Find the Fun Beyond the Bean
Been to Chicago with the kids? You’ve probably hit Navy Pier, Shedd, and stuffed yourself with deep dish. Cool. But next time, skip the same ol’ stuff and try some of these ideas!
How about a sneaker design workshop, indoor slides, or a floating sidewalk? Yep – all real. This list is packed with stuff you probably haven’t done yet, plus a few ideas just for teens and parents.
Charge your phone, pack the car, and let’s explore things to do in Chicago with kids:
PS: Visiting during the holidays? A Chicago Christmas provides unique activities and experiences.
In this article
Toddler Tourists: 4 Big Adventures for Younger Kids
1 – Slick City Indoor Slide Park – 1830 Towne Center Dr, North Aurora, IL 60542
Imagine a playground, but with GIANT slides. No water, just pure sliding fun!
2 – Maggie Daley Park – 337 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601
The playground looks like it was designed by a kid, with bridges, towers, and a mini zip line.
Note: The park is designed for ages 12 and under. Bikes and dogs are not permitted.
3 – Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum – 2430 N Cannon Dr, Chicago, IL 60614
Year-round, butterflies galore, and hands-on nature exhibits
4 – Oz Park – 2021 N Burling St, Chicago, IL 60614
Follow the Yellow Brick Road and snap pics with statues of the Tin Man, Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion, and everyone’s favorite, Dorothy & Toto.
7 Cool Things for Teens (They’ll Actually Like)
1 – Sneakerhead University – 133 S State St, Chicago, IL 60603
Learn the art of sneaker customization from the pros (ages 8+)
📷: Sneakerhead University
2 – The WNDR Museum – 1130 W Monroe St, Chicago, IL 60607
Interactive, mind-bending exhibits perfect for Insta-worthy photos.
3 – WhirlyBall Chicago – 1825 W Webster Ave. Chicago, IL 60614
It’s bumper cars + lacrosse + chaos. Hilarious. (must be at least 54″ tall)
4 – Pop Craft – 2119 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
Make your own lipstick, tuft a rug, or try another crafty project together (ages 14+)
5 – The International Museum of Surgical Science – 1524 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60610
Gross? Yes. Fascinating? Also yes.
6 – Escape Artistry – 1342 N Milwaukee Ave, Second Floor, Chicago, IL 60622
A Chicago-themed escape room where you get to “save the city.”
7 – Bagel-Making Class – 853 N Larrabee St Ste C, Chicago, IL 60610
Join Kristin “Baker Bettie” Hoffman to learn how to make authentic New York-style bagels from scratch (ages 16+)
5 Unique Experiences for the Whole Family
1 – Garfield Park Conservatory – 300 N Central Park Ave, Chicago, IL 60624
A tropical paradise in the middle of the city (and it’s free!).
2 – Color Factory – 233 S Wacker Dr Lower Level 2, Chicago, IL 60606
A super-colorful art experience with tons of Instagrammable moments.
3 – The 606 Trail – 1805 N Ridgeway Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
A scenic, elevated path with art, parks, and plenty of snack stops.
4 – Walk the Wild Mile – 905 W Eastman St, Chicago, IL 60642
Floating sidewalks + nature restoration in the middle of the city. Bonus: This eco-park has great skyline views!
5 – The Museum of Illusions – 25 E Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602
Walk on the ceiling, shrink your kids, and question reality.
Grown-Ups, This One’s for You (If You Can Sneak Away)
1 – Architectural Boat Tours – 465 N McClurg Ct, Chicago, IL 60611
A chill way to soak in Chicago’s skyline.
2 – The Violet Hour – 1520 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
A hidden cocktail bar (if you can find the door).
3 – Crime & Mobster Bus Tour – 163 E Pearson St, Chicago, IL 60611
Al Capone, Prohibition, and Chicago’s wild history. The perfect tour for true crime fans.
4 – Hot Tub Boat Rentals – 300 North State Street, Ste EE, Chicago, IL 60654
Yes, I’m talkin’ about a BOAT that’s a HOT TUB. Enough said.
5 – The Second City – 230 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
Fast-paced, live sketch comedy that’s sure to make you laugh.
