33 Fun Things To Do in Chicago With Kids for 2025
Ask any parent who has been to the Windy City and they’ll tell you there are countless exciting things to do in Chicago with kids to make for an unforgettable family vacation. It’s like one big playground packed with exciting activities and cool attractions for the whole family to explore.
You'll find beautiful parks, interesting museums, fun festivals and many places where children can learn while having fun. To help you plan your trip, we've done all the research to bring you a list of 33 fun ideas that are kid-approved and parent-friendly.
Jump to Section
- Unique Things To Do in Chicago With Kids
- Fun Things To Do in Chicago With Toddlers
- Things To Do in Chicago With Kids in Winter
- Free Things To Do in Chicago With Kids
- Things To Do in Chicago With Kids FAQs
Unique Things To Do in Chicago With Kids
Chicago is packed with so much to see and do, it’s almost overwhelming to decide where to start. But the following unique things to do in Chicago with kids are a great way to kick off your adventure.
1. Take Art Classes
Say you and the kids are looking for something fun to do on a chilly day — why not try out some art classes in Chicago?
It’s one of the more creative things to do in Chicago with kids in winter, as you’ll be huddled in a warm, indoor space where children can paint, draw and get inspired.
2. Dance Classes
If your kids love to move and groove, signing up for dance classes in Chicago is a fun way to keep them active and entertained. Many studios offer beginner-friendly classes for all ages and styles, from ballet to hip-hop.
3. Visit the Sloomoo Institute
The Sloomoo Institute is a hands-on slime museum where kids can play with all kinds of textured and scented slimes.
It's a fun place for sensory play and creative exploration that both kids and parents will enjoy. It’s part art exhibit, part sensory playground and one of the most unique things to do in Chicago with kids.
4. Chicago Sports Museum
If you have a sports-obsessed kid, this place is a slam dunk. The Chicago Sports Museum mixes techy, interactive exhibits with legendary sports memorabilia.
Kids can test their skills against iconic athletes, solve mystery cases using CSI-style science and even call a game like the legendary Harry Caray.
5. Adler Planetarium
Located on the stunning museum campus, Adler Planetarium is the oldest planetarium in the Western Hemisphere and is packed with hands-on exhibits, shows and science fun that’ll spark curiosity in kids of all ages. Plus, the lakefront location provides beautiful views of the city.
6. Maggie Daley Park
This special park features a skating ribbon, a play garden inspired by children's stories, Chicago-themed mini golf and climbing walls right by the lake. It's one of the most fun things to do in Chicago with kids who love outdoor adventures.
7. Escape Rooms
Escape rooms aren’t just for grown-ups. You can take the kids on a mission through some of Chicago’s coolest escape adventures, from busting out of a jail cell to saving the day on Mars. Your kids will enjoy the challenge and teamwork as you figure out how to "escape" these different scenarios.
8. LEGOLAND Discovery Center
A short trip from downtown, this indoor LEGO playground has rides, building zones and a 4D movie theater. When back in the city, you can also visit the LEGO Store at Water Tower Place.
9. Chicago Riverwalk
Take a nice walk along the Chicago River to see beautiful buildings and enjoy restaurants and ice cream shops. You can also take a boat tour or rent kayaks for a different view of the city.
Fun Things To Do in Chicago With Toddlers
Chicago offers amazing opportunities for families with young children to explore art, culture and memorable experiences. Here are some wonderful things to do in Chicago with toddlers and older kids that will create lasting memories.
10. Bronzeville Children’s Museum
As the first African American children's museum in the country, Bronzeville Children’s Museum is a unique place that offers educational exhibits designed for children ages 3 to 9.
This educational and entertaining museum uses guided tours to make sure kids get the most out of every hands-on exhibit.
11. Chicago History Museum
The Chicago History Museum brings the past to life in ways kids can actually touch, smell, and play with. Young explorers can step aboard Chicago's first 'L' train car, try riding a high-wheel bicycle, hear sounds from the Great Chicago Fire, catch a baseball at a simulated Comiskey Park and even dive into a giant Chicago-style hot dog exhibit.
