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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.

Classes & Workshops

Abbey Ryan Art Studio

A warm, creative Chicago art studio offering process-based classes and camps where kids can explore painting, mixed media, and hands-on creativity in an encouraging environment.

Play Spaces

Altitude Chicago Trampoline Park (North Center)

Combines trampolines and climbing elements with designated times for safe, active play. Best for ages 5 and up.

Playgrounds + Parks, Splash Pads

Arthur Telscer Playground

A shaded, fully enclosed playground designed with younger kids in mind, featuring a play structure, sandbox, simple spray feature, and swings, with added climbing elements for older kids..

Playgrounds + Parks

Big Marsh Park

A more rugged outdoor experience with bike trails, open nature areas, and space for older kids to explore and move freely.

Playgrounds + Parks, Splash Pads

Adams Park

A well-loved neighborhood park with a spacious playground, open green space, and a seasonal spray feature that makes it a great stop for summer play.

Museums & Exhibits

Art Institute of Chicago Family Programs

Free and paid programs designed for families, including hands-on art-making and interactive experiences.

Ice Cream

Bartleby's Ice Cream

A neighborhood favorite known for custom ice cream cakes and nostalgic flavors, perfect for birthdays or a fun, treat-filled stop with kids.

Sports Rentals

Bike and Roll Chicago

A convenient option with a wide range of bikes, including child seats and cargo bikes.

Museums & Exhibits

Adler Planetarium

The best place for kids to learn about space and beyond with the Sky Series and exhibits.

Museums & Exhibits

Art Institute of Chicago Ryan Learning Center

Offers hands-on art-making and interactive exhibits for all ages. Get lunch at the Museum Cafe. Pro tip: Stop for a hot chocolate at the museum cafe after exploring.

Classes & Workshops

Bash Kids Club

Sports-focused camps and movement programs across Chicago designed to keep kids active, engaged, and building confidence through play.

Ice Cream

Black Dog Gelato

Gourmet gelato in small batches with simple ingredients. Their menu changes monthly, so check regularly.

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, 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.

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Summer Camp

Art Institute of Chicago Summer Camps

Incredible exposure to art and creativity with hands on projects inspired by museum collections.

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Summer Camp

Chicago School of Golf Summer Camps

Skill focused instruction for beginner and intermediate golfers with good structure and progression.

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Summer Camp

Chicago Fire FC

Chicago Fire Summer Camps offer soccer training, skill development, and high-energy summer fun for kids of all levels across Chicago and the suburbs.

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Summer Camp, Day-Off Camp

Brush Park Gym

Ideal for high energy kids with a strong neighborhood community feel.

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Summer Camp

The Goddard School Summer Camp

Small group sizes with play based learning and enrichment.

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Summer Camp

Lillstreet Art Center Kidstreet Summer Camp

Excellent for creative kids with a wide range of art mediums.

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Summer Camp

Apachi Day Camps

Consistent full summer structure with multiple location options and some busing schedules.

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Summer Camp

Chicago Park District Camps

Budget friendly with convenient neighborhood locations across the city.

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Summer Camp

Bright Horizons Summer Programs

Full day care for working parents with licensed early childhood educators.

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Summer Camp, Day-Off Camp

Junior Chefs Kitchen Summer Camps

Hands on cooking experience that builds confidence and life skills for kids who love helping in the kitchen or sensory play.

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Summer Camp

Fred’s Camp

Longstanding, trusted Chicago camp with extended care options available.

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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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