10+ things to do in Chicago with teens

Trust us, the Shedd Aquarium is the mother of all aquariums. This is one of the most popular things to do in Chicago for a reason. Your teens will be able to enjoy seeing animals that hail from waterways and ecosystems all across the globe, from the nearby Great Lakes to the vast rivers of Asia.

One of our favorite nifty things about Shedd is the Caribbean Reef exhibit, where visitors can actually take a 360-degree tour of an underwater reef community – it’s a stunning up-close sight and is almost as good as snorkeling in Hawaii.

Bonus for everyone: you can skip the line with our Chicago pass, which is a huge benefit during busy tourist seasons. It will keep you and your teens from driving each other crazy during a long wait!

Your whole family will love the stunning, panoramic views of one of the country’s most beautiful cities. So visit Skydeck Chicago today! Even the most skeptical teenagers will be amazed at 'The Ledge', an all-glass balcony that puts visitors four feet out from the edge of the building into space!

Looking for another perspective, and maybe a little more interactivity with your amazing views? Try 360 CHICAGO for another vantage point that’s equally as cool. 360 CHICAGO is also conveniently located near a good deal of shopping hotspots. What's not to love?

There's nothing like a good old-fashioned boardwalk stroll. And you don't need to hit up the Jersey Shore to find one! You and the teens will love spending some time at Navy Pier. There is a slew of activities to choose from, including the Centennial Wheel and a bunch of fun rides.

There are also plenty of places to eat and pick up fun souvenirs to remember your trip to Chicago. Want some more ideas? Check out our post on things to do at Navy Pier and nearby spots.

Chicago is an amazing city for architecture. With a diversity of influences and an eclectic building history, the skyline of Chicago is quite remarkable. One of our favorite ways to survey this beautiful scenery is on an Architecture River Cruise that highlights the city's architectural history.

Teens will relish the chance to get that awesome photo, and it's fun for everyone to be able to identify famous Chicago buildings.

Teens into natural history and science will find much to love in Chicago's museum scene. The Field Museum is one of the world's most prestigious natural history museums, featuring tons of fascinating stuff, from gemstones to fossils (like the largest intact T-Rex skeleton - above).

For astronomy buffs, the Adler Planetarium is amazingly fun. Or, for fans of general-interest scientific subjects, the Museum of Science and Industry is filled with interactive exhibits like a 40-foot indoor tornado.

For fans of animals, Chicago is a delightful destination. The Brookfield Zoo features a diversity of animal exhibits, a massive nature park, and a fun animal-themed carousel. Teens will especially appreciate majestic creatures like big cats. Or, if you prefer to stay closer to the city, Lincoln Park offers a fun, small-scale zoo with an equally entertaining selection of animals. If you're really feeling like letting loose and acting like a little kid again, there are also some fun rides.

Encourage the kids to enjoy the great outdoors during the warmer months with a refreshing bike ride around the city. Pedal leisurely along the waterfront, throughout Millennium Park, or along the 26 miles of gorgeous trails that wind around the lakefront. It’s also a great activity that teens can pursue independently, giving them some “alone time” amidst a family vacation.