Chicago, Illinois

Chicago's museums, many of which have specialized kid-friendly exhibits, make it a fun and interesting destination for kids. Add Millenium park, the Navy Pier, the beach, and a new indoor Legoland, and you'll find a destination that the whole family will love.

For information about local family-friendly events, visit Dancing Meatballs

Jump to activities, hotels, shopping, restaurants, and hospitals.

½ Day Family Itineraries

Lincoln Park With Kids

Chicago Loop & Millennium Park With Kids

Millennium Park With Kids

Chicago's Near North Side & Miracle Mile With Kids

Activities

American Girl Place

Address 835 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611 Map, Tel 1-877-247-5223, Hours Open daily Website

If your child collects American Girl Dolls, a visit to the American Girl Place will be a very special experience. The store offers shopping, a cafe where children can have lunch with their dolls, a hair salon, and a theatre with live musicals. There is also a doll hospital where ...

Architecture River Cruise (CAF - Chicago Architecture Foundation)

Address Michigan Avenue & Wacker Drive, Chicago Map, Tel 312.922.3432, Duration 90-minute, Cost $28-$30, Location Look for our blue awning marking the stairway entrance., Reservations Recommended (especially on weekends) Website

The Architecture River Cruise was a hi-light of my trip to Chicago. Each guide is a certified Architect who volunteers their time to give these tours. They do a fabulous job of sharing the drama of Chicago's skyline.

Art Institute of Chicago

Address 111 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL Map, Tel 312-443-3600, Hours Daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's days, Cost Adults: $12; Kids 12-18 $7; Under 12 Free Website

The Curators at the Art Institute have gone to extra effort to make the museum fun for kids. Ask at the information desk for one of the several booklets designed to help kids enjoy the museum, or start your visit down at the Kraft Education Center where kids can touch ...

Chicago History Museum

Address 1601 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL Map, Tel 312-642-4600, Website

Where else can you make your mom into a hot dog, complete with condiments? (See picture at Minnemom.) The "Sensing Chicago" area was a hit with the kids.

Children's Museum

Address 700 E. Grand Avenue, #127, Chicago, IL 60611 Map, Tel 312.527.1000, Open 7-days, Cost $9.00 for ages 1+ Website

While the Chicago Children's museum isn't as extensive as the DuPage Children's Museum in nearby Naperville, it is a fun choice on a bad-weather day. There is a huge water-play area (bring extra clothes) and a very fun hands- on building area where kids can build their ...

Daley Bicentennial Plaza in Millenium Park

Address 337 E Randolf St, Chicago Map, Website

It's no suprise that Millennium park has one of the newest playgrounds in the city. The plaza also has a fitness center, locker rooms and tennis courts. During the winter there is also ice skating.

DuPage Children's Museum

Address 301 N. Washington St., Naperville, IL Map, Tel 630-637-8000, Website

This is a great hands-on museum. There are several baby/toddler areas throughout the museum. Our older kids' favorites were the water area, the workshop with real tools, and the music area. Restrooms are convenient. It's a fun place for kids.

Field Museum of Natural History

Address 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL Map, Tel 312-922-9410, Hours 9am-5pm Daily, Reservations Purchase online or consider a Membership which may save money for larger families. Website

The Field Museum was founded in 1893 to house biological collections, and is widely regarded as one of the finest museums of its kind in the world. Inside you'll find "Sue," the largest and most complete T.Rex anywhere, an exhaustive collection of Native American Art, and countless exhibits ...

Graue Mill

Address 3800 S. York Road, Oak Brook, IL Map, Tel 630-655-2090, Website

We were there on a special event day, when they had scavenger hunts for the kids, and our oldest son got to go behind the scenes and help run the mill. There's a park nearby, and walking paths along the creek, making it a very peaceful visit.

Jazz Showcase

Address 47 W. Polk Street, Chicago, IL 60605 Map, Tel (312) 360-0234, Hours Sunday 4pm Matinee show is a good time to bring children, Cost Under 12 free; Adults $30. Cash only. Website

Located in the historic Dearborn Station, the Jazz Showcase is a particularly good place to introduce children to Jazz. The venue is able to attract top-notch talent on a regular basis. During the club's 4pm Sunday matinees, all ages are admitted, and kids under 12 are free. For adults ...

