Things to Do in Chicago This Weekend With Family

Chicago is one of the largest cities in the Us and has a gamut of things to offering people of all age groups.

This is a family unit-friendly destination where you lot tin can savor museums, theater, boat rides and excellent architecture and history.

If you are traveling with family unit or a mixed age group of people, the following are the best things to practice in Chicago with kids.

1. Chicago Botanic Garden

1000 Lake Cook Rd
Glencoe, IL 60022
(847) 835-5440

Chicago Botanic Garden is a cluster of 27 incredible gardens that are spread over 385 vast acres. Located in Glencoe, if you are in Chicago for the weekend, this is a great identify to be.

This is a not bad place non only for adults who beloved to stroll in a garden merely even for kids considering they volition enjoy elements like the Nature Play Garden, the learning middle, or even the vast Esplanade where they can run effectually in the grass.

The Japanese Garden besides has biconvex bridges that the toddlers will enjoy.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Crowne Plaza Hotel Chicago-Northbrook

Related: Best Hotels in Chicago for Families

2. Kohl Children'due south Museum

2100 Patriot Blvd
Glenview, IL 60026
(847) 832-660

If you lot are looking for what to practise in Chicago with kids, Kohl Children'southward Museum is an excellent option.

The museum has 17 permanent exhibits that the kids tin can enjoy throughout the year. The exhibits are innovative and will set the piffling ones thinking about several things, while likewise enjoying themselves immensely.

What I like the well-nigh about this museum is the Whole Foods Market for the kids that has been made to seem lifelike and is a perfect simulation of the actual thing.

The vet middle and the waterworks station is as well a must visit at the museum.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sheraton Chicago Northbrook

3. Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Eye

Illinois Holocaust Museum Education Center

9603 Woods Dr
Skokie, IL 60077
(847) 967-4800

Click Here To Run into Ticket Toll

Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Heart is a must visit, even if y'all are traveling with children.

The museum spells some harsh truths near the Second World State of war and imparts some of import lessons that kids should exist familiar with.

The museum likewise has an art drove and several nifty educational resources for young minds to larn about history.

I cannot recommend the Harvey L Miller Family Youth Exhibition enough if you lot are traveling with preteens. The exhibition has several hands-on activities and games that focus on building empathy, leadership skills and conviction.

The kids volition surely enjoy the exhibit. Despite the heaviness of the textile, information technology is still one of the most kid-friendly things to practise near Chicago.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago North Shore

four. Gallagher Fashion

3635 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 388-8260

Gallagher Way is one of the meridian tourist attractions in Chicago for kids. This is an peculiarly great destination if you are in Chicago around the holiday season.

This is a plaza that is near Wrigley Field marquee and is a great place to have a brawl with the family.

Some wintertime seasons, Gallagher Style has also hosted water ice skating followed by holiday moving picture screenings! The kids tin can as well participate in wreath making workshops or you tin look up some of the many activities the plaza offers in advance.

Jeni'southward Excellent Water ice Creams is also an American staple right around the corner.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Guesthouse Hotel

5. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

2430 N Cannon Dr
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 755-5100

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is one of the top things to do in Chicago with kids. Located in Lincoln Park museum, this is a great museum that creates hands-on experiences for the kids to savour themselves equally well as larn something along the fashion.

The museum is an informative curation of Illinois' natural history and ecology. I think the tiny tots will specially savour frolicking in the water tables where they can learn all about rivers and their origins.

The butterfly greenhouse is besides likely to be a large hit with the footling ones, also as with the adults.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Peninsula Chicago

6. The 606 Trail

Bloomingdale Trail
Chicago, IL 60642
(312) 742-4622

The 606 Trail is a place that offers several family-friendly activities. This is a public park that has been refashioned from an abandoned railway line. It is a great place to go cycling or take a stroll on a pleasant Chicago evening.

While this is not like Fundamental Park in New York where you can lounge, picnic and visit the zoo, it is certainly a place you tin can adore innovation and appreciate how the city made something cute out of an abandoned site.

