29 Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Chicago: A Family Guide

Some cities ask families to compromise. Chicago doesn’t.

With its splash-ready parks, sky-high observatories, and museums built for curious hands, it gives kids room to explore and plenty to wonder about. Parents get something too: a city that’s manageable, packed with options, and easy to enjoy at your own pace.

Whether you’re here for a weekend or a full week, this guide covers 29 kid-friendly things to do in Chicago, with costs, age ranges, and tips that take the guesswork out of planning. To anchor it all, you’ll find Sonesta stays with room to breathe and locations that keep you close to the action.

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Hands-On Museums and Educational Adventures (Perfect for Rainy Days or Cold Weather)

Chicago’s weather doesn’t always cooperate, but that doesn’t mean the day is a wash.

Across the city, you’ll find indoor spaces designed for curiosity: places where kids can touch, climb, experiment, and ask “what if?” Each one offers hands-on fun with enough staying power to outlast the trip itself.

1. Shedd Aquarium

Beluga whales glide past the glass. Sea otters flip and twist through underwater tunnels. In the Polar Play Zone, toddlers slip on penguin suits and crawl through ice caves built just their size.

Every corner at Shedd Aquarium offers something to touch, watch, or admire.

• Age Range: All ages
• Entry: Adults around $40, Children (3–11) around $30
• Family Tip: Book early entry to avoid crowds. The Museum Campus shuttle connects Shedd with the Field Museum and Planetarium. To stay close to the action, explore Sonesta hotels near Shedd Aquarium.
• Map It: 1200 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr

Clownfish dart among coral at Shedd Aquarium, a favorite stop for kids who love bright colors and playful sea life.

2. Field Museum

SUE the T. rex gets most of the attention, but there’s plenty beyond the fossils. The Field Museum moves through deep time, from Ice Age giants to ancient pyramids to early tools shaped by hand.

Some exhibits are grand and cinematic. Others, like the PlayLab, are made for crawling, sorting, and touching.

• Age Range: 4 and up
• Entry: Basic Admission: Adults $29, Children (3–11) $22; Discovery Pass and All-Access options range from $36–$43 for adults and $29–$36 for children. Discounts available for Illinois residents, seniors, and students. Free for children under 3.
• Family Tip: Download the Field Museum app for self-guided family tours. Enjoy easy access to the exhibits with Sonesta hotels near the Field Museum.
• Map It: 1400 S Lake Shore Dr

SUE the T. rex at the Field Museum is a must-see for kids fascinated by dinosaurs.

3. Museum of Science and Industry

Got a kid who can’t sit still? This place moves at their pace. A spinning tornado, a mirror maze, a full-size U-boat docked inside the building: everything invites interaction.

They can press buttons, launch experiments, and even watch baby chicks hatch in real time. The vintage train and whispering gallery are favorites for first-timers.

• Age Range: All ages
• Entry: Adults around $26, Children (3–11) around $15
• Family Tip: Timed tickets are strongly recommended. Sonesta hotels offer convenient access to this South Side favorite.
• Map It: 5700 S Lake Shore Dr

4. Chicago Children’s Museum

At Chicago Children’s Museum, kids can scale a three-story schooner, build bridges, splash through a water playground, and paint without limits.

It’s the kind of place where socks disappear, sleeves get soaked, and no one minds if a tower of blocks turns into a pile. Every room is designed for full-body play, no shoes or silence required.

• Age Range: 1 to 8
• Entry: Adults and Children around $25, Free under age 1
• Family Tip: One adult (18+) is required for every child entering. Bring dry clothes for the water zone.
• Map It: 700 E Grand Ave

5. Adler Planetarium

Inside Adler, the lights go low and the stars switch on. Kids stretch out in dome theaters that simulate moonwalks and deep space missions.

Nearby, they can guide a Mars rover, build their own spacecraft, or peer through a real telescope aimed at the sun.

• Age Range: Suited for all ages, recommended for 3-8
• Entry: Adults around $20, Children (3–11) around $10
• Family Tip: Arrive early for the best showtimes and hands-on exhibit access before it gets crowded. Explore Sonesta hotels near Adler Planetarium for convenient access.
• Map It: 1300 S Lake Shore Dr

6. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Designed to bring the outdoors in, this Lincoln Park spot is best known for its butterfly haven: a glasshouse filled with fluttering wings and rainforest humidity.

