Chicago for families: a guide to places where your kids won't get bored

Chicago for families: a guide to places where your kids won't get bored

June 11, 2025

Chicago, the third largest city in the United States, is not only a metropolis of business and culture, but also a true paradise for families with children. The city offers countless attractions that will keep the little ones entertained while gaining knowledge about the world. In our guide, we'll introduce you to 10 of the most interesting places that will make sure your kids won't be bored for a moment during their visit to the Windy City. From interactive museums to a fascinating zoo to vibrant parks, Chicago has everything you need for an unforgettable family adventure. Get ready to explore, experiment and have fun together in one of America's most kid-friendly cities!

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Education through play - museums and planetariums

Chicago is famous for its great museums, some of which are outright designed with the youngest explorers in mind. The first stop on our list is the Chicago Children's Museum, located on the famous Navy Pier. This is a place where learning and fun go hand in hand, offering interactive exhibits that foster creativity and curiosity about the world. Here children can build, experiment and explore in a safe environment. The museum has three floors full of activities, including the popular 'WaterWays', where toddlers can play with water while learning about its properties.

Another must-see is the Chicago Museum of Natural History, also known as The Field Museum. It's a place where history comes to life and kids can come face to face with the giant Tyrannosaurus Sue - the largest and best-preserved T-Rex skeleton in the world. The museum offers interactive exhibits where little explorers can feel like real paleontologists or archaeologists. Look out for the 'Crown Family PlayLab', a space specially designed for children under 6, where they can touch, build and explore.

A must-stop for young space enthusiasts will be the Adler Planetarium. This is the oldest planetarium in America, where children can take a cosmic journey while watching spectacular shows in the planetarium dome. Interactive exhibits allow young astronomers to steer a Mars rover or learn the secrets of black holes. The planetarium also offers special programs for families, where they can discover the secrets of the universe together.

When comparing the three places, it is worth noting their unique features. The Chicago Children's Museum is the most kid-friendly, offering the most opportunities for interaction and creative play. The Field Museum, on the other hand, is ideal for older children who are interested in natural history and dinosaurs. The Adler Planetarium, on the other hand, will be fascinating for anyone who dreams of space travel, regardless of age.

As for prices, all three places are in the more expensive attractions category (PRICE_LEVEL_EXPENSIVE), but offer family discounts and special packages. Consider purchasing a Chicago CityPASS, which can significantly reduce the cost of visiting. Availability and opening hours can vary from season to season, so it's always a good idea to check the official websites for up-to-date information before visiting.

No matter which of these places you choose, one thing is certain - your children will have the opportunity to learn through play, and the memories of these visits will stay with them for a long time. Chicago proves that education can be a fascinating adventure for the whole family!

Nature and entertainment - zoo, aquarium and parks

Chicago is not just a concrete jungle - the city also offers many green spaces and places where children can interact with nature and animals. One such place is Lincoln Park Zoo, which is not only one of the oldest zoos in America, but also one of the few in the world offering free admission. This makes it an ideal place for families who want to spend a day outdoors without worrying about budget. The zoo is famous for its variety of species - from majestic lions to adorable penguins. Here children can see the animals up close, participate in feeding demonstrations and educational workshops.

For lovers of the underwater world, a must-see will be the Shedd Aquarium. This is one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world, where more than 32,000 marine animals can be admired. Particularly popular are the dolphin and seal shows, as well as the opportunity to touch stingrays in a special pool. The aquarium also offers unique experiences, such as the chance to spend the night among sharks, which is sure to be an unforgettable experience for adventurous little explorers.

If you're looking for a place where kids can get outdoors, be sure to visit Maggie Daley Park. This modern city park offers plenty of activities for children of all ages. You'll find a huge playground with a variety of themed zones, climbing walls and even an ice rink in the winter. The park is an ideal place to have a picnic and spend an active day outdoors.

