🏙️ City

Things to Do with Kids in Chicago, IL

Explore 40 family-friendly activities in Chicago — filtered by age, scheduled around nap time, and ready to drop into your personalized itinerary.

Top Family Activities

40 of 40 selected
🎡

Shedd Aquarium

Half DayAges 012+Stroller OK

Buy tickets online to skip box office lines. Stroller-friendly throughout; free stroller check available. Dolphin and be...

🏛️

The Field Museum

Half DayAges 212+Stroller OK

Massive museum — pick 2-3 highlights like Sue the T. rex and the Egypt exhibit. Stroller-accessible with elevators throu...

🏛️

Chicago Children's Museum

Half DayAges 010+Stroller OK

Located on Navy Pier — combine with the pier for a full day. Stroller parking available at entrance. Best for ages 2-10;...

🏛️

Adler Planetarium

2–4 hoursAges 312+Stroller OK

Book sky show tickets in advance — they sell out on busy weekends. Family-friendly shows like 'Welcome to the Universe' ...

📌

Navy Pier

Half DayAges 012+Stroller OK

Free to enter the pier; individual rides and attractions are ticketed. The Centennial Wheel offers great family views. S...

🎡

Lincoln Park Zoo

Half DayAges 012+Stroller OK

One of the last free major zoos in the US. Stroller-friendly paved paths throughout. Farm-in-the-Zoo section thrills tod...

🌳

Millennium Park

2–4 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

Free admission. Cloud Gate (The Bean) is a must for photos. Crown Fountain splash pad is open in summer — bring a change...

🏛️

Museum of Science and Industry

Full DayAges 212+Stroller OK

One of the largest science museums in the Western Hemisphere. U-505 Submarine tour is a highlight for older kids — book ...

📌

Chicago Riverwalk

1–2 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

Free and stroller-friendly path along the Chicago River. Kids love watching boats and the bridges. Multiple food and dri...

📌

Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise

1–2 hoursAges 312+

Book in advance — tours sell out in summer. Kids 3-12 are half price; under 3 free. Strollers must be folded and stowed....

📌

Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier

under_1hAges 012+

Enclosed gondolas make this stroller and family friendly. Great views of Chicago skyline. Purchase tickets at Navy Pier ...

🏛️

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

2–4 hoursAges 010+Stroller OK

Butterfly Haven is magical for toddlers and young kids. Free Illinois resident days on Thursdays. Stroller-friendly with...

📌

Chicago Cultural Center

1–2 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

Free admission always. Stunning Tiffany glass dome is awe-inspiring even for kids. Stroller-accessible with elevator. Fr...

🌳

Grant Park

1–2 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

Free and expansive green space. Buckingham Fountain runs May-October with light shows at night. Stroller-friendly, flat ...

🌳

Lincoln Park

2–4 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

Chicago's largest park — free and stroller-friendly throughout. Combine with Lincoln Park Zoo and North Avenue Beach. Ex...

🌳

Maggie Daley Park

2–4 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

World-class children's play garden — free and amazing. Separate areas for big kids and toddlers (under 5). Stroller-frie...

📌

North Avenue Beach

Half DayAges 012+Stroller OK

Chicago's most popular beach. Stroller-friendly access from Lincoln Park. Volleyball courts, food concessions, and playg...

🏛️

The Art Institute of Chicago

Half DayAges 312+Stroller OK

Kids under 14 are always free. Use the free family activity guide at the welcome desk. Stroller-friendly with elevator a...

📌

Urban Kayaks Chicago River Kayak Tour

2–4 hoursAges 712+

Minimum age 7 for paddling; younger children can ride as passengers with adults. Book online in advance. Life jackets pr...

🏛️

Chicago History Museum

2–4 hoursAges 512+Stroller OK

Kids under 12 are free. Hands-on history exhibits engage older children. Stroller-accessible throughout. Located at the ...

📌

Seadog Speedboat Tours

1–2 hoursAges 312+

Exciting speedboat tours of the Chicago lakefront. Kids 3+ recommended; under 2 sit on lap. Book in advance for summer w...

📌

Chicago Botanic Garden

Half DayAges 012+Stroller OK

Parking fee charged; garden entry is free. Stroller-friendly paved paths throughout all 27 gardens. Regenstein Learning ...

🎡

Brookfield Zoo

Full DayAges 012+Stroller OK

One of the nation's top zoos. Stroller rentals available at main gate. Seven Seas dolphin show and Tropic World indoor e...

📌

IMAX Theatre at Navy Pier

1–2 hoursAges 312+Stroller OK

Check current family-friendly and nature film listings. Great rainy-day option. Children 2 and under free on laps. Seats...

