Top Family-Friendly Activities in Chicago

Chicago is renowned for its iconic skyscrapers, the original Ferris Wheel, delicious brownies, and the legacy of Walt Disney. The city's residents enjoy a good laugh, showcased by their vibrant improv comedy scene and the beloved bean-shaped sculpture that defines the skyline. This spirit of fun makes Chicago an ideal destination for families seeking a rich mix of culture, entertainment, outdoor adventures, and delightful cuisine. Here’s how to enjoy family time in the Windy City.

Fun for Dinosaur Lovers, Theater Enthusiasts, and Magic Fans

As a parent in the area, I owe much of my son’s upbringing (now 24) to Chicago's cultural offerings, especially the Field Museum in downtown’s Museum Campus. Famous for its impressive dinosaur exhibits, including the mighty T. rex “Sue,” the museum also houses fascinating meteorites, Egyptian mummies, and a Pawnee Earth Lodge. Kids aged two to six can enjoy hands-on learning at the interactive Crown Family PlayLab.

After exploring dinosaurs, head over to the Shedd Aquarium next door to encounter beluga whales, sea otters, and sea lions. Be sure to catch the dolphin show in the stunning theater with a lakeside view. The aquarium offers various autism-friendly features, including a sensory-friendly app, special small-group animal encounters, and sound-reducing headphones for a comfortable experience.

Stroll along the lakeshore from the aquarium to Navy Pier, where the Chicago Children’s Museum awaits. This venue captivates kids from infants to tweens with exhibits tailored to different age groups. Little ones can explore Kids Town while their older siblings can pretend to drive a bus. Be prepared to spend some time at Cloud Buster, an impressive 37-foot climbing structure created by an artist. If it all becomes overwhelming, grab a complimentary pair of sound-reducing headphones to help.

Dedicate another morning to Hyde Park and visit the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, which offers a hands-on experience with both man-made and natural wonders. You can step inside a German submarine, descend into a coal mine, or board a diesel-electric train, along with exhibits ranging from Midwestern agriculture to space exploration. The museum hosts low-sensory mornings where lights and sounds are dialed down for a calmer experience, allowing families to visit when it’s less crowded.

For evening entertainment, prepare to be amazed at the Rhapsody Theater, a beautifully renovated vaudeville venue in Rogers Park that showcases magic shows suitable for all ages.

Be sure to catch a performance at the Chicago Children’s Theatre, which operates out of a repurposed police station in the West Loop. They present a variety of professional productions, including musicals, interactive puppet shows, and theater pieces. “We’ve always found their shows just as entertaining for adults as they are for kids,” says Sarah Parisi, author of The Ultimate Kids’ Adventure Guide to Chicago.

Outdoor Activities for Cyclists, Boaters, Animal Enthusiasts, and Beach Lovers

Many newcomers to Chicago might be surprised to discover it’s a beach town. The expansive Lake Michigan caresses two dozen beaches along 26 miles of shoreline. Explore your favorites by biking along the scenic 18-mile Lakefront Trail. Bike and Roll Chicago has multiple rental spots, including two at Navy Pier and Millennium Park, offering a variety of bikes, including those for kids and family-friendly surreys.

On the north side, North Avenue Beach features changing facilities, food concessions, and beach chair rentals, making it a perfect starting point. In summer, it’s an ideal spot to cool off after a visit to the Lincoln Park Zoo just across the street.

With free admission, the beloved zoo is easy to visit repeatedly. This 49-acre sanctuary is home to 200 species, including polar bears, red pandas, and nearly extinct Jamaican iguanas. Be sure to check out the great ape house for families of chimps and gorillas, the African exhibit for unique animals like the klipspringer (a type of antelope) and pygmy hippo, as well as the pride of lions visible from both indoors and outdoors, and enjoy the daily sea lion feeding.

In downtown Chicago, Millennium Park is a must-see, featuring the iconic reflective sculpture Cloud Gate, affectionately known as The Bean. But that’s just the beginning; the park also hosts the serene Lurie Garden, a natural prairie bordered by hedges, and the Crown Fountain, which showcases the faces of Chicagoans on two 50-foot video towers that spray water into a plaza, creating a fun splash zone for kids. (Pro tip: Don’t forget a towel!)

Traditionally, family trips in Chicago lead visitors to Navy Pier, a massive half-mile structure extending into Lake Michigan. Originally built for military purposes, it has transformed into a lively attraction featuring rides, including a nearly 200-foot Ferris Wheel, boat tours, and numerous restaurants. Tweens and teens particularly enjoy the exhilarating Seadog Cruises, but it can be overwhelming for younger or more sensitive children. Expect large crowds.

For a taste of Navy Pier's attractions, including the complimentary fireworks shows on Wednesday and Saturday nights during summer, without battling the crowds, consider renting an electric motorboat from the Chicago Electric Boat Company on the Chicago Riverwalk. Don’t miss Art on the Mart, a captivating digital projection displayed nightly on the expansive 2.5-acre façade of the Mart, a prominent riverfront landmark.

“Grab some pizza and enjoy it on the boat while cruising the river for a lovely evening,” suggests Jacqueline Russell, co-founder and artistic director of Chicago Children’s Theatre, who spotted a bald eagle and river otters during her last boat trip.

Culinary Adventures for the Whole Family

In a city where hot dogs and deep-dish pizza reign supreme, finding food that pleases even the pickiest eaters is a breeze in Chicago.

On those sunny days when getting the kids ready to dine out seems daunting, head to The Dock at Montrose Beach. This outdoor beachfront patio on the North Side offers a laid-back atmosphere with a menu featuring burgers, tacos, and options for kids, all while enjoying a beach party vibe with live music every night. The little ones can burn off energy playing in the nearby sand.

Reservations can be hard to come by at chef Stephanie Izard’s renowned restaurant, Girl & the Goat. However, she has recently launched a North Side diner called Little Goat Diner, where she infuses her culinary flair into a menu brimming with global flavors. Think Japanese okonomiyaki topped with sunny-side eggs, kimchi Reubens, alongside classic patty melts and indulgent ice cream sundaes topped with chocolate-covered Cheez-Its, all served in a cozy, retro setting with snug booths and counter seating.

Enjoy dinner and live music at a picnic table at Briny Swine Smokehouse & Oyster Bar, a new Carolina barbecue spot in Lincoln Park featuring a lineup of local blues bands. Owners Brandon and Katherine Rushing, along with their eight-year-old daughter, relocated to Chicago after successfully launching Briny Swine in Edisto Beach, South Carolina. The restaurant caters to all ages with delicious pork rinds and pimento cheese, tender ribs, and a kids’ menu that includes chicken fingers and pork sandwiches for children under 12.

For an engaging culinary experience, bring the family to Phoenix Restaurant in Chinatown to savor its renowned dim sum. Waiters glide through the restaurant with carts filled with Cantonese dim sum—small, delightful dumplings, buns, and noodle dishes—allowing guests to choose by sight. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the vibrant neighborhood filled with Asian grocery stores, bakeries, and teahouses.

Fans of Hulu’s The Bear can connect with Chicago locals at Margie’s Candies, an iconic ice cream parlor established in 1921, located in Bucktown. While they serve shakes, cones, and cups, the real star is the sundae menu—especially the massive banana split featured in season two, episode three of “The Bear.” “It’s one of the most iconic, fun experiences in Chicago,” says Russell, who has visited Margie’s many times with her daughter. “It definitely calls for ice cream for dinner, once a year.”