Little girl on the shoulders of her dad, they are walking on the piers in Chicago

15+ things to do in Chicago with kids for an amazing trip

Planning a vacation to Chicago?
By Katie Sagal

Chicago offers a myriad of things to do that are fun for the whole family. From world-renowned museums to beautiful urban parks, there are plenty of family-friendly sights for you and your children to enjoy.

Chicago is a great city for families traveling with children. What's more, the Windy City also boasts many kid-friendly free year-round activities, including concerts from local and internationally acclaimed musicians, art exhibits, and theater performances. Check out our list of things to do in Chicago with kids, including...

  • Shedd Aquarium
  • The Field Museum
  • Chicago Children’s Museum
  • Museum of Science and Industry
  • LEGOLAND® Discovery Center
  • Brookfield Zoo
  • Lincoln Park Zoo & Rides
  • Navy Pier Centennial Wheel and Rides
  • JourneyMaker at The Art Institute of Chicago
  • and more...

Shedd Aquarium

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Shedd Aquarium is known for being one of the best things to do in Chicago with kids. It's packed with kid-friendly exhibits and explores topics they'll find both fascinating and educational. For example, you'll get a diver's-eye-view of the underwater world's most interesting creatures.

The floor-to-ceiling exhibit windows put you eye-to-eye with beluga whales, moon jellies, parrotfish, sharks, and even the giant octopus. Shedd Aquarium's unique exhibits give your children the opportunity to be explorers for the day. Other popular exhibit areas include the Caribbean Reef and the Polar Play Zone, which both highlight important marine habitats and provide tons of interactive fun. 

Getting In: Shedd Aquarium tickets are included on all Go City® Chicago passes.

The Field Museum

Come meet SUE, the world's largest T-Rex, in her own "throne room" at this famous science and anthropology museum. At this larger-than-life exhibit and many others, you and your family will travel back in time and all around the world.  In addition to these astounding educational displays, the younger kids will enjoy "interpretative stations" that host hands-on activities like writing in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs.

You'll also find exhibits to appeal to older children as well, like the Cyrus Tang Hall of China, which details millennia of Chinese history, or the Evolving Planet exhibit, which explores 4 billion years of the history of Planet Earth. With Go City® Chicago passes, you also get admission to one special exhibit. Be sure to scope out their selection of visiting exhibitions to see what tickles your fancy! 

Getting In: Field Museum tickets are included on all Go City® Chicago passes.

Adler Planetarium

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Experience outer space without leaving Chicago at America's first planetarium. Let your child become a space voyager at "Planet Explorers," the most immersive, hands-on exhibition the museum has ever offered. Be sure to also check out "Planet Nine," their most exciting sky show, which follows the quest for a new ninth planet.

Catch a stellar space show in one of the museum's three full-size theaters. And don't let the fun stop when you leave; walk out onto Adler's north or south terraces to view the breathtaking Chicago skyline. This is a great place for photos, too. You'll love having pictures of the kids with Lake Michigan or the Chicago skyline in the background. 

Getting In: Adler Planetarium tickets are included on all Go City® Chicago passes.

Chicago Children’s Museum

Amid dozens of restaurants and shops, the Navy Pierce Family Pavilion houses the Chicago Children's Museum (CCM). The CCM is a first-rate museum where play and learning come together for families with children through the age of 10. An especially popular exhibit is "Dinosaur Expedition," where little ones can explore a real fossil pit where the remains of a massive Suchomimus (a large, fish-eating dinosaur) were found.

The Tinkering Lab is ideal for creative kids, giving them space to invent anything they please with a variety of age-appropriate tools and materials. While you're in the area, check out the Navy Pier IMAX Theater to view re-mastered Hollywood hits on a 60-foot screen. Just beyond the pavilion, explore the famous Crystal Gardens, an enormous indoor botanical park that hosts over 70 full-size palm trees. 

Getting In: Chicago Children's Museum tickets are included on all Go City® Chicago passes.

360 CHICAGO

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360 CHICAGO is the popular observation deck on the 94th floor of the iconic John Hancock Tower located on Michigan Avenue. You'll get excellent views of Lake Michigan, Navy Pier (keep an eye out for the Ferris wheel), the city skyline and its surrounding suburbs, and more. Many interactive and engaging exhibits trace the history of Chicago.

Have adventurous kids? Consider purchasing a ticket to experience Tilt. You'll be able to look out over the Magnificent Mile below as the floor, wall, and ceiling move downwards to a 30-degree angle. Not for the faint of heart! 

Getting In: 360 CHICAGO tickets are included on all Go City® Chicago passes.

