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Planning a family trip to Chicago? Whether you’re coming from Milwaukee or visiting from out of town, Chicago and its suburbs offer hundreds of kid-friendly attractions — from world-class museums and waterfront parks to epic playgrounds and creative indoor experiences.
This guide brings together the best things to do in Chicago with kids (2026), plus top suburban picks for families who want to explore beyond downtown. Whether you’re mapping out a day trip, a long weekend, or a full itinerary, you’ll find the most worthwhile stops in one place.
Quick List: Best Things To Do in Chicago With Kids (2026)
1. Navy Pier & Centennial Wheel
A Chicago must-do: rides, boat tours, and the beloved 200-foot wheel.
2. Shedd Aquarium
Dolphins, belugas, stingrays, and hands-on marine habitats for all ages.
3. Field Museum
Meet SUE the T. rex and stand beneath Máximo the Titanosaur.
4. Maggie Daley Park
One of the best playgrounds in the Midwest with huge slides, climbing towers, and skyline views.
5. Millennium Park
Splash at Crown Fountain, see The Bean, ice skate in winter, and explore Lurie Gardens.
6. Museum of Science & Industry
Tornado simulator, giant trains, VR, submarines, mirror maze—kids love this one.
7. Lincoln Park Zoo (Free!)
Big cats, primates, and a fantastic children’s zoo—open every day.
8. Sloomoo Institute
A colorful, sensory-filled slime world that’s a hit with kids of all ages.
9. WNDR Museum
Immersive art + the Infinity Mirror Room—great for tweens and photo lovers.
10. Chicago Children’s Museum (at Navy Pier)
Tinkering Lab, WaterWays, climbing ship, and tons of hands-on play.
11. Legoland Discovery Center (Schaumburg)
Mini-LEGO city, rides, 4D theater—perfect for rainy days.
12. Bison’s Bluff Nature Playground (Schaumburg)
A standout suburban nature play space with waterfalls, treehouses, and music areas.
Top Things To Do in Chicago With Kids (City)
1. Navy Pier & Centennial Wheel (+Chicago Children’s Museum!)
Why it’s great:
This lakefront icon is packed with family attractions—rides at Pier Park, boat tours, shops, dining, seasonal events, and unbeatable skyline views.
Photo from Facebook, Navy Pier
Kid favorites:
- Centennial Wheel: A 200-foot-tall ferris wheel that runs year-round
- Other amusement rides at Pier Park
- IMAX Theatre
- Easy access to the Chicago Children’s Museum (see below)
Know before you go:
Weekdays and mornings are less crowded, and sunset rides on the Wheel are extra magical.
Insider tip:
You can combine Navy Pier with the Children’s Museum to make a full day in one location. Highlights include the Tinkering Lab, Pritzker Playspace, Kohler Family Climbing Schooner, Treehouse Trails, and more.
2. Field Museum of Natural History
Why it’s great:
A bucket-list museum for dinosaur lovers, science fans, and curious kids of all ages.
Top exhibits:
- Máximo the Titanosaur (largest creature ever discovered)
- SUE the T. rex
- Fossils, mummies, gemstones, and ancient civilizations
- Inside Ancient Egypt
- Rocks of Ages
Know before you go:
The museum sits on the Museum Campus alongside the Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium, making it easy to pair attractions.
3. Sloomoo Institute
Why it’s great:
A sensory playground of slime, color, scent, and texture.
Kid favorites:
- DIY slime bar
- Slime Slingshot
- Get “Slimed” – Nickelodeon-style!
- Custom scents and textures
- Giant vats of slime in various colors, textures, and scents
👉 Planning a visit? See our complete guide to the Sloomoo Institute Chicago — tickets, parking, tips, and everything you’ll want to know before you go
4. Skydeck Chicago vs. 360 Chicago (Which Is Best for Kids?)
Chicago has two big observation decks, and families always ask which one to choose. After visiting both, here’s the quick take:
Skydeck (Willis Tower – 103rd floor)
- Best for thrill-seekers
- Interactive exhibits + immersive elevator
- The Ledge glass boxes (photos allowed)
- Next to Color Factory
360 Chicago (John Hancock – 94th floor)
- Best for younger kids + calmer visits
- Stunning lake views
- TILT platform (photos not allowed)
- Near American Girl Place + The Drake
Family verdict:
Kids love Skydeck for the hands-on fun, but 360 Chicago is quieter and more low-key for little ones.