LEGOLAND Discovery Centre

Address 601 N. Martingale Rd, Schaumburg, IL Map, Tel 866-929-8111, Location "The Streets of Woodfield" shopping center next to Woodfield Mall, Cost Adult $19.00, Child $15.00, ages 2 and under Free, Hours Open daily except for Christmas Day, Transit Take the CTA Blue Line train to the Rosemont Station. Transfer to the Route 606 Pace Bus to Woodfield Mall. Take the Free Schaumburg Woodfield Trolley to the Streets of Woodfield stop. Website

The LEGOLAND Discovery Cener is the first indoor legoland in the US. There are a variety of lego-related activities, from intricate models to a mini factory and a "model builder's workshop" where kids can build to their heart's content. There is also a play area where kids can ...

Lincoln Park Zoo

Address 2001 N. Clark St., Chicago Map, Tel 312-742-2000, Cost Free, Open 365 days Website

The Lincoln Park Zoo prides itself on offering something for everyone, from animal exhibits to paddleboats to spray fountains and even a carousel. The hilight for our city-living family, though, was the small farm within the zoo where my kids got to feed the cows, visit a Pig and her ...

Millennium Park

Address 201 E. Randolph Street, Chicago Map, Tel (312) 742-1168, Hours Daily 6am-11pm, Cost Free Website

Millennium Park is the heart of Chicago's outdoor life. During the summer, expect to find outdoor music or to stroll through the park and enjoy public art displays and incredible architecture. Kid will love playing in the water at the Crown Fountain towers and will be enthralled with the ...

Museum of Science and Industry

Address 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL Map, Tel 773-684-1414, Hours Open every day except Christmas, Cost Adult $13 Child 3-11: $9.00 Child 2 and under Free; Extra fee for Omnimax and other special exhibits Website

The Idea Factory is a wonderful kids' hands-on area, but our children also liked the U-505 submarine, the Pioneer Zephyr train, the farm exhibit, the model railroad, and more. There's kid-friendly food in the cafe area. This is a must-see for us each time we're in Chicago.

Navy Pier

Address Navy Pier, Chicago Map, Tel 312.595.PIER, Hours Open 7 days Website

It's crowded and heavily touristed, but for many people, a trip to the Navy Pier is a quintessential part of any family trip to Chicago. There is a 150-foot-high Ferris wheel, an old fashioned carousel, and a wide variety of family friendly museums located here. The Chicago Children's ...

North Avenue Beach

Address North Avenue Beach, Chicago Map, Tel 312.742.7529,

Bring some buckets and shovels (or buy them at one of the nearby shops) to this very crowded beach for a welcome break from the city. Once you are done here, walk south along the lakefront path for beautiful views of the city.

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Address 2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago, IL 60614 Map, Tel (773) 755-5100, Website

This museum is all about getting kids engaged with nature at their own level. The butterfly haven is a colorful and warm respite from cold chicago winters, and the indoor water play area and "habitat" playground let kids run and play even when the weather is terrible outside. For us ...

Sears Tower Skydeck

Address 233 S Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL Map, Tel 312-875-9447, Hours Open Daily. Less crowded after 5pm Website

A fast elevator ride, great views of the city, and the Knee-High Chicago exhibit on the inside walls that is interesting for kids and adults.

Seneca Playlot Park

Address 228 E Chicago Ave, Chicago Map, Website

Seneca Park, which features a shaded lawn, is a nice place for a picnic. There is also a functional (if unimpressive) play area.

Shedd Aquarium

Address 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL Map, Tel 312-939-2438, Website

This aquarium features a number of really amazing exhibits! Make sure not to miss the Dolphin show in the Oceanarium.

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Hotels

Raffello Hotel

Address 201 E Delaware Pl, Chicago, IL 60611 Map, Tel (312) 601-8610, WIFI Fee Website

This well located hotel is just a few blocks from Michigan Avenue's tony shopping, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the lovely Seneca playground. At the time of our visit in Fall 2008, the hotel had just undergone a major renovation. Suites and standard rooms are very spacious, but ...

