Chicago is inexpensive, kid-friendly, and brimming with things to do. After my first visit to Chicago more than 20 years ago, I fell in love with the city and have since made numerous trips back to my favorite American city. I enjoy sharing my affection for the Windy City with my kids as well. Check out my list of the top 5 kid-friendly activities in Chicago!
1. Take Advantage Of Millennium Park’s Free Events
Family holidays in cities can be somewhat costly. Thankfully, free admission to many of the top attractions in the city makes touring Chicago with kids an affordable family outing. For top-notch cultural activities including outdoor movie screenings, free music performances, and seasonal festivals, start at Millennium Park.
- California RESIDENTS To RECEIVE $500 MONTHLY PAYMENTS In New Guaranteed Income Program: Here Is Who Is Eligible
- Us Job Market Booms With 272,000 New Jobs, But Unemployment Rises Slightly To 4.0%
- Credit Scores Of 720+ See Improved Loan Rates This Week
- Examining The Facts: Fact Check On IRS $8700 Stimulus Check Eligibility & Payment Dates
- Gas Prices On Downward Trend As Fourth Of July Road Trips Approach: AAA
After that, explore the gorgeous gardens within the park. When you’re ready to cool off, enjoy some splash time at the well-known Crown Fountain. As children of all ages practice their best poses and see their reflections in the stainless steel sculpture, the Cloud Gate sculpture, also referred to as “The Bean,” invites squeals of excitement.
2. Explore Shedd Aquarium
When traveling to Chicago with children, a trip to the enormous Shedd Aquarium is a guaranteed success. The captivating Caribbean Reef, which is located right inside the front gate, offers a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of marine life, including vibrant fish, stingrays, sharks, and amiable sea turtles. The aquatic performances in the amphitheater, which feature the skills of dolphins and beluga whales, will captivate kids of all ages.
Enthuse young children about Shedd by introducing them to Edward and Annie: A Penguin Adventure. Two cute penguins are followed in this book as they waddle around the aquarium.
3. Select Your Top Family-friendly Museum Located In Chicago
Initial tourists to Chicago might be startled by the sheer number of museums in the city, many of which cater to families and inquisitive minds. Natural history enthusiasts will enjoy getting to know Sue the Tyrannosaurus Rex, a well-known inhabitant of the Field Museum. Space lovers, on the other hand, are drawn to the Adler Planetarium, which was the first in the Western Hemisphere to open. Furthermore, even though it’s a little bit further from other Chicago attractions, the Museum of Science & Industry is an excellent interactive museum with hands-on displays.
4. Get Artsy With The Kids
Whenever I travel to Chicago with children, my first choice is always the Art Institute of Chicago, which is widely considered to be among the best art galleries globally. The museum’s vast collection of impressionist paintings and ongoing exhibitions showcasing artwork from America, Africa, Asia, and other regions will inspire aspiring painters.
Before exploring, guests can check out kid-friendly audio guides for children five to ten. In order to further their abilities and foster their passion for all things creative, the museum also offers a range of art workshops for kids through the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Since children under the age of 14 always enter free of charge, you may always schedule another visit if your youngsters can’t get enough.
5. Play at Navy Pier
For good reason, Navy Pier is among the most well-liked sights in Chicago—it’s absolutely fantastic! A thrilling attraction, the 150-foot Centennial Wheel soars over Pier Park amusement park. Fun attractions include a carousel, climbing walls, remote-control boats, the Pepsi Wave Swinger, and the Light Tower in addition to this well-known Ferris wheel.
In addition, there’s much to do if you’re visiting Chicago with kids in bad weather or in the sweltering summer months. Depending on the season, try the Chicago Children’s Museum to warm up or chill off. Explore three floors filled with amazing activities geared for children under the age of ten.
Families who simply cannot get enough of Navy Pier can explore the stores, delectable eateries, and food carts to make the most of your afternoon and evening. From Michigan Avenue, it’s a short stroll to Navy Pier, or you can take one of the free trolleys that travel down Michigan Avenue to get to the pier.