10 Kid-Friendly Hotels in Chicago for a Family Vacation
Whether you’re a local looking for a fun downtown staycation or visiting the city from out of town, we’ve rounded up the best hotels in Chicago for a family vacation. There are literally hundreds of hotels in Chicago, so to narrow it down, we’ve picked hotels with fun amenities, indoor or outdoor pools, kid-friendly rooms, and great locations for family fun. Get packing and check out this list of hotels in Chicago for a family vacation.
For more family-friendly activities and things to see, visit our Chicago Visitor's Guide. If you're looking for great attractions to visit, check out our guide for the Top Tourist Attractions in Chicago for Kids.
OUR LATEST VIDEOS
Four Seasons Hotel – Michigan Avenue
The Four Seasons Hotel is the ultimate kid-friendly luxury hotel. With kids’ classes, toys at check-in and kid-sized robes, this hotel knows how to make a kid's day. In addition to the awesome room add-ons, the hotel also features a beautiful indoor pool that the entire family will enjoy, as well as a luxury spa. The most magical treat is the ice cream service that will come directly to your room for a custom sundae bar. This location is great for visiting Water Tower Place, American Girl, the LEGO store, and Oak Street Beach in the summer months. Check out our picks for the best things to do in the Gold Coast and River North neighborhoods with kids.
InterContinental Hotel in Chicago is great for kids and pets. Photo courtesy of the Intercontinental Hotel in Chicago
InterContinental Hotel – Michigan Avenue
One of the best things about the InterContinental Hotel is the location. You can easily walk to anything on Michigan Avenue as well as museums, the Chicago River, and the loop. For families looking to walk everywhere this location is great. Inside this luxury hotel, you’ll also find a breathtaking and historic swimming pool. There’s also a spa for the parents and its dog friendly if you truly want to bring the whole family.
Homewood Suites – River North
Homewood Suites offers some of the most convenient downtown hotel amenities for families. One of the most important amenities is the free breakfast. That’s right, a free breakfast. There are also pet-friendly rooms and adjoining rooms available for large family trips. You’ll also find rooms with kitchens and on-site laundry making traveling with kids a breeze. The location in the heart of River North is also close to everything.
Residence Inn – River North
The Residence Inn is located in River North within walking distance to Michigan Avenue, restaurants, shopping, and more. Because it’s a Residence Inn, every room in the hotel is a suite. This means kitchens and large rooms for the entire family. There’s also a free breakfast included in your stay. For some extra special fun for the kids, check the schedule when you arrive for the kids activities taking place during your stay.
Enjoy the vertical greenhouse at the Sky Garden in the Embassy Suites Atrium. Photo courtesy of the Hotel
Embassy Suites – River North
The Embassy Suites in River North is made for families. With family-friendly suites, adjoining rooms, pet-friendly suites, and free made-to-order breakfast, the entire family will feel at home. There’s also a free evening reception for the adults to enjoy a little night cap after a long day sightseeing. An indoor pool makes this a great choice year-round for families visiting Chicago with kids.
Best Western - River North
The Best Western in River North features a convenient location, budget-friendly stays, an indoor pool, and a cool urban rooftop in the heart of Chicago. Enjoy large rooms, kid-friendly suites, and beautiful views of the city from the roof deck.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott – River North
SpringHill Suites by Marriott offers free hot breakfast every day, unlimited coffee and tea for parents, and fun daily activities for kids. Each room here is a suite, making it easy for families to travel with groceries and little ones.
Try Swissotel if you're looking for a hotel in Chicago close to kid-friendly attractions. Photo courtesy of Swissotel, Facebook
Swissotel – The Loop
The Swissotel has a great location for those looking to explore the Chicago River, Lake Michigan, the Chicago Children’s Museum, and Navy Pier. It’s also within walking distance to Maggie Daly Park and Millennium Park. Rooms are available with refrigerators making them snack-friendly for little ones. There’s also billiards and pool tables for the adults and big kids.
Loews Chicago Hotel – The Loop
Loews Chicago Hotel features a ton of special kid-friendly amenities. You’ll find free baby bath amenities, coloring books, crayons, PS3 systems and kid-friendly iPads on loan, as well as pool toys. Take a splash in the indoor pool after a long day out on the town. You can also bring up to two pets. They offer pet beds, litter boxes, leashes, bowls, treats, and more.
The Radisson Blu Aqua delivers with their rooftop outdoor swimming pool. Photo courtesy of the Hotel
Radisson Blu Aqua – River East
In Chicago, an outdoor swimming pool is a rare find. The Radisson Blu Aqua delivers with their rooftop outdoor swimming pool. You can enjoy amazing views of the city while getting some sun with the family. There’s also a great indoor pool to use when you’re traveling in the colder months. This location is great for exploring the Chicago River, Navy Pier, Lake Michigan, and River East. You can also easily hop on the Lakeshore running and bike path. This hotel is also pet-friendly for your four-legged family members.
Lead photo courtesy of Bigstock
Places featured in this article:
Four Seasons Chicago
InterContinental Hotel
Homewood Suites
Residence Inn
Embassy Suites
Swissotel