Information technology is a swell place to get some exercise and perhaps proceed an early morning cycling expedition with the family.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Park Hyatt Chicago

7. Centennial Cycle at Navy Pier

800 E Grand Ave
Chicago, IL 60611

If you are wondering what to see in Chicago with kids, I would highly recommend the Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier.

This is a landmark in Chicago and while there are several other things to do at the Navy Pier, the Ferris Wheel should be on every tourist's list.

The cycle is 200-feet high and offers an incredible 360-degree view of Lake Michigan and the heady pier. The enclosed gondolas are safe and offering a clear and stunning view that should not be missed.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago

8. Chicago Shakespeare Theater

800 E K Ave
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 595-5600

Another way to savour some family unit fun in Chicago is at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater.

This might seem like an odd recommendation for a holiday with kids, but the showcases put upward at this theater besides include several kid-friendly productions.

At that place are special abridged versions of the classic plays for the younger ones and students to enjoy.

So if you are in town, exist sure to check their website to see if an appropriate testify is playing. I think information technology will be worth the experience and the kids will certainly savor it.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Conrad Chicago

Related: All-time Things to Practise in Chicago

9. Chicago Children's Museum

700 East Grand Ave
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 527-m

Click Here To See Ticket Toll

Another slap-up destination on the famous Navy Pier, the Chicago Children'south Museum is perfect for children under the age of 10.

The kids can spend an exciting day playing and learning through tinkering, DIY projects and going on special expeditions to dig upwardly bones and learn more about dinosaurs. Forget kids, I have to say even adults like me discover this exciting!

If your little i shows the slightest inclination towards science and history, this is a great museum for them.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Waldorf Astoria Chicago

10. Chicago Riverwalk

Chicago Riverwalk
Chicago, IL 60601
(877) 300-6746

Chicago Riverwalk is 1 of my favorite things to explore in the city. This is a pedestrian path that stretches for near a mile and a half bookended by Lake Michigan west on one stop and Lake Street on the other.

This is a waterfront from where you tin can relish the splendid sight of the skyline emerging from downtown Chicago.

Along the waterfront, yous will too find several restaurants and food stalls to enjoy a snack or beverage by the water.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: 4 Seasons Chicago

Related: All-time Beaches in Chicago

11. Chicago Compages Centre

111 Eastward Upper Wacker Dr
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 922-8687

Click Here To Come across Ticket Toll

Chicago has some of the almost remarkable modern architecture in America and the Chicago Architecture Center is a great mode to explore this aspect of the city.

The heart has programs and exhibits designed for children and families to relish.

The highlight of this heart is the interactive 3D map of the city where each landmark comes labeled with interesting trivia. Visitors can command this map and learn more most this historic urban center.

At that place are several architectural marvels that Chicago is host to—you lot tin larn all nigh them here.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Trump International Hotel & Belfry Chicago

12. Garfield Park Solarium

300 North Central Park Ave
Chicago, IL 60624
(312) 746-5100

Garfield Park Conservatory is i of the largest conservatories in the United States. The park is domicile to a plethora of plant species and has six greenhouses that guests can explore.

There are also two exhibition halls where several events take place throughout the year.

There are weekly programs that the conservatory hosts where kids volition be able to enjoy a easily-on feel, perhaps fifty-fifty dig in the soil themselves and become their hands dirty every bit they acquire something new.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Conrad Chicago

thirteen. Chicago Cultural Center

78 Eastward Washington St
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 744-3316

The Chicago Cultural Center is housed at the erstwhile Chicago Public Library building.

Located in the Loop neighborhood, this is i of the most iconic buildings in the city. The spectacular domed compages will have you craning your neck back to take in the splendor of the ceiling.

While kids may not exist equally excited by this historic architectural mode, the concerts, theatrical performances and free exhibitions are certainly going to be things they will enjoy.

Be certain to bank check out the website for the schedule before you come up into town.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: JW Marriott Chicago

xiv. Millennium Park

Millennium Park
Chicago, IL 60601

Millennium Park is a 25-acre expanse of light-green in the Loop. This is one of the most popular attractions not only in Chicago, simply in the state of Illinois.