👉 Compare both in our full guide: “360 Chicago vs. Skydeck: Which Is Best for Kids?”
5. Shedd Aquarium
Why it’s great:
Home to more than 30,000 marine animals and lots of live presentations that keep kids engaged.
Must-see exhibits:
- Oceanarium: Dolphins, belugas, sea lions, and otters
- Caribbean Reef
- Diver feeding demonstrations
- Polar Play Zone for little ones
Know before you go:
Check for free days and discounts (link to your Shedd Aquarium savings guide).
6. Museum of Ice Cream Chicago
This bright pink, ice-cream-themed wonderland is a huge hit with kids — especially ages 7–11. Each room is immersive and playful, from jelly-bean walls and banana swings to a mini-golf course with donut obstacles. Kids can sample unlimited ice cream (including vegan options), choose a fun “ice cream name,” try quirky flavors like hot-dog ice cream, and dive into the famous sprinkle pool.
It’s colorful, interactive, and built for fun photos — just don’t expect a traditional museum experience.
👉 Read our full Museum of Ice Cream Chicago review for tips, what to expect, and the magic behind the pink doors.
7. Lincoln Park Zoo (Free!)
Why it’s great:
One of the last free zoos in the country and open 365 days a year.
Kid favorites:
- African lions and big cats at the Pepper Family Wildlife Center
- Tropics and primate exhibits
- Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo
- Treetop Canopy Climbing Adventure
- Landscaped grounds with 1,200+ plant species
Know before you go:
Pair it with the Lincoln Park Conservatory and Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.
8. Millennium Park
Why it’s great:
A huge, centrally located green space with year-round activities.
Highlights:
- Crown Fountain splash area (summer)
- The Bean
- Ice skating with hot cocoa (winter)
- Beautiful Lurie Garden
- Quick walk to Maggie Daley Park
Know before you go:
Check the events calendar—summer concerts and pop-up performances are common.
9. Garfield Park Conservatory
Why it’s great:
One of the country’s most stunning indoor botanical conservatories—and very kid-friendly.
Highlights:
- Outdoor Play & Grow Garden with tree-stump course and wooden xylophone
- Indoor Children’s Garden
- Tropical rooms perfect for rainy or cold days
10. Art Institute of Chicago
Why it’s great for kids:
Unexpectedly family-friendly with interactive exhibits, touchable art, and rooms mini enough for little imaginations.
Kid favorites:
- Thorne Miniature Rooms
- Medieval armor galleries
- Elizabeth More Touch Gallery (kids can touch art!)
- Piece-by-piece explorations of masters like Picasso, Dalí, Warhol, Matisse, and Pollock
Know before you go:
Kids under 14 get in free.
11. Maggie Daley Park
Why it’s great:
A giant, imaginative playground with skyline views and tons of open space for play.
Highlights:
- Six themed play areas
- Huge spiral slides
- Outdoor climbing wall
- Mini golf
- Roller-skating loop
- Snack + ice cream vendors
Best for:
Kids 2–12, though teens enjoy the climbing wall and skating.
12. Chicago Botanic Garden
Why it’s great:
Calming, beautiful, and perfect for wandering or riding the tram.
Kid favorites:
- Dozens of themed gardens
- Butterflies (seasonal)
- Water features, bridges, and wide paths
13. National Museum of Mexican Art
Why it’s great:
A colorful and culturally rich collection of art from ancient Mexico to today.
Highlights:
- 18,000+ artifacts
- Vibrant exhibits
- Hands-on interpretation for kids
14. American Girl Doll Store
Why it’s great:
A dream day for doll lovers—shopping, doll salon, doll hospital, and family-friendly dining.
15. Chicago Architecture Center
Why it’s great:
A fun introduction to buildings, design, and how a city is made.
Kid favorites:
- Chicago City Model (4,000+ miniature buildings!)
- Family walking tours
- Exhibits about neighborhoods and skyscrapers
16. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Why it’s great:
Great for young nature lovers and butterfly chasers.
Highlights:
- Butterfly Haven
- Tree Houses exhibit
- Nature Trails around North Pond
17. Adler Planetarium
Why it’s great:
Chicago’s home for all things space—interactive, immersive, and full of hands-on STEM experiences.