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Restaurants

Avec

Address 615 W. Randolph St, Chicago Map, Tel 31-377-2002, Hours Open daily from 3:30pm Website

So you've hired a sitter for the evening, but didn't have a chance to make dinner reservations? Avec is the perfect place for busy parents who need a grown up meal. The restaurant doesn't accept reservations, but serves a nice selection of wines in a standing bar ...

Fox and Obel

Address 401 E Illinois Street, Chicago Map, Tel 312-410-7310, Hours 6am-Midnight Daily Website

Fox and Obel, Chicago's premiere food market, is the perfect place to pick up a picnic lunch. In the cafe you'll find cold and hot sandwiches, salads and pizza. You can pick up a variety of sides in the market too.

Frontera Fresco

Address 111 North State Street,Chicago, IL 60602 Map, Location 7th floor of Macy's State Street, Hours Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Closed Sun, Cost Everything is priced under $7.50

Celebrity chef Rick Bayless makes his award winning Mexican food available to families with this casual restaurant located inside Macy's food court. Our Cuban pulled pork sandwich was flavorful and packed huge chunks of fresh avocado. The corn chowder was hearty and had the slightly sweet flavor that only ...

Frontera Grill

Address 445 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60610 Map, Tel 312.661.1434, Transit El Red Line to Grand, Hours Lunch & Dinner Tues-Sat Website

Celebrity chef Rick Bayless makes his award winning Mexican food available to families with this casual restaraunt. In contrast to much of the food you'll eat in Chicago, Frontera's Mexican food is light and healthy. Expect to find dishes like Enchiladas de Chivo (goat mole enchiladas) and Poc ...

Garrett Popcorn

Address 26 West Randolph, Chicago, IL 60601 Map, Tel 312.201.0455, Open Daily Website

Garret Popcorn sells fresh hot-air popped premium-quality Popcorn, CaramelCrisp and CheeseCorn. This delicious popcorn is no secret. It has been featured twice on Oprah's "Favorite Things" and you should expect to wait in line for a bag. Order a mix of CaramelCrisp and CheeseCorn for a sweet and salty ...

Gold Coast Dogs

Address 159 N. Wabash, Chicago, IL Map, Tel (312) 917-1677, Website

Gold Coast Dogs routinely wins awards as Chicago's Best Hot Dog restaurant, and since Hot Dogs are one of the foods Chicago is known for, you won't feel like you are taking the easy way out by bringing them here. I particularly like the Gold Coast Char Polish ...

Heaven On Seven - Rush Street

Address 600 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611 Map, Tel 312.280.7774, Hours Brunch Sat & Sun; Lunch & dinner daily, Entrance Rush & Ohio; 2nd floor Website

This well-known cajun restaraunt serves a wide variety of po-boy sandwiches and other delicacies like fried green tomatoes and grits. The atmosphere is casual enough for kids and carry-out is available

Heaven On Seven - Wabash

Address 111 N. Wabash, Chicago Map, Tel (312) 263-6443, Hours Breakfast and Lunch Mon-Sat Website

This popular and casual Cajun restaurant is a great place to bring kids. The Po Boy sandwiches are a delight for grown-ups, but there's also a fun children's menu including items like mini-corn dogs and cheese grits. Our kids also loved the eclectic decor

Hot Doug's

Address 3324 North California, Chicago, IL 60618 Map, Hours Mon-Sat 10:30-4pm; Closed Holidays Website

One of the things I love about Chicago is that the local foods I am "supposed" to seek out and eat are exactly aligned with the types of foods my kids love. Hot Doug's, which bills itself as "The Sausage Superstore and Encased Meat Emporium," is no exception. Hot ...

L'Appetito

Address 875 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1330, Chicago Map, Tel 312.337.0691, Hours Open Daily, Location Bottom floor of John Hancock Tower Website

This small deli boasts some of the best italian sandwiches in the city. With options like pizza and pasta it also makes a great choice for kids. The fast service makes this a good choice with kids too... just at the counter and then bring your food to one of ...