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center

Discovery Center

Who doesn’t love LEGO®? There are plenty of things to do with kids here. Take the whole family to explore this totally immersive indoor LEGO® wonderland, populated by exciting and interactive exhibits that bring your children’s favorite toys to life. Some of the most popular attractions at LEGOLAND® include the 4-D cinema experience, the Kingdom Quest Laser Ride, and construction demonstrations by the Master Model Builder.

Little ones will especially enjoy MINILAND, the interactive LEGO® world built just for them! This attraction is specifically geared toward younger children, although older kids and teens will still love the opportunity to play around with their favorite blocks. 

Getting In: LEGOLAND® Discovery Center tickets are included on all Go City® Chicago passes.

Brookfield Zoo

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Spend a day at Chicagoland’s largest zoo and meet some of the world’s most charming and fascinating creatures. This 216-acre nature park is filled with a wide variety of animals, plants, and even an animal-themed carousel – so your kids will find plenty to enjoy.

Don’t forget to take a ride on the Motor Safari tram, explore the “Great Bear Wilderness,” and pop into the “Butterflies!” exhibit. Little ones will particularly enjoy the Family Play Zoo, where they can explore and play to their heart's content. They can play at being zoo keepers, dress up like a playful lemur, and even exercise their creativity with some animal-themed crafts. 

Getting In: Brookfield Zoo tickets are included on all Go City® Chicago passes.

Lincoln Park Zoo & Rides

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This smaller urban zoo is nestled in the heart of one of Chicago’s most popular parks, and its accessibility makes it a popular attraction for local families. Popular creatures at the Lincoln Park Zoo include the darling Red Pandas at the Kovler Lion House, the playful snow monkeys, the young snow leopard Taza, and many more.

They also offer fun attractions that kids will especially enjoy, including the marvelous Endangered Species Carousel, lovingly painted and crafted, and the Lionel Train Adventure, which all the little ones will love. 

Getting In: Lincoln Park Zoo admission is free; your Go City® Chicago pass provides tickets to the Endangered Species Carousel and the Lionel Train Adventure.

Navy Pier Centennial Wheel and Rides

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Navy Pier and its surrounding attractions are full of fun activities for kids and adults alike (see above for some more details on all the stuff you can enjoy while there). Take a stroll around the pier, sample some classic boardwalk eats, and take a spin on the iconic Ferris wheel for unbeatable views of the city. Use your Go City® Chicago pass to get a 4-Ride pass for Navy Pier attractions, including the ever-popular Centennial Wheel. 

Getting In: Navy Pier Centennial Wheel & Ride tickets are included on all Go City® Chicago passes.

Bike and Roll Chicago

Looking for things to do in Chicago with kids that just don't stop? Burn off some excess energy and explore the city by bike. Chicago is a very bike-friendly city with 26 miles of easy lakefront trails. Use your rental as transportation to and from attractions you plan to visit, just ride north to Lincoln Park (home of the zoo and Chicago History Museum) or south to Grant Park and the Museum Campus. Bikes are also a good way to keep your kids active and to get the whole family some exercise. 

Getting In: Chicago bike rentals from Navy Pier are included on all Go City® Chicago passes.

Museum of Science and Industry

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Kids will love exploring the largest science museum in the Western hemisphere. Filled with exciting interactive exhibits, fun hands-on activities, and enlightening films, this museum is an educational haven for kids of all ages. Highlights of the museum include a replicated 40-foot tornado, a real German submarine dating from WWII, a 727 aircraft, a fully functional eco-friendly home, and much more! It’s the ideal attraction for the curious.

Getting In: Museum of Science and Industry admission are included on all Go City® Chicago passes.

The Art Institute of Chicago

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No trip to Chicago is complete without a stop at the Art Institute, celebrated worldwide as a leading museum for high-quality art. With the huge variety of exhibits the Institute offers, there's bound to be something for the whole family. Be sure to try out JourneyMaker - a fun tool that allows your family to create your very own tour of the museum.

Choose one of eight storylines—like Superheroes, Time Travelers, or Strange and Wild Creatures—and then select works from the museum’s collection within that story. After you’ve made your selections, print out your personalized Journey Guide, which includes information, activities, and wayfinding directions. Then head into the museum for an art-filled adventure! There's also a convenient mobile app that you and your older children may find useful and entertaining. 

Getting In: Art Institute of Chicago tickets are included with the Go Chicago Card.

