Chicago is a great family destination, offering a variety of activities for kids and adults to enjoy. From exciting attractions to delicious restaurants, there is something for everyone. While traveling with young children can be a challenge, there are numerous family-friendly activities in the city that will make your trip an unforgettable one. Here is a look at the top fifteen child-friendly activities, five child-friendly restaurants, three places to stay, an outdoor activity, and an indoor activity in Chicago.
Top 15 Child Friendly Activities
1. Shedd Aquarium: The Shedd Aquarium is a great place to explore the wonders of the ocean. Kids can learn about different species of fish, mammals, and reptiles, as well as get up close and personal with some of the animals. There are also interactive exhibits and a 4D movie theater to keep the kids entertained.
2. Navy Pier: Navy Pier is a great place to take the kids for a day of fun. From the ferris wheel and carousel, to the IMAX theater and the Chicago Children’s Museum, there’s something for everyone. The pier also has many restaurants and shops to explore.
3. Lincoln Park Zoo: The Lincoln Park Zoo is a great place to take the kids to see some of their favorite animals. Kids can learn about the different species of animals and explore the grounds, as well as participate in interactive activities.
4. Chicago Children’s Museum: The Chicago Children’s Museum is a great place to take the kids for a fun-filled day of learning and exploration. Kids can explore different interactive exhibits, participate in hands-on activities, and take part in art projects.
5. The Field Museum: The Field Museum is a great place to take the kids to learn about different cultures and explore the natural world. Kids can learn about different cultures and explore the exhibits, as well as watch live performances.
6. Millennium Park: Millennium Park is a great place to take the kids to explore and have fun. Kids can enjoy the interactive art installations, the outdoor music venue, the ice skating rink, and the outdoor play area.
7. Museum of Science and Industry: The Museum of Science and Industry is a great place to take the kids to explore and learn about science and technology. Kids can explore the different exhibits, participate in hands-on activities, and watch live demonstrations.
8. Adler Planetarium: The Adler Planetarium is a great place to take the kids to explore the wonders of the night sky. Kids can explore the exhibits, watch live shows, and take part in interactive activities.
9. Skydeck Chicago: Skydeck Chicago is a great place to take the kids to get a bird’s eye view of the city. Kids can explore the observatory and get an up-close view of the city, as well as take part in interactive activities.
10. Chicago Theatre: The Chicago Theatre is a great place to take the kids for a night of live entertainment. Kids can watch live shows, participate in interactive activities, and explore the theatre.
11. Lincoln Park Conservatory: The Lincoln Park Conservatory is a great place to take the kids to explore the natural world. Kids can explore the gardens, participate in hands-on activities, and learn about different plants and flowers.
12. Maggie Daley Park: Maggie Daley Park is a great place to take the kids to explore and have fun. Kids can explore the playgrounds, take part in interactive activities, and participate in sports and games.
13. Garfield Park Conservatory: The Garfield Park Conservatory is a great place to take the kids to explore and learn about the natural world. Kids can explore the gardens, participate in hands-on activities, and watch live performances.
14. Chicago History Museum: The Chicago History Museum is a great place to take the kids to explore the city’s past. Kids can explore the exhibits, take part in interactive activities, and watch live performances.
15. The Art Institute of Chicago: The Art Institute of Chicago is a great place to take the kids for a day of exploration and learning. Kids can explore the different exhibits, take part in hands-on activities, and watch live performances.
Top 5 Child Friendly Restaurants
1. The Little Beet Table: This fast casual restaurant is a great place to take the kids for a healthy and delicious meal. Kids can enjoy a variety of dishes, including gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, with friendly staff and a menu that caters to all tastes. Reviewers love the fresh ingredients and delicious flavors.
2. Little Goat Diner: This diner is a great place to take the kids for a family-friendly meal. Kids can enjoy a variety of dishes, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed, with a menu that caters to all tastes. Reviewers love the delicious food and friendly service.
3. Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits: This fast casual restaurant is a great place to take the kids for a delicious and comforting meal. Kids can enjoy a variety of dishes, including biscuits, salads, and sandwiches. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, with a menu that caters to all tastes. Reviewers love the delicious food and friendly staff.
4. The Publican: This sit-down restaurant is a great place to take the kids for a unique dining experience. Kids can enjoy a variety of dishes, including American and European-inspired cuisine. The atmosphere is lively and inviting, with a menu that caters to all tastes. Reviewers love the fresh ingredients and delicious flavors.
5. The Allis: This fine dining restaurant is a great place to take the kids for a special occasion. Kids can enjoy a variety of dishes, including steak, seafood, and pasta. The atmosphere is elegant and inviting, with a menu that caters to all tastes. Reviewers love the delicious food and attentive service.
Top 3 Hotels or Places to Stay
1. Luxury Option: The Peninsula Chicago is a great place to stay for a luxury experience. This five-star hotel is located in the heart of the city and offers an array of amenities to make your stay a memorable one. Reviewers love the spacious rooms, attentive staff, and prime location.
2. Family Friendly Option: The Hyatt Place Chicago is a great place to stay for a family-friendly experience. This hotel is conveniently located near many of the city’s attractions and offers a variety of amenities to make your stay comfortable. Reviewers love the clean rooms, friendly staff, and convenient location.
3. Budget or Value Option: The Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago is a great place to stay for a budget-friendly experience. This hotel is conveniently located near many of the city’s attractions and offers a variety of amenities to make your stay comfortable. Reviewers love the clean rooms, friendly staff, and affordable rates.
Top Outdoor Activity
The Riverwalk is a great place to take the kids for a family-friendly outdoor activity. This paved walkway runs along the Chicago River and is perfect for biking, walking, or just enjoying the views. Kids can explore the parks, take part in interactive activities, and watch live performances. Reviewers love the beautiful scenery, the abundance of activities, and the friendly atmosphere.
Top Indoor Activity
The Museum of Science and Industry is a great place to take the kids for a fun-filled day of exploration and learning. Kids can explore the different exhibits, participate in hands-on activities, and watch live demonstrations. Reviewers love the interactive exhibits and the variety of activities to choose from.
General Information
Overall, Chicago is an excellent destination for families looking to explore and have fun. The city is filled with child-friendly activities and restaurants, and there are plenty of places to stay to fit any budget. The best months to visit are June through August, when the city is alive with outdoor activities and festivals. The best way to get around the city is by public transportation, which is safe and reliable. The top neighborhoods for families to visit are the Loop, Lincoln Park, and Wicker Park, which are all filled with attractions, restaurants, and activities.
Traveling to Chicago with young children can be a great experience, but there are some pros and cons to consider. One of the pros of traveling to Chicago with young children is that there are so many child-friendly activities to choose from. From the Shedd Aquarium to the Chicago Children’s Museum and everything in between, there is something for everyone. Another pro is the variety of child-friendly restaurants, which offer delicious and healthy options for kids.
On the other hand, one of the cons of traveling to Chicago with young children is the cost. Chicago is an expensive city and the cost of lodging, food, and activities can add up quickly. Another con is the weather, which can be unpredictable and can make outdoor activities difficult.
Overall, traveling to Chicago with young children can be a great experience. With the variety of child-friendly activities and restaurants to choose from, as well as the abundance of places to stay, families can have an unforgettable trip.