6 – Chicago Magic Lounge – 5050 North Clark St, Chicago, IL, 60640
Speakeasy-style magic show (ages 16+)
Everything Else – Get a CityPASS
CityPASS tickets are the way to go if you want to see a lot of attractions and save on admission.
How it Works: Available for adults and children. Your pass is valid for 9 consecutive days, starting with and including the first day you visit an attraction.
- You have one year from the date of purchase to start using your tickets.
- Choose from a 3-attraction pass or a 5-attraction pass.
A C3 CityPass Ticket includes admission to 3 attractions of your choice from this list:
– Shedd Aquarium
– Skydeck Chicago
– Art Institute of Chicago
– Museum of Science and Industry
– 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck
– Adler Planetarium
– Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture River Tour
– Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier
Your CityPASS C5 Ticket includes admission to 5 attractions, including:
– Shedd Aquarium
– Skydeck Chicago
Plus, get admission to 3 more attractions of your choice. No need to choose now—decide later.
– Field Museum
– Art Institute of Chicago
– Museum of Science and Industry
– 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck
– Adler Planetarium
– Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture River Tour
*During busy times such as summer, spring break, and holidays, it’s essential to plan ahead and make any necessary reservations.
Eats & Treats: Fun Food Stops for Families
Nutella Café
189 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601
If kids could design a dream restaurant, this would be it.
Beatnik on the River
180 N Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606
This spot is straight out of a travel magazine and has kid-friendly options.
Starbucks Reserve Roastery
646 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
The fanciest Starbucks your teen has ever seen
Time Out Market Chicago
916 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607
A food hall with actually good options for even your picky eaters
High Tea at The Allis (Soho House)
113-125 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607
Fancy tea, finger sandwiches, and a vibe that makes you feel like royalty.
Beacon Doughnuts
In The Alley, 810 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
Vegan doughnut shop serving up the fluffiest bites in town.
Where to Stay in Chicago
Try these suggestions for vacation rentals or hotels during your Chicago visit with kids.
Hyatt River North
66 W Illinois St, Chicago, IL, 60654
This Hyatt Place Chicago hotel is great, especially if you have a large family.
You can get a room with two beds and a pull-out couch, perfect for a family of five. Free grab-and-go breakfast is included. The Magnificent Mile is an 8-minute walk away.
Embassy Suites Magnificent Mile
511 N Columbus Dr, Chicago, IL 60611
A pool, 2-room suites, and a great location blocks away from Magnificent Mile Shopping and State Street attractions drew us to this hotel.
PLUS complimentary made-to-order breakfast and evening reception
Swissotel Chicago
323 E Wacker Dr, Chicago Loop, Chicago, IL 60601
Excellent location just north of the Museum District and close to the river. They offer the SWISSOTEL KIDS SUITE, which includes a two-room suite: One room for adults and the signature Swissotel Kids Room.
This special package includes a complimentary in-room movie and breakfast for two adults and two children.
Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
Located right across the street from Millennium Park, you couldn’t ask for a better location. Plus, this hotel has suites that are perfect for families, AND Shake Shack is available for in-room dining.
This 1893 Venetian Gothic landmark is a living, breathing ode to Chicago’s rich story. It was a club for the elite that is now open for everyone (the library reminds me of Harry Potter!)
Stop in and check out the Game Room and the Drawing Room on the 2nd Floor and then book a room because you’ll love what you see.
PS: Cindy’s, their rooftop bar, is one of the best in the city.
Check for Vacation Rentals – VRBO or Airbnb
Hotels are everywhere in Chicago, but they’re not always the best option for a family.
Hotel rooms in Chicago’s downtown area are notoriously small. The historic buildings aren’t easily adapted to modern space preferences, leaving travelers to fit into rooms that are likely smaller than desired.
If you want to consider other options, try a vacation rental. For any travel rental, we recommend checking the ratings and reviews, researching the surrounding neighborhood, and confirming that the hosts are reputable.
The map below provides hotels and vacation rentals in the Magnificent Mile area of Chicago to help get you started.
You’re Gonna Need Another Trip
So, which spot are you hitting first? Whether floating down the Chicago River in a hot-tub boat, or sipping coffee at the fanciest Starbucks, your Chicago trip will be anything but ordinary.
So, bookmark this list and start planning your next family getaway.
More to Explore
