top of page
Activities image for CMS (1)_edited.jpg

Things to Do in Chicago with Kids

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

fall .png
Filter by category

Quick Filters (Activities)

classes
Classes & Activities
nature
Outdoor
Playgrounds
home
Indoor Play Spaces
nature 2
Nature &
Zoos
pools
Pools &
Splash Pads
camps
Summer Camps
Website Activity page (35).png

Popular Activities in Chicago

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

Classes & Workshops

Chicago Fire FC - Little Sparks

Introductory soccer programs designed for toddlers to learn the basics.

Trails

Chicago Lakefront Trail

A paved path stretching along Lake Michigan, perfect for family bike rides, long walks, and easy outdoor exploration with kids.

Playgrounds + Parks, Splash Pads

Chicago Park District Splash Pads

A full list of free and easy water play options across neighborhoods that are perfect for hot summer days.

Classes & Workshops

Chicago Public Library Maker Labs

Free access to hands-on tech, building tools, and creative STEM programming for kids.

Cafes

Chicago French Market

A casual indoor food hall where kids can walk around, pick snacks and try different foods without needing a full sit-down meal.

Classes & Workshops

Chicago Mosaic School

A unique studio where older kids can explore mosaic art and hands-on design techniques.

Pools

Chicago Park District Swimming Pools

A network of indoor and outdoor pools across Chicago, offering accessible, family-friendly swimming options all summer.

Libraries & Storytime

Chicago Public Library Storytimes

Free storytime, music, and play sessions for toddlers and younger kids throughout the week.

Museums & Exhibits

Chicago History Museum

Kids can enjoy the interactive exhibits and dioramas while learning about Chicago's rich history.

Seasonal Events

Chicago Park District Events

Free programming including outdoor movies, concerts, and family-friendly activities in local parks.

Libraries & Storytime

Chicago Public Library

Many branches offer regular story times, singalongs, and toddler play sessions, along with maker labs and family programming. Popular locations include Sulzer Regional, Bezazian, Lincoln Belmont, Harold Washington, and Woodson Regional.

Sports Rentals

Chicago Rec Sports

Explore classes where toddlers can start their journey with sports in a low-pressure, engaging environment.

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. 

day off icon
Day-Off Camps
Website Activity page (34).png
Summer Camps
sports camps icon
Sports Camps
Website Activity page (31).png
STEM Camps
Website Activity page (39).png
Art Camps
Summer Camp Anchor
https://shredderski.com/img/prog-little.jpg
Summer Camp, Day-Off Camp

Shredder Ski School Summer Camps

Making Kids Snow Sports Last the Whole Year With Summer Camps !

https://lksoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/20-LK-Web-Logo.png
Summer Camp, Day-Off Camp

Lil' Kickers

From soccer and flag football to arts and crafts and team challenges, we keep kids active, creative, and engaged all summer long

https://www.climbzone.us/chicago/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/220923_0063-scaled.jpg
Day-Off Camp

ClimbZone Day-Off Camp

ClimbZone Chicago is a family entertainment center (FEC) with a variety of attractions including 65 themed climbing walls, a high-ropes course, a laser tag arena, bumper cars, a full arcade, a zip line and a soft play structure.

https://static.wixstatic.com/media/dc8a94_4dd3fd595a224924ac5afde23deb924c~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_1222,h_1440,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/dc8a94_4dd3fd595a224924ac5afde23deb924c~mv2.png
Summer Camp, Day-Off Camp

My Art House Studio

Summer Camp is here! No prior dance or art experience necessary. This camp is all about expanding our creativity through daily dance and art classes and having a ton of FUN!

https://a.storyblok.com/f/201186/1200x680/6cb4c20358/opengraph-default-image.png
Summer Camp, Day-Off Camp

Altitude Day-Off Camp

When school is out, it’s Altitude Day Camp to the rescue! Just drop ‘em off for a half or full day of open jump, games and competitions, and arts and crafts.

https://chicagochildrenstheatre.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Acting_Adventures_3.jpg
Summer Camp, Day-Off Camp

Chicago Children’s Theatre Camps

Excellent for kids who love storytelling, acting, and performance, led by professional teaching artists in a real theatre setting.

Activity Logo 2

Your go-to guide for the best things

to do with kids in Chicago.

tiktok

SUBSCRIBE

Get our favorite kid-friendly spots & mom tips - straight to your inbox.

bottom of page