Highlights:
- Sky Theater star shows
- Telescope viewing
- Space simulations
- Interactive exhibits for future astronauts
Know before you go:
It’s part of the Museum Campus, so it’s easy to pair with the Shedd and Field Museum.
18. Museum of Science & Industry
Why it’s great:
One of the largest science museums in the world, perfect for kids who love to touch everything.
Highlights:
- Tornado simulator
- WWII German submarine
- Mirror maze
- VR exhibits
- Zephyr train
- Giant Dome Theater
- LEGO art exhibit
19. Chicago Sports Museum
Why it’s great:
Perfect for sports-loving families.
Highlights:
- Race car simulator
- Michael Jordan skill challenge
- Sports mysteries exhibit
20. American Writers Museum
Why it’s great:
A quiet, creative space for book-loving families.
Kid favorites:
- Children’s Literature Gallery
- Vintage typewriters
- Interactive writing exhibits
21. Brunk Children’s Museum of Immigration
Why it’s great:
Hands-on history brought to life through Swedish immigrant storytelling.
Highlights:
Replica farmhouse, steamship, and interactive exhibits.
22. Busy Beaver Button Museum
Why it’s great:
A quirky stop with buttons from every year since 1896.
Kid favorites:
- Making custom buttons
- Seeing historical buttons from presidents
23. Museum of Illusions
Why it’s great:
Immersive rooms that trick your eyes—and your photos.
24. WNDR Museum
Why it’s great:
Interactive art installations, sensory floors, and Chicago’s only Infinity Mirror Room.
25. Chicago History Museum
Why it’s great:
Hands-on history that helps kids connect with the story of Chicago.
Kid favorites:
- Climbing inside a giant hot dog
- Riding a high-wheel bicycle
- Sensing Chicago exhibit
Know before you go:
Kids under 12 are free.
26. Sugar Factory (Chicago & Rosemont)
Why it’s great:
A full-on candy experience where everything is colorful, over-the-top, and kid-delighting.
What to expect:
- Blinged-out Couture Pops
- Candy-inspired milkshakes
- Banana Split Crepes, Rocky Road Fondue, King Kong Sundae
- Burgers, salads, and breakfast options
- A restaurant atmosphere that feels like a dessert-themed photo op
Special note:
The Rosemont location is especially fun for kids with its ice cream shop entrance and candy-themed backdrops.
27. Bronzeville Children’s Museum
Why it’s great:
The first African American children’s museum in the U.S., offering guided, hands-on exploration of history and culture.
What kids love:
- Stories of African American inventors
- Exhibits about politicians, artists, musicians, and athletes
- A guided tour structure that keeps children engaged
- Hands-on learning and interactive exhibits
28. Escape House Chicago (Ages 8+)
Why it’s great:
Families work together to solve clues, crack codes, and escape before time runs out.
What to expect:
- A River North location
- One-hour interactive mystery adventure
- Logic puzzles, team challenges, and spy-themed immersion
- Great for tweens, teens, and puzzle-loving families
29. Indoor Skydiving at iFLY (Ages 3+)
Why it’s great:
A safe, indoor way to “fly” using a state-of-the-art vertical wind tunnel—something kids remember forever.
What to expect:
- Supervised body-flight experience
- Short instruction session, then flight time
- Photos + videos available
- Birthday party packages
Know before you go:
Located in Lincoln Park. First-time flyers should arrive early for the pre-flight class.
30. Urban Adventure Quest (Ages 10+)
Why it’s great:
A walking scavenger hunt that turns Chicago’s architecture, art, and landmarks into clues.
Route highlights:
- Riverfront
- Tribune Tower
- The Bean
- The Art Institute
- Palmer House
Good to know:
Expect 2 miles of walking and about two hours of gameplay—great for older kids and tweens who enjoy puzzles.
31. Blue Man Group Chicago (Ages 3+)
Why it’s great:
A high-energy show packed with music, drumming, color, and humor—no spoken dialogue means even little ones can follow along.
Location:
Briar Street Theatre
What to expect:
- Live percussion
- Surprises, audience participation, and lots of visual effects
- Family-friendly performances throughout the year
32. ComedySportz Chicago
Why it’s great:
A family-friendly, interactive improv competition where two teams battle using games, scenes, and audience suggestions.
