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Things to Do in Chicago with Kids

This Summer

Find the best activities, places, and experiences for kids in Chicago and beyond. Use the filters below to find exactly what you need today.

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Popular Activities in Chicago

Discover playgrounds, museums, indoor play, splash pads, classes, and more.

Festivals

Neighborhood Street Festivals

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

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Playgrounds + Parks

Northerly Island

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

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Beaches

North Avenue Beach

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

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Beaches

Ohio Street Beach

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

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Nature Centers & Conservatories

North Park Village Nature Center

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.

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Ice Cream

Original Rainbow Cone

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

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Looking for Summer Camps or School Break Care?

Browse summer camps, day-off camps, winter break programs, and school closure care all in one place. 

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Summer Camps
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Day-Off Camps
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Sports Camps
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STEM Camps
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Art Camps
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Summer Camp

Francis W. Parker School Summer Camp

High quality enrichment with a strong balance of academics, arts, and play.

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Summer Camp, Day-Off Camp

Nature Museum Camps

Hands on science and nature exploration with a strong focus on curiosity, environmental learning, and outdoor discovery.

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Summer Camp, Day-Off Camp

Stages Chicago

Weekly enrollment makes scheduling easier and it is a fun confidence builder for kids interested in acting and performance.

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Summer Camp

Galileo Camp

Strong STEAM curriculum with creative projects and a good balance of learning and outdoor play.

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Summer Camp

Banner Camp

Popular traditional summer camp experience with city transportation and a full camp feel while still coming home each evening.

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Select photos by Spoon Photo & Design and Katie Basil Photography​.

Food Photos from Eden and Moody Tongue

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