Chicago with Kids: A Family Guide to the Best Activities
Travelling with children is one of the great joys of family life, and Chicago makes it genuinely easy to do well. Whether you are mapping out things to do in Chicago for the first time or returning with older kids who are ready for more, this city delivers at every turn. Museums that spark real curiosity, boat rides that get everyone talking, and open lakefront spaces where toddlers can run free. Here is everything you need to plan a trip the whole family will remember.
Start High: Skydeck Chicago
Best for ages: 5 and up
There is no better way to set the scene for your trip than heading straight up to the 103rd floor of Willis Tower. Skydeck Chicago features glass-floored ledges that extend out over the city, and while some adults find them nerve-wracking, most kids absolutely thrive on the drama of it. Arrive early to avoid the longest queues, and bring a carrier or use the strollers provided near the entrance. On a clear day, you can see four states, which makes for a great geography conversation on the way back down.
Dinosaurs and Discovery: The Field Museum
Best for ages: 3 and up
The Field Museum is one of those rare attractions that genuinely works for every age in your group at the same time. Younger children are captivated by Sue, one of the most complete T. rex skeletons ever found, while older kids can dig into the ancient Egypt and Pacific Island exhibits. The museum is fully stroller-accessible, has clean family bathrooms throughout, and the lower ground floor café is a solid spot for a mid-afternoon snack and a sit-down. Plan for at least three hours.
Science for Curious Minds: Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
Best for ages: 4 and up
If your family leans toward hands-on learning, the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is a full day on its own. Kids can walk through a captured German U-boat submarine, watch a coal mine simulation, and explore a weather lab that lets them create their own storm systems. The museum sits in Hyde Park, a little south of the city centre, so it pairs well with a morning in the neighbourhood before heading back toward the lakefront in the afternoon.
On the Water: Architecture Cruise from Navy Pier
Best for ages: 6 and up
A boat ride along the Chicago River is genuinely one of the most enjoyable things a family can do here. The Architecture Cruise on the Chicago River from Navy Pier takes you past some of the most iconic buildings in America while knowledgeable guides explain the stories behind them. Kids who are old enough to follow along tend to get surprisingly engaged, especially when guides point out which buildings look like robots or spaceships. Bring a light layer as it gets breezy on the water even in summer.
A Classic Spin: Navy Pier Centennial Wheel
Best for ages: 3 and up
Right at the end of Navy Pier, the Centennial Wheel offers sweeping views of the lake and skyline in fully enclosed gondolas, making it comfortable for all ages and weather conditions. Book your Navy Pier Centennial Wheel entry ticket in advance to skip the walk-up queue. After your ride, the pier itself has a carousel, mini-golf, and plenty of casual food options that work well for hungry, easily distracted children.
Art That Actually Engages Kids: The Art Institute of Chicago
Best for ages: 7 and up
Many parents assume art museums are a hard sell with children, but the Art Institute of Chicago has a dedicated Ryan Learning Center with family activity packs, interactive stations, and age-appropriate guides that make the experience genuinely engaging. Older kids often respond strongly to the Impressionist galleries and the miniature Thorne Rooms. If you want to make the most of your time, consider the Fast Pass to walk straight in, especially on weekends.
Ride, Explore, Repeat: Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
Best for ages: 3 and up
On days when your group has mixed energy levels, a hop-on hop-off bus is one of the smartest tools in a family traveller's kit. The Big Bus Tour of Chicago covers all the major neighbourhoods and landmarks, and the open-top deck is a genuine hit with kids who just want to watch the city go by. You can hop off at Millennium Park to see Cloud Gate (the Bean), let the children run around on the lawn, and then catch the next bus when everyone is ready to move on.
Millennium Park and the Lakefront
Best for ages: All ages
No family trip is complete without time at Millennium Park. The Crown Fountain, which projects faces and shoots water from its base in summer, is a favourite with children who are happy to get completely soaked. The park connects to the lakefront trail, where you can rent bikes or simply walk south toward the Museum Campus. It is one of the best free stretches of space in the city, and a natural place to let toddlers run off energy before nap time.
Save Money with a Pass
If you are planning to visit four or more attractions, a bundled pass is almost always worth it for families. The Go City Chicago All-Inclusive Pass covers over 35 attractions for up to five consecutive days, which suits families who like to move at a relaxed pace without watching the cost add up. Alternatively, the Chicago CityPASS focuses on the top five or six headline attractions at a significant discount.
Practical Family Tips
Stroller access: Almost every major attraction in Chicago is fully stroller-accessible, including museums and the lakefront. The Loop area has wide pavements and good kerb cuts.
Nap strategy: The boat cruises are genuinely useful for younger children who need a rest but will not tolerate being put down. The gentle movement often does the job.
Eating with kids: Chicago has excellent deep-dish pizza, and most places are relaxed about children. Lou Malnati's and Giordano's both have high chairs and patient staff. For quick bites between attractions, the food stalls along Navy Pier and in Millennium Park are reliable.
Getting around: The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) trains are stroller-friendly on most lines, and the city is easy to navigate on foot between the Loop, River North, and the Museum Campus. Rideshares work well for longer hauls with tired children.
Timing: Aim to hit popular indoor attractions like the Field Museum and Skydeck on weekday mornings. Save the lakefront and outdoor spaces for afternoons when the light is best and crowds thin out slightly.
Chicago rewards families who come prepared and stay flexible. Build in downtime, keep snacks close, and let the kids lead occasionally. You might be surprised where they take you.
Written by Matt Cuckston, Founder and Travel Technology Expert at TixLayer.
