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Exploring Chicago's Neighborhoods

Looking for a local itinerary? Check out our Visitors Guide. We cover the best things to do with kids in neighborhoods all over the city, like Old Town, Lincoln Park, the West Loop, Roscoe Village and North Center, Bucktown and Wicker Park, and River North and Gold Coast.

Money Saving Tips For Exploring Chicago

You can visit Chicago's world famous museums on any budget with our list of Free Museums and Free Museum Days. And don't forget to check out our guide to Free Things To Do in Chicago with Kids. If you're staying in town and plan to visit multiple attractions in the Chicago area (we’re looking at you, people with visiting relatives you’ll be squiring around town), it’s worth it to look into a Go City - Chicago sightseeing pass to save money on entrance fees to attractions like the Navy Pier, Field Museum, the aquarium, and the planetarium.

Top Things To Do In Chicago For Visitors

While our list was written with kids growing up in Chicago in mind, it’s also a great list for families visiting Chicago, since it’s packed with fun things to do in Chicago with kids. Here are more helpful roundups for anyone visiting Chicago:

• 3 Days in Chicago with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom

• Top Attractions in Chicago to See with Kids

• Museum Guide for Kids and Families in Chicago

• 10 Kid-Friendly Hotels in Chicago

And now...

100 Top Things To Do In Chicago With Kids

1. Ride the water taxi

Take the boat from Michigan Avenue or the downtown Metra Stations to Chinatown.

2. Take a twirl on the Endangered Species Carousel

 Ride one of the 48 hand-carved animals at Lincoln Park Zoo—maybe choose one you've seen at the zoo that day.

3. Bike, walk, or take your jogging stroller down the Lake Michigan shoreline on the lakefront trail

There are 18 miles of amazing views from Edgewater to South Shore.

Splash the summer away at the Crown Fountain at Millennium Park. Photo by Mommy Poppins

4. Let the whimsical faces in the Crown Fountain at Millennium Park squirt over your head

The composite images of the faces of 1,000 Chicagoans are on display year-round, and water streams out from mid-spring to mid-fall.

5. Explore the picturesque Graceland Cemetery and Arboretum

Famous Chicago politicians, athletes, industrialists, and many of the last century's finest architects are all buried here.

6. See the statues of the zodiac animals in Chinatown Square

Make a pit stop at Aji Ichiban candy store to fill up a bag of sweets, or enjoy dim sum or another authentic Chinese cuisine.

7. Take a break from busy city streets at the North Pond Nature Sanctuary

Waterbirds, turtles, frogs, and more abound near the Lincoln Park Zoo and the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.

8. Then walk a few blocks south to check out the South Pond Nature Boardwalk

Second Saturday Garden Tours allow families to ask questions about the nearby plants, while the pavilion is the perfect place for a family picture.

9. Visit rarely-open-to-the-public buildings at Open House Chicago

 Many of them are masterworks of architecture and design or offer unique insight into historic buildings.

The Shedd Aquarium. Photo courtesy of the museum

10. Get close to the glass at the Shedd Aquarium

Some of our favorites there include the playful penguins, the seahorse dads that carry babies in their pouches, and the adorable sea otters.

11. Glide along the ice skating ribbon at Maggie Daley Park

It's an amazing place to ice skate in the winter, or use your own roller blades, roller skates, or non-motorized scooter in the summer. 

12. And come back to play at the action-packed Maggie Daley Park play garden

Slide every slide, climb every structure, and swing on every swing. Kids up to age 12 can find something to do here: check out the Enchanted Forest or Wave Lawn for little kids or the Slide Crater for more adventurous big boys and girls. It's one of our favorite playgrounds for toddlers.

13. See a family concert at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park

The Millenium Park Summer Music Series is a great opportunity to enjoy the arts and the outdoors.

RELATED: When Kids Get in Free to Chicago Museums, Parks, and Zoos

North Avenue Beach photo courtesy of the Chicago Park District

14. Chill at Montrose Beach or North Avenue Beach on a hot summer day

Both are on our list of favorite beaches for families in the Chicago area.

15. Explore the lushness of the Garfield Park Conservatory greenhouse

Travel around the world in one giant greenhouse full of diverse plant life, then peruse the outdoor gardens for more ideas to take home to your own yard.

