Tips for Traveling with Kids in Chicago, Illinois, United States

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Tips for Traveling with Kids in Chicago, Illinois, United States

1. Shedd Aquarium

Explore marine life with interactive exhibits and programs. Kids love the seals and sea otters!
  • Interactive Exhibits: Children can touch stingrays, pet a shark, and more.
  • Programs for Kids: Offers educational programs like animal feeding times and behind-the-scenes tours.
  • Accessibility: Stroller friendly, wheelchair accessible, and provides sensory guides for autistic children.

2. Field Museum

Discover dinosaur fossils, ancient civilizations, and natural history. Kid-friendly exhibits abound!
  • Kid-Friendly Exhibits: Egyptian mummies, a giant blue whale, and a Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton fascinate kids.
  • Museum Quest: A self-guided adventure that leads kids to fun facts and prizes throughout the museum.
  • Family Programs: Offers family-focused programs like story time, workshops, and special events.

3. Skydeck Chicago

Experience breathtaking views of the city from Willis Tower's 103rd floor! Kids love the glass balconies.
  • Glass Balcony: Step onto the Ledge, a glass box extending four feet outside the building for an exhilarating experience.
  • Interactive Tours: Provides guided tours with fascinating stories about the tower's history and construction.
  • Accessibility: Stroller friendly, wheelchair accessible, and offers hearing aids for the tour.

4. Millennium Park

Enjoy art, music, and gardens at this urban playground. Kids love the Crown Fountain!
  • Crown Fountain: Kids can interact with the video display, and it's a great way to cool off during summer.
  • Art Installations: Anish Kapoor's Cloud Gate (the Bean) and Jaume Plensa's Crown create stunning photo ops.
  • Family-Friendly Concerts: Summer concert series like the Grant Park Music Festival offer fun for the whole family.

5. Navy Pier

Enjoy rides, shows, dining, and beautiful lake views at this iconic Chicago destination.
  • Children's Museum: Hands-on exhibits inspire creativity and learning through play.
  • Centennial Wheel: The Ferris wheel offers stunning city and lake views from its 196 feet of height.
  • Sea & Air Tours: Explore the lake or take to the skies with various boat tours and helicopter rides.

6. Lincoln Park Zoo

Experience animals from around the world in a beautiful, historic setting. Free admission makes it affordable!
  • Historic Setting: Established in 1868, the zoo showcases several historic buildings and gardens.
  • Kids' Zoo: Petting zoos, pony rides, and farm animals delight young visitors.
  • Wild Asia: A walk-through exhibit featuring tigers, orangutans, and other exotic Asian creatures.

7. Museum of Science and Industry

Explore science and technology through engaging exhibits. Kids love the U-505 submarine!
  • U-505 Submarine: Experience life aboard a WWII German submarine.
  • Science Storm: A hands-on exhibit where kids can conduct their own science experiments.
  • Omnimax Theater: Immersive films on various subjects, including space and wildlife.

8. Adler Planetarium

Explore the universe through immersive shows, exhibits, and telescopes. Kids love the sky shows!
  • Immersive Sky Shows: Astronomy-themed films shown in a dome theater for an unparalleled experience.
  • Exhibits: Includes a mission control room, planetarium history, and a black hole exhibit.
  • Telescope Viewings: Observatory offers telescope viewings of the night sky (weather permitting).

9. Brookfield Zoo

Explore animals from around the world in a vast, beautiful setting. Kids love the Hamil Family Play Zoo!
  • Hamil Family Play Zoo: A play area with hands-on exhibits and interactive experiences for kids.
  • Great Bear Wilderness: Walk through a forested area to view bears, wolves, and other North American wildlife.
  • African Rocks of Africa: An exhibit featuring African animals like lions, hyenas, and giraffes.

10. Museum of Contemporary Art

Experience modern and contemporary art in a variety of media. Kids love the interactive exhibits!
  • Interactive Exhibits: Exhibits encourage visitors to participate, fostering creativity.
  • Family Programs: Offers family-focused programs like workshops and special events.
  • Accessibility: Stroller friendly, wheelchair accessible, and provides audio guides for the exhibits.

11. 360 Chicago Observation Deck

Enjoy panoramic views of the city from the John Hancock Center. Kids love the Tilt experience!
  • Tilt Experience: Step out onto a glass balcony and tilt 30 degrees for a thrilling view.
  • Interactive Tours: Provides guided tours with fascinating stories about the city's history and architecture.
  • Accessibility: Stroller friendly, wheelchair accessible, and offers hearing aids for the tour.

12. The Art Institute of Chicago

Explore over 300,000 works of art spanning cultures and time periods. Kids love the Thorne Miniature Rooms!
  • Thorne Miniature Rooms: Historically accurate miniature rooms that transport visitors to different eras.
  • Family Programs: Offers family-focused programs like workshops, story time, and special events.
  • Accessibility: Stroller friendly, wheelchair accessible, and offers audio guides for the exhibits.

13. DuSable Museum of African American History

Learn about African American history, culture, and contributions through exhibitions, programs, and events.
  • Exhibitions: Features rotating exhibits that highlight various aspects of African American history.
  • Programs for Kids: Offers programs like story time, workshops, and special events tailored for children.
  • Accessibility: Stroller friendly, wheelchair accessible, and provides resources for visiting families.

14. Chicago Children's Museum

Interactive exhibits encourage creativity, learning, and fun. Kids love the Waterways exhibit!
  • Waterways Exhibit: A giant shipwreck for kids to explore, climb, and play in.
  • Creative Arts Studio: Allows children to express themselves through art, music, and other creative outlets.
  • Family Programs: Offers family-focused programs like workshops, story time, and special events.

15. Chicago Riverwalk

Stroll along the riverfront, enjoy boat tours, and dine at waterfront restaurants. Kids love the Street Art!
  • Street Art: Colorful murals depicting Chicago's history and culture.
  • Boat Tours: Enjoy architectural tours, dinner cruises, or scenic boat rides on the river.
  • Accessibility: Stroller friendly, wheelchair accessible, and offers bike rentals for a fun way to explore.