Easy and Fun Things To Do With Your Baby

1. Maggie Daley Park

Maggie Daley Park is one of our favorite toddler parks for a reason: it has endless play spaces, parks, and splash pads. One of the best things about this park is the designated spaces for each age group—the best areas for babies and toddlers are The Water Hole, where you'll find animal figures and water features, and The Harbor, which is a 2,000-square-foot play area with play-sized boats, a covered "marine" area, and a ramp down to "water" level. 

2. Brookfield Zoo Chicago

The Brookfield Zoo is open to the public year-round. Your little animal lover will love strolling through the acres of wildlife. If you’re looking for a spot to cool down, take them to the dolphin show for a quick splash. 

Several parks within the zoo are great for some non-stroller time. You’ll find baby swings and smaller structures babies can crawl and climb on. There are strollers to rent or you can bring your own baby carrier, stroller, or wagon. Read more of our best tips and favorite parts of the Brookfield Zoo in our review. 

3. Illinois Railway Museum 

For train-loving babies, there’s nothing better than the Illinois Railway Museum. Located in Union, Illinois, you’ll find an impressive collection of vintage and antique trains. There are trains you can explore and ride, and the train-themed playground is a favorite for younger children. Thomas the Train even stops by for a special exhibit each year. 

Sanity-Saving Activities for Parents

4. Lincoln Park Zoo

The Lincoln Park Zoo is free and open to the public year-round and The Pritzker Children's Zoo is a best best for babies. The Wild Sapling Play Forest has a log tower and an above-ground tunnel, and babies will love to watch the river otters play. Be sure to check out the new Houston Family Play Treehouse, it has immersive sensory features and a play area for kids of all ages.

5. Baby Story Times at Thomas Hughes Children's Library or Bucktown Wicker Park Library

Both of these locations have frequent story times. These are some of the best ways to meet other parents in your neighborhood and to listen to something other than your own voice and baby noises. 

6. Find a Fit4Mom Class in Your Neighborhood

There are many different Fit4Mom franchises throughout the Chicago area. The group's Stroller Strides classes take moms and babies on a walk or jog through a local park, stopping at intervals to do in-place exercises while singing to your baby. This is another great way to make parent friends, explore your neighborhood (or another neighborhood), and get a little exercise.

7. Take a Class at Bubbles Academy

This learning center has locations in the West Loop, Gold Coast, and Highland Park for babies of all ages. Enjoy open play time, music, or sensory art times together.

8. Enjoy Free Classes at HelloBaby

This Woodlawn play place has story times in Spanish and English, and opportunities to learn baby sign language. Stages Chicago puts on Broadway themed story times, and you can just play with your baby somewhere that isn't your house — for FREE!

9. Take a Music Together Class

These all-ages music classes are frequent features of local park districts and music studios. Learn the basics of rhythm and tone with baies and preschoolers together with parents. 

Indoor Activities for Babies

10. Garfield Park Conservatory 

Garfield Park Conservatory is one of the best gems in the city. This beautiful conservatory is always blooming with colorful flowers and tropical plants. The conservatory is free with a suggested donation of $5. For babies, there’s a padded play space for them to crawl and climb. You can also rent party rooms for a birthday party. Read all about it and see more photos in our review. 

11. Kohl Children’s Museum 

One of the best Chicago museums for families is also is an awesome experience for small babies and children. Kohl is by far one of the coolest museums in the city for kids. Everything is hands-on and designed to be played with. From water play to a pretend grocery store, there is plenty for crawlers and new walkers to play on and explore as well.

12. The Museum of Contemporary Art

The Museum of Contemporary Art is great for you and your little one. You get to see beautiful masterpieces and works of art while your baby gets to soak in the sights from the stroller. The museum even hosts special stroller tours for families. There are also family days where families with kids are admitted for free. You’ll find workshops, art supplies, and hands-on crafts for kids as well. 