16. Teeter over the streets below from the glass observation platform The Ledge at the top of Willis Tower

See Wacker Drive from 1,353 feet in the air in a glass box extending more than four feet from the edge of the Western Hemisphere's third-largest building.

17.  See the lion statues decked out as sports fans at the Art Institute of Chicago

Then linger in the leafy quiet sculpture garden at or marvel at the Thorne Miniature Rooms inside. The museum is always FREE for children under 14.

RELATED: Chicago's Best Indoor Play Spaces for Kids

 
Photo courtesy of the Field Museum

18. Marvel at Sue, the world’s most complete model of a T. Rex 

She lives at the Field Museum, where you can also visit real Egyptian mummies and giant gems, or enjoy the rotating exhibits on the museum's first floor.

19. Step inside a giant model of a human heart at the Museum of Science and Industry

And learn more about the weather, how Chicago looked 100 years ago, and transportation from trains to planes—then visit Colleen Moore's Fairy Castle and watch chicks hatch from eggs. Check out some of our favorite exhibits.

20. Catch a reading by a favorite children’s book author at the Book Cellar

You can enjoy a treat from Cafe Selmarie or visit Timeless Toys, also at Lincoln Square.

21. Take an architectural tour of the city or another boat ride on the Chicago River.

Chicago Architecture Foundation volunteers give the definitive tour of more than 50 buildings in 90 minutes.

22. Dive into the candy bins at Fannie May or Margie's

Margie's has sundaes you can almost literally dive into, too. 

Take a ride on the Centennial Wheel for stunning city views. Photo courtesy of Navy Pier

23. Ride the Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier

The 200-foot tall gondolas give amazing 360-degree views of the skyline and Lake Michigan. There are lots of other kid-friendly activities on the Pier as well. Check out our full guide.

24. Walk with the animals at the Brookfield Zoo

Peacocks roam free across the grounds, and kids can feed goats or parakeets at Hamil Family Adventures. Check out our list of The Best Zoos and Aquariums for Chicago Kids, too.

25. Hear some kids' music on the lawn at Ravinia Festival

Or introduce your littles to jazz, classical music, or vintage rock at this annual festival that runs from July through September. Bonus: You can take the Metra and bring your own food and drink (even beer and wine for the grown-ups)!

26. See the Centennial Fountain, a 90-foot jet of water, arc across the Chicago River

You can see it from the dry safety of the Riverwalk, or the decidedly-less-dry deck of a boat on the river.

27. Splash in the water tables of the RiverWorks exhibit at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Also check out the Judy Istock butterfly haven, where the birds are as much an attraction as the butterflies.

28. Ride the 606 Trail through Bucktown, Wicker Park, and Logan Square

Peep at the modern art installations or stop for a play session at one of the playgrounds along the path.

29. Pretend to be space explorers at the Mission Moon exhibit

The Adler Planetarium has rocks from the moon and Mars that kids can touch.

30. Explore the Chicago History Museum

Take a photo inside a kid-sized Chicago hot dog, walk across a giant map, take a ride on a historic L-train, and see dioramas of Chicago around the time of its historic fire.

31. Dig into the expansive children's section at Women and Children First

Andersonville's indie bookstore frequently hosts outdoor book signings of popular new children's books. Readers ages 8 to 12 can even join their first book group here.

Visit the Museum of Mexican Art. Photo courtesy of the museum

32. Visit the Museum of Mexican Art in Pilsen

Kids can enjoy bilingual summer camps here, or take classes featuring Mexican art through the Park Voyagers program in Chicago parks. The museum is beautiful, family-friendly, and always free.

33. Visit the McCormick Bridgehouse and Chicago River Museum

The best time to go is in the morning when the movable bridges are scheduled to lift over the Chicago River. Bonus: You won't be frustrated about not being able to cross the river.

Sample the original Rainbow Cone. Photo by Maureen Wilkey

34. Lick your way through all five layers of an Original Rainbow Cone

The giant ice cream cones are available at the original location in Beverly, at Navy Pier, or suburban outposts in Lombard and Darien. Track the Rainbow Cone truck to get one on the go.

35. Get a slice of Chicago-style pizza pie at Lou Malnati's or Giordano's

The original Lincolnwood location of Lou's is full of history. We also recommend Pequod's or The Original Pizzeria Uno or Due, who claims to have invented deep dish.