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria - Bucktown

Address 1520 N. Damen Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622 Map, Tel 773.395.2400, Hours M-Th Dinner only F-Sun lunch & dinner Website

Many consider this the "gold standard" for Chicago style deep dish pizza. Your best bet is the cheese and sausage pizza. Delivery is also available.

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria - Lincoln Park

Address 958 W. Wrightwood, Chicago, IL 60614 Map, Tel 773.832.4030, Hours Lunch F-Sun; Dinner daily Website

Many consider this the "gold standard" for Chicago style deep dish pizza. Your best bet is the cheese and sausage pizza.

Mon Ami Gabi

Address 2300 N Lincoln Park W, Chicago, IL 60614 Map, Tel 773.348.8886, Website

This classic French Bistro, just at the edge of the park, is a good choice for well-behaved kids and grownups. Crepes and quiches or french fries work well as menu choices for kids. The steak dishes are very popular for adults.

Mr Beef

Address 666 N Orleans St, Chicago, IL 60610 Map, Tel 312.337.8500, Closed Sunday, Tranist El Red Line to Grand

Mr Beef is basically a fast-food stand, which makes it perfect for kids. Don't let the atmosphere fool you thought, Mr. Beef serves slow-roasted beef drenched in natural gravy worthy of its Chicago roots (and the stars whose pictures hang on the walls). Restaraunt reviewers fawn over the Italian ...

Nookies, Too

Address 2114 N. Halsted Street, Chicago IL 60614 Map, Tel 773.327.1400, Locations See website for Lakeview and Old Town locations, Hours Open 7 days for breakfast and lunch; 24 hours on Friday and Saturday Website

This casual restaurant focuses on simple, but excellent food. My ricotta stuffed french toast was light and fluffy, and covered in fresh berries. Waffles and pancakes too were far better than average diner fare. This is the kind of restaurant that makes you feel like you've joined the neighborhood ...

Portillo’s Hot Dogs

Address 100 W Ontario St, Chicago, IL Map, Tel Various, Locations Visit website for other locations Website

So, you’re longing for a plump, juicy dog with all the toppings, and good, old Oscar Mayer isn’t cutting it? Portillo’s Hot Dogs is a safe bet to satisfy your cravings and simultaneously keep little appetites at bay. The burger and dog joint boats the atmosphere of ...

R. J. Grunts

Address 2056 N. Lincoln Park, Chicago Map, Tel 773.929.5363, Open Lunch and Dinner daily Website

This popular restaraunt serves huge hamburgers, onion rings and milkshakes. The salad bar has an incredible selection, and the decor, which hasn't been updated since the restaraunt opened in the early 70's is a step back in time

Whole Foods Gold Coast

Address 30 West Huron St, Chicago, Illinois 60654 Map, Website

Whole Foods Markets are always a great place to pick up healthy snacks and breakfast items at grocery store prices (instead of concession stand prices). I also enjoy the selection of local cheeses, baked goods and other items... as a parent, it's hard to make it out to all ...

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Shopping

Building Blocks Toy Store

Address 3306 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60657 Map, Tel (773) 525-6200, Transit Paulina (Brown), Hours Mon-Fri 10-7; Sat 9:30-6:; Sun 9:30-5

This old fashioned toy store focuses on toys without a lot of flashing lights. Expect to find handcarved wooden blocks, Playmobil, Corelle, and more.

Camelot Children's Kingdom

Address 1155 N State St, Chicago, IL 60610 Map, Tel 773.525.7706,

This brand-new children's store was still setting up during our visit. The racks are packed with European fashions for babies, toddlers and young children. Take the time to leaf through and you're sure to find something adorable (if pricy), or ask the friendly staff for help. The is ...

Chicago Kids Bookstore

Address 3453 N Southport, Chicago, Illinois 60657 Map, Tel (773) 227-6950, Hours Closed Monday Website

The owner of this store has a PhD in children's psychology and a love of giving back to the community that seems to influence everything this store does. From the great selection of books to children's storytimes and literacy camps everything seems to have been done with care ...

