Chicago Activities, Attractions and Restaurants to Enjoy with Kids

Founded in 1930 by Max Adler as America's first planetarium, Chicago's Adler Planetarium has become a primary and unrivaled resource for inspiring, motivating and educating the next generation of space explorers.

Located on the northeast tip of Northerly Island, the planetarium boasts three full-sized theaters, namely the Definiti Theater, the Samuel C. Johnson Family Star Theater, and the technologically-advanced Grainger Sky Theater, all of which feature unforgettable immersive sky shows. There are also extensive space science exhibitions to explore a magnificent collection of antique scientific instruments and print materials, and the Doane Observatory, which is one of the country’s only research-active, urban public observatories.

The Adler Planetarium is one of the best things to do in Chicago with kids. The planetarium offers a variety of exhibitions, special lectures and presentations, daily educational programs and special community events throughout the year.

1300 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, Illinois 60605, Phone: 312-922-7827

Founded in 1868, Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the U.S. and a leader in animal conservation and care. Offering free admission for all visitors, the zoo aims to connect, educate and inspire the local public with nature through a free, family-oriented wildlife experience.

The zoo covers 35 acres of a variety of habitats built to cater for over 200 animal species, which include big cats, primates, reptiles, sea animals, and birds. Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the top Chicago attractions. Visit the Regenstein Macaque Forest, home to a troop of Japanese macaques soaking in the hot springs. Go on an African journey through the Regenstein African Journey exhibition that features rhinos, giraffes, and aardvarks.

Stroll through an exhibition of nature-inspired sculptures set amid the zoo’s beautiful gardens and look at an ancient burr oak tree that dates back to 1830.

2001 N Clark St, Chicago, Illinois 60614, Phone: 312-742-2000

Located at the Navy Pier on Lake Michigan, Chicago Children's Museum was founded in 1982 and has been bringing joy to visitors of all ages ever since. Originally housed in the Chicago Public Library, the museum began with trunk shows traveling exhibits in response to capacity crowds on-site, before moving to the Navy Pier in 1995.

The fourth largest children’s museum in the United States, the Chicago Children's Museum features thirteen vibrant, interactive and hands-on exhibits across three floors where children of all ages are encouraged to create, explore, and discover together through play. Exhibits and activities focus on math, science, literacy, and visual and performing arts through engaging and sensory educational content.

Popular exhibits include WaterWays, an interactive system of pumps, pipes and pulleys that demonstrates the wonders of water; Play It Safe, a real-life firehouse and fire truck that teaches both families and children about fire safety; and Dinosaur Expedition, where kids can become archeologists and dig for dinosaur bones.

700 E Grand Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60611, Phone: 312-527-1000

You know you are in the right place when you enter Weber’s Bakery – the smells of fresh bread, creams, chocolate, and fruit will instantly make your mouth water.

Webber’s is one of the oldest family-owned bakeries in Chicago. German immigrant Erich H. Weber opened the original bakery in 1930 at 45th and Kedzie, in the Chicago’s Southwest Side, and as the business grew it eventually had to move to a larger space in 1937. Weber’s Bakery is the place to go for their famous donuts, delicious European breads and pastries, ornate wedding cakes, fabulous pastries, cookies, brownies, and so much more. Everything is made fresh from the best ingredients and hand-crafted. You can be sure that you will find something to tempt you in their tantalizing displays and you will probably leave with more than you planned.

7055 W Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60638, USA, Phone: 773-586-1234

One of the most important civic landmarks in America and top-visited leisure destinations in the Midwest, Navy Pier is a historical icon with an array of things to see and do for the whole family.

Ferris Wheel
Located on a beautifully-landscaped outdoor area on the upper deck of Navy Pier, the iconic Ferris Wheel is one of the main attractions at the Navy Pier Park. Nestled between Crystal Gardens and Pepsi Skyline Stage, the 150-foot high wheel offers spectacular views of Lake Michigan and the shimmering Chicago skyline.