13. See the Butterfly Release at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

You don't have to be old enough to interact with the exhibits to enjoy the buttefly haven at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum! New butterflies are released every day at 2 p.m. It's always colorful, full of motion, and warm, which is a huge selling point on a cold Chicago winter day.

14. Stroll Yorktown Center

There's a variety of stores in this west suburb shopping center, including a Carter's outlet and The Children's Place. There's also an indoor play structure with a little kids' play area, and a little kid-centered eating area and rest room in the food court. Instead of just changing your baby outside of the ladies stalls, there a lounge where you can change a diaper at one of several station while your toddlers watch cartoons on a nearby couch.

Babies love the bright colors and smells at the Garfield Park Conservatory.

Outdoor Activities for Babies

15. Lincoln Park Nature Boardwalk and Sanctuary 

The Lincoln Park Nature Boardwalk and Sanctuary are both free. Everything is outdoors and provides spectacular photo backdrops. There’s a boardwalk, pond, fish, bird watching, and a farmers market in the summer through fall. 

16. Water Taxi or Boat Ride on the Chicago River

Seasonally, water taxis and architecture tours happen almost hourly on the Chicago River. On the water taxi, you can start at Navy Pier or Ogilvie Train Station and take it up to North Avenue or Chinatown. Architecture tours take you along the Chicago River and some even go into Lake Michigan. 

17. Crown Fountain at Millennium Park 

Millennium Park is a great place for a walk on a summer day,  Located in the loop, you’ll see skyscrapers and Lake Michigan as your backdrop. Dress your little one in clothes you don’t mind getting wet and they can explore Crown Fountain. Crown Fountain is an interactive public work of art. The fountain is made of two glass block towers standing 50 feet tall. On the towers, you’ll see 1,000 different Chicagoan's faces with water spouting out down onto the ground below. 

18. Bike the 606

The Bloomingdale Trail is also known as The 606. The former railway has been beautifully converted into a lush running, walking, and biking trail. This elevated trail runs through the Wicker Park, Bucktown, Logan Square, and Humboldt Park neighborhoods. As this spot is much more family-friendly than the lakefront, taking your little one for a stroller ride is ideal. Just below the trail, you’ll also find neighborhood parks, coffee shops, ice cream, and other local treats to enjoy as you go. 

Bike or stroll along the 606. And by the end of the year, she'll be pushing her own stroller!

19. Walk through the Morton Arboretum

I might be biased because this is where my baby shower was, but the Morton Arboretum is one of my favorites! If you only have babies, take the stroller around on one of the best stroller-friendly hikes in Chicago and explore whatever giant statues are currently on display. If you have a baby and older kids, there's lots of fun things to do in the Children's Garden, from catching tadpoles to playing in the treetop climber.

20. Stroll Around the Naperville Riverwalk

This pleasantly paved walk along the river includes access to downtown Naperville shops, and you can visit with ducks and other wildlife along the way.

Must Do Experiences with Babies in Chicago

21. Stare at Your Reflection in The Bean

The Bean—aka Cloud Gate—is a world-famous art installation. Located in Chicago’s Millennium Park, even if you’ve passed it a hundred times, babies will see it in a whole new way. They can make faces and wave to you in the mirrored exterior. Nearby you'll find several restaurants and cafes to grab a bite to eat outdoors. 

See The Bean with your little bean! Photo by Jessica Stautberg

22. Play Tourist (with Photo Ops) Along Michigan Avenue

Chicago is home to Michigan Avenue, also known as The Magnificent Mile. Along the Mag Mile and in the Gold Coast neighborhood, you'll find luxury shopping, restaurants, cafes, and plenty of famous Chicago sights. Michigan Avenue landmarks include Water Tower Place, the original Chicago Water Tower, the Hancock Building, and the Chicago River. Grab your stroller and head downtown to snap pictures of your little sightseer for your baby book. 

23. Shedd Aquarium 

The Shedd Aquarium is truly a wonder to behold. You’ll find jellyfish, dolphins, otters, sea lions, and thousands of salt and freshwater fish. There are several hands-on play areas for little ones, shows, and restaurants. It's a huge place, so read our review beforehand to plan.

