Things to Do in Chicago with Kids

View jaw-dropping art exhibits that showcase Mexican culture and don't forget to go to the gift shop for some cool handmade items! Pro tip: Walk to Harrison Park to let the kids run around afterwards.

Many festivals offer free daytime entry and include kid-friendly activities, music, and entertainment.

A unique 40-acre peninsula with walking trails, skyline views, and plenty of space for kids to run and explore nature.

Known for its shallow water and calmer waves, making it one of the best beaches in Chicago for younger kids.

Free fireworks shows throughout the summer that are easy to pair with an evening outing.

A lively, high-energy beach with skyline views and amenities, but can feel crowded and overwhelming for little kids especially on the weekends.

A smaller beach with calmer, shallow water near Navy Pier, ideal for a quick and easy outing with kids.

A unique, themed playground with Wizard of Oz statues that adds a fun twist to a typical park outing.

Free fireworks shows throughout the summer that are easy to pair with an evening outing along the lake.

A hidden gem with 155 acres of trails, woods, and prairie, offering stroller-friendly paths and one of the most immersive nature experiences in the city.

Delicious and simple ice cream flavors offered in various scoop sizes.

A larger-than-life, interactive adventure where kids can climb, slide, and explore scenes straight from Adventure Bay. Themed play zones, creative activities, and plenty of photo ops. CAMP Store, 647 W North Ave. Open through early 2026.