Fun & Affordable Ideas in Illinois with Kids

Looking for a fun and interactive way to connect with nature right in the heart of Chicago? The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is a great pick, especially if you're visiting with kids (or just love butterflies). Run by the Chicago Academy of Sciences and around since 1857, this place mixes natural history, hands-on exhibits, and a whole lot of wow-factor.

Highlights:

• Walk-through Butterfly Haven with 200+ species
• Interactive exhibits like the Water Lab and Wilderness Walk
• Green home display promoting sustainable living
• Hands-on science programs for all ages, including kids’ camps and scout events
• Deep dive into Illinois’ natural history and ecosystems

Pro Tip:

Visit in the morning for a quieter experience—and don’t skip the butterfly release in the Haven, it’s magical!

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

If you're visiting Navy Pier with kids in tow, the Chicago Children’s Museum is a guaranteed hit. Since opening in 1982, this place has been all about fun, learning, and play. It started off in the Chicago Public Library, but quickly grew popular enough to land a permanent home at Navy Pier in 1995.

Highlights:

• 13 hands-on exhibits spread across three floors
• Activities that mix STEM, art, and literacy with play
• Water play stations, climbing structures, and art studios
• Designed for kids of all ages, from toddlers to tweens
• Located right on Navy Pier, steps from the lake

Pro Tip:

Go early to beat the crowds, and don’t forget a change of clothes—kids tend to get soaked in the water play area (and love every minute of it).

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

If space is your thing—or you just want to be wowed—head to the Adler Planetarium. Opened way back in 1930 by Max Adler, it was America’s first planetarium and it’s still one of the coolest places to explore the universe without leaving Earth.

Highlights:

• Three full-dome theaters with immersive space shows
• Doane Observatory: a working public telescope in the city
• Hands-on exhibits and antique astronomy instruments
• Special events, lectures, and daily science programs
• Located on scenic Northerly Island with skyline views

Pro Tip:

Try to catch an evening event or night observing session—it’s the best way to see the stars without leaving the city lights behind.

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

Right in the heart of Grant Park, the Art Institute of Chicago is a must-visit—whether you’re an art lover or just want to see some truly iconic masterpieces up close. Founded in 1879, it’s one of the oldest and largest art museums in the country, with a collection that spans centuries, styles, and just about every corner of the globe.

Highlights:

• Nearly 300,000 works of art from around the world
• Masterpieces by Seurat, Hopper, Picasso, and Grant Wood
• 11 curatorial departments and rotating special exhibits
• Beautiful architecture and peaceful gardens to explore
• Home to Ryerson and Burnham Libraries, a major art research center

Pro Tip:

Plan to spend at least a few hours here—it’s huge! And if you’re short on time, ask a staff member for the “can’t-miss” highlights map—it’ll help you hit the big-name works without getting overwhelmed.

111 S Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60603, Phone: 312-443-3600

Learning Experiences

If you’re up for a wild day just outside the city, the Brookfield Zoo is a favorite for locals and visitors alike. Spread across 216 acres, this place is home to around 450 species—from dolphins and big cats to gorillas and penguins. It’s been around since the 1930s and was actually one of the first zoos to ditch cages and use moats instead—way ahead of its time.

Highlights:

• Home to 450+ animal species across 216 acres
• Known for moat-based enclosures instead of traditional cages
• First zoo in the U.S. to exhibit pandas and dolphins indoors
• Indoor rainforest habitat and other immersive exhibits
• Educational programs, zoo camps, and sleepover safaris

Pro Tip:

Wear comfy shoes—this zoo is huge! And grab a zoo map or app to plan your route if you want to catch a dolphin show or animal feeding.

8400 W 31st St, Brookfield, IL 60513, Phone: 708-688-8000

If you're looking for a spot where kids can play, learn, and burn off some energy, the Children’s Museum of Illinois in Decatur is a total win. Designed for ages 3 to 12, this hands-on museum is all about exploring the arts and sciences through interactive exhibits that make learning feel like a big adventure.

Highlights:

• Interactive exhibits focused on science, art, and imagination
• Designed for kids ages 3–12
• Two floors of hands-on fun and learning
• Special programs like summer camps and field trips
• Museum on Wheels brings the experience to schools

Pro Tip:

Check their events calendar before you go—they often have themed activity days or visiting performers that add even more fun to the experience.

55 S Country Club Rd, Decatur, IL 62521, Phone: 217-423-5437

Recommended Activities for Curious Minds

For a fascinating deep dive into ancient Native American history, the Dickson Mounds State Museum is a hidden gem in central Illinois. Located on a bluff overlooking the Illinois River near Lewistown, this site preserves and interprets one of the most important archaeological spots in the Midwest.

Highlights:

• Archaeological site with burial and platform mounds
• One of the top Native American archaeology museums in the U.S.
• Explore 12,000+ years of Indigenous history
• Immersive exhibits and self-guided or guided tours
• Special events, talks, and family programs throughout the year

Pro Tip:

Head up to the museum’s overlook for a peaceful view of the Illinois River Valley—it’s especially pretty in the fall.

10956 N Dickson Mounds Rd, Lewistown, IL 61542, Phone: 309-547-3721

If you’re in Rockford with kids—or just love hands-on learning—the Discovery Center Museum is a total win. Located right downtown on the Riverfront Museum Park campus (next to the Burpee Museum and Rockford Art Museum), this place is packed with interactive exhibits that make science seriously fun.

Highlights:

• 300+ interactive exhibits across science, health, space, and more
• 15,000-square-foot Rock River Discovery Park with outdoor science fun
• Exhibits on electricity, simple machines, and color and light
• Special programs, workshops, and rotating exhibits throughout the year
• Located alongside the Burpee Museum and Rockford Art Museum

Pro Tip:

Bring a change of clothes for the little ones—between the water zone and dino dig, things can get messy in the best way.

711 N Main St, Rockford, IL 61103, Phone: 815-963-6769

Right across from the Galesburg Amtrak Station, the Discovery Depot Children’s Museum is a lively, hands-on space where kids ages 1 to 12 can learn, play, and explore. This 14,000-square-foot museum is packed with interactive exhibits and creative activities that make learning feel like one big adventure.

Highlights:

• 14,000-square-foot museum designed for ages 1–12
• Interactive play zones and themed learning exhibits
• Art studio with painting classes and workshops
• Air maze, train caboose, and giant Lite Brite
• Located steps from the Galesburg Railroad Museum

Pro Tip:

Pair your visit with a stop at the nearby railroad museum—train-loving kids will be in heaven. And don’t forget socks for the play areas!

128 S Chambers St, Galesburg, IL 61401, Phone: 309-344-8876