14 Best Things To Do In Chicago With Kids In 2023

Chicago has so much to do and see, it’s hard to narrow it all down! From bustling museums and parks to quieter getaways, this guide runs the gamut. With so many things to do and see, it's hard to choose just one. But, it can also be overwhelming as well. That's why we've narrowed it down to the top 14 activities we're sure your kids will love. Bonus: Many of these ideas are free!

List: Things To Do in Chicago with Kids:

• Great Wolf Lodge in Gurnee
• All the Big Museums
• Millennium Park Campus
• Chicago Observation Deck
• The National Museum of Mexican Art
• Emerald City Theatre
• Chicago Architecture Center
• Lincoln Park Zoo
• Garfield Park Conservatory
• Take the Chicago Water Taxi to Chinatown
• North Avenue Beach
• The 606 Trail
• Navy Pier Ferris Wheel
• Chicago Botanic Garden

1. Great Wolf Lodge in Gurnee

Source: Fort Mackenzie

Chicago may be known for its finicky weather but staying at Great Wolf Lodge in Gurnee is a sure thing. Since it’s always 84 degrees in the water park, and there’s so much to do on site, nothing can stop your family’s fun. There’s something to do for everyone, like mini golf, an arcade, the MagiQuest interactive experience, and tons of other games! Plus, there are eight different dining options onsite!

2. All the Big Museums

Source: Field Museum Twitter

There are so many world-class museums in Chicago that it can be overwhelming...and expensive. But did you know your family can save up to 53% on admission with CityPass? So go ahead and take your crew to The Shedd Aquarium, Skydeck Chicago, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, The Field Museum, Museum of Science and Industry, AND the Adler Planetarium. In any case, even if you don’t purchase a CityPass, you have to visit at least one of these amazing educational spots when in Chicago!

3. Millennium Park Campus

Source: Choose Chicago

It’s an unforgettable family experience, 1000 feet above the Magnificent Mile in the iconic John Hancock Building. Access breathtaking 360-degree views of the skyline and Lake Michigan, and, if you’re feeling brave, go full TILT – an enclosed moving platform that literally tilts you out over Michigan Avenue from the 94th Floor! It's an experience the kids won't soon forget. Also included: an interactive museum focusing on Chicago history.

4. Chicago Observation Deck

Source: 360 Chicago Twitter

It’s an unforgettable family experience, 1000 feet above the Magnificent Mile in the iconic John Hancock Building. Access breathtaking 360-degree views of the skyline and Lake Michigan, and, if you’re feeling brave, go full TILT – an enclosed moving platform that literally tilts you out over Michigan Avenue from the 94th Floor! It's an experience the kids won't soon forget. Also included: an interactive museum focusing on Chicago history.

5. National Museum of Mexican Art

Source: Mexican Art Museum Twitter

Mexican food, as well as The National Museum of Mexican Art. It’s free every day and has an special 10,000-piece permanent collection. Tip: If you’re travelling around Halloween, their Day of the Dead exhibit is sure to awe any kid (especially if they love the movie Coco)!

6. Emerald City Theatre

Source: Emerald City Theatre Twitter

There are a lot of ways to keep the kids entertained in Chicago, but it's not always easy on parents. Sit back, relax and let the performers over the Emerald City Theatre do the work for you! The venue hosts tons of family-friendly plays and offers a kid-friendly theater experience.

7. Chicago Architectural Center

Source: Chicago Architecture Center Twitter

Learn about Chicago’s neighborhoods, housing types and upcoming projects at the CAC! Check out the largest 3D model of Chicago, with more than 4,2000 buildings and cinematic elements to teach about the city’s rich history. They also run an interactive family program with hands-on exhibits to teach kids more about design and problem-solving.

8. Lincoln Park Zoo

Source: Lincoln Park Zoo Twitter

You can’t go wrong with Lincoln Park Zoo -- it’s open 365 days a year, and it’s free! Visit the zoo's new arrivals page to preview the newest animal babies, visit the petting zoo, and don’t forget to ride the historic carousel! Also, if you’re visiting on a Wednesday or Saturday between May and October, the Green City Farmers Market is right there on your way in to the zoo.

9. Garfield Park Conservatory

Source: Garfield Park Conservatory Twitter

Also free, and open every day of the year except Christmas, this place is a hidden gem, about 5 miles west of downtown. Take a deep breath and stroll through one of the largest and most stunning botanical conservatories in Illinois, viewing thousands of plant species from around the world throughout eight indoor display gardens.

10. Take the Chicago Water Taxi to Chinatown

Source: Chicago Water Taxi Twitter

Chicago has a Chinatown? Yes it does! And there’s a super fun way to get there -- the Chicago Water Taxi! Board at the Chicago Riverwalk, and dock in Chinatown to try one of its many great restaurants, or just get some bubble tea!

11. North Avenue Beach

Source: Mike Hamernik Twitter

Sure, you might want to skip this if you're planning a winter trip. But a trip to North Avenue Beach is a great activity to enjoy in during the warmer months! Of course, there is no ocean in Chicago, but there is an impressive lakefront to enjoy, and it's peppered with places to eat, shop, people watch and much more. Walk down to the water, play in sand, grab a slice of that famous deep dish pizza, enjoy an ice cream cone and enjoy the windy city!

12. The 606 Trail

Source: The 606

Originally part of the Bloomingdale train line, this 3-mile “rail trail” has helped bring some much-needed greenery to the northwest side of Chicago. Since the project was completed in 2015, it’s become a prime spot for cyclists, strollers, runners, dog walkers and kids. There are also tons of coffee shops, bars, restaurants, and shopping areas just blocks away.

13. Navy Pier Ferris Wheel

Source: Navy Pier Twitter

Here's another way to show the kids an amazing view of the city! The park has closed, air conditioned gondolas that seat up to eight adults and two children. Navy Pier is also home of the Chicago Children's Museum, and puts on amazing firework shows on Wednesdays and Saturdays in the summer.

14. Chicago Botanic Garden

Source: Chicago Botanic Garden Twitter

These gorgeous 385-acre gardens are actually in Glencoe, which is about halfway between Chicago and Gurnee, so it’s a great option if you’re staying at Great Wolf Lodge and taking day trips to the city, and it’s free -- except for parking. Need more info on how to make the most of your Chicago visit? Go to the Choose Chicago site!