36. Nosh the pickle off the top of a Chicago dog from Superdawg or Portillo's

...then nibble around the sport peppers and onions to the juicy frank beneath (in true kid fashion). Try the pickled tomato on a Superdawg or indulge in a piece of chocolate cake at Portillo's.

37. Choose a secret identity (and a disguise to match) at the Wicker Park Secret Agent Supply Company

Each purchase supports 826CHI's free writing programs, which help young authors write their own spy novels.

38. Curl up in a pint-sized chair at the Thomas Hughes Children's Library

Your kid can explore their own "neighborhood" on the second floor of the Harold Washington Library designated for preschoolers, elementary kids, and tweens.

39. Inspire kids to write at the American Writers Museum

Always free for kids under 12, the museum includes a children's gallery with a giant mural and a cozy reading space.

40. See a seasonal exhibit at the Chicago Botanic Gardens

From Butterflies & Blooms in the summer to Lightscape around the holidays, there's something for every season at this North Shore Eden.

41. Gaze at models of marvels at the Chicago Architecture Center

The Chicago City Model Experience shows more than 4,000 of the city's favorite buildings in miniature.

42. Root for the home team at a Cubs or Sox game

Check each team's schedule on its website for special promotions. Don't want to pay big bucks for a major league game? Check out a minor league team like the Chicago Dogs, Schaumburg Boomers, or Kane County Cougars.

43. Catch a show at the Chicago Children's Theater

The theater also offers camps and classes for aspiring thespians and participates in the Red Kite Project, which helps kids on the autism spectrum with special programming adapted to their needs.

Immerse yourself in history at the DuSable Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum

44. Learn about African-American history at the DuSable Museum

The museum houses more than 15,000 pieces including paintings, sculptures, print works, and historical memorabilia from Black historical figures from Chicago and around the world.

45. Splurge on high tea and a doll styling at American Girl Place

Enjoy a special event for dolls or schedule your own private event or birthday party at the Water Tower Place store.

46. Take a Wiggleworms kids' music class at the Old Town School of Folk Music

Or enjoy their concerts throughout the summer at Gallagher Way. 

47. Sample donuts, pastries, and other mouthwatering morsels at the French Market

Despite its monocultural name, kids can sample international foods from the Philippines, the Netherlands, India, Vietnam, Italy, and Hawaii at this train station food hall and market.

48. Soar on the American Eagle, the thrilling wooden racing coaster at Six Flags Great America

Or enjoy an amusement park that's farther afield or geared toward littler kids from our list of favorite amusement parks near Chicago. 

49. Shop and watch the street performers at Maxwell Street Market

You never know what you'll find from produce to apparel to housewares at this unique street market in Little Italy.

Uncover "dinosaur" bones at the Chicago Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum

50. Dig for dinosaur bones and climb the rigging of a tall ship at the Chicago Children's Museum

Visit the winter garden and food court afterward, or try to walk the half-mile length of the pier out onto Lake Michigan.

51. Visit Bubbles Academy

The much-loved early childhood play space and education center offers storytimes, sing-a-longs, a play space, and birthday parties.

52. Erect a masterpiece at the Legoland Discovery Center

The space includes a LEGO replica of Chicago, a speed ramp for racing LEGO cars, and LEGO-themed rides.

53. Play at the Kohl Children's Museum

Kids can work the register and stock the shelves in the kid-sized market, and so much more.

54. Gawk at the aerial acrobatics of the annual Chicago Air and Water Show

Visible from most North Side Beaches, this show amazes Chicagoans with its aerial feats. 

55. See a Chicago Bulls game at United Center

Parents may have flashbacks of two three-peats from their own childhood. 

56. Bundle up to cheer yourself hoarse at a Chicago Blackhawks game

Listen to a few rounds of "Chelsea Dagger" to prep your kids at home.

57. Eat your fill of Chicago dishes at the annual Taste of Chicago festival

Formerly in Grant Park, the fest now takes place in various locations throughout the city.

Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza. Photo courtesy of the event

58. Shop, snack, and be entertained at the annual holiday Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza

Drink out of boots and celebrate German culture in the Loop, or its new outpost in Wrigleyville.

