's famous Lakefront Trail. These paved, pristine trails traverse a hilly, lakefront expanse of Illinois prairie and savanna that form a peninsula out into Lake Michigan. Renowned for the presence of migratory birds, Northerly Island is a sanctuary along the shoreline of a bustling city. With easy access via an on-site lot, this sanctuary is the perfect place to spend time in nature.

Yoli B said:  Blackberry Farm is a part of Fox Valley Park District's living-history museum. The Adventure Playground looks like an old farming community with climbing deck, rope tunnels, bridges and tons of slides. The coolest part will be watching your kid zip line from the silo back to Earth! In addition to the incredible playground, admission to Blackberry Farm includes access to its historical sites, rides and attractions, including the Discovery Barn, train, hay wagon, paddle boats, carousel and ponies.

May-October

Sarah D. said:  The Chicago Riverwalk is a world-class tour through Chicago's famous "Loop" along the Chicago River. This paved pathway is frequented by walkers and boaters from all over the world. The stretch of riverfront extends from the lake inland below street level but with access points for strollers and wheelchairs. The Riverwalk is a great place to walk, eat, and play! This is a must-see for family-friendly outdoor walking fun!

Kristy Pepping said:  This comprehensive tour takes you on a boat ride through the heart of Chicago while a professionally-trained guide shares the story behind its legendary architecture and renowned skyline. There is an indoor section on the boat if it is chilly outside, along with bathrooms and snacks for a comfortable ride. Several different tours are available, including a shorter, family-friendly version of the Chicago River Architecture Tour at only 45 minutes.

Kristy Pepping said:  The Chicago Water Taxi may be your mode of transportation while going to work, but it can also be fun as a tourist or as part of a Chicago family staycation! It's a great way to quickly (and cheaply) see the sights and architecture that Chicago has alongside the river without taking a formal tour, and is a fun boat trip for kids!

If you're arriving downtown via Metra to either Oglivie or Union Station, just walk a couple blocks to the river and you've arrived! You can ride the Chicago Water Taxi to Navy Pier, Chinatown, Michigan Ave, or even the Museum Campus.

Kristy Pepping said:  Santa’s Village AZoosment Park, located in Chicago's northwestern suburbs, offers fun for the whole family. Enjoy animal encounters like pony rides and feeding goats, rides, games, shows and more. Adrenaline-packed rides include Xtreme Elevation which is a 140-foot free fall, and the twisty-turny Super Cyclone Roller Coaster. But Santa's Village really shines best with their kiddie and classic family rides (e.g., Tilt-A-Whirl, flying jets, pendulum ship, carousel, etc.).

Kristy Pepping said:  Six Flags Great America, located in Chicago's northern suburbs, has attractions running the gamut from roller coasters to gentler options for tots. It is Chicago's largest theme park, and most popular for thrill-seeking families. Plan for an entire day here if you've never been before. You'll find thrill rides like roller coasters, family rides, kiddie rides and even water rides at the adjacent Hurricane Harbor (separate admission).

Gina I. said:  Chicago's most popular stargazing spot offers education and entertainment for visitors of all ages. Explore a variety of out-of-this-world exhibits and breathtaking shows, and check out the Planet Explorers area, where kids can climb, crawl, play, and join the crew on a mission to space!

Kristy Pepping said:  Donley's Wild West Town, located in Union, Illinois, is a family amusement park. All will have fun as they share the experience of panning for gold pyrite at the Sweet Phyllis Mine, shooting slingshots at Huck Finn's and watching a live action Wild West Stunt Show. There are pony rides, a smaller (yet exhilarating) roller coaster, carousel, lazy river canoes, hand carts, a train ride, and more! The museum can be enjoyed by all ages too, showcasing cowboy memorabilia, Civil War artifacts, etc.

Shila said:  The Chicago Magic Lounge is typically an adult-only bar and entertainment venue that features a calendar of events full of invigorating magic show performances. On select Sundays, they present family-friendly showcases geared for kids and adults alike. Performances vary and can range from magicians full of funny jokes for kids to mysterious illusionists full of jaw-dropping tricks.

Kristy Pepping said:  Navy Pier may be a "touristy" attraction, but even if you are from Chicago, there is so much to do and explore that you may have never seen before, including restaurants, shows, cruises, and events. Most notably, kids can enjoy one of the best children's museums in Chicago, as well as the Centennial Ferris Wheel that offers stunning views of the city skyline.

Sarah D. said:  Don't want to drive too far to get out of town? Visit Great Wolf Lodge in Gurnee, IL! Great Wolf is one of America's premier indoor and outdoor water resorts with splash-tastic activities for children of all ages! The resort makes family travel easy with an array of on-site dining options and activities for children including story time, pajama parties, visits from characters and so much more! Great Wolf sits just across the way from Six Flags Great America so your children can visit a world-class amusement park for additional thrills!