The Crystal Gardens
The Crystal Gardens is a beautiful indoor botanical garden that offers breathtaking vistas of Navy Pier Ferris Wheel against a backdrop of the lakefront and city skyline. Home to lush foliage and palm trees, leapfrog fountains, and twinkling lights, the gardens are housed in a six-story glass atrium located just steps from the main entrance of Navy Pier.

Navy Pier IMAX Theatre
Dive into coral reefs with a myriad of fish and sharks, soar through the stars above the Earth, or battle invaders of the Imperial Forces in Star Wars VII at the mind-blowing Navy Pier IMAX Theatre. Boasting a six-story screen with exquisite digital surround sound and unparalleled acoustics, this is one adventure the children will never forget.

600 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60611, Phone: 800-595-7437

Babycakes is a food truck specializing in and serving an array of inventive, innovative and delectable pancakes.

Chef and owner Leah Wilcox serves an impressive array of sweet and savory pancakes.

With more than 200 inventive pancake recipes under her belt, some of Leah’s pancake creations include eclectic flavors like birthday cake and pepperoni pizza, or all-time favorites like the Banana Foster and Strawberry Cheesecake.

In addition to pancakes, the red food truck (named ‘Sweetheart’) also serves gourmet breakfast sandwiches and burritos, mini frittatas, maple-glazed bacon, and pizzas.

940 W Weed St, Chicago, Illinois 60622, Phone: 872-444-6308

The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museumis a leading nature museum in Chicago that focuses on showcasing the natural history of the region.

Founded in 1857, operated by the Chicago Academy of Sciences, and named in honor of Peggy Notebaert, it has an outstanding array of permanent exhibitions and botanic displays, including Butterfly Haven, Wilderness Walk, Water Lab and City Science House.

Displaying the ecological history of the Illinois region, a live butterfly house features more than 200 species of native and exotic butterflies, and a green home exhibition demonstrates the benefits of sustainable living. The museum also offers over 100 educational programs in the natural sciences for adults, students, and children, as well as summer camps, scout camps, and annual community events.

2430 N. Cannon Dr., Chicago, Illinois 60614, Phone: 773-755-5100

Located in Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood, Pleasant House Bakery is a new bakery/café that serves an assortment of mouthwatering baked goodies, freshly baked breads and pies, pastries and desserts and homemade beverages, including homemade sodas.

Specializing in traditional savory pies and specialty sweets, Pleasant House Bakery is famous for their homemade Royal Pies, which are made with the highest quality meats and ingredients. Try the Steak and Ale, Chicken Balti or Cold Pork Pie accompanied by chips and veggies.

Pleasant House Bakery offers both dine-in and carryout options and features dinner specials throughout the week.

2119 South Halsted Street, Chicago, Illinois 60608, Phone: 773-523-7437

River Roast Social House is the latest offering from James Beard Award-winning executive chef Tony Mantuano, offering stunning waterfront views of the Chicago River from its indoor dining room and seasonal outdoor patio. The contemporary-style tavern serves classic British comfort fare with New American twists, showcasing meat, fish, and vegetable entrees roasted and carved tableside by servers. Diners can share housemade charcuterie and cheese boards or choose from select roasts such as applewood-smoked rack of pork, roasted leg of lamb, or fire-roasted whole fish, complemented by hearty side dishes such as creamed spinach with garlic and fennel, potato croquettes, or brioche supper club mushrooms. Inventive cold-brewed cocktails are complemented by an extensive list of regional Midwestern craft beers and a selection of fine imported wines.

315 N LaSalle Dr, Chicago, IL 60654, Phone: 312-822-0100

Established to develop a love of books and reading at a young age, the American Writers Museum is a popular Chicago attraction for families.

It is common knowledge that children who learn to love books at an early age will usually take their passion into adulthood and will develop a very healthy attitude towards curiosity and learning. The gallery has wonderful interactive exhibits for older children to explore as well as a cozy reading area filled with books for families with younger children. Children can learn a great deal about the intricacies of language and then have a go at writing a story of their own on a vintage typewriter.

180 N. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601, 312 374 8790