59. Romp in the spray at the beautiful gateway sculpture at Mary Bartelme Park

The West Loop park has a fountain plaza, a children's play area, a sunken dog park, and an enclosed seating area.

 
Photo courtesy of the Chicago Park District

60. Spread out a blanket under the stars for an outdoor movie screening at Navy Pier, Millennium Park, or Gallagher Way

The Chicago Park District also has a rotating series of movies in neighborhood parks throughout the city. See our list of Free Outdoor Movies for even more.

61. Shake hands with Santa on the CTA's dazzling annual holiday trains

You'll wonder why the Red Line can't smell like gingerbread and candy canes all year round.

62. Dig into a bucket of the "Chicago mix" at Garrett's popcorn: caramel and cheddar popcorn mixed together.

Smells so wrong, tastes so right. 

63. Gaze up at the famed Tiffany dome at the Chicago Cultural Center

Free tours of the historic downtown building are available every Thursday at 1:15pm. Rotating art exhibitions and shows make the Chicago Cultural Center a fun destination any day.

64. Go sledding in the forest preserve at Caldwell Woods

Then roast your own marshmallows at the warming fire pit. You can also check out some of our other favorite Chicago area sledding destinations.

Enjoy baby (and parent) playtime at indoor play spaces, such as Hello Baby. Photo courtesy of the play space

65. Work off the winter stir-crazies at an indoor play space

Keep your house mess-free while your kids enjoy a day playing in a ball pit, climbing structures, and more.

66. Double up on spanakopita and tzatziki at the annual Taste of Greektown festival

Or check out any of these kid-friendly festivals and street fairs throughout the city.

67. Participate in the innovative monthly family programs at the always-free Smart Museum of Art

This University of Chicago art space has unique rotating exhibitions for all ages.

Morton Arboretum photo by Maureen Wilkey

68. Sway on the suspension bridge in the children’s play garden at the Morton Arboretum

Kids of all ages can find different things to do, from hedge mazes to stepping stones over a shallow pond, in the Arboretum's Children's Garden. Be sure to check out the latest exhibition, Of The Earth, which features five sensory-themed sculptures throughout the park.

69. At The Plant, see how a former meatpacking plant has been transformed into an ingenious indoor aquaponic farm

Ironically, you can take classes on vegan cooking, gardening, foraging, and aquaponics at the old meat processing facility.

70. Tour Frank Lloyd Wright buildings and homes in the city and Oak Park

Kids can learn more about architecture and the famous Oak Park architect at camps in the summer and family-friendly workshops throughout the year.

71. Visit the teaching lodge at the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian

Learn about how the original inhabitants of the Chicago area lived, ate, and worked. The Evanston museum hosts virtual sessions about how Native Americans made different art and artifacts.

72. Let little makers run wild in the creativity-packed aisles of American Science and Surplus

Find a kit to help kids learn about construction, arts and crafts, anatomy, or electronics—or make up your own project or experiment.

73. Get your kicks watching the Chicago Fire play soccer

More reasonably priced than many pro sports teams, the Chicago Fire appeals to young soccer stars across the city and suburbs.

74. Spend a Saturday prowling for delicious treats at the Green City Market

Watch a cooking demonstration or ask the farmers more about their produce in Lincoln Park every Wednesday and Saturday during the summer.

75. Make some noise and mess with The Blue Man Group

The trio of blue men has been performing at Briar Street Theater since 1997, but periordially updates the music and stories used in its shows. 

76. Visit the (always free) National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture

The only national museum dedicated to Puerto Rican culture features exhibits on art and history and a beautiful courtyard.

77. Dig into that good Midwestern soil at a volunteer day at Chicago’s City Farm

The city’s oldest sustainable farm supplies produce directly to Chicago residents and restaurants. A portion of the food goes to feed the hungry in the city.

78. Take a fall hike to admire the colors at the North Park Village Nature Center

Or check out some of our other favorite spots to hike in and around Chicago. 

79. See the Chicago Bears' first practice of the season at Soldier Field at Chicago Bears Family Fest

For just $10 kids can see the team, ride ponies, enjoy a petting zoo, have their faces painted, and play interactive games.

80. Take a DIY tour of public art in the Loop

Be sure to see The Picasso, Chicago by Joan Miro, The Four Seasons by Marc Chagall, Flamingo by Alexander Calder, and Agora by Magdalena Abakanowicz.

