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Chicago’s classic museums get plenty of love — but if your kids prefer something colorful, silly, hands-on, or totally unexpected, the city is full of fun and unique museums that go way beyond traditional exhibits.
Think sprinkle pools, slime labs, optical illusions, rainbow rooms, money shredders, and even a retro McDonald’s museum. These spots are perfect for families who want something different from the Field Museum or Shedd Aquarium, and they make great add-ons to a Chicago day trip or weekend getaway.
💡 Planning a bigger adventure?
For a full look at the best attractions, parks, museums, and hidden gems across the city, check out our complete guide: Best Things To Do in Chicago With Kids
Quick List: Fun & Unique Chicago Museums for Kids
- Museum of Ice Cream
- Sloomoo Institute (Slime Museum)
- Color Factory Chicago
- Museum of Illusions Chicago
- Federal Reserve Money Museum (Free!)
- McDonald’s Chicago Flagship Museum
1. Museum of Ice Cream
Why Families Love It
The Museum of Ice Cream is an immersive, colorful playground designed for ice-cream lovers of all ages. Kids can jump into the giant sprinkle pool, explore themed rooms, enjoy interactive installations, and sample sweet treats along the way.
What Kids Can Do
- Slide into the sprinkle pool
- Try unlimited treats
- Explore bright, photo-ready exhibits
- Play ice-cream–themed games
Know Before You Go
- Located downtown
- Timed entry tickets required
- Best for ages 3+
Get the Full Scoop: Check out our article about the Museum of Ice Cream in Chicago With Kids
2. Sloomoo Institute (Slime Museum)
Why Families Love It
The Sloomoo Institute is a slime-filled wonderland with sensory-friendly play, interactive slime pools, ASMR stations, and hands-on experiences that kids (and tweens!) adore.
What Kids Can Do
- Make their own custom slime
- Touch, stretch, and squish every texture you can imagine
- Experience “slime showers” just like old-school Nickelodeon
- Explore slime art and glow-in-the-dark rooms
Know Before You Go
- Located near River North
- Plan for 60–90 minutes
- Additional cost for slime add-ons
Check out our full review of the Sloomoo Institute in Chicago With Kids
3. Color Factory Chicago
Why Families Love It
This museum is a vibrant, immersive celebration of color. Each room tells a different color story inspired by Chicago – from the blue of the city’s iconic flag to the pickle-green of a classic Chicago dog.
What Kids Can Do
- Walk through 14 immersive rooms
- Dance under colorful confetti
- Play with large-scale installations
- Follow sensory prompts and art-based activities
Know Before You Go
- Great for all ages (especially ages 4–12)
- Very photogenic
- A timed-entry experience
Bonus Tip: It’s Right Next to Skydeck
The entrance to the Color Factory Chicago sits right next to the entrance for Skydeck Chicago, another unforgettable experience for kids and families. If you’re planning a full day downtown, it’s easy to pair the two attractions.
👉 Not sure whether to choose Skydeck or 360 Chicago?
Check out our family-friendly comparison: Skydeck vs. 360 Chicago — Which One Is Best for Kids?
4. Museum of Illusions
Why Families Love It
This museum is packed with optical illusions, perspective tricks, and hands-on exhibits that make kids go, “Wait… WHAT?!”
What Kids Can Do
- Walk into rooms that shrink or grow them
- Challenge their perception in mirror rooms
- Explore puzzles and brain games
- Learn the science behind visual illusions
Know Before You Go
- Great for kids 5+
- Short but high-impact experience
- Good for rainy days or short outings
💡 If you’re planning a Chicago weekend getaway, we also have a rundown of our Mother–Daughter Weekend at The Gwen Chicago—one of the most stylish, family-friendly hotels in the city.
5. Chicago Fed’s Money Museum (Free!)
Why Families Love It
A hidden gem in the Loop — and completely free. Kids love seeing one million dollars up close, learning how money works, and walking away with their own bag of shredded cash.
What Kids Can Do
- Pose with $1 million in $100 bills
- Explore exhibits about inflation and spending
- Watch demonstrations about counterfeit detection
- Learn the lifecycle of currency
Know Before You Go
- Open Monday–Friday
- Free entry, no tickets needed
- Good for ages 7+
6. McDonald’s Chicago Flagship Museum
Why Families Love It
This is no ordinary McDonald’s. The flagship location includes an upstairs museum dedicated to the brand’s history, with colorful memorabilia, funky uniforms, toys, and pop-culture throwbacks.
What Kids Can Do
- Explore exhibits from different decades
- See vintage toys and games
- Check out nostalgic displays
- Enjoy the modern McDonald’s experience below
Know Before You Go
- Located downtown
- No ticket required
- Best for ages 5+
How to Choose Which Museum to Visit
Here’s a quick breakdown to help busy parents decide:
Best for Toddlers:
- Museum of Ice Cream
- Color Factory
Best for Sensory Seekers:
- Sloomoo Institute
- Museum of Illusions
Best for Tweens & Teens:
- Sloomoo Institute
- Museum of Illusions
- Money Museum
Most Budget-Friendly:
- Chicago Fed’s Money Museum (Free!)
- McDonald’s Museum
Best for Photo Lovers:
- Color Factory
- Museum of Ice Cream
Where These Museums Are Located
All of these museums are in or very close to downtown Chicago, making them easy to combine into one day of exploring.
Museum of Ice Cream — River North / Magnificent Mile
Located just off Michigan Avenue near the Chicago River, in a very walkable area. About a 5–10 minute walk from many Loop hotels.
Sloomoo Institute (Slime Museum) — Near North Side
820 N Orleans St, Chicago, IL 60610
Just northwest of River North. Typically a 5–10 minute drive from the Loop and close to major highways — convenient for families driving in from Milwaukee.
Color Factory — River North / Near North Side
Located near Michigan Avenue, a quick trip from downtown hotels and other major attractions.
Museum of Illusions — Loop
Right in downtown Chicago, very walkable and close to public transit.
Chicago Fed Money Museum — Loop
Located inside the Federal Reserve Bank in the heart of downtown Chicago.
McDonald’s Flagship Museum — Near North Side
Near the Magnificent Mile, typically a 5–10 minute drive from the Loop.
Other Fun Museums & Attractions in Chicago
If you’re building a full Chicago itinerary, we also recommend:
- Chicago Children’s Museum at Navy Pier
- Museum of Science & Industry
- WNDR Museum (interactive art)
- American Writers Museum
- Field Museum (classic must-do)
- Lincoln Park Zoo (free)
💡Explore more ideas in our full Chicago guides: Best Things to Do With Kids in Chicago
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Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