Why families love it:
- Age-appropriate humor
- Fast-paced, silly, and unpredictable
- Great indoor activity for all ages
33. Cubs Game at Wrigley Field
Why it’s great:
Even for Brewers fans, Wrigley Field is a Midwest must-do.
Kid favorites:
- Kids Run the Bases on select Sunday games
- Classic ballpark food
- Family-friendly seating areas
- Stadium energy that’s fun for all ages
Know before you go:
Kids run the bases on their own—grownups cannot accompany them onto the field.
Looking for More? Explore the Chicago Suburbs
If you’re planning extra time outside the city, the Chicago suburbs are packed with family-friendly destinations — from LEGOLAND Discovery Center and Bison’s Bluff Nature Playground to Kohl Children’s Museum and Brookfield Zoo.
👉 See our full guide: Best Things To Do in the Chicago Suburbs With Kids
Day Trips & Weekend Getaways from Milwaukee to Chicago
Chicago makes an easy and exciting escape for Milwaukee families. It’s close enough for a spontaneous day trip, but packed with enough kid-friendly fun to fill a full weekend. Here’s what to know before you go:
Drive Time From Milwaukee
Plan for 1.5–2 hours depending on traffic. For the smoothest trip, aim to arrive:
- Before 9:30 a.m., or
- After 6:30 p.m.
These windows usually help you avoid the worst of the I-94 slowdown.
Take the Train (A Kid Favorite)
The Amtrak Hiawatha is a stress-free option for families:
- Takes about 90 minutes
- Stroller-friendly boarding
- Drops you right at Union Station, close to many downtown attractions
- Great if your kids love trains or you want to avoid downtown parking
Parking Tips
Chicago parking can be tricky, but a few tools help:
- Use SpotHero to compare prices and reserve a garage
- Best family-friendly parking zones:
Millennium Park, Navy Pier, River North, and Streeterville
Easy Family Itineraries
Whether you’re heading down for a quick adventure or making a whole weekend out of it, these simple routes help you hit the highlights without feeling rushed.
Quick Day Trip From Milwaukee (1–Day Plan)
Perfect if you’re leaving early and heading home by dinner.
Millennium Park → Maggie Daley Park → Navy Pier → Chicago-Style Dinner
- Start at Millennium Park for The Bean + easy exploring
- Walk to Maggie Daley Park for the Play Garden (plan 1–2 hours)
- Head to Navy Pier for lunch, a Centennial Wheel ride, and the Children’s Museum
- Wrap up with deep dish or kid-friendly spots in Streeterville
Optional add-on: If energy allows, stroll the Riverwalk before heading home.
One-Night Weekend Stay (Max Fun, Low Stress)
A great layout for families staying downtown.
Skydeck or 360 Chicago → Sloomoo or Museum of Ice Cream → Maggie Daley Park → Museum Campus
Day 1:
- Start at Skydeck or 360 Chicago
- Walk to Sloomoo Institute or the Museum of Ice Cream
- Relax/play at Maggie Daley Park
- Dinner on Michigan Ave or River North
Day 2:
- Spend the morning at the Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, or Adler Planetarium
- Picnic on the Museum Campus or grab an easy lunch nearby
- Head home mid-afternoon to beat traffic
Family-Friendly Hotels
If you’re staying overnight, these are great picks for parents:
Swissôtel Chicago (indoor pool + kid-themed suites
The Peninsula Chicago (Rooftop ice skating!)
The Gwen, A Luxury Collection Hotel (Our Pick for Walkability)
Just off Michigan Avenue, The Gwen blends art-deco style with modern comfort and an unbeatable location. It’s walkable to American Girl Place, 360 Chicago, the Museum of Ice Cream, Millennium Park, and Maggie Daley Park.
Kids will love the thoughtful touches like cookies at check-in, seasonal lobby treats, and the incredible turn-down service that even “tucks in” stuffed animals.
👉 Read our full mom-and-daughter review of The Gwen here →
More Chicago Family Guides
- Museum of Ice Cream Review
- Best Things to Do in the Chicago Suburbs
- 360 Chicago vs. Skydeck
- Sloomoo Institute Review
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.