81. See some improv in the birthplace of improv.

ComedySportz has age-rated shows for good clean fun while watching funny improvised scenes.

82. Play in the kiddie pool at Holstein Pool

 Or jump into one of the city’s other sparkling community pools—here are some of our favorites.

83. Kayak or paddleboard on Lake Michigan

Kayak Chicago offers lessons in kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and stand-up paddleboard yoga, as well as just renting kayaks for a day of lazy paddling.

 
Photo courtesy of 360 Chicago

84. Catch the view from 360 Chicago at the top of 875 N. Michigan

It will almost certainly take your breath away. More daring kids (and grown-ups) can enjoy a thrill from TILT, an enclosed glass capsule that positions them face down 1,000 feet over Michigan Avenue.

85. Bite off as much as you can chew with a cooking class (or camp) at The Chopping Block

From Chicago favorites to international cuisine, kids can be ready for the world of cooking after a Chopping Block boot camp.

86. Explore the Museum of Contemporary Art

There's always something new and exciting to see with kids here. And it's free for Illinois residents every Tuesday, with outdoor musical performances on its terrace each Tuesday of the summer.

87. See the Wizard of Oz-inspired sculptures at Oz Park

Do a little scarecrow-inspired song and dance! Kids can play in Dorothy's Playlot or relax in the Emerald Garden.

 
Photo by Lauren LaRoche for Mommy Poppins

88. Get slimed at Sloomoo Institute

We (double) dare you not to love this new River North kids' favorite experience. Make your own slime, play with lots of different slimes, and then leave the slime somewhere other than on your rug.

89. Test your skills against the greats at Chicago Sports Museum

Can you shoot a hockey puck as hard as Patrick Kane or shoot free throws as accurately as Scottie Pippen? Find out with body tracking technology at this museum, then tour some of its historic sports memorabilia.

RELATED: Restaurants Where Chicago Kids Eat Free

 
Snag a selfie at Cloud Gate, otherwise known as "The Bean." Photo by Julen Iturbe-Ormaetxe/CC BY 2.0

90. Smile into your own upside-down reflection at the Bean, a.k.a. the Cloud Gate sculpture in Millennium Park

The sculpture is made from 168 curved steel plates cut in precise shapes using computer technology and welded together.

91. Jam with musicians from every folk tradition at the annual UC Folk Festival

The long-running festival has exposed Chicagoans to different music and dances from around the world—from blues to Cajun to Veracruzano to traditional Irish—since 1962.

92. See a performance at the justly-beloved Muntu Dance Theater

You can participate in a workshop or even book a private performance of dancers or drummers, too.

93. Snowshoe or cross-country ski at Northerly Island

The man made island also has a nature center, a pond, and more than 20,000 trees and plants that attract local wildlife.

94. Take advantage of the cold and hit an outdoor ice skating rink

From frozen ponds to Zamboni-smooth ribbons, there are a variety of venues for skating in Chicago every winter.

95. Stuff yourself on cinnamon rolls at Ann Sather

These buns have been praised by everyone from local preschoolers to the Food Network, and for good reason. The restaurant also has a variety of other brunch favorites, some Swedish, like the pancakes with lingonberries, and others American, like the Southern Decadence biscuits and gravy.

 
Visit Skylanding byYoko Ono at The Garden of the Phoenix. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Park District.

96. Wander through the Garden of the Phoenix in Jackson Park

Once part of the Century of Progress World's Fair in 1933, the natural area also features an island filled with Japanese cherry blossom trees and several sculptures.

97. Learn about African American inventors, founders, and creators at the Bronzeville Children's Museum

Kids can do some creating of their own or play in a miniature Jewel-Osco store at this always-inspiring museum.

98. Pick out a birthday present at Building Blocks Toys

If you can't make it into the city's best independent toy store, order a "surprise bundle" shipped to your home to keep kids entertained.

99. Stand shoulder-to-shoulder with practically everybody else in the City of Broad Shoulders for a glimpse of the Magnificent Mile Lights

The light festival, which features more than a million lights along North Michigan Avenue, went virtual in 2020 but plans to return in 2021.

100. Try to catch the rainbows around the Buckingham Fountain

The fountain has 133 jets that spray up to 14,000 gallons per minute during its display.

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