The Best Things to Do in Chicago with Kids
Family-friendly Chicago, ranked: hands-on museums, a giant Ferris wheel, a flying-theater ride, and theme-park fun that keep younger travellers happy between the cruises and the skyline.
Available
6 options
Avg. rating
4.6 - 5,546 reviews
From
$24 USD
Cancellation
Free up to 24h before
Chicago with Kids: what to know before booking
Family-friendly Chicago, ranked: hands-on museums, a giant Ferris wheel, a flying-theater ride, and theme-park fun that keep younger travellers happy between the cruises and the skyline.
- Availability
- 6 ticket options compared
- Starting price
- Tickets currently start around $24 USD before checkout fees.
- Rating signal
- Compared options average 4.6 stars across 5,546 traveler reviews.
- Location
- Navy Pier (Centennial Wheel, FlyOver) on the lakefront; the indoor museums spread across downtown and the suburbs
- Best time
- Morning starts beat both the crowds and the afternoon lake breeze
- Ticket note
- Date- or time-specific for the busy indoor attractions; check each booking
Chicago with Kids in Chicago
Sorted by review signal, price, and availability. Tap any card to book through the provider checkout.
Everything you should know before you book
Chicago is an easy city with children — compact downtown, a huge car-free lakefront, and a cluster of hands-on attractions kids love. This list ranks the family favourites by review score: Legoland Discovery Center and the Museum of Illusions for indoor play, the Navy Pier Centennial Wheel for the lake view, the Museum of Ice Cream for the photo-friendly fun, and the FlyOver flying-theater ride for the thrill.
Buy timed tickets for the busy ones. Legoland, the Museum of Ice Cream, and the FlyOver experience get crowded on weekends and school holidays, so a dated ticket saves a queue at the door. Navy Pier itself is free to wander, with the Centennial Wheel and the lakefront making an easy half-day with younger kids.
Frequently asked questions
What can you do in Chicago with young children?
Legoland Discovery Center and the Museum of Illusions for hands-on play, the Navy Pier Centennial Wheel for the lake view, the Museum of Ice Cream for photo fun, and the FlyOver ride for a gentle thrill. Navy Pier and the lakefront are free favourites.
Is the Field Museum good for kids?
Yes — SUE the T. rex, the Egyptian tomb, and the Evolving Planet hall are family favourites, and it pairs well with the Navy Pier attractions on a kid-focused day.
Are family attraction tickets cheaper online?
Usually, and booking ahead guarantees entry to the busy indoor spots like Legoland and the Museum of Ice Cream on weekends and school holidays.