• Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Adler Planetarium ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Kids & Family
Adler Planetarium
© Courtesy of Adler Planetarium

2. Lincoln Park Zoo ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Kids & Family
Lincoln Park Zoo
© Lincoln Park Zoo

3. Chicago Children's Museum

Category: Kids & Family
Chicago Children's Museum
© Chicago Children's Museum

4. Weber’s Bakery

Category: Food & Drink
Weber’s Bakery
© Weber’s Bakery

5. Navy Pier

Category: Activities
Navy Pier
© Navy Pier

6. Babycakes

Babycakes
© Babycakes

7. The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Category: Activities
The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
© The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

8. Pleasant House Bakery

Category: Food & Drink
Pleasant House Bakery
© Pleasant House Bakery

9. River Roast Social House

Category: Activities
River Roast Social House
© River Roast Social House

10. American Writers Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
American Writers Museum
© tomertu/stock.adobe.com

11. Chicago Detours

Tours
Chicago Detours
© Chicago Detours

12. Museum of Science and Industry

Category: Kids & Family
Museum of Science and Industry
© Museum of Science and Industry

13. Reno Chicago

Reno Chicago
© Reno Chicago

14. Shedd Aquarium

Category: Attractions
Shedd Aquarium
© Shedd Aquarium

15. The Doughnut Vault

The Doughnut Vault
© The Doughnut Vault

16. Chicago History Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
Chicago History Museum
© Kseniya/stock.adobe.com

17. The Field Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
The Field Museum
© The Field Museum

18. The Chinese-American Museum of Chicago

Category: Museums & Culture
The Chinese-American Museum of Chicago
© The Chinese-American Museum of Chicago

19. Chicago Sports Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
Chicago Sports Museum
© Chicago Sports Museum

20. Maggie Daley Park

Category: Activities
Maggie Daley Park
© Bob/stock.adobe.com

21. LEGOLAND Discovery Center

Category: Kids & Family
LEGOLAND Discovery Center
© LEGOLAND Discovery Center

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

  • Chicago is an exciting destination to explore with kids, offering an array of family-friendly museums, attractions, and eateries.
  • Watch a show at America's first planetarium, see rare animals at Lincoln Park Zoo, and have fun with hands-on exhibits at the Chicago Children's Museum.
  • See award-winning exhibits at the Museum of Science and Industry, and visit the stunning Shedd Aquarium.
  • Here are the best things to do in Chicago with kids.

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