Elsewhere, kids can trace animal tracks, follow the life cycle of frogs, or explore water tables surrounded by native prairie plants.

• Age Range: 3 and up, recommended for 4-12
• Entry: Adults $15 ($17 out-of-state), Children (1–12) $8 ($10 out-of-state), Seniors/Students $10 ($12 out-of-state), Infants under 12 months free
• Family Tip: Admission is free on Thursdays. Sonesta hotels near Lincoln Park put you within easy reach of the museum.
• Map It: 2430 N Cannon Dr

7. Chicago History Museum

A snapshot of the city, told through the details that often get left out. There’s a wooden L train car you can step inside, a fire engine from 1871, and galleries that cover everything from jazz and immigration to sports and protest.

The museum leans more reflective than hands-on, best for kids who enjoy stories, visuals, and a bit of context behind the place they’re visiting.

• Age Range: All ages
• Entry: General admission starts at $20; always free for children under 12
• Family Tip: Touchscreens and city maps add interactive moments. Sonesta hotels near Lincoln Park are just a short rideshare away.
• Map It: 1601 N Clark St

The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown, a refined stay 2 miles from Chicago History Museum

8. The Art Institute of Chicago

You don’t need to see everything to make this visit worthwhile. The Ryan Learning Center offers free, drop-in art making with no admission required, while the JourneyMaker tool helps families build a personalized route through the galleries.

From armor to impressionism, there’s something to connect with if you keep the visit short and focused.

• Age Range: All ages
• Entry: Adults around $32, Free for children under 14
• Family Tip: Choose one or two areas and let kids set the pace. Sonesta hotels nearby offer an easy walk to and from the destination.
• Map It: 111 S Michigan Ave

Outdoor Parks and Animal Encounters (Best for Warm Weather & Open-Air Play)

When the sun’s out, Chicago turns into one big playground. From lakeshore trails to treetop slides and animal encounters, the city gives kids room to run and a reason to stay outside.

Most destinations are free or low-cost, and a few even surprise with winter magic when the temperature drops.

9. Lincoln Park Zoo

You don’t need tickets or timed entry; just walk in and say hello to the gorillas. Penguins waddle, big cats nap in the sun, and the historic carousel adds a classic thrill.

In winter, the paths glow with ZooLights and warm drinks appear at every corner.

• Age Range: All ages
• Entry: Free (rides around $12)
• Family Tip: Use the zoo’s app to check feeding times or animal talks. For families looking to stay close by, Sonesta properties are just moments away.
• Map It: 2001 N Clark St

10. Maggie Daley Park

Slides curve through craters. Suspension bridges connect towers. Kids weave through the enchanted forest play area while skyline views peek out from behind the trees.

In winter, the park transforms with its quarter-mile skating ribbon that winds through trees and city views.

• Age Range: All ages
• Entry: Free (skate rentals $17–$23 per session)
• Family Tip: Helmets are a must for the climbing walls and skating ribbon. Sonesta hotels near Millennium Park offer a quick walk to this downtown escape.
• Map It: 337 E Randolph St

11. Millennium Park

The heart of downtown Chicago doubles as an open-air gathering place where families linger year-round. Cloud Gate, better known as The Bean, draws kids under its mirrored arch, while Crown Fountain sends them dashing barefoot across shallow water in summer.

The Great Lawn adds room to sprawl, with free concerts and movie nights filling warm evenings.

• Age Range: All ages
• Entry: Free
• Family Tip: Pack a towel for fountain play and plan a picnic for concert nights. Sonesta hotels keep you within a short stroll of the park.
• Map It: 201 E Randolph St

The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago Loop, a lifestyle hotel 0.5 miles from Millennium Park

12. Brookfield Zoo

Spread across more than 200 acres, Brookfield feels less like a quick stop and more like a full adventure.

Kids can watch dolphins leap in a glass-walled pool, wander through a tropical butterfly house, or get eye-level with rhinos and giraffes.

• Age Range: All ages
• Entry: Adults around $30, Children (3–11) around $21
• Family Tip: Reserve dolphin show tickets when you arrive. Sonesta offers several stays within a short drive.
• Map It: 8400 W 31st St

13. North Avenue Beach

Chicago’s lakefront turns into a summer playground here. Kids dig moats and build sandcastles, while older ones swim, kayak, or watch volleyball games along the shore.