Commune with the underwater creatures at the aquarium.

24. Check Out the Art Institute of Chicago

This is more for the parents than the babies! There are lots of free days at the Art Institute, especially during the winter months. Take one and enjoy the art with baby in a stroller or wearable. It's usually relatively quiet, and it's a good walk with a little art appreciation for baby.

Seasonal Fun for Babies 

25. Take a Dip at Lake Michigan's Beaches

Chicago boasts an impressive 26-mile coastline on the shores of Lake Michigan. You’ll find an 18-mile path and over 24 free public beaches, and the best beaches for babies include Crystal Lake Main Beach Area, Margaret T. Burroughs Beach, and Gillson Park Beach. The first two have splash pads and the latter has a playground for little ones. You'll also find beach-side restaurants, hot dog stands, and ice cream carts for summer treats. 

26. Try Some New Produce at a Local Farmers Markets

Local farmers markets can be found in several neighborhoods throughout the city. Your little one will love cruising through the aisles people-watching and trying new fruit, fresh veggies, pastries, and baked goods. Gather goodies for a picnic at a nearby park or bench. 

27. Declare an allegiance to the Cubs or the White Sox

Both teams offer newborn clubs. Get a Cubbie blue onesie, bib, and picture frame at Gallagher Way on the north side or a White Sox Fan certificate on the south side. Don't forget to visit guest services for freebies when you take them to their first game.

28. Pick out Baby's First Pumpkin at Jonamac Orchard or Keller's Farmstand

Fall is picture perfect for farm fun in the Chicago area. Take your baby out to pick out a pumpkin, play with corn in the corn crib, or see animals at the farm. You'll have even more fun carving the pumpkin and experiencing them pulling the insides out!

29. Visit Macy's During the Holiday Season

You can check out the animatronic windows, visit the Toys 'R Us floor, and take a picture by the giant Christmas tree in the Walnut Room. If your child is big enough to sit on Santa's lap by Christmas, get a picture at the State Street location where you can book an appointment in advance. 

30. Take pictures during Lilac Time in Lombard

Lilacia Park celebrates the blooming of lilacs and tulips with a two-week festival every May. I loved taking pictures of my babies around Mother's Day in the array of gorgeous colors, and enjoying kid-friendly concerts and story times in the park. Plus, you can get purple dipped cones at the Dairy Queen across the street!

Baby Activities in Chicago FAQ

What are the best things to do with a baby in Chicago?

Chicago has lots of world class museums, and a lot of them are baby friendly! You can pick somewhere quieter, like the Art Institute or the Museum of Contemporary Art, or something fun and colorful like the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. There are also lots of stimulating story times and music classes in and around the city. And, there are two zoos, and one of them is FREE!

Where can I find free baby-friendly activities in Chicago?

Lincoln Park Zoo is still free. There's also Chicago Public Libraries — we like the Harold Washington Library and the Bucktown-Wicker Park branch. And Hello Baby is a free baby place space on the south side.

What indoor activities are good for babies in Chicago?

Libraries are always a good option for indoor activities. I also loved taking my kids to Yorktown Center when they were babies — there's enough for babies and adults to do and some of it is free.

What outdoor activities are best for babies in Chicago?

Head downtown to Millennium Park and Maggie Daley Park for a full day of fun in the heart of the city. You can also visit DuPage County to enjoy the Morton Arboretum, which usually has exhibits of larger-than-life statues and a children's garden, or the Naperville Riverwalk, which includes a good combination of downtown shopping and nature.

How can I make baby outings easier for parents?

Leave the house immediately after baby has eaten and you have changed their diaper. Visit locations with family-friendly restrooms and stroller friendly walkways. Don't plan on spending a lot of money on one outing so that you're not disappointed if something goes wrong and you spend less time than you expected on that outing.

 
Photos by the author unless otherwise indicated.