Table Of Content
- Are there family-friendly accommodations in Chicago?
- City Cruises – Seadog Lakefront Speedboat Tour
- Best Things to Do in Chicago with Kids: Fun, Family Friendly Attractions!
- Midwest Guide
- City Cruises – Seadog River and Lake Architecture Tour
- Skip-the-Line The Field Museum of Natural History Exclusive Guided Tour
- Millennium Park Segway Tours
When it comes to kid-friendly tours and family-friendly things to do in Chicago, you’re in for an unforgettable treat. We had a once-in-a-lifetime experience of witnessing the cityscape views that extend to as far as your eyes can see. My children’s laughter, wide-eyed wonder, and incessant curiosity guided me in crafting this list. If planning an activity for your family, consider factors like your children’s personalities and the attraction’s location, cost, age appropriateness, and learning opportunities. Parents can relax and enjoy the lakefront view while the kids burn off some energy.
Are there family-friendly accommodations in Chicago?
Grown ups will love the nostalgia, and the whole family can enjoy seasonal activities and food options. With high-tech interactive exhibits and a wealth of memorabilia, it’s a home run for families who love the game. Perfect for kids aged 4 and up, the institute offers sensory experiences that are safe and enjoyable for younger kids while still captivating for older ones.
City Cruises – Seadog Lakefront Speedboat Tour
Our family spent 14 years exploring everything this city had to offer. When we first arrived, we were pleasantly surprised by the wealth of kid-friendly activities! Chicago offers plenty to do for children of all ages, which makes it a perfect destination for a family getaway. A fun, relaxing, informative boat tour along Chicago's beautiful waterways is the ultimate way to experience the city and leave a lasting impression on your group. Take a look at these restaurants in Chicago that reviewers recommend for their deep dish pizza on TripAdvisor. To taste even more of the city’s cuisine, sign up for a Chicago food tour.
Best Things to Do in Chicago with Kids: Fun, Family Friendly Attractions!
A metropolis where towering skyscrapers kiss the sky, creating a Chicago skyline that is simply breathtaking. We saw worldwide exhibits, like impressionism, miniature, American Gothic, and Eastern artworks. Ideal for kids aged 10 and up, the park has features that cater to different skill levels, from beginners to pros. Parents can join in the sensory play or appreciate the contemporary art installations. Cool off as you try delectable treats, such as differently flavored sundaes, ice creams, banana splits, shakes, cake rolls, and countless other mouth-watering options.
One of the best things to do in Chicago with kids is taking a break from touring and beating the heat with a tasty treat at the Original Rainbow Cone. It is also used for events, like concerts and other sports games. It is home to the well-loved Chicago Clubs and has a capacity of over 41,000. The exhibition has several hands-on activities and games that focus on building empathy, leadership skills and confidence. During this event, you can view at least 30 life-sized, animatronic re-creations of creatures alive in Eurasia and North America in the Ice Age.
The wheel is 200-feet high and offers an incredible 360-degree view of Lake Michigan and the exciting pier. The 606 Trail is a place that offers several family-friendly activities. I think the tiny tots will especially enjoy frolicking in the water tables where they can learn all about rivers and their origins. Prepare to take in awe-striking panoramic views of Chicago by heading to this spectacular observation deck, towering at least 1,030 feet above the ground.
Theme Parks
You can take an elegant dining cruise or an upscale private charter on Lake Michigan, finishing the evening off with shopping or a ride on the Centennial Wheel. These are the features that make the city attractive to adults and children as well! In fact, Chicago almost feels like a city built with children’s entertainment in mind! There are plenty of indoor and outdoor activities for all ages and interests, and an amazing, walkable downtown area (maybe not in the dead of winter).
Skip-the-Line The Field Museum of Natural History Exclusive Guided Tour
That’s one of the many interactive exhibits that kids will love at the Chicago History Museum as they learn about local history. It’s located in Lincoln Park, so if you’re visiting the Lincoln Park Zoo (see below), then consider planning a few hours here as well. It’s fast and furious aboard the Seadog, which jets off from Navy Pier, speeds along the lakefront, then zips down the Chicago River. The fast-paced excitement makes it the most kid-friendly architectural cruise of all. Little ones love this bright red and yellow speedboat, which usually has dogs on board (bring your pet along!) and funny guides.
Here are some top attractions that should be at the top of your Chicago itinerary. For additional Windy City activities, look at additional Chicago tours above from our partner, GetYourGuide. During all my visits to Chicago with kids, I had never eaten its famous pizza! I finally dined at Gino’s East and discovered what all the fuss was really about. Parents can be thankful that Chicago’s signature meal is one that even picky kids will adore. Many visitors to Chicago come for the endless shopping options alone.
The sensory experiences—like smelling the Union Stock Yard or munching on a Chicago-style hot dog—make the visit even more memorable. It’s a hit with families looking to explore Chicago’s rich history together. From hopping on the first ‘L’ train car to reliving the Great Chicago Fire, this museum offers a hands-on journey through time.
This is a waterfront from where you can enjoy the splendid sight of the skyline emerging from downtown Chicago. This might seem like an odd recommendation for a holiday with kids, but the showcases put up at this theater also include several kid-friendly productions. If you are not afraid of heights, I would recommend standing on the ledge, a glass box that juts 4.3-feet outside the building to offer a dizzying view of the city below. The observational sky deck tour will also give you a history of the city and of the tower. To save time researching where to go with your family, I have ranked and reviewed the best things to do in Chicago with kids.
Chicago Architecture Center has been running its very popular 90-minute cruise aboard The First Lady for over 25 years. Families who just can’t get enough of Navy Pier can scour the shops, tasty restaurants, and food carts to extend your afternoon into the evening hours. Navy Pier is an easy walk from Michigan Avenue or you can climb aboard one of the city’s free trolleys, which run from below Michigan Avenue to the pier. This customizable tour allows you to focus on your interests and gain insights into the background of famous paintings, all with the convenience of a private guide. Explore iconic landmarks like Millennium Park and the Chicago River while enjoying generous tastings of Chicago-style pizza, hot dogs, chocolates, and more.
St. Patrick's Day 2024 events: What to know about Chicago River dyeing, pop-up bars and parties - WLS-TV
St. Patrick's Day 2024 events: What to know about Chicago River dyeing, pop-up bars and parties.
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Experience The Live Entertainment Capital of the World with these favorite things to do in Branson, Missouri with kids. Also known as The Land of Lincoln, discover fun things to do in Springfield, Illinois. In a city of skyscrapers, you have two especially appealing choices for seeing Chicago from high in the sky.
From finding the best seat for Navy Pier’s weekly fireworks to cruises that let you bring your pup, scroll through and start planning. First-time Chicago visitors may be surprised by the city’s abundant museums designed with families and curious learners in mind. Natural history buffs will love meeting the Field Museum‘s famous resident, Sue the Tyrannosaurus Rex. Meanwhile, space enthusiasts gravitate towards the Adler Planetarium, the first planetarium to open its doors in the Western Hemisphere. And, although the Museum of Science & Industry is a bit farther away from other Chicago attractions, it’s a fantastic hands-on museum with interactive exhibits.