Tall Ship Windy

Grab the family and jump on board Navy Pier's 148-foot, four-masted traditional schooner for a sailing adventure to remember. Whether you're a first-time sailor or more experienced on the open water, this unique view of Chicago is one you won't want to miss. Your boat-loving children will never forget this memorable experience.

Marvel at unparalleled views of the Chicago skyline while learning about the history and practice of sailing from the Windy's knowledgeable and creative crew. After some instruction, practice hoisting the sails yourself. Don't forget the camera! 

Getting In: Tall Ship Windy tickets are included on all Go City® Chicago passes.

Millennium Park

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Take a stroll around this impeccably designed urban green space and be sure to note some of the park's design highlights and top attractions. The Pritzker Pavilion is where you'll find free or low-priced concerts in the warmer months. The kid-friendly Lurie Garden is the perfect place for them to explore nature, especially native Midwest flora. They'll love playing near the Crown Fountain come summertime, and the famous Cloud Gate Sculpture (also known as "the Bean") is the perfect place for silly photos. 

Getting In: Admission to Millennium Park is free.

Save up to 50% on kid-friendly Chicago attractions  

Planning your Chicago trip? With Go City®, you can explore big-name landmarks, local hotspots, and epic tours, all on one pass, all for one price. Not only that, but you'll enjoy savings of up to 50%, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.  

☀️See all Chicago attractions ☀️ – 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 – ✈️ Buy a Chicago pass ✈️ 

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Male lion at Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago
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Lincoln Park Zoo vs. Brookfield Zoo Comparison of Chicago Zoos

Love animals? Well, of course you do! After all, you’re not some sort of monster, right? Right? Why else would you have landed up on a blog comparing two of Chicago’s best animal attractions? Unless, of course, you’re planning some sort of Madagascar-style breakout. In which case, there’s nothing to see here. Move along, you’ve come to the wrong place. For the rest of you – lovers of adorable aardvarks, cute crocs and bewitching bears – we have exactly what you’re looking for. Take a walk on the wild side with us as we take a look at what to expect from Chicago’s Brookfield and Lincoln Park Zoos… Lincoln Park Zoo Name. This one’s fairly self-explanatory: it’s named after the President-referencing Chicago park in which it’s located, a huge tract of parkland on the shores of Lake Michigan that’s also home to a nature museum, a history museum and a conservatory. Age. Lincoln Park Zoo was established in 1868, making it one of the oldest zoos in North America. What to expect at Lincoln Park Zoo. At the risk of stating the obvious, Lincoln Park Zoo is perhaps best known for its animals. Many animals. Big animals. Little animals. Hairy animals. Scaly animals. Animals of all stripes, in other words. We’re talking over 1,000 critters across 200 species, including critically endangered eastern black rhinoceroses, dangerously cute American black bears, lovable two-tailed sloths, ultra-rare Jamaican iguanas, and a chimp named Optimus Prime, to name just a few. Lincoln Park zoo is also an accredited arboretum, boasting 850 plant species, including the only perennial herbaceous hibiscus collection in the United States. There are multiple exhibits to explore and regular activities like penguin-feeding, polar bear care and giraffe training. Best of all, it's free. That’s right: entry to Lincoln Park Zoo costs nothing. It’s free, it’s gratis, and it won’t cost you a dime! Getting in. Opening hours are generally 10AM-5PM with late opening until 7PM on weekends. The zoo is open 365 days a year and… entry is always freeee! More info