Chicago For Kids
Thinking of taking a trip to the Windy City en famille? Tripening’s got you covered!
Image: Jude Joshua from Pixabay
Thinking of taking a trip to the Windy City en famille? Tripening’s got you covered!
- Millennium Park
There’s always heaps to do within the 25-acres of this much-loved park - one of the most popular attractions in Illinois. A perfect year-round activity with the kids - no matter the Chicago weather - come in the summer for a splash in the Crown Fountain, spring for a self-guided scavenger hunt, autumn for a play in the leaves and large playground and winter for a skate at the magical ice rink. And - no matter when you come - the kids are sure to be amused by the Cloud Gate - affectionately known as ‘The Bean’ - that they can pull funny faces in and/or be wowed by the reflection of the Chicago skyline.
2. Navy Pier
An iconic day out featuring a towering Ferris Wheel that offers 360-degree views, a vintage musical carousel, remote-control boats, sightseeing cruises, Segway tours, the Chicago Children’s Museum, an epic IMAX theatre and - on occasion - elaborate fireworks! Phew! A carnival atmosphere is inevitable no matter when you come, thanks to the treats on offer such as popcorn, ice cream and burgers, and there are even performance lawns for free concerts and movies! If you want a guaranteed early night from the kids, this is the way to do it.
3. Art Institute of Chicago
Before you balk at the idea of an art museum for kids, give us a moment to explain. The Art Institute of Chicago is an art museum like no other, managing - along with the world-class art on offer - to act as a cultural oasis for kids, thanks to things like the Thorne Miniature Rooms, interactive workshops, games and lots of color!
4. Field Museum
If you’ve got dinosaur fanatics among you, you will not want to miss this. Sue, the world’s biggest, best-preserved and most complete T-Rex and Máximo the Titanosaur, the largest dinosaur known to man, are both waiting to greet your little ones (among some other 30 million artifacts!). They’ll also love seeing a real mummy, getting stuck into a range of hands-on activities - such as excavating bones - and watching a bunch of 3D movies.
5. Maggie Daley Park
A magical time awaits in one of Chicago’s most sought-after spots - one of the city’s shiniest crown jewels. Your little ones will adore the 3-acre Alice in Wonderland and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory-themed Play Garden - featuring an enchanted forest - the mini-golf course and lakefront Climbing Wall.
6. Bike Tours
Book a two-hour bike tour around Chicago for the perfect family activity, no matter the ages and abilities of those in your party. An impressively knowledgeable guide will take you around the most popular places in the city, such as the Chicago Lakefront Trail, Oak Street Beach, a secret garden, petting zoo and giant statue of Abraham Lincoln.
7. Grant Park Skate Park
Skateboards, rollerblades, bikes and scooters are all welcome at this epic lakefront park, equipped with multi-skill-level ramps. Fun for all the family!
8. Kayaking
Cruise through Chicago’s waterways with breathtaking views no matter where you look.
9. Indoor Skydiving
iFLY is the ultimate uplifting experience that will leave you flying high - without actually jumping out of a plane. Hover and spin through the air in a superhero flight suit - and remember to let the kids have a turn, too!
10. LEGOLAND Discovery Center
Rides, build-and-play zones and a 4D cinema are just some of the attractions on offer in this giant indoor playground for LEGO enthusiasts - complete with a Chicago Miniland.
11. Oz Park
Named after one-time Lincoln Park resident, L. Frank Baum - author of The Wizard of Oz - this park offers everything you think it should: a wooden playground called ‘Dorothy’s playlot’ and statues of famous characters from the book dotted throughout. There’s no place like it!
12. The 606 Trail
An abandoned rail line may not sound all that exciting, but this public space - connecting some of Chicago’s most beautiful parks and art installations - remains hugely popular.
13. Chicago Riverwalk
Nearly one and a half miles of art installations, fishing piers and plenty of food and drink options to keep little appetites at bay.
14. The Forge: Lemont Quarries
A 300-acre outdoor adventure park filled with zip lines, mountain biking courses, outdoor laser tag, a towering obstacle course and kayaking spots.
15. Harold Washington Library
Boasting an entire floor of kids’ books, games and hands-on activities - not to mention a gorgeous Winter Garden on the top floor - this is the perfect rainy-day activity.
16. The Beach
More than two dozen beaches patiently wait for summer, and you’ve got the pick of ‘em! Enjoy!
Get your Chicago CityPASS today and beat the queues as you enjoy entry to five of Chicago’s most famous attractions for one incredibly low price!
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