Also not to be missed is Chicago's famous Millennium Park, which is not only the green lungs of the city, but also a center of culture and entertainment. Children will be delighted to see the famous 'Cloud Gate', also known as 'The Bean' - a huge mirrored sculpture in which they can watch their distorted reflections. In the summer, the park offers free open-air concerts and movie screenings, and in the winter you can skate overlooking the city skyline.

When comparing these places, it's worth noting their unique features. Lincoln Park Zoo is ideal for families who want to spend a day outdoors without spending a fortune - admission is free, which is rare among such attractions. Shedd Aquarium, on the other hand, offers an unforgettable experience of the underwater world, but it's a more expensive option (PRICE_LEVEL_EXPENSIVE). Maggie Daley Park and Millennium Park are free and offer plenty of space for active recreation, which is ideal for energetic children.

In terms of accessibility, all of these places are open year-round, but some attractions may be seasonal. For example, ice skating rinks in parks only operate in winter. It's also worth remembering that these places can get very crowded on weekends and during the summer season, so it's a good idea to arrive early in the morning or on weekdays if possible.

Whether your children are animal lovers, fans of active recreation or simply enjoy the outdoors, Chicago has something for everyone. These places will not only keep you entertained, but also educate you about the environment and the importance of nature in our lives.

Entertainment and adventure - special attractions for families

Chicago is a city that never ceases to amaze with its entertainment offerings for families. One place that is sure to delight both children and adults is Navy Pier. It's not just a marina, but a true entertainment center on Lake Michigan. Here you will find the huge Centennial Wheel observation wheel, which offers a breathtaking view of the city skyline and the lake. A highlight for the little ones will be the carousel with hand-carved horses, as well as the interactive fountains where you can cool off on hot days. Navy Pier is also home to numerous cultural events and fireworks shows that are sure to delight the whole family.

For families looking for an unusual experience, we recommend a visit to Amazing Chicago's Funhouse Maze. It's a maze full of illusions, mirrors and surprises that entertains and amazes at the same time. Children (and adults!) will have the opportunity to test their senses and orientation in space as they try to find their way through the complex maze. It's great fun that develops creativity and problem-solving skills.

If your children dream of traveling into space, be sure to visit the Adler Planetarium. This is not just a place to admire the stars, but a real center of space education. Interactive exhibitions allow children to feel like real astronauts - here they can steer a virtual spaceship or explore the surface of Mars. Spectacular shows in the planetarium dome will transport you to the farthest corners of the universe, awakening imagination and curiosity about the world.

For families who enjoy the outdoors, Grant Park, often referred to as the 'green lungs of Chicago,' is the ideal destination. This sprawling city park offers not only beautiful views and peaceful alleys for strolling, but also numerous activities for children. You'll find playgrounds, sports fields, and in the summer it hosts concerts and festivals. It's the perfect place for a family picnic or active recreation in the heart of the city.

When comparing these attractions, it is worth noting their diversity. Navy Pier offers the most variety of entertainment in one place, from attractions typically for children to those that will interest the whole family. Amazing Chicago's Funhouse Maze is a unique attraction that combines fun with the development of cognitive skills. Adler Planetarium, on the other hand, is ideal for families interested in science and the cosmos, offering education in an attractive format. Grant Park, on the other hand, is an excellent choice for those who appreciate outdoor activities and contact with nature in an urban setting.

As for prices, Navy Pier and the Adler Planetarium are among the more expensive attractions, but offer plenty of options for spending the day. Amazing Chicago's Funhouse Maze is shorter but intense entertainment at an affordable price. Grant Park is free, making it an ideal choice for families on a budget.

The availability of these venues is generally good year-round, but it's worth remembering that some attractions at Navy Pier may be seasonal. The Adler Planetarium and Amazing Chicago's Funhouse Maze operate regardless of the weather, making them a good choice for rainy days.

Whichever of these attractions you choose, one thing is certain - your children will have plenty of opportunities to play, learn and have unforgettable adventures. Chicago proves that it is a city that can satisfy the needs of even the most demanding little travelers, offering top-notch entertainment for the whole family.

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