I’ll be honest — for years, I thought Chicago was cold, gray, and not especially kid-friendly.

But that’s because I had only ever visited in winter.

When I finally brought the kids in summer, everything changed. Chicago is green and blue in the best way — lakefront parks, skyline views reflecting off glass buildings, outdoor movies, boat rides, and some of the best museums in the country.

If you’re planning a trip to Chicago with kids, here’s exactly what to do, where to eat, and how to make the most of your time.

Quick Planning Tips for Visiting Chicago With Kids

Before we jump into attractions, here are a few practical things that make a huge difference:

• The downtown tourist area is very walkable — but it’s bigger than it looks.

• If your kids won’t stroller but can’t walk miles, budget for taxis. They’re surprisingly reasonable.

• Use SpotHero or ParkWhiz for parking deals.

• A Chicago river architecture boat tour is one of the best “low effort, high reward” experiences for families.

• If you’re staying 2+ days, consider Chicago CityPASS to save on major attractions.

Now let’s get into the fun stuff.

 

Best Things to Do in Chicago With Kids

The Bean

Kids love:

• Seeing themselves reflected

• Running underneath it

• Exploring Millennium Park’s open spaces

If you’re visiting in summer, check the schedule at Pritzker Pavilion for free outdoor movies or concerts. Watching a movie on the lawn made us feel like locals — and it ended up being one of my favorite moments of the trip.

Time needed: 30–60 minutes

 

 

The Bean is in Millennial Park and is a great place to let the kids explore. For an extra fun time visit the Bean on a Tuesday evening and then walk across the courtyard to Pritzker Pavilion to watch a free movie on the lawn. We watched Caddyshack and ate goodies from snack carts and pretended we were locals! I think it was the highlight of the trip for me.

Plan on 30 minutes for photos of every angle imaginable.

Navy Pier with your kids

Navy Pier is a great launching point for family fun.

Here’s what kids love most:

• The Centennial Wheel (huge Ferris wheel with skyline views)

• Lake cruises

• Chicago Children’s Museum

• Garrett Popcorn (your nose will guide you)

We recommend a Seadog speedboat tour if your kids are old enough — it’s part sightseeing, part thrill ride.

Time needed: 2–3 hours

Get tickets for the Centennial Wheel

 

The Museum of Science and Industry

We spent FIVE hours here and could have stayed longer.

Kid favorites:

• The real German U-boat

• Hands-on science exhibits

• Mirror maze

• Flight simulators

If you have curious, STEM-loving kids, this is a must.

Time needed: 4–6 hours

 

The Magnificent Mile

I hesitate to add this because it’s not something your kids will love. However, every guide book will mention this section of Michigan Ave. There is lots of shopping and a great architectural tour can be taken if your kids are more patient than mine. Check out the water tower that figured into the great Chicago fire.

Here is a great post on a walk around Chicago. Click here

Plan on at least an hour.

 

Maggie Daly Park

Right next to Millennium Park, this is where kids can burn off energy.

Climbing walls, slides, open lawn space — and in winter, an ice skating ribbon.

This is a great “reset” stop during a busy sightseeing day.

 

The Field Museum

The Field Museum is one of the largest natural history museums in the world. (The American Museum of Natural History in NYC is larger.) You kids will be crazy about the dinosaur bones in Dinosaur Hall. The most famous one is named Sue, the largest Tyrannosaurus rex fossil ever found. Discovered in 1990 by paleontologist Sue Hendrickson, this massive t-rex is more than 67 million years old!.

Sue isn’t the only star at the Field Museum. Kids will also love seeing the real mummies in the Ancient Egypt section. The Hall of Gems is another favorite.

Get Field Museum Tickets Here

The Shedd Aquarium

Over 32,000 different varieties of sealife live at the Shedd Aquarium. This large aquarium is a must see if you have animal lovers in your home. You can visit the Field Museum and the Shedd Aquarium on the same day and save by buying a combo ticket.