The park is home to "The Bean", a massive three-story steel sculpture that is a Chicago landmark. The sculpture is officially known as Cloud Gate and its steel surface reflects the Chicago skyline spectacularly.

The park is also home to the Crown Fountain and as well hosts concerts at the pavilion designed past Frank Gehry.

You lot can also enjoy ice skating in the wintertime season.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Kimpton Hotel Monaco Chicago

Besides Come across:
Things to Do in Springfield for Kids
Kids Activities: Galena

15. Maggie Daley Park

337 Due east Randolph St
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 552-3000

Maggie Daley Park is also located in the Loop and is home to the city'southward just outdoor climbing park.

You tin can too go ice skating during the wintertime months on the famous 'skating ribbon'. The park also has spots to picnic in with the family and a tennis courtroom to relish a game.

For the younger kids, the play garden will be very exciting with its wave lawn, enchanted forest and exciting slides. This is a great family-friendly place to bask in Chicago.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection past Hilton

sixteen. Chicago Children's Theater

100 S Racine Ave
Chicago, IL 60607
(773) 227-0180

As the name suggests, Chicago Children'south Theater is a great identify to accept the kids. This is the largest professional theater company in the city that has been designed keeping in heed children and families.

At this theater, you lot tin enjoy spectacular shows with lifesize puppets or even plays produced by the theater staff on roll.

If y'all are in the city for longer, yous can even consider the acting classes for your younger ones at the end of which they tin put upward a play of their ain.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Ace Hotel Chicago

Related: Cheap Family Vacations

17. The Art Plant of Chicago

111 South Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 443-3600

Click Here To See Ticket Price

The Art Establish of Chicago is one of the near spectacular centers of civilisation in the world. If you are traveling with kids under the historic period of 14, the entry is free for them.

The establish is vast and tin can be a lot to cover, but head to the Ryan Learning Centre to choose a mini-bout for the family.

The Vitale Family Room is also a great place to explore puzzles, games and books for kids.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Silversmith Hotel

xviii. Willis Tower Skydeck

Willis Belfry Skydeck, 233 S Wacker Dr
Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 875-9447

Click Hither To See Ticket Cost

Willis Belfry is a historic skyscraper which has also come up to become a symbol of Chicago and its spirit of innovative compages.

Information technology was the tallest building in the world for three decades.

The sky deck at the tower, formerly known every bit the Sears Tower, offers an incredible view of the city. The observational sky deck tour will likewise give you a history of the city and of the tower.

If you are not afraid of heights, I would recommend standing on the ledge, a glass box that juts iv.3-feet outside the building to offering a dizzying view of the metropolis below.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Kimpton Gray Hotel Chicago

Too See:
Things to Do in Peoria with Kids

19. Harold Washington Library

Harold Washington Library, 400 Due south Country St
Chicago, IL 60605

Harold Washington Library is the master branch of the Chicago Public Library. The second floor of the library is dedicated entirely to children's books and several hands-on activities for the younger lot.

If it is raining but y'all do not want to waste a day in the city, the multimedia tools and activities at the library are nifty for the kids and y'all can relish the library as well.

The ninth floor too has an incredible winter garden. Be sure to observe the beautiful glass ceiling.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Kimpton Hotel Allegro

20. Shedd Aquarium

1200 S Lake Shore Dr
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 939-2438

Shedd Aquarium is a delight for everyone. The adults will be able to appreciate the splendor of the Beaux-Arts edifice, while the kids will be absolutely mesmerized by the marine life.

The Amazon river tanks are an specially large hit with the younger lot. The reef exhibits also put up an incredible display of colorful coral.

All the same, my favorite role of this incredible indoor aquarium is the Polar Play Zone where yous tin encounter dolphins, beluga whales and otters going on with their lives as you observe them.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sophy Hyde Park

21. Adler Planetarium

1300 S Lake Shore Dr
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 922-7827

Click Here To See Ticket Toll

Adler Planetarium is one of the most beautiful in the country. The planetarium has been a Chicago fixture since 1930 and has kept locals engaged in the skies since then.

Become an incredible view of the moon throughout the discontinuity telescope, enjoy heaven shows and a lot more, at the Adler Planetarium.