here. Vital Statistics Size. A relatively diminutive 35 acres. Number of animals. Around 1,100 animals representing 200 species. Number of exhibits. There are around 15 exhibits, including an Arctic tundra for the polar bears, a macaque forest, a seal pool, a reptile enclosure and a petting zoo. Places to eat and drink. Four. Annual visitors. Around 3.4 million. Why Choose Lincoln Park Zoo? It's centrally located, just 20 minutes north of downtown. Its relatively small size means you can combine a trip here with other nearby attractions – among them the beautiful Lincoln Park Conservatory and North Avenue Beach. Penguin feeding! Giraffe training! Cute miniature train! Endangered species carousel! It’s one of few places on the planet you can encounter critically endangered eastern black rhinoceroses and the stately Jamaican iguana, believed to be extinct in the wild. Did we mention it’s FREE? Brookfield Zoo Name. Brookfield Zoo Chicago (to give it its full Sunday name) is also known as the Chicago Zoological Park. Or just plain Brookfield Zoo to its friends. Age. Brookfield Zoo is officially a nonagenarian: it first opened its gates on July 1, 1934. What to expect at Brookfield Zoo. One thing’s for sure: you’ll do a lot more walking at Brookfield, so wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water and snacks. Located out in the ‘burbs west of the city, this huge expanse of parkland is home to thousands of animals, from cute and cuddly koalas to showboating frilled lizards, Andean cock-of-the-rocks, and colorful butterflies. Say g’day to wombats, kangas, kookaburras and other Antipodean animals in the Australia zone, get up close to endangered black rhinos at the pachyderm exhibit and ogle Day-Glo pythons and poison frogs in the reptile enclosure. The zoo also has several fairground-style rides including a Ferris wheel, a hand-carved menagerie carousel, and virtual reality wildlife experiences. You can also rest weary legs aboard the motor safari and enjoy various up close encounters with animals (playtime with the macaws, shark-feeding and so on). Extra charges apply for all rides and animal encounters. Getting in. The zoo is open 9.3AM to 6PM daily. You can buy tickets for general admission, plus parking, special events and rides, here. Vital Statistics Size. At a whopping 235 acres, it’s somewhat larger than Lincoln Park Zoo.  Number of animals. Unsurprisingly, a space this size also houses more critters. About three times the number, in fact, at 3,500 animals and more than 500 species.  Number of exhibits. Eighteen zones, including wolves in the woods, a seasonal butterfly enclosure, a rainforest where clouded leopards are stars of the show, and a penguin pool. Places to eat and drink. Twelve: everything from burgers and tacos to gourmet popcorn and snow cones. Annual visitors. Around 2.2 million. Why Choose Brookfield Zoo? Despite its suburban location, Brookfield Zoo is a fairly easy 20-30-minute drive from downtown Chicago. With more than 3,500 critters to meet, plus rides, add-on experiences and more, there’s plenty to keep kids and grown-ups entertained here for a whole day – or longer! Cute koalas! Beautiful butterflies! Immersive virtual reality wildlife experiences! A Ferris wheel! Multiple restaurants and snack bars mean even the most bear-like appetites can be satisfied with ease. Save on Chicago Tours, Activities and Attractions Did you know you can save up to 50% on dozens of bucket-list Chicago tours, activities and attractions with a pass from Go City? Well, now you do! Choose from an Explorer or All-Inclusive pass depending on your sightseeing style and unlock access to the 360 Chicago observation deck, Navy Pier Ferris wheel and rides, Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum and many more. Find out more about the Explorer and All-Inclusive options and bag your Go Chicago pass here!
Stuart Bak
The Field Museum in Chicago.
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Shedd Aquarium Vs Field Museum Comparison