📌

Wendella Boats Chicago Architecture Tour

1–2 hoursAges 012+

Family-friendly architecture boat tour. Kids under 3 free. Comfortable open-air boats with covered sections. Buy tickets...

📌

Wave Swinger at Navy Pier

under_1hAges 312+

Classic flying swings ride. Height requirement of 42 inches to ride alone; kids 36-41 inches can ride with adult. Locate...

🍕

Giordano's (Deep Dish Pizza)

1–2 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

Chicago's iconic deep dish pizza — reserve ahead; deep dish takes 45 minutes to bake. Family-friendly atmosphere with ki...

🍕

Portillo's Hot Dogs

under_1hAges 012+Stroller OK

A Chicago institution — must-try for Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beef. Kid-friendly menu with hot dogs, burgers, ...

🌳

Ping Tom Memorial Park

1–2 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

Beautiful park in Chinatown with a river fieldhouse and splash pad. Stroller-friendly paths. Easy CTA Red Line access. C...

📌

Cloud Gate (The Bean)

under_1hAges 012+Stroller OK

Free iconic Chicago landmark. Kids love seeing their reflections in the bean's curved surface. Stroller-friendly, fully ...

📌

Cindy Pritzker Auditorium Free Concerts

1–2 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

Free outdoor concerts at Millennium Park's Pritzker Pavilion. Bring a blanket and picnic. Wide open lawn — great for kid...

📌

Chicago Water Tower & Pumping Station

under_1hAges 012+Stroller OK

Free historic landmark from 1869 that survived the Great Chicago Fire. The small gallery inside is quick and easy with y...

🎡

Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower

1–2 hoursAges 412+Stroller OK

The Ledge glass boxes extend 4 feet out over the city — thrilling for older kids. Buy tickets online to skip long lines....

🎡

360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

1–2 hoursAges 312+Stroller OK

Shorter lines than Willis Tower but equally stunning 94th-floor views. TILT experience tilts visitors over the Magnifice...

📌

Chicago Children's Theatre

1–2 hoursAges 312+Stroller OK

World-class theater programming for kids ages 3-12. The Station theatre space is intimate and engaging. Book tickets wee...

📌

Wrigley Field Tours

1–2 hoursAges 412+Stroller OK

Historic ballpark — a Chicago must. Kids love the dugout and press box. Book tours in advance online. On game days, buy ...

📌

Chicago Cubs Game at Wrigley Field

Half DayAges 012+Stroller OK

Day games work better with young kids — they fall asleep at night games. Bring sunscreen for day games. Diaper changing ...

📌

Mini Golf at Maggie Daley Park

1–2 hoursAges 412+

Charming 18-hole mini golf with Chicago-themed obstacles. Stroller must be parked during play. Best for ages 4+. Located...

🌳

Portage Park Playground

1–2 hoursAges 010+Stroller OK

Large neighborhood playground with a splash pad in summer. Free and family-friendly in a local Chicago neighborhood. Str...

🏛️

Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows

under_1hAges 012+Stroller OK

Free museum inside Navy Pier featuring 150+ stained glass windows. Stroller-friendly corridor. Quick and beautiful — gre...

This Week's Weather
Loading forecast...
Packing Tips for Chicago
  • Sunscreen & hats for outdoor activities
  • Comfortable walking shoes for the whole family
  • Stroller or baby carrier
  • Snacks & water bottles
  • Rain jacket or poncho (just in case)
  • Small first-aid kit with band-aids
  • Entertainment for transit (books, tablet, coloring)
Get a full personalized packing list when you plan your trip.
Sample Family Itinerary
Day 1 — Explore
🏛️
Adler Planetarium
2–4 hours
🍕
Lunch Break
🎡
Shedd Aquarium
Half Day
Day 2 — Adventure
🏛️
Museum of Science and Industry
Full Day
Build Your Custom Itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do with kids in Chicago?

Top family activities include Shedd Aquarium, The Field Museum, Chicago Children's Museum, Adler Planetarium, Navy Pier. Toddler Trip curates age-appropriate activities and builds nap-aware itineraries for your family.

Is Chicago good for toddlers?

Yes! Many activities in Chicago are suitable for toddlers. Toddler Trip filters activities by your children's ages and schedules around nap time so everyone enjoys the trip.

How do I plan a family trip to Chicago?

Use Toddler Trip's free planner: enter your family profile, pick from AI-curated activities, and get a nap-aware day-by-day itinerary with a personalized packing list — all in about 5 minutes.

Explore More Destinations

DublinHoustonRocky MountainSan FranciscoLos AngelesAustinAshevillePhoenixTaosProvincetownSeattleWest Yellowstone