Top 10 Things to Do in Chicago with Kids!

Chicago is such an amazing city to visit with kids! There is a whole lot to do and I’ve listed the top 10 things to do in Chicago with kids.

Museum of Science and Industry

Hand’s Down this is my favorite museum so far!! This place is incredible and has a lot to offer. You need a full day to explore. Kids will love touring the U-505 submarine, checking out the coal mine, watching chicks hatch and exploring the huge train display!! The Transportation exhibit is awesome!!

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

This is a fun place to spend an hour or so. My girls loved the butterfly enclosure and the river exhibit. They also have other hands on exhibits and nature trails.

Millennium Park

This is a perfect place for the kids to run around and be kids. Plus you have to see the iconic Bean sculpture anyways. There is a fountain here where the little ones can run around and play in the water. Make sure to plan accordingly.

The “L” Train

The fastest way to get around Chicago happens to be a hit with the kids. Mine loved the train!! Make sure you ride it at least once to get the experience.

Lincoln Park Zoo

This is a fantastic zoo! At a fabulous price, free!! Here’s a few of the animals that you’ll see: bears, otters, hippos, monkeys, seals, giraffes, and polar bears!! I love watching polar bears! And hippos! Lincoln Park is a wonderful area to kill a few hours. The conservatory has free admission as well.

The Beach

Chicago has great beaches along Lake Michigan and my kids loved playing in the sand. I personally don’t think the water is warm enough for swimming, but I’m also from Texas and a wimp.

Shedd Aquarium

This is one of the best aquariums in the nation. They have many exhibits, animal shows and encounters. You can see a lot of marine life here: dolphins, otters, sea lions, sharks, beluga whales and more.

Navy Pier

Navy Pier is definitely a tourist attraction. The prices and crowds reflect this. However it’s awesome!! There’s a Ferris wheel, other carnival type rides, great food and snacks, plus the views are amazing!! Right on the water, so you get great city views.

Children’s Museum

Located on Navy Pier, this place is a kid’s paradise! This is the place for kids to climb, explore, dig for fossils, create a masterpiece, play and so much more!

Michigan Avenue

The Magnificent Mile is the shopping mecca in the Midwest. You’re probably wondering why I would include this on here for kids. Not many parents enjoy shopping with their kids for hours. I’m one of them!

This area has some of the best stores that your children will LOVE! The Lego store, Disney store, American Girl, and Dylan’s Candy Bar. Plus Ghirardelli is here if you want to indulge in a chocolate sundae!

Bonus: Wizard Of Oz Park

Okay, so most younger kids may not have seen The Wizard of Oz. But I’m a fan and the playground is fantastic for kids to let of out some energy! They have statues of the main characters at the corners of the park.

Chicago has amazing attractions! I’ve listed the top 10 things to do in Chicago with kids. Well top 11! They will be among your kid’s favorites. There’s a whole city to explore though, so definitely don’t limit yourself to this list.

If you have teens, check out my post on what to in Chicago with Teens.

If you’ve been to Chicago, what was your kid’s favorite attraction?