Lazy mornings spent strolling a new city with a latte in hand no longer exist when you’re traveling with little ones. Thankfully, Chicago offers amazing adventures the whole family will adore. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Chicago with kids.
As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
Visit Sue at the Field Museum
Dinosaurs may be ancient history but seeing the remains of one up-close at the Field Museum is mind-blowing. Sue is the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus rex fossil ever found and is sure to scare away any monster lurking in your kid’s closet.
Pro Tip: The Field Museum gets very crowded, especially in the summer, so if your kids are early risers — head here prior to 11 a.m. to beat the masses.
Ride a CTA Bus or “L” Train
There is something about public transportation that can entertain tiny travelers for hours on end. Consider a ride on a CTA bus or “L” train an intermezzo and ride the 151 bus from Lincoln Park all the way to Michigan Avenue. You’ll get a quick panorama of the lakefront and Michigan Avenue.
Pro Tip: Buy a Ventra Card at a local drug store or mini mart prior to boarding to avoid fumbling for correct change when you get to the bus or El station.
Watch the Butterflies at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Even when it’s the dead of winter in Chicago, the Judy Istok Butterfly Haven inside the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is a worthy oasis. Butterflies that originate from all over the world flutter and roam free amongst tropical trees, flowers, and small ponds. Everyday at 2:00 p.m. new butterflies are released — a not-to-be missed moment.
Pro Tip: Check the calendar of events before heading to the museum. They often offer special events included in the price of admission.
Visit the Shedd Aquarium
Dive head first into the amazing Shedd Aquarium enough activities to keep even the antsiest kid (or adult) occupied for hours. Schedule your visit around one of the aquatic shows and stare in awe of the whales and dolphins. Finish the afternoon off slipping and sliding through the Polar Play Zone, an indoor playground where you can also get a spectacular view from the under the tank.
Pro Tip: If you buy your tickets in advance you won’t have to wait in the lengthy weekend lines. Buy advanced tickets online for a better rate through the museum or a Chicago CityPass.
Walk Through the Lincoln Park Zoo
A favorite amongst locals and tourists alike, Lincoln Park Zoo is clean, walkable, and totally free. The monkeys are a highlight as is the old time carousel (which will cost you a few well-worth-it bucks). Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring nearby Lincoln Park.
Pro Tip: Bring your own water bottles and snacks. It’s easy to get tempted by the many food carts and food court throughout the zoo.
Spend the Afternoon at the Chicago Children’s Museum
Everything at Chicago Children’s Museum is for little kids with big imaginations. For kid-friendly activities in Chicago, this is one of the best places to go. Be a firefighter (complete with truck driving and pole sliding), build your own skyscraper, and drive your own CTA bus.
Pro Tip: The museum is reliably crowded on weekends, so try to time your visit for during the week if possible. Keep in mind that the museum is typically closed on Tuesdays.
Stroll Through Millennium Park
After your kids run to see their reflection in the giant bean at Millennium Park, they’ll love splashing in the spitting fountains that reflect faces of local Chicagoans. If the weather is too cold for splashing, ice skating is the perfect option.
Pro Tip: The park has free Wi-Fi so it’s the perfect place to take a breather and plan your next adventure in the city.
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