Family Fun in Chicago: Top Attractions for Kids of All Ages

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Chicago is packed full of fun for little kids, big kids, and everyone in between. There’s so much to do, the main concern is where to start! If you’re spoiled for choice planning your Chicago vacation itinerary, here’s a rundown of some of the best family attractions in Chicago to please both adults and kids of all ages.

Some logistical advice…

Before you dive into itinerary planning, it’s a good idea to consider your logistics. Chicago has a great public transport system, but navigating multiple L Train stations with strollers and bags full of kids’ essentials isn’t much fun. So, when you book a hotel for your stay, try to find somewhere that’s within easy reach of your must-see destinations. 

Ideally, plan your day around attractions that are close to one another. For example, Navy Pier, Millennium Park, and the Museum Campus are all within walking distance of one another, while Legoland and Lincoln Park Zoo make great day trips.

Also consider the time of year you’re visiting. Some outdoor attractions will be less enjoyable during the freezing Chicago winters, and others aren’t open all year round. So factor this in when you’re deciding what to see and do during your trip.

Top family attractions in Chicago

With the logistics out of the way, let’s dive into some of Chicago’s top attractions for kids (and adults!) of all ages:

Navy Pier

Navy Pier has something for everyone. Fairground rides and arcade games, fantastic dining options, great people-watching, and a unique view of Lake Michigan. It’s also close to lots of other central attractions, so is easily incorporated into a day out in downtown Chicago.

Chicago Children’s Museum

Chicago Children’s Museum, located on Navy Pier, isn’t just a nostalgic tour of childhood through the ages. It’s also an interactive experience that’s fully tailored to children. Part play center, part interactive education, and part childhood nostalgia, it’s a great way to have fun and teach your kids that museums aren’t actually boring.

Millennium Park

Millennium Park is a big part of the cultural heart of Chicago. It’s a fantastic place to visit during the summer, when kids can enjoy running through the interactive Crown Fountain and seeing themselves reflected in ‘The Bean’ sculpture. There’s also plenty of well-landscaped green space here, making it perfect for a family picnic.

Lake Michigan

You’ll find plenty of activities and adventures along the shores of Lake Michigan. Take a boat ride, rent kayaks or paddleboards, or simply take some downtime to relax and enjoy the view. Just note that wild swimming around Chicago isn’t advised except on special occasions. 

Legoland

Lego is one of the most popular toys in the world – so much so that it holds the award for ‘Toy of the Century’. The Lego Discovery Center in Schaumburg, just a short drive from downtown Chicago, provides a full day of fun for kids and adults alike. There’s a mini Chicago built entirely out of Lego, right down to the tiniest detail. There are rides, Lego play areas, movies, Lego workshops, incredible Lego models, and much more.

Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the very few remaining free zoos in the USA – so take advantage of it while you can! There are plenty of beautiful, rare, well-cared-for animals to see and learn about, including giraffes, rhinos, and baboons. There’s also a mini petting farm for kids who like to get close to the animals.

Shedd Aquarium

Shedd Aquarium is one of the biggest aquariums in the world. It’s home to everything from tropical fish to beluga whales (which live in a gigantic three billion-gallon habitat). If your kids don’t have an appreciation for marine life when they enter the aquarium, they’ll be in love by the time they leave.

Adler Planetarium

Adler Planetarium is the oldest planetarium in the Western world. Visitors to the planetarium can get hands-on experience with the telescopes, marvel at stunning night sky displays, learn all about the cosmos, and even explore a spaceship. Younger kids can enjoy the Planet Explorers play area. 

Skydeck Chicago

Skydeck Chicago is located right at the top of the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower). The glass ledges of the Skydeck extend for four feet from the 103rd floor of the tower. So, if you’re brave, you can plant your feet right above the soaring skyscrapers and gaze right down past your shoes to the city below. From up here, you can see into four states and get the family photo of a lifetime. It’s very safe, but might be one to miss if you don’t like heights!

Make Chicago the family vacation of a lifetime

Chicago has something to offer absolutely everyone. It’s not hard to find things to entertain your kids in Chicago—what is hard is finding a way to fit everything you want to do into your vacation

By picking a hotel that’s close to your must-see attractions and dividing your days by location (i.e., visiting attractions that are close to one another each day) rather than by theme or whim, you’ll manage to pack more into your Chicago time with less stress. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your map app and get planning!

*This article is based on personal suggestions and/or experiences and is for informational purposes only. This should not be used as professional advice. Please consult a professional where applicable.