Galt Toys & Galt Baby

Address 900 N Michigan Ave, #L5 22, Chicago, IL 60611 Map, Tel (312) 440-9550, Website

If you have forgotten an essential piece of baby gear, this is an excellent place to buy what you need. From strollers to sippy cups and toys, has all the high end baby gear a parent might want.

Lego Store at Westfield Shoppingtown

Address 520 N Michigan Ave # 300, Chicago, IL 60611 Map, Tel (312) 494-0760, Website

This huge lego store has lego models, an area where kids can play with legos, the best lego selection you'll find anywhere. The store is located inside Westfield Shoppingtown. While you are there, ask for diretions to the two Lego murals inside the mall.

LMNOP Children's Store

Address 2574 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614-2314 Map, Tel 773.975.4055, Transit El stop: Brown, Purple, Red Line (Lincoln); Bus line: 11, 74, Hours Closed Mon

LMNOP specializes in sophisticated, tasetful children's clothing. Expect to find brands like Flora & Henri and Cakewalk. This is a great place to come if you have a big budget and you are looking for little girl clothes that are not pink or cute boy clothing. There is a small ...

Madison & Friends

Address 43 E Oak St, Chicago, Illinois 60611 Map, Tel (312) 642-6403, Website

If imported European clothing or high fashion lines are your style (or your child's), this is the place for you. Expect to find fashionable brands like Diesel, Ella Moss, Lili Gaufrette, and Splendid. There is also a denim store for adults.

Madison & Friends Outlet

Address 1963 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60614 Map, Tel 312-943-0436, Hours Call in advance for hours. Closed Mon & Tues

Madison and Friend's two retail stores sell upscale fashion lines & denim for everyone from babies to adults. Their outlet has some real deals on brand names like Diesel, Ella Moss, Lili Gaufrette, and Splendid.

Piggy Toes Shoe Store

Address 2205 North Halsted, Chicago, IL 60614 Map, Tel 773-281-5583, Hours Open 7 Days Website

Piggy Toes prides itself on having the largest selection of European children's shoes in Chicago. There is an excellent selection of brands like Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, Oilily, and Umi. Best of all, kids can play in the small play area while you shop in the adjoining mom-sized ...

Psychobaby

Address 1630 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60647 Map, Tel (773) 772-2815, Website

If you want to dress your baby more like a hip rockstar and less like a little cherub, this is the store for you. Psychobaby has funky clothes, shoes, modern toys, classic books and accessories for babies, toddlers, and big kids. Located in the Bucktown area of Chicago's near ...

Red Balloon Company

Address 2060 N. Damen Avenue, Chicago, IL 60647 Map, Tel 773.489.9800, Transit Blue Line to Damen stop Website

If you visit the funky Bucktown neighborhood, this beautiful chidren's store is worth a stop. You will find upscale children's clothing, books, toys, and room accessories from brands like Zutano and Serena and Lilly. Locals love their "initial tees" in kids and baby sizes.

Stinky Pants

Address 844 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60614 Map, Tel 773.281.4002, Website

My kids loved Stinky Pants from the moment they saw the mini-carousel outside, but what I loved was the clothing selection. There are lots of big-name brands (like Catimini) there are also some great offbeat choices too, like the retro-modern Misha Lulu and I particularly huge selection of rock & roll ...

Hospitals

Children's Memorial Hospital Chicago

Address 2300 N Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614 Map, Tel (773) 880-4000, Website

US News and World Report ranked this as Illinois top pediatric hospital. According to the website, "Children’s Memorial has the premier pediatric trauma center in the Chicago area and treats approximately 52,000 children per year. "

University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital

Address 5721 S. Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637 Map, Tel 1-888-UCH-0200, Location Emergency Care is at 5730 S. Drexel Avenue, adjacent to Comer Children's Hospital. Website

The newest Pediatric Emergency Center in Chicago, and the only Level 1 Trauma Center on the South Side of Chicago--treats more than 29,000 patients each year, including hundreds with complex trauma injuries.