Lifeguards keep a close eye on the water, and snack stands line the boardwalk when it’s time for a break.

• Age Range: 3 and up
• Entry: Free (parking around $40)
• Family Tip: Bring your own snacks to save time and money. For convenient access to beachside fun, explore Sonesta hotels nearby.
• Map It: 1600 N Lake Shore Dr

Families cool off at North Avenue Beach, where kids build sandcastles and splash in Lake Michigan with the skyline rising just behind them.

14. Chicago Riverwalk

The Riverwalk gives kids plenty to watch and do without leaving downtown. Boats glide past at eye level, murals brighten underpasses, and wide paths open up for scooters or strollers.

Families can stop for ice cream, rent bikes, or just sit and wave at passing kayakers.

• Age Range: All ages
• Entry: Free (bike rentals around $20)
• Family Tip: Divvy bikes are free for children under 16 with an adult rider. Sonesta hotels along the river keep the walkway right outside your door.
• Map It: Along the Chicago River from Lake Shore Dr to Lake St

Boats line the Chicago Riverwalk, where families stroll, snack, and watch the city’s architecture rise above the water.

15. Glencoe Beach

A quieter stretch of sand north of the city, Glencoe Beach feels more like a neighborhood hangout than a tourist stop.

Kids climb on the playground tucked near the shore, paddleboard in calm water, or chase waves while parents set up at picnic tables and grills. Trails nearby add another outlet for families who like to mix beach time with a short hike.

• Age Range: All ages
• Entry: $24 per person; free for children under 3
• Family Tip: Pack a picnic for the grills or plan to combine your visit with nearby trails.
• Map It: 55 Hazel Ave

High-Flying Views and Thrilling Experiences for Kids

Some family memories are made on the ground, others hundreds of feet above it. Chicago delivers both: a Ferris wheel spinning over the lakefront, glass ledges perched a thousand feet in the air, and indoor adventures that get hearts racing without leaving the city.

16. Navy Pier Centennial Wheel

At Navy Pier, the gondolas climb slowly, circling above Lake Michigan as the skyline spreads out in every direction.

Daytime rides give kids a clear view of the beach and boats, while evenings add glowing lights and, on select nights, fireworks over the water. Each cabin is enclosed, so even little ones can enjoy the ride without worry.

• Age Range: All ages
• Entry: Adults around $24, Children (3–11) around $15, free for children under 3
• Family Tip: Sunset rides are the most scenic. Sonesta hotels near Navy Pier keep the lakefront within walking distance.
• Map It: 600 E Grand Ave

The Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier lifts families high above Lake Michigan for sweeping views of the city skyline.

17. Skydeck Chicago

Step onto The Ledge and the city suddenly stretches out beneath your feet. Clear glass boxes extend from the 103rd floor of Willis Tower, giving kids a chance to test their nerve while parents snap skyline photos.

The ride up in the high-speed elevator is half the fun, turning ears and stomachs before the doors open to the view.

• Age Range: All ages
• Entry: Adults around $32, Children (3–11) around $24, free for children under 3
• Family Tip: Book timed-entry tickets in advance, especially during peak hours. Sonesta hotels near Millennium Park keep you close to the Skydeck.
• Map It: 233 S Wacker Dr

18. 360 CHICAGO

From the 94th floor of the former John Hancock Center, kids get a thrill that goes beyond the view.

The Tilt platform leans riders out over Michigan Avenue, giving older kids and teens bragging rights they’ll remember. For younger ones, the floor-to-ceiling windows are enough, stretching from the lake to the skyline with room to spot landmarks.

• Age Range: All ages
• Entry: Adults around $30, Children (3–12) around $20, free for children under 3
• Family Tip: Try visiting close to sunset when the city lights switch on. Sonesta hotels near Navy Pier keep you within reach of 360 CHICAGO and the lakefront.
• Map It: 875 N Michigan Ave

19. LEGOLAND® Discovery Center

For kids who can spend hours with bricks, this indoor attraction is their dream come to life.

Giant bins spill over with LEGO® pieces, race tracks let them test custom cars, and themed rides add just enough motion for a burst of excitement. The 4D cinema and miniature Chicago skyline keep the surprises coming between builds.

