Chicago with kids is inexpensive, easy to traverse, and full of attractions. I fell in love with Chicago on my first visit over 20 years ago and have returned many times since. I also enjoy sharing my passion for Chicago with my children. Check out my selections for the top ten activities in Chicago. Whether it’s your first or tenth visit, I’m sure you’ll enjoy touring one of my favourite cities.
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- Millennium Park
City trips can be quite costly for families. Exploring Chicago with kids can be affordable, thanks to free admission to some of the city’s most popular outdoor attractions. Start with Millennium Park, which hosts free music concerts, outdoor cinema screenings, and seasonal festivals. Then, stroll through the park’s beautiful gardens. When it’s time to cool down, head to the world-famous Crown Fountain for some splashing fun.
- Shedd Aquarium
When visiting Chicago with children, a trip to the gigantic Shedd Aquarium is a must. The aquatic spectacles in the amphitheatre, which display the talents of dolphins and beluga whales, will delight children. Make children eager to visit Shedd with Edward and Annie in A Penguin Adventure. Two beautiful penguins wander across the aquarium in this book.
- Chicago museum
First-time Visitors to Chicago may be the city’s enough of museums designed for children and interested learners. Sue the Tyrannosaurus Rex, the Field Museum’s famous occupant, will delight natural history enthusiasts. Space lovers go to the Adler Planetarium, the first in the Western Hemisphere to open its doors. And, while the Museum of Science and Industry is a little further away from the other Chicago attractions, it’s a fantastic interactive museum with hands-on exhibits.
- The Art Institute of Chicago
Every time I visit Chicago with my children, I make a point of visiting the Art Institute of it, which is one of the world’s best art museums. A tour through the museum’s extensive collection of impressionist paintings and exhibitions covering art from America, Africa, Asia, and beyond will inspire young painters. Before exploring, guests can pick up audio guides tailored for children aged 5 to 10. If your kids can’t get enough, you can always return because the entrance is always free for children under the age of 14.
- Navy Pier
Navy Pier is one of Chicago’s most famous attractions for good reason: it’s amazing! The 150-foot Centennial Wheel soars above Pier Park, providing an exciting ride. There’s also plenty to do if the weather isn’t cooperating or if you’re visiting it with children. Depending on the season, visit the Chicago Children’s Museum to chill down or warm up. There, your family may explore three floors of amazing activities for kids aged 10 and under. Navy Pier is a short walk from Michigan Avenue, or you can ride one of the city’s free trolleys that go from the street below Michigan Avenue to the pier.
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- Chicago Architecture River cruise
A sightseeing boat down the Chicago River is an enjoyable way to spend an hour or two. Some boats even venture out onto Lake Michigan to see the city’s skyline. You might think that an architecture boat tour would not be appealing to children, but my daughter enjoyed the cruise. The engaging remarks and upbeat tour guide contributed to her decision! Reserve your it Architecture River Cruise today!
- Shopping
Many visitors to Chicago come for endless shopping opportunities. A word of caution: if you have young daughters, it will be hard to visit it without visiting American Girl Place. You might as well enjoy the ride! There’s also a LEGO Store outside the second-level entrance for families with boys who can’t handle all the extreme girliness. Of course, there are plenty of stores along the Magnificent Mile to appease Mum and Dad!
- 360 Chicago Observation Deck
The 360 Chicago Observation Deck offers a bird’s-eye view of Chicago. The scene of the bustling Navy Pier below impressed my kid. Look up to view the Willis Tower, which towers over it. Before it was with its current name, it was the Sears Tower. Here’s an interesting fact for your youngsters. Willis Tower was before the tallest structure in the Western Hemisphere.
That is until New York’s One World Trade Centre staked its claim. The 103rd-floor Willis Tower Skydeck is a few blocks away from the 360 Chicago Observation Deck. Families can enjoy breathtaking vistas spanning four states from here. Are you feeling brave? Step out onto The Ledge, a four-foot-long glass balcony that extends from the building’s side. Try not to tremble as you gaze out over Chicago from almost 1,300 feet in the air.
- Chicago’s deep-dish pizza
Traditional cuisines are generally associated with a destination, and visitors are to savour them. To get a taste of this city’s iconic dish, try Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. I have a confession to make. I had never tried Chicago’s legendary pizza during any of my travels with my children! I know, it’s shocking. I went to Gino’s East and found out what all the hype was about. Parents can rejoice that Chicago’s iconic meal is one that even picky children will enjoy. Do you want more options? Take a look at these Chicago restaurants recommended by reviewers for their deep-dish pizza. Sign up for a Chicago food tour to sample even more of the city’s cuisine.
- Chicago ballgame
Families who enjoy sports are in luck. It is home to many teams, as well as seasonal sporting events and attractions. My family enjoys going to Cubs and White Sox games. My most memorable sports experience, though, was our recent trip of Wrigley Field. We had a fantastic time learning about the history of this legendary ballpark. During this behind-the-scenes tour, there was an endless supply of it sports trivia and fun facts. For a baseball lover like me, it doesn’t get any better than that!
The land of Chicago is a perfect destination for your vacation so book a cheap flight ticket now.
