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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.

Playgrounds + Parks

Palmisano Park

A hidden gem with hills, walking paths, and skyline views that feels different from traditional flat parks.

Classes & Workshops

Penguin Foot Pottery

A cozy pottery studio offering family-friendly classes and workshops.

Ice Cream

Pretty Cool Ice Cream

Whimsy, unique popsicles such as the Chicago Brownie and Caramel Horchata Crunch, that both kids and adults will love.

Festivals

Roscoe Village Burger Fest

A local favorite with a dedicated kids zone, making it easy to enjoy the festival while keeping kids entertained.

Classes & Workshops

Pedalheads Bike Camp

A high-energy program that builds confidence for new and developing riders while keeping kids moving outdoors. Must be age 5 and up. Available to 12.

Playgrounds + Parks

Ping Tom Memorial Park

A beautiful riverfront park with open space, playground areas, and skyline views that feels tucked away from the busier parts of the city.

Playgrounds + Parks

Promontory Point

A quieter lakefront spot with plenty of space to run, explore, and have a picnic without the crowds of more popular beaches.

Restaurants

Runaway Cow

Offering vegan ice cream and unique flavors and combinations the kids will love.

Museums

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

A favorite for kids with live animals, hands-on exhibits, and a butterfly haven that feels immersive and engaging.

Play Spaces

Play Street Museum

An interactive children's center offering hands-on exhibits and creative play spaces for toddlers and preschoolers.

Restaurants

Reggie's on the Beach

A laid-back, family-friendly beachside stop with food, drinks, and plenty of space for kids to move around.

Classes & Workshops

Ryan Learning Center

Free, hands-on art-making and interactive exhibits for all ages in a stroller-friendly space. Pro-tip: warm up with a hot chocolate at the museum cafe.

Looking for 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

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

Galileo Camp

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

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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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