• Age Range: 3 to 10
• Entry: Tickets start at $20 online; bundles with extras range up to $32
• Family Tip: Adults must be accompanied by a child to enter. Weekdays are less crowded. Sonesta hotels near Schaumburg are an ideal base for families visiting LEGOLAND® Discovery Center.
• Map It: 601 N Martingale Rd, Schaumburg

20. iFLY Indoor Skydiving

The rush of wind lifts kids off their feet, and suddenly they’re floating in a vertical tunnel with an instructor guiding every move.

It’s safe, it’s supervised, and it delivers the kind of adrenaline jolt most kids only see in movies. Parents often suit up too, so the thrill belongs to the whole family.

• Age Range: 3 and up
• Entry: Flight packages range from $74 to $144 per person; group specials available seasonally
• Family Tip: Book group sessions if multiple family members want to fly together. A stay with Sonesta in Naperville gives easy access to this center.
• Map It: 1752 Freedom Dr, Naperville

21. The Escape Game

Locked doors, hidden clues, and a countdown clock set the stage. Families work together to crack codes, solve puzzles, and unlock the story before time runs out.

With themes like treasure hunts or space missions, kids feel like the heroes of their own adventure while parents join in on the challenge.

• Age Range: Recommended for ages 13 and up; under 14 must be with an adult
• Entry: Adults and Children around $48 each
• Family Tip: Choose family-friendly themes and don’t hesitate to ask for hints. Sonesta hotels near Millennium Park put you close to The Escape Game and other downtown attractions.
• Map It: 42 E Ontario St

22. Flyover Chicago

Strapped into motion seats, kids and parents soar above the city in a ride that feels part movie, part roller coaster. The screen curves overhead, wind and mist fill the air, and the drone footage sweeps from skyscrapers to shoreline.

At only thirty minutes, it’s a quick burst of excitement that still leaves a big impression.

• Age Range: All ages (minimum height 40 inches); children 13 and under must be accompanied by someone 14+
• Entry: Persons over 14 around $34, Children (3–13) around $24
• Family Tip: After 5 PM on weekends, kids under 18 must be accompanied by an adult due to Navy Pier’s Youth Escort Policy.. Sonesta hotels near Navy Pier keep the attraction close at hand.
• Map It: 600 E Grand Ave

Family-Friendly Dining and Sweet Treats

Meals in Chicago often turn into part of the adventure. A deep-dish pie can feed a whole table after a long day of museums, while hands-on spots keep kids entertained between bites.

From pizza ovens to candy labs, dining here gives families a chance to refuel and play at the same time.

23. Lou Malnati’s – Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza

The signature dish here is the butter-crust deep-dish pizza, baked in cast-iron pans and piled high with cheese and chunky tomato sauce.

Families share a single pie, watching the first slice stretch with strings of mozzarella before it hits the plate. It’s filling, fun, and a true Chicago classic.

• • Age Range: All ages
  • Prices: Pizzas start around $25 and can feed several people
  • Family Tip: Deep dish takes about 30 minutes to bake, so order ahead or bring activities to keep kids busy while you wait.
  • Map It: Lou Malnati’s – 410 N Michigan Ave

24. Margie’s Candies – Sundaes and Nostalgia

Step into Margie’s and it feels like time hasn’t moved since the 1920s. The menu is packed with oversized sundaes served in giant glass dishes, each topped with sauces, nuts, and whipped cream that arrive in their own little pitchers.

Kids light up when the silver trays arrive at the table, and parents get a kick out of the old jukeboxes still tucked into the booths.

• Age Range: All ages
• Prices: Sundaes start around $10 and are large enough to share
• Family Tip: Portions are huge, so consider splitting between two or three people.
• Map It: 1960 N Western Ave

25. Portillo’s – Chicago-Style Hot Dogs

Bright signs, busy counters, and trays stacked with Chicago classics set the scene at Portillo’s. The hot dogs come loaded with toppings (but never ketchup), and Italian beef sandwiches drip with jus.

For kids, the appeal is as much the energy of the place as the food on the tray.

• Age Range: All ages
• Prices: Hot dogs and sandwiches around $5–$10
• Family Tip: The downtown River North location has plenty of seating, but it fills fast at mealtimes. The Royal Sonesta Chicago River North is an easy walk from Portillo’s.
• Map It: 100 W Ontario St

26. Original Rainbow Cone – Five-Flavored Scoops

This South Side legend stacks five flavors: orange sherbet, pistachio, Palmer House (New York vanilla with cherries and walnuts), strawberry, and chocolate.