You like animals, right? Of course you do! What kind of monster doesn’t go all gooey at the sight of cute kitties, playful pups and adorable aardvarks? Well, good news: Chicago has animals in spades. We’re talking Lincoln Park and Brookfield zoos, dedicated dog parks, cat cafés and, more specifically, critters both alive and dead at, respectively, the mighty Shedd Aquarium and the Field Museum of Natural History. These Museum Campus giants are two of Chicago’s biggest, best and most popular attractions, but how do they compare against one other? We got to know their resident critters (and other key exhibits) to find out... Shedd Aquarium Vs Field Museum: A Short History First opened way back in 1930, this vast, purpose-built aquarium was for many years the largest indoor facility of its kind in the world. Almost a century later, it remains one of the biggest and most-visited aquariums in the States, welcoming over two million visitors every year. The aquarium, bankrolled by retail magnate and philanthropist John G.Shedd back in the 1920s, doubled in size in the late 20th and early 21st centuries with the addition of the vast Abbott Oceanarium and Wild Reef. As of today, it holds around 32,000 animals across 1,500 species including fish, marine mammals, amphibians, birds, snakes and insects. In 1987, it was declared a National Historic Landmark. Quirky fact: Shedd Aquarium was home to an enigmatic lungfish named Granddad who arrived at the facility for the 1933-34 Chicago World’s Fair and remained there until his death in 2017, claiming the title of longest-living fish in a zoological environment. Whether he was born with the name Granddad or had the moniker bestowed in his twilight years is unconfirmed. The Shedd Aquarium was actually built as a companion attraction to its older sibling the Field Museum, a natural history museum conceived around exhibits acquired from the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair and opened in 1894. The museum was largely funded by entrepreneur and department store magnate Marshall Field, John G. Shedd’s mentor. It was, and remains, one of the biggest and best natural history museums on the planet, drawing in around two million visitors annually to a collection of some 40 million specimens and artifacts that includes – deep breath – animal dioramas, dinosaur skeletons, meteorite fragments, Ancient Egyptian mummies and a vast library. Quirky fact: the phrase ‘the customer is always right’ is attributed to OG museum benefactor Marshall Field. Shedd Aquarium: What to See and Do You’ll want to dedicate at least a half day to exploring this massive aquarium, with its multiple showcases of aquatic habitats from around the globe in zones including the Caribbean Reef, the Oceanarium and Amazon Rising. Daily shows and presentations allow you to learn more about the many thousands of critters here; you can even book behind the scenes tours and close encounters with some of the animals. Must-see highlights include... The Abbott Oceanarium Not just any old oceanarium, the Abbott is the planet’s biggest. This fabulous coastal ecosystem contains three million gallons of water and is home to majestic marine mammals including beluga whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins, sea lions and sea otters. The lower level allows you to observe these graceful animals in their natural habitat. Amazon Rising Step inside this flooded forest exhibit to get up close and personal with some of the most exotic, colorful and downright dangerous creatures in the Americas. We’re talking red-bellied piranhas, emerald green boas, dwarf caimans and electric blue poison dart frogs. Caribbean Reef Take a peep into the huge rotunda-style tank, inside which cownose rays hang out with endangered green sea turtles, bonnethead sharks cruise up to the glass to peer right back at you, and schools of colorful tropical fish including angelfish, butterflyfish and parrotfish paint rainbows in the water. Polar Play Zone Penguin suits, a mini submarine and an icy-cold touch pool make the Polar Play Zone great fun for kids. There are also (real) penguins, friendly belugas, cute sea otters and otherworldly moon jellies to keep everyone entertained. Yes, even the least-easily-impressed teen. Field Museum: What to See and Do So, if you’ve spend half a day at the Shedd Aquarium, surely the logical thing to do is pop next door and spend the other half at the Field Museum, am I right? That said, the sheer variety of things to look at here means no visit can ever really be long enough. There’s 4.6 billion years of history in the massive collection – that’s even older than some US presidents! We’re talking ancient meteorite fossils, a menagerie of stuffed animals (some of them quite famous!), Ancient Egyptian mummies and the largest, most complete T Rex skeleton ever discovered. Must-see highlights include... Inside Ancient Egypt Learn about how the Ancient Egyptians lived – and died – in this utterly fascinating exhibit. Step inside an authentic burial chamber and try to stifle a shiver as you come face to mummified face with the preserved remains of 23 humans and 30 animals. Floor-to-ceiling heiroglyphs, scenes from the Nile River Valley and a shrine to the cat-goddess Bastet add to the chilly atmosphere. The Dynamic Dino Duo Probably the most Instagrammed pieces in the entire collection, Sue the T Rex and her even larger companion Máximo, an aptly named titanosaur, are absolute must-sees on any visit. You’ll find Sue terrorizing visitors in The Griffin Halls of Evolving Planet and her somewhat more placid plant-eating pal towering over the Stanley Field Hall, where he stands at a whopping 28 feet tall and 122 feet long. That’s even longer than your average blue whale, fact fans! Animal Antics The Field Museum boasts some of the most realistic animal dioramas on the planet, with many considered to be artistic masterpieces. Check out Carl Akeley’s celebrated Four Seasons diorama, a large-scale exhibit depicting wild white-tailed deer across the seasons of the year. You can also meet the fearsome man-eating lions of Tsavo and a polar bear protecting her cubs. Fast facts: Shedd Aquarium Tickets An All-Inclusive attraction pass from Go City includes general admission and saves you money when visiting multiple attractions in Chicago. Buy a 1, 2, 3 or 5-day pass to access as many attractions as you like in that time period, including the Field Museum, Adler Planetarium and Museum of Contemporary Art. You can book tickets for general admission as well as experiences including shark-feeding and sea otter encounters via the Shedd Aquarium website. Opening Hours Generally open daily from 9AM to 5PM daily, with some seasonal variation. Check the calendar on the Shedd Aquarium website for the most up-to-date information. Getting There Both the Shedd Aquarium and Field Museum are in Chicago’s Museum Campus. Get there via Chicago’s Lakefront Trail and park up your bike in dedicated racks at the East and West entrances. Buses 130 and 146 also service the museum and paid parking is available at several locations on campus. Fast facts: Field Museum Tickets You can buy tickets with add-ons including a 3D movie plus access to ticketed exhibitions direct from the Field Museum website. Alternatively, an attraction pass from Go City includes general admission plus one ticketed exhibition at the Field Museum, as well saving you money when visiting multiple attractions such as the Skydeck Chicago and the Museum of Science and Industry. Opening Hours Open daily from 9AM to 5PM, with last admission at 4PM. Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Save on attractions in Chicago Save on admission to Chicago attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak

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