66 Things To Do in Chicago With Kids (Parent Reviews)

Shila said:  Glenview Park District's The Grove is a walkable outdoor history museum. The newly renovated Interpretive Center serves a showcase for local history and nature, and as an educational programming space. At the Interpretive Center, you can explore the large animal tanks and the exciting new Turtle Island habitat, discover new exhibits that let you follow in the footsteps of Illinois naturalist Robert Kennicott, meet a full-size prehistoric relative of the modern-day sloth, and so much more!

Kristy Pepping said:  Kohl Children’s Museum offers more than a dozen interactive, hands-on exhibits including a play cafe to transact food orders and dine in, a pretend grocery store, a hands-on water play area, pretend veterinarian's office and more! The Adventures in Art room provides more than enough art supplies to create your own masterpieces. There is an outdoor playground area, as well as an in-house restaurant.

Kristy Pepping said:  Pirates Cove, located in Chicago's northeastern suburbs, is referred to as Elk Grove's "hidden treasure." This is a local theme park, though non-resident families often make the trip to uncover what the pirates have in store! Kids love the playful pirate ship, paddle boats, slides, carousel, train and daily performances. All attractions are themed and aimed to please the youngest buccaneers.

June-August

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

Shila said:  One of Chicago's most popular beaches, North Avenue Beach features a unique, ocean-liner inspired beach house. In addition to the obvious sand & water, the beach also has a multitude of bikers, runners, walkers and rollerbladers streaming down the lakefront trail. It's a cool people watching spot. Most notably, though, this beach boasts one of the best views in and of the city.

Memorial Day-Labor Day Swimming

Gina I. said:  Where can you see the stars and learn from Northwestern University Physics & Astronomy students? The Dearborn Observatory! The observatory makes its 18.5 foot refracting telescope available to the public every Friday night. You can make reservations in advance, or show up for the walk-in tours and hope it's not too crowded.

Note that the dome is not climate controlled, and that several staircases must be climbed in order to reach the telescope.

Friday nights

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:  This is a great museum to explore any time of year, with plenty of indoor conservation-based exhibits to complement the beautiful outdoor sanctuary. Kids especially love the bright and warm Butterfly Haven, interactive RiverWorks water play area and indoor playground.

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!

Shila said:  This 2 hour kayaking tour guides you down the Chicago River as it flows through downtown. From the water level up, you'll look up to mega skyscrapers, the riverside promenade and learn about Chicago's famous architecture while kayaking along the Chicago River. Other tours include a sunset tour, Navy Pier fireworks tour, gangsters tour, and a moonlight tour.

Vanessa M. said:  Bring the family on a wild ride down the Fox River at downtown Yorkville's Marge Cline Whitewater Course. You can B.Y.O.Boat or check out the Yak Shack for boat, kayak, and tube rental. The river breaks into two sections, one for beginners and one for more experienced paddlers, and the pedestrian bridge makes a great observation spot for family members who may not be keen to participate. Nearby restaurants and playground make this destination a fun day trip for families!

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.

Shila said:  This is an outdoor, zero depth entry wave pool where 10-minute periods of flowing waves (around 3-foot crests) send kids bobbing about on floaters. There is plenty of lounge space on deck, as well as concessions.