12. Field Museum
For dinosaur-loving kids, the Field Museum offers plenty of wild exhibits featuring ancient creatures, rare gems and even mummies. Toddlers will love the wide open space and unique displays, while older kids can dive deep into science and history.
13. Millennium Park
Millennium Park is perfect for families year-round. In summer, little ones can cool off in the interactive Crown Fountain, where digital faces of real Chicagoans spout water into a shallow splash pool.
Spring is perfect for a DIY scavenger hunt through the colorful Lurie Garden and when winter hits, you can grab your skates and glide across the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink under the glow of the city skyline.
14. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Little nature lovers will enjoy seeing native animals and the magical butterfly house where colorful butterflies might land right on them.
The museum also features spaces designed specifically for toddlers and it’s a great pick if you're hunting for things to do in Chicago with toddlers that offer hands-on fun.
15. American Girl Place
If you’ve got a little one obsessed with dolls, American Girl Place on The Magnificent Mile is a pretty cool experience to share with them. Consider booking a meal at their café, which offers brunch, lunch, afternoon tea or dinner with your child's doll joining the table.
16. Maggie Daley Park
Hands down, this is one of the best things to do in Chicago with kids of any age. Maggie Daley Park is basically a kid’s fantasy come to life; think massive climbing structures, whimsical slides, a mini golf course and a roller skating ribbon that turns into an ice rink in winter.
It’s a great spot to let your toddler burn off energy before a nap.
17. Griffin Museum of Science & Industry
As the Western Hemisphere's largest science museum, the Griffin Museum of Science & Industry houses interactive exhibits including spinning tornadoes, a real submarine, trains, planes and so much more.
The five-story Giant Dome Theater offers immersive films and there's a dedicated children's area perfect for toddlers through 10-year-olds. Nearby, kids can experience farm life by sitting in tractors and "driving" combines.
Things To Do in Chicago With Kids in Winter
Even when the weather drops and the wind picks up, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in Chicago with kids in winter. Just remember that Chicago is called the Windy City for a reason, so dress warmly.
18. The Art Institute of Chicago
If you’re checking out things to do in Chicago with kids in December, this spot is a great way to warm up indoors while exploring colorful paintings, cool sculptures and all kinds of creative inspiration.
One of the most iconic Chicago art galleries, the Art Institute of Chicago offers family-friendly programming designed just for younger visitors. Plus, kids under 14 and Chicago teens under 18 get in for free!
19. Chicago Children’s Museum
This museum is a hit with little ones and features interactive exhibits like WaterWays, Dinosaur Expedition and Treehouse Trails to keep kids moving, thinking and laughing. When brainstorming things to do in Chicago with kids, you can’t go wrong with this one.
20. ComedySportz
ComedySportz offers high-energy shows where two teams battle it out with improvised games, scenes and songs.
The performers use audience suggestions, making this a great way for kids to feel involved. It's also a wonderful indoor activity in Chicago when the weather isn't cooperating.
21. Shedd Aquarium
From colorful coral reefs to exciting shark feeds, the Shedd Aquarium is a great pick when you’re looking for things to do in Chicago with kids this weekend. Your children might even get to help feed sharks, be trainers for a day or touch stingrays.
22. Broadway in Chicago
Catch a show with Broadway in Chicago and enjoy family-friendly shows like Peter Pan, The Lion King or Beauty and the Beast. Keep an eye on their schedule if you’re after things to do in Chicago with kids this weekend specifically.
23. Go Ice Skating
Don’t let Chicago’s chilly temperatures stop the fun. Explore one of its many ice rinks at Millennium Park’s McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, which offers free admission and even free skating lessons sometimes.
You can rent skates right on-site, so it’s super easy. Even the Chicago Hotel has a rooftop rink where proceeds go to local children's charities.
24. Try Wonderverse
Just a short trip to the suburbs will bring you to this Sony entertainment center featuring escape rooms, virtual reality experiences and bumper cars.