I retrieve the kids will particularly enjoy the Planet Explorer area which has a hands-on approach to space exploration and volition keep the little ones engaged.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park

22. The Field Museum

1400 S Lake Shore Dr
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 922-9410

Click Here To Run into Ticket Cost

The Field Museum is easily down 1 of my favorite museums of natural history in America.

No thing what decade you grew upwards in, kids will e'er have an interest in dinosaurs—even before there were large, marketable cartoon franchises on the extinct reptile.

You lot volition exist happy to know The Field Museum is abode to "Sue", one of the largest and most-preserved Tyrannosaurus Rex specimens in the world.

Autonomously from the incredible dinosaur skeleton, you can also see a real mummy at The Field Museum. Information technology is truly a care for for the whole family.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hilton Chicago

23. National Museum of Mexican Art

1852 W 19th St
Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 738-1503

National Museum of Mexican Art is a museum that is platonic for your toddlers and preteens.

Located in the Pilsen neighborhood, the museum has a permanent collection of 10,000 pieces. These pieces are a vibrant curation of Mexican history and civilization.

I think the fine art classes and bilingual camps are probable to be a big hit with the kids.

There are also gallery tours that are designed keeping families in mind and so everyone can enjoy this museum.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Ace Hotel Chicago

24. DuSable Museum of African American History

740 E 56th Pl
Chicago, IL 60637
(773) 947-0600

DuSable Museum of African American History is not only a site that houses valuable artifacts of African-American history, merely the edifice itself is a construction of historical importance.

Architect Daniel H Burnham had originally constructed the structure as horse stables, but the beautiful timber and limestone structure from the 19th century houses one of the all-time-curated museums today.

Teenagers and preteens will be able to capeesh the art exhibitions and poetry reading sessions that capture the African-American experience.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hyatt Business firm Chicago West Loop

25. Museum of Scientific discipline and Manufacture, Chicago

5700 S Lake Shore Dr
Chicago, IL 60637
(773) 684-1414

Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago is one of the largest science museums in the globe.

The museum houses 35,000 artifacts and has exhibits spanning over 14 acres. Needless to say, this museum is vast and you cannot even begin to comprehend it in a single day.

If you have a few days to give to the museum, that is great. If not, I would advise prioritizing and deciding which exhibits you would similar to cover within the day.

There are several options to choose from, but I think the live tornado may be something the kids will savour experiencing.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sophy Hyde Park

26. Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago

1809 E 71st St #203
Chicago, IL 60649
(773) 241-6080

Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago is a dance company that hosts incredible recitals of contemporary and traditional African and African-American functioning arts, including dance, music, theater, folktales, etc.

I am not sure if this would exist enjoyable for kids that are very young (mayhap no fun for toddlers here). But if you are traveling with preteens or slightly older kids, they are probable to enjoy the performances and fifty-fifty larn something new.

You should take a look at their calendar to see when and where they are performing.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hyatt Place Chicago-South

27. The Escape Game Chicago

42 E Ontario Street
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 453-7753

Click Hither To See Ticket Cost

The Escape Game Chicago is a fun activity to do indoors. While escape rooms practice not sound like they would be kid friendly, this one is actually quite exciting and safe even for the petty ones.

You will be put in a room for lx minutes and you volition need to figure out how to escape from the room. There volition exist a game main who will guide you the whole time. The master will provide y'all with clues, solving which will lead you closer to finding an get out from the room.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Kimpton Hotel Palomar Chicago

28. Chicago Magic Lounge

5050 N. Clark St.,
Chicago, Illinois 60640
(312) 366-4500

When we were little, entertainment was very dissimilar from the fun stuff to practice with kids today. Just at Chicago Magic Lounge, you will be able to feel parts of your ain childhood forth with the kids.

At the lounge, you can enjoy a good one-time magic show like you may accept enjoyed at birthday parties every bit a kid.

I certainly miss some of the unproblematic pleasures of childhood, like surrounding a magician to see what trick they may pull out of the purse side by side! At the end of the show, the kids also get to see the sorcerer and take a more often than not immersive experience.