Skydeck at Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower)

The Willis Tower is the second tallest building in America. You can visit the Skydeck on the 103rd floor and see an amazing view of Chicago.

If you are feeling brave, step out onto The Ledge, a glass box that extends 4 feet out from the side of the building!

Get your tickets to Skydeck here instead of waiting in line!

 

Museum of Ice Cream

The Museum of Ice Cream is a must if you find yourself in Chicago.  The museum took off in New York City and has expanded to large cities all over the world.

The line is always out the door but it moves pretty quickly. Kids will love to swim in a huge pool of rainbow colored sprinkles, ride ice cream sandwiches, figure out your favorite flavor by trying tons of different treats.

 

Get Advanced Tickets for The Museum of Ice Cream

Wrigley Field

Wrigley Field is a must-see for any baseball fan. Even if you’re not a fan, the experience of seeing a game in this historic stadium is worth it. If you can’t get tickets to a game, you can still take a tour of the stadium.

 

Macy’s

This Macy’s was originally a Marshall Fields Department Store in the late 1800s. And much of the original architecture remains. Walk through the store and find your way to the Tiffany ceiling directly over the makeup section. Be sure to visit the Walnut room as well if you want a nice lunch. (You can take a peek inside even if you don’t want lunch.) On the outside of the building look for one of two clocks erected in 1896 and 1902. Apparently women used to use this as a meeting place for their shopping.

Plan on 20 minutes to see the store but more if you want to shop.

Foods to Try in Chicago

Deep Dish Pizza

There are several pizza joints that locals will say are the best, so I couldn’t just pick one. The consensus from Yelp, Trip Advisor, 2 different hotel concierges, and a few people I asked is Giordano’s, Lou Malnati’s, and Pequod’s.

We chose Giordano’s at Navy Pier. We sat out in the beautiful sunshine and ate gooey cheesy pizza. It is very different from my definition of pizza, and the Northeast is pizza heaven. However, I thoroughly enjoyed what my youngest called “pizza casserole.”

Garrett Popcorn

Your nose truly will guide you here if you are within a block or two of one of their stores.
It’s the caramel corn that you will smell and the caramel corn you will want to shove by the fistful into your mouth. The traditional mix is cheese popcorn and caramel corn together, and this strange combinations really works! I prefer the plain caramel corn, but you can’t make a bad choice.

 

Little Sheep Mongolian Hot Pot

This stop requires a drive out of downtown into Chinatown, but if you can swing it, do!

My kids love to eat things that are different for an experience, so we decided to try Little Sheep after seeing a 5 star Yelp review. I loved how customizable it was, so each kid could have a little of something they wanted.  The idea behind hot pot is that you start with a soup (we chose half spicy and half mild) and and then you pick the items you want to cook in that soup. We ordered way too much food and ate our favorite meal in Chicago.

2–3 Day Chicago With Kids Itinerary

Day 1

• Millennium Park & The Bean

• Maggie Daley Park

• River architecture boat tour

• Navy Pier evening

Day 2

• Museum of Science and Industry
  OR

• Field Museum + Shedd Aquarium

Day 3 (If You Have It)

• Art Institute

• Beach at Lake Michigan

• Wrigley Field tour

Explore neighborhoods beyond downtown

Where to Stay in Chicago With Kids

Choosing the right neighborhood in Chicago makes a huge difference when you’re traveling with kids. Chicago is very walkable — but it’s bigger than it looks, and you don’t want to spend your whole trip commuting.

Here are the best areas for families.

1. River North (Best Overall Location for Families)

If you want to be central without feeling overwhelmed, River North is my top pick.

You’re close to:

• The Chicago Riverwalk

• Architecture boat tours

• The Magnificent Mile

• Millennium Park (10–15 minute walk)

This area has:

• Tons of restaurants (easy dinners)

• Multiple subway lines

• Large chain hotels with family rooms

• Easy access to taxis and rideshare

It feels lively but not chaotic.

Best for: First-time visitors, 2–3 day trips, easy logistics.

