This post may contain affiliate links, which means I receive a commission if you choose to purchase through links I provide (at no extra cost to you). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
SO MUCH FUN to explore Chicago with kids – it’s friendly and families have TONS of activities to choose from! Because it’s a big city and there are so many options, it can be overwhelming to plan a trip.
My sister has lived in Chicago for most of my kids’ lives so we’ve made MANY trips to this city with our kids. This little guide will help you navigate the city and make the most of a family trip to Chicago!
Here are some of the top questions asked by my followers after my trip to Chicago with 2 of my girls:
- If you had to find somewhere to stay, where?
- How do you get around the city? That’s been the biggest obstacle with kids!
- Best kid-friendly dinner spot?
- Top 5 must-sees on a weekend getaway w/ kids?
- Have you been to Shedd? What museums are worth it?
- Any playground recs?
The best places to stay in and near the city
You know the saying – location is everything! So choosing the right accommodations are key. There are plenty of options in and around the city, from hotels to VRBOs & AirBNBs.
If you want a Big City experience, I’d stay downtown on Michigan Ave (aka the Magnificent Mile) to stay in the heart of the action. THIS would be a great option for families because of the indoor pool, THIS is another spot that’s centrally located + each room has an in-suite kitchenette and the hotel has an indoor pool, and THIS has enough space to squeeze in a bigger fam (hotels are notoriously TINY in Chicago).
The Magnificent Mile is a popular area for families, with TONS of shopping, dining, and entertainment options – the Ice Cream Museum is also off Michigan Ave. You’re also pretty close to Navy Pier – the Centennial Ferris Wheel there is a fun way to see the skyline and the Children’s Museum is a good indoor activity for younger kids.
If you prefer a quieter neighborhood or a more ‘local’ vibe, look for a place in Lincoln Park. LP is super close to family-friendly attractions like the Lincoln Park Zoo, North Avenue Beach, Chicago History Museum, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Lincoln Park Conservatory, and Oz Park. We love using VRBO and AirBNB for vacation rentals versus hotels because you get a dedicated space with a kitchen, more space, etc.
How to Get Around in Chicago with Kids
Because we are usually visiting my sister when we’re in the city, we do generally use her car for transportation from point A to point B with a carseat. My oldest is 10 and my 3rd youngest is 6, so they’re past the age of riding in a 5 point harness convertible seat, which makes things easier.
If I were pregnant today and was choosing a city-friendly infant seat, I would 1000% choose this Doona because it’s MADE for city living, would be great for travel/cabs/Ubers/etc. The last time we were in Chicago with my youngest, he was a baby and we drove so we DID have his convertible carseat. I would NOT recommend driving in the city if you’re visiting – worrying about parking & navigating & city traffic isn’t fun. If you plan on driving, be aware that parking can be expensive, permit-only and hard to find in many neighborhood areas.
But you don’t really NEED a car because Chicago has a variety of transportation options for families exploring the city. The CTA – Chicago Transit Authority, aka the L (which stands for ‘elevated’ aka above ground, versus the Subway in NYC which is underground) – offers trains that can take you to most major attractions (including both Midway & O’Hare airports).
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also available.
We’ve never had any issue riding the L while visiting in Chicago but I’m also very open to Uber and Lyft to get from point A to point B. The caveat is that we only use ride share when we’re traveling without our toddler, who is still in a 5-point harness convertible seat. Otherwise, we use THIS inflatable travel booster which works for city driving in a pinch.
Our Favorite Family-Friendly Restaurants in Chicago
Chicago is known for its delicious food, and there are plenty of family-friendly restaurants to choose from. These are in no particular order & chosen on the basis of being both tasty + kid-friendly.
RJ Grunts // burgers, shakes // Lincoln Park
Big Star // tacos // 3 locations
Small Cheval // best burgers! // 7 locations
Topo Gigio // italian // Old Town
Parsons // fried chicken & fish // 4 locations
Gotham Bagels // the best bagels // several locations
3 Arts Club Cafe at Restoration Hardware // best for older-than-toddlers // Gold Coast
I also love stopping in any FoxTrot while I’m there – the best little gifty neighborhood markets! Also love the Cobb salad from BlueDoor – locations in LP and Gold Coast. And the big 5 story Starbucks Roastery on Michigan Ave really is cool – definitely tourist-y but who cares?!
And Chicago-style pizza (deep dish) is worth a try but not my fave – the most famous spots are Lou Malnati’s and Giordano’s & each has several locations throughout the city.
Best Attractions & Activities for Families Visiting Chicago
Chicago is a super fun city for families, with plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained.
Indoor Chicago Attractions for Kids
Some of our favorite indoor top family-friendly attractions:
- Shedd Aquarium (worth it unless you have an amazing aquarium in your hometown!)
- Field Museum
- Adler Planetarium
- Chicago Children’s Museum
- 360 Chicago
- Lincoln Park Conservatory
- SlooMoo (Slime Museum)
- Ice Cream Museum
Chicago Outdoor Family-Friendly Attractions
- Millennium Park to see the famous Cloud Gate sculpture (aka The Bean)
- walk a portion of the Lakefront Trail
- Navy Pier
- Green City Lincoln Park Farmer’s Market (seasonal)
- Lincoln Park Zoo (free!)
Our Fave Chicago Playgrounds
- Oz Park
- Lincoln Park’s Cummings Playground (fenced in! near the Zoo/Lincoln Park)
- Maggie Daley Park Play Garden (walk the BP Pedestrian Bridge between Millennium Park & Maggie Daley)
This guide to parks in Lincoln Park + this guide to unique parks in Chicago may also be helpful!
Hopefully this helps! Our ‘itinerary’ is always a little different each time we visit because our kids’ interests and ages shift so quickly and nap/sleep schedules, seasonality and weather also play HUGE role in how we spend our time. But I hope this gives you a good start on a few things you’d like to see when you’re in Chicago! It really is a one-of-a-kind city worth a visit – enjoy š
Share these Chicago Travel Tips on Pinterest!
