

There’s also free admission to the Ryan Education Center, which hosts special events, interactive workshops, and family programming for kids 14 and under. These meticulously reproduced miniature rooms bring the world of art and architecture to a kid’s level. Right next door to Adler Planetarium and Field Museum on the Museum Campus, Shedd Aquarium gives new meaning to “wow.” Not only can you explore underwater worlds from across the globe, but the Shedd offers unique, up-close-and-personal experiences, like museum sleepovers, behind-the-scenes tours, and extraordinary animal encounters, like joining in a shark feeding tour, being a trainer for a day, and interacting with stingrays.ĭon’t think the kids will enjoy an art museum? Then you haven’t visited the Art Institute‘s Thorne Miniature Rooms. And it’s the place to feel the excitement of summer fireworks, sightseeing cruises, Segway tours, an amazing maze, the Chicago Children’s Museum, fun stores, and movies at a mind-blowing IMAX theatre. Iconic Navy Pier is the place for rides on a towering climate-controlled Ferris wheel, an old-fashioned Wave Swinger, and a whimsical 1920s-inspired musical carousel at Pier Park. And no matter the season, and make faces in the reflective surface of the stainless steel sculpture Cloud Gate, aka “The Bean.” In winter, skate with the city skyline as your backdrop at magical McCormick Tribune Ice Rink. Springtime is perfect for a self-guided scavenger hunt through Lurie Garden. In the Millennium Park each summer, kids splash around in Crown Fountain’s shallow pool and dash under water spouting from the lips of video-projected Chicago locals. Don’t forget to take in a dolphin show at Seven Seas, and sign up for seasonal giraffe feedings, penguin encounters, and education-focused animal kingdom experiences.

World-renowned, the zoo’s 2,000+ residents have captivated and educated visitors since 1934. Just next door is the Farm-in-the-Zoo, which gives kids the chance to pet goats, cows, and ponies, and experience a little country life in the city.īrookfield Zoo is set within a 216-acre nature park. Kids love the old-school carousel, locomotive rides, and the Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo, a kid-friendly home for North American animals. Indoor things to do in Chicago with kidsįree to the public, this is one of the nation’s oldest zoos.Outdoor things to do in Chicago with kids.From toddlers to teens, there’s a family friendly activity or attraction to satisfy every interest and fuel all imaginations.

It’s the inspiration kids find in all the things to do and see in Chicago that makes the city feel like home - if home was the ultimate playground.