The restaurant themes are based on popular Sony entertainment titles like Ghostbusters and Zombieland. If you’re stuck thinking of things to do in Chicago with kids this weekend, it’s definitely worth the trip.
25. Visit Navy Pier
Navy Pier is packed with fun things to do in Chicago with kids, all in one spot. You can ride the Centennial Ferris Wheel and eat your way through the many family-friendly restaurants, all while enjoying lakefront views that make winter feel magical.
26. Go Gaming
When it's cold outside, head to Ignite Gaming, a premier gaming venue in Skokie where you can choose from hundreds of PC and console games.
It's perfect for older kids and teens/ and makes for excellent team-building activities in Chicago. Food and drinks are available to keep everyone fueled during gaming sessions.
27. Indoor skydiving
If you’ve got older kids or teens who are into action-packed activities, iFLY is where it’s at. This indoor skydiving experience lets you experience the feeling of flying without jumping out of a plane.
Free Things To Do in Chicago With Kids
Chicago is packed with amazing family-friendly spots that won’t cost you a dime and these free things to do in Chicago with kids are a good place to start.
28. Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo is a historic, free attraction that’s perfect for kids. They’ll love the train rides, classic carousel and hands-on fun at the Pritzker Children’s Zoo, home to North American animals.
Next door, the Farm-in-the-Zoo offers a chance to meet and interact with cute ponies, cows and goats.
29. Garfield Park Conservatory
At this impressive indoor garden on Chicago's west side, families can walk through different plant environments, including rainforests and desert landscapes. There are 10 acres of gardens to discover. It's one of the best free things to do in Chicago with kids year-round.
30. Museum of Contemporary Photography
The Museum of Contemporary Photography is the only one in the Midwest focused entirely on photography and a great place to explore with the budding shutterbug in your family.
Since the 1980s, they've collected over 16,000 photos from more than 1,500 artists and admission is always free, including all exhibitions and guided tours.
31. Take a Bike Ride on the 606
Want to burn off some energy? Head to the 606, an elevated 2.7-mile-long path that cuts across the northwest side of the city.
Originally a railway line, this repurposed trail is now a scenic route for walking, biking, skating and people-watching. Along the trail, you'll find parks, lookout points, an observatory and even public art installations.
32. National Museum of Mexican Art
With over 3,000 years of Mexican and Mexican-American art on display, this museum offers a colorful and educational experience at no cost.
In addition to their stunning permanent collections, they also host lively events throughout the year, like Día de Los Muertos celebrations, Christmas markets and more. It’s one of the best things to do in Chicago with kids in December.
33. Walk on the Lakefront Trail
Few cities do lakefronts like Chicago. The Lakefront Trail stretches an impressive 18.5 miles along the shores of Lake Michigan and offers beautiful views of both the lake and the city skyline and endless space to run, walk, bike or just chill.
It's a wonderful way to spend time outdoors and is one of the most popular free things to do in Chicago with kids when the weather is nice.
Things To Do in Chicago With Kids FAQs
Is Chicago Worth Visiting With Kids?
Absolutely! Chi-town is a family-friendly city with plenty of fabulous activities to keep kids entertained and engaged.
What Is the #1 Tourist Attraction in Chicago?
Of all the incredible fun things to do in Chicago with kids, Navy Pier is considered the number one tourist attraction in Chicago.
What To Do in Chicago in 3 Days?
If you only have a few days in the city, you can still experience most of the must-see attractions we mentioned with a well-planned schedule.
While exploring, make sure to taste authentic Chicago foods at every opportunity, starting with a delicious breakfast in Chicago, some deep dish pizza for lunch and treat yourself to succulent Chilean sea bass for dinner.
With so many amazing things to do in Chicago with kids, your family will never run out of fun experiences in the Windy City. The best part is that Chicago offers something for every budget, every season and every age group.
While you’re in town, don’t forget to explore the food scene, too, which is one of the most legendary in the world. For even more fun things to do in Chicago, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
