7 Fun Things to Do With Kids in Chicago

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We had an extremely busy summer, visiting Italy, Turkey, Greece, Nantucket and Toronto. It was a whirlwind trip that we wrapped up with four nights in Chicago on our way back home to L.A.

I had never realized what an incredible destination Chicago is for families. Over our four days in The Windy City, we found that Chicago offers the perfect blend of learning, play and family-friendly fun. From museums to sky-high thrills, here are seven experiences we really enjoyed with our kids in Chicago.

1. Museum Campus

If you want a crash course in Chicago’s family-friendly attractions, head straight to Museum Campus, a sprawling lakeside park that houses three of the city’s most beloved institutions: the Adler Planetarium, the Shedd Aquarium and the Field Museum. Each museum could easily fill an entire day, but together they form an unbeatable cluster for curious kids.

At the Adler Planetarium, little astronauts can touch real meteorites, peer through historic telescopes and strap in for immersive sky shows that explore the solar system.

Just steps away, the Shedd Aquarium delights with beluga whales, sharks, penguins and an interactive stingray touch pool. Kids will especially love the dolphin presentations, which combine education with high-energy fun.

Finally, the Field Museum has endless halls filled with natural wonders. But the biggest attraction for our kids was SUE the T-Rex, the most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex ever discovered.

Our son had read the book When Sue Found Sue in school last year and became fascinated by the story. It was such a thrill for him to see Sue in person.

Tickets vary depending on which museums you visit, but combo passes can save money if you plan to see all three. General admission starts around $25 per adult and $15 for kids, though Illinois residents sometimes enjoy discounts. Be sure to pack snacks and water. There are cafés on-site but families may appreciate a picnic by the lake between stops.

Chicago’s Museum Campus is truly a must-visit, whether you have kids or not. While we visited all three museums in one day, you could probably spend a day visiting each one to really get the most out of the experience.

2. First Lady’s Chicago Architecture River Cruise Tour

Chicago’s skyline is legendary and the best way to appreciate it is from the water. The First Lady’s Chicago Architecture River Cruise Tour offers a 90-minute narrated journey along the Chicago River that brings the city’s iconic buildings to life. While some architecture tours can feel a bit dense for children, this one manages to strike a balance; there’s enough storytelling, humor and fun facts to keep kids engaged, while adults soak up the history.

Our kids loved sitting on the open-air upper deck, pointing out skyscrapers and ducking under bridges as the boat glided along the river. The pace is relaxed and it’s a perfect way to rest tired little feet after a busy day of exploring. It was extremely hot the day we did our tour so we were happy we had packed our portable fans to keep cool.

Tickets generally cost around $50 for adults and $30 for children, with infants riding free. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak summer months. Families should bring sunscreen and hats for daytime cruises or light jackets for evening rides.

3. Skydeck Chicago

For a thrill that your kids will never forget, head up to the Skydeck at Willis Tower (still called the Sears Tower by locals). Located on the 103rd floor, the Skydeck offers sweeping views of Chicago and beyond. On clear days, you can see up to four states! But the real highlight for kids is stepping onto The Ledge, a series of glass boxes that extend four feet outside the building, giving the sensation of standing in midair above the city streets.

Our kids were nervous about stepping onto the transparent floor, peeking straight down 1,353 feet. In the end, our son decided not to do it but our daughter loved it. It’s a great spot for family photos.

Admission is around $32 for adults and $24 for kids, though timed-entry tickets are required to manage crowds. Weekdays and early mornings are generally less busy. Families should plan for about 60–90 minutes for the full experience, including security checks and elevator rides.

4. Chicago Children’s Museum at Navy Pier

No family trip to Chicago would be complete without a stop at Navy Pier and the Chicago Children’s Museum is its crown jewel for younger visitors. This hands-on museum is designed for play and discovery, with exhibits that encourage kids to climb, build, splash and imagine. Highlights include the multi-level climbing structure “Cloud Buster,” the Tinkering Lab for budding inventors and a water play area.

The museum is geared primarily toward children ages 2–10, but even older kids can find something fun to do. Parents will appreciate the safe, enclosed environment, which allows kids to explore freely. Afterward, families can stroll along Navy Pier, ride the Centennial Wheel or grab a snack from one of the many food stands.

General admission is about $19 for both adults and children, with free entry for kids under one. Strollers are allowed, though the museum is best enjoyed when kids are free to run and play.

5. Flyover Chicago

Tucked inside Navy Pier and just across from the Children’s Museum, Flyover Chicago was the hands-down highlight of our trip. This immersive, nine-minute “flying” experience begins with a gallery and pre-show that introduce Chicago’s neighborhoods, landmarks and cultural heartbeat. It’s so well-done and extremely moving, a story that connects visitors to the history, heart and humanity of the city.

Then guests enter a theater centered on a colossal spherical screen (about 65 feet wide), where motion seats, wind, mist and scents make you feel like you’re swooping over The Bean, diving behind Navy Pier fireworks and soaring above Buckingham Fountain. Tickets generally range from $5 to $25 per person and often start around $24.95 for kids. It’s an emotional, sensory and utterly breathtaking way to see the city, an experience our kids still talk about weeks later.

6. American Girl Café

For a whimsical dining experience that doubles as a memory-making moment, the American Girl Café is pure magic. Located inside the American Girl flagship store on Michigan Avenue, the café welcomes children and their dolls for a sit-down meal complete with doll-sized chairs and place settings. Even if your kids don’t own an American Girl doll, they can borrow one for the meal.

The café offers brunch, lunch and dinner, with a menu that includes kid-friendly favorites alongside adult options. The real fun is in the details: pink-and-white décor, keepsake crafts and desserts that feel like a little celebration. My daughter was beaming the entire time, treating her doll like an honored guest at the table.

Prices range from about $25-$35 per person for a multi-course meal, which includes an appetizer, entrée and dessert. Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends.

7. McDonald’s Global Headquarters

For a fun and unexpected stop, head to the McDonald’s Global Headquarters in the West Loop. While the corporate offices aren’t open to the public, the ground floor houses the McDonald’s Global Menu Restaurant, where visitors can sample rotating favorites from around the world, like India’s McAloo Tikki, Switzerland’s McRaclette and Canada’s Bacon Hot Honey McCrispy, or desserts from Europe, all offered alongside the classics. With its sleek design and international flair, it’s a tasty, family-friendly way to experience Chicago’s role as home to the Golden Arches.

Chicago surprised us with just how much it caters to families. The city’s mix of educational experiences, interactive play and larger-than-life thrills made it a perfect destination for our four-day getaway. Whether your kids are aspiring scientists, budding adventurers or fun- and thrill-seekers, Chicago has something to offer.

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