Family-Friendly Activities

Chicago is home to significant buildings, hotbeds of the arts and culture, and great deep-dish pizzas, but would you also believe it is the most prominent hot spot in family fun? And no matter how old your kids are—tiny tots, school-aged kids with boundless energy, or even those picky tweens—Chicago will open wide with the array of family fun activities and attractions. Get ready, and let's explore some of the most incredible family fun the Windy City offers. 

Shedd Aquarium

The Shedd Aquarium houses an octopus that can solve puzzles. Maybe your little one will pick up a few tips! If your kids are captivated by everything aquatic, a must-visit is the Shedd Aquarium. Situated on the shore of Lake Michigan, the Shedd houses over 32,000 creatures, from beluga whales to neon-bright jellyfish. Get there early to avoid the crowds and try to make the 5- to 15-minute walk to an aquatic presentation at the Abbott Oceanarium. It's a splash-tastic show starring dolphins, sea lions, and belugas who will keep your kids wide-eyed.

Lincoln Park Zoo
 

The zoo's most famous resident was Anana, a polar bear who loved to play with "enrichment" toys designed to mimic natural behaviors. The park, Lincoln Park Zoo, is one of the last free zoos in the country. It's a pretty inexpensive day out: Your kids can make roaring noises at the lions, giggle over monkey antics, and watch the giraffes with their regal bearing. Grab some picnic gear, get lunch for your tastebuds, and have a picnic at the nearby beautiful Lincoln Park Conservatory. Their classic carousel is nothing short of additional fun!

The Museum of Science and Industry

The museum hosts the only real German submarine in the US, the U-505, which your kids can enjoy. It's like taking a history lesson right from the pages of life! And for an educational but fun experience, the Museum of Science and Industry offers a day like no other. A mammoth number of interactive exhibits turns learning into a game at this colossal museum. Don't miss "Science Storms," where your kids can experience a tornado, trigger an avalanche, and be mad scientists.

Navy Pier

Navy Pier was initially opened in 1916 and has served, at various points, as a military training center during World War II. The Navy Pier in Chicago is a lakeside playground. It is equipped with its giant Ferris wheel, the Chicago Children's Museum, and stunning skyline views. Go in the evening when a stellar fireworks show illuminates the sky over the Chicago skyline every Wednesday and Saturday night during the summer months. And don't forget to check out Garrett Popcorn Shops and get a bag of their Chicago mix. The sweet-and-salty treat is out of this world.

Adler Planetarium

Your little astronaut enthusiasts will be over the moon at the Adler Planetarium. The exhibitions and shows in this planetarium are fantastic. The Adler Planetarium was the first in the entire Western Hemisphere and opened its doors in 1930. Catch a show in the Grainger Sky Theater; the full dome and immersive experience will take you out of this world. Step out and take in the picture-perfect views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan.

Maggie Daley Park

The park was themed after the landscape and style of Alice in Wonderland and Dr. Seuss, making it a perfect place for the little ones. For the outdoorsy ones, Maggie Daley Park will serve as paradise in the very heart of downtown. Enveloped in a fairy tale aura, the place boasts delightful play gardens, climbing walls, and an ice skating ribbon during winter—every child's best source of active fun. Don't miss Enchanted Forest—filled with twists of footpaths, secret nooks, and crannies, this is going to spark the imagination in your children.
 

Chicago Children's Museum

The Chicago Children’s Museum, located at Navy Pier, has three levels of play, filled with hands-on experiences. From providing stuff to construct towering buildings that would put the giant skyscrapers in the shade to the fossils and footprints of the incredible long-necked giant dinosaurs, there is enough stuff to keep young minds occupied. At the Tinkering Lab, children can use many equipment and tools; this is a perfect way to make inventors out of these children. Check out the WaterWays exhibition: principles of Water Flow and let your kid construct his/her own river at the exhibition.

Brookfield Zoo
 

The Brookfield Zoo was the first zoo in America not to use cages but moats and ditches for naturalistic exhibits. Pro Tip: Don't forget to attend the "Dolphins in Action" show and "Hamill Family Play Zoo," where the kids can go hands-on with the animals for some fun. Minutes from downtown, the Brookfield Zoo sprawls 216 acres. More than 2,000 animals give your family an adventure to each of the world's continents without leaving the city of Chicago.

The Field Museum
 

At the Field Museum—gateway to the ancient past, home to Sue—the largest and most complete T. rex ever discovered. Kids will be taken back to the splendors of great pyramids when exploring the mysteries of mummies, as well as dazzled by the glittering gemstones and even transported through the life of a dinosaur. Even Sue the T. rex has a Twitter account posting witty insights and dinosaur facts! Explore Crown Family PlayLab, an area for little kids to engage with science and culture through play.
 

Legoland Discovery Center Legoland Discovery Center 

It is indeed a Lego fan's dream come true and a place full of creativity for beings of all ages, as it is located in Schaumburg, for people of a creative nature at any age, rides, 4D movies, and workshops for making things out of Legos abound. Miniland Chicago at the center is a Lego-built, mini-replica of the city's skyline. It has all the architectural icons of the city. Book ahead online to save your time in lines and make the most of your building time. 

Chicago is all magical for family life; it offers many kids opportunities and is great for kids of all ages. The activity list is endless; from submarine trips to skydiving, wildlife to interactive museums, pack your bags and kids for a great adventure in the Windy City!