3. Near Millennium Park (Best for Walking Everywhere)

Staying near Millennium Park puts you steps from:

• Cloud Gate

• Maggie Daley Park

• Art Institute of Chicago

If you want to minimize transportation and walk most places, this is ideal.

The only downside?
Hotels here can be slightly more expensive.

Best for: Families with younger kids who need midday breaks.

3. Streeterville / Magnificent Mile (Best for Convenience)

This area keeps you close to:

• Navy Pier

• Lake Michigan

• Shopping

• Easy food options

There are lots of recognizable hotel brands here, which means:

• Larger rooms

• Reliable amenities

• Easier booking with points

The trade-off is crowds — this is a tourist-heavy area.

Best for: Families who want everything close and simple.

4. South Loop (Best Budget Option Near Museums)

If you’re planning heavy museum days, South Loop is convenient and often slightly more affordable.

Close to:

• Field Museum

• Shedd Aquarium

• Museum of Science and Industry (short ride)

It’s quieter at night, which some families appreciate.

Best for: Museum-focused trips and budget-conscious travelers.

Areas I Would Skip With Kids

• Far North neighborhoods (too much commuting)

• West Loop (great food, but less centrally convenient for sightseeing)

• O’Hare area (only if you have a very early flight)

Hotel Tips for Families in Chicago

When booking, look for:

• Suites or rooms with separate sleeping areas

• Free breakfast (huge time saver)

• On-site parking if driving

• Indoor pool (especially for winter trips)

Chicago hotel rooms can be smaller than suburban hotels, so always check square footage before booking.

FAQ: Visiting Chicago With Kids

Is Chicago good for kids?

Yes — Chicago is one of the best big cities in the U.S. for families.

It has:

• World-class museums

• Lakefront parks

• Beaches

• Boat tours

• Excellent public transportation

In summer especially, the city feels open, green, and welcoming.

Is Chicago safe to visit with kids?

The main tourist areas (River North, Millennium Park, Navy Pier, Magnificent Mile, Museum Campus) are generally safe and well-patrolled.

Like any big city:

• Stay aware of your surroundings

• Avoid isolated areas at night

• Use rideshare or taxis if tired

We felt comfortable walking during the day and early evening in tourist zones.

How many days do you need in Chicago with kids?

2 days: Hit the highlights (Millennium Park, Navy Pier, one major museum)

3 days: Add a second museum, architecture boat tour, and neighborhood exploring

4+ days: Add beaches, Wrigley Field, Art Institute, or a day trip

Two days is doable — three is ideal.

What is the best time to visit Chicago with kids?

Late May–September is ideal.

Summer brings:

• Outdoor movies

• Lake Michigan beach days

• Green parks

• Festivals

Winter is festive but cold. Spring and fall are quieter and cooler.

What can you do in Chicago with toddlers?

Great toddler-friendly options include:

• Maggie Daley Park playground

• Chicago Children’s Museum at Navy Pier

• Lincoln Park Zoo (free!)

• Shedd Aquarium

• Short boat tours

Plan for:

• Easy walking routes

• Frequent snack breaks

• Midday downtime

Chicago is stroller-friendly in tourist areas.

Should you buy Chicago CityPASS?

If you plan to visit:

• Skydeck

• Shedd Aquarium

• Field Museum

• Museum of Science and Industry

CityPASS can save money — especially with older kids who will enjoy multiple attractions.

If you only plan 1–2 attractions, it may not be necessary.

Can you visit Chicago without a car?

Yes — and it’s often easier.

Use:

• CTA trains

• Buses

• Rideshare

• Walking

Parking is available but expensive. If you’re staying downtown, you likely won’t need a car.

More than 24 hours in Chicago?

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Chicago! We wish we had time to see and do more things. If we go back we will be sure to:

• Go to the beach on Lake Michigan
• Get a view of Chicago
• Explore some of the neighborhoods beyond downtown
• Take a different boat tour

If you happen to be in Chicago with your kids at Christmastime, don’t miss this fabulous list of things to do!

 

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