41 Best Things to Do in Chicago with Kids for 2024 Family Fun!
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A volunteer tour guide explains the history of more than 50 structures along the Chicago River in the 90-minute tour. Families can select from a daytime or evening departure with full bar and snacks on board. A $5 ticket upgrade gets you entry in the Chicago Architecture Center before or after the boat tour.
Chicago fire boat tours offers cruise through history, with views of the city - WLS-TV
Chicago fire boat tours offers cruise through history, with views of the city.
Posted: Sun, 09 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Kid-friendly tours in Chicago
So if you are in town, be sure to check their website to see if an appropriate show is playing. The enclosed gondolas are safe and offer a clear and stunning view that should not be missed. This is a landmark in Chicago and while there are several other things to do at the Navy Pier, the Ferris Wheel should be on every tourist’s list. Satisfy your adventurous spirit by going on the Tilt ride, one of the highest thrill rides in the country.
How I Picked The Activities
The exhibits are innovative and will set the little ones thinking about several things, while also enjoying themselves immensely. If you are in the city for longer, you can even consider the acting classes for your younger ones at the end of which they can put up a play of their own. At this theater, you can enjoy spectacular shows with lifesize puppets or even plays produced by the theater staff on roll.
Get Ready for Endless Fun Things to Do in Chicago with Kids!
Located in the Loop neighborhood, this is one of the most iconic buildings in the city. There are also two exhibition halls where several events take place throughout the year. The park is home to a plethora of plant species and has six greenhouses that guests can explore. Garfield Park Conservatory is one of the largest conservatories in the United States. If your little one shows the slightest inclination towards science and history, this is a great museum for them. Another great destination on the famous Navy Pier, the Chicago Children’s Museum is perfect for children under the age of 10.
The stretch of Michigan Avenue known as the Magnificent Mile is rife with tourists and makes a popular choice for exploring Chicago with kids. For the foodies in your family, a local hot dog, complete with all the classic Chicago-style toppings, is a must-try. As with any large city, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. With a skip-the-line ticket, you’ll have more time to admire masterpieces by Picasso, Chagall, Warhol, Hopper, and other renowned artists. Explore Millennium Park, the Magnificent Mile, and Grant Park at your own pace, while enjoying unobstructed views from the open-top, double-decker bus. Experience the ultimate convenience with the Big Bus Chicago Hop-On Hop-Off Tour, providing a mapped-out itinerary of the city’s top attractions.
All three grant informative content, from Chicago’s history and architecture to diverse art and culture. And it’s one of the most thrilling things to do with kids Chicago has to offer. They even offer child bikes and equipment, making it easy for families to participate. It’s great for kids aged 7 and up, especially those with a love for sports. Here, kids can do more than just look at exhibits—they can be part of the action. If you’re in the Chicago area and searching for fun “things to do with kids near me”, head to the Chicago Sports Museum.
A few ideas include Lincoln Park Zoo, Navy Pier, Millennium Park, Garfield Park Conservatory, and Chicago Botanic Garden. Let your knowledgeable guide lead you to the museum’s highlights, including Sue the T-Rex, the Hall of Jades, and the impressive mummy collection. Embark on a fascinating journey through time at The Field Museum of Natural History, where a collection of over 40 million artifacts awaits. Whenever we travel, we almost always book a family photo shoot with Flytographer. They are super easy, affordable, AND guarantee that I’ll be in some photos. You can get $25 off if you book through this link or use the code HAWAIITRAVEL.
Have your kids do the work as you enjoy a boat ride in Naperville's Paddleboat Quarry along the west suburb's riverwalk. Paddleboats, paddleboards, and kayaks are available to appeal to kids of different ages, and life preservers are required. Families can choose to rent any of these watercraft for $10 for 20 minutes or $15 for 40 minutes. Families can celebrate the season by boarding a variety of boats on Lake Michigan or the Chicago River.
Sign up for our email to enjoy Chicago without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush). Running continuously for 85 years, Mercury is expert at showing the city's highlights in its 90-minute sightseeing adventure. They host 3D Fireworks Cruises that add excitement with the addition of 3D glasses and the Canine Cruise allows your pup to feel the wind in their fur. Lisa Goodmurphy is a lawyer turned family travel writer and a mom of two daughters. She grew up in small town Northern Ontario and now resides near Toronto, Canada. Badly bitten by the travel bug years ago, she considers herself fortunate that her family is equally enthusiastic about her mission to explore the world.
This zoo is massive, spanning over 216 acres so plan to spend the day exploring. The best exhibits include the penguin encounter, Great Bear Wilderness (with polar bears), and the Hamill Family Zoo (a petting zoo). The nicely manicured grounds provide a lovely background for strolling while visiting all the different animals.
On these 30-minute speed boat rides, you’ll tear across Lake Michigan at up to 45 miles per hour while getting entertaining and informative commentary on Chicago. If you’re looking for things to do on a rainy day in Chicago, head to the conservatory. This indoor botanic garden has beautiful spaces to explore with play areas for children, plus over 10 acres of outdoor gardens. If you love taking pictures, this is definitely one of the best places for photography in Chicago. Take an educational trip to the Botanic Garden and you’ll make memories that last a lifetime. Admission is free, but there’s a hefty fee for parking (especially during the holidays).
Chicago Electric Boat Company is Chicago's largest self-guided river boat rental operator. Their fleet includes eco-friendly private electric boats that create opportunities to explore our world-famous waterfront from a unique eye-level vantage point. Embark on a 90-minute (approximate) sightseeing adventure aboard our most popular daily tour.
It’s a great way to compare vacation rentals, hotels, and resorts. Families will love Blue Man Group, Broadway in Chicago, and the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire (about an hour north of downtown). To really get to know Chicago, you need to forget about the most popular tourist attractions and go off the beaten path.
It is one of the oldest zoos on the continent and offers free admission to explore its many wonders and breathtaking exotic animals. But if you are traveling with preteens or slightly older kids, they are likely to enjoy the performances and even learn something new. The Field Museum is hands down one of my favorite museums of natural history in America. The vet center and the waterworks station are also a must-visit at the museum. This is the largest professional theater company in the city that has been designed keeping in mind children and families. Maggie Daley Park is also located in the Loop and is home to the city’s only outdoor climbing park.
With a stunning lakefront view, it’s a hotspot for rollerbladers and BMX bikers of all skill levels. This activity is best for kids aged 8 and up who can handle a bike, but younger kids can enjoy tours with child bikes and equipment. Kids will love the freedom of biking, while parents can enjoy the guided narrative and local cuisine. Special events and workshops keep the experience fresh every visit. Parents will appreciate the educational value, and everyone can enjoy seasonal events and food concessions.
See Chicago's epic skyline on a lively narrated tour cruising the river and lake. Feel the wind in your hair (and fur!) on a memory-filled river and lake cruise adventure with your best friend. Chicago is home to several teams with seasonal sporting events and attractions.
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