Kids love the colors, parents love the nostalgia, and sharing a cone feels like a rite of passage.

• Age Range: All ages
• Prices: Cones around $5–$7
• Family Tip: Expect drips and bring wipes, since the layers melt quickly on summer afternoons.
• Map It: 9233 S Western Ave

27. Family Dining at Sonesta

For families who prefer to dine in, Sonesta offers a range of convenient dining options:

• At The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown, you’ll find Hoyt’s American Tavern, serving comfort classics with riverfront views.
• The Allegro Royal Sonesta Chicago Loop is home to Legato Lounge, known for timeless continental fare with nods to Chicago’s bold culinary spirit.
• The Royal Sonesta Chicago River North houses CBR, offering elevated American fare with a welcoming kids’ menu.
• Sonesta ES Suites Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile – Medical welcomes families with a complimentary breakfast each morning and en-suite kitchens, perfect for those who want flexibility and space to cook their own meals.

Kid-Friendly Seasonal Events

Chicago shines in every season, with a few traditions that stand out year after year.

Summer brings action over the lake, while winter wraps downtown in holiday charm. It is these moments that give families a taste of the city’s spirit at its most festive.

28. Chicago Air and Water Show (August)

Jets roar overhead while boats carve across Lake Michigan, turning the shoreline into a giant stage. Kids crane their necks as parachutists float down with colored smoke trailing behind them, and the free show means the whole family can watch from the sand.

• Age Range: All ages
• Entry: Free
• Family Tip: Arrive early to claim a good spot at North Avenue Beach.
• Map It: Along North Avenue Beach and Lakefront

29. Christkindlmarket (November–December)

Chicago’s largest holiday market feels like stepping into a storybook village. Rows of tiny chalets brim with ornaments and wooden toys, while street performers and carolers fill the plaza with music.

Kids clutch warm mugs of cocoa shaped like boots, trading sips between bites of pretzels or strudel. Parents find treasures too, from handmade crafts to holiday décor that travels home as a memory.

• Age Range: All ages
• Entry: Free
• Family Tip: Visit in the late afternoon to catch both daylight browsing and the glow of evening lights.
• Map It: Daley Plaza, 50 W Washington St

Practical Tips for Families Visiting Chicago

Chicago can be thrilling, hectic, and expensive, sometimes all in the same hour. From lake-effect weather to rush-hour crowds, the city rewards families who plan ahead.

Below are the tips that go beyond the basics to help you move smarter, spend wisely, and sidestep common travel snags:

• Time Your Visits Wisely: Avoid peak midday crowds at major attractions by visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Museums tend to be quieter midweek.
• Bundle Attractions Strategically: The CityPASS® and Go City® Explorer Pass offer great savings, but compare what’s included with your family’s interests. Skip if you’re only hitting one or two spots.
• Ventra Cards for All Ages: Kids under 7 ride free, but older children should get reduced fare cards (available at CTA headquarters or online) to keep transit costs down.
• Bike-Share Smarts: If you’re using Divvy bikes, stick to the lakefront trail or designated bike lanes. Avoid downtown streets during rush hour. Helmets aren’t included, so bring your own if needed.
• Know Your Stroller Options: Most major museums rent strollers or allow you to bring your own. For navigating CTA buses and trains, opt for compact, collapsible models.
• Stay Weather-Ready: Chicago’s seasons are real. In spring and fall, pack layers and rain gear. In summer, bring sunscreen, hats, and water bottles. In winter, thermal layers and snow boots are essential.
• Download the Right Apps: Use Chicago 311 for real-time city services, Transit App for train/bus arrivals, and ParkChicago to pay for metered parking on the go.

Where to Stay: Sonesta Hotels for a Family-Friendly Chicago Trip

When you’re traveling with kids, convenience matters. Sonesta hotels place your family near Chicago’s most popular attractions, from museums and parks to riverwalks and transit hubs.

Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or a longer stay with extended family, you’ll find options that fit your pace and priorities.

Families can also take advantage of Sonesta Travel Pass, which offers extras that make a difference on the road, such as complimentary breakfasts, late checkouts, and member-only rates that help stretch your travel budget without cutting corners on comfort.