Chicago · United States · Things to do
5 things to do in Chicago with kids
The five best things to do in Chicago with kids are the Bean (Cloud Gate) in Millennium Park, an architecture cruise on the Chicago River, the Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier, the fountains and gardens of Millennium Park, and a day on a Lake Michigan beach. All sit within a few kilometres of downtown, and summer is the easiest season.
What to do, in order
- 1
See the Bean
The Bean is the nickname for Cloud Gate, a polished steel sculpture in Millennium Park that reflects the skyline and everyone standing near it. Children love walking underneath it, where the curved ceiling stretches faces and the sky. Go early in the morning, when it is almost empty and there are no crowds in the photos. The mirror finish shows every fingerprint, and the surface can be hot in summer sun. It is free, takes about twenty minutes, and works best combined with the rest of the park next door.
- 2
Take an architecture river cruise
Chicago is known for its tall buildings and its architecture, and the best way to see it is from a boat on the Chicago River, passing under bridges between the skyscrapers. Guides explain who built what and why the river runs in the direction it does. Cruises run roughly from spring to autumn, usually around ninety minutes. Book ahead for weekends and summer, choose a seat on the open deck for photos, and bring layers because wind off the lake can make it cool even on warm days. Younger children can lose interest, so schedule it after a snack.
- 3
Ride the Navy Pier Ferris wheel
Navy Pier is a long pier reaching into Lake Michigan, with a wheel, a carousel, a children's museum, restaurants and often fireworks in summer. The wheel gives wide views of the skyline on one side and an endless lake on the other. It is touristy but easy with children, since everything is in one place. Go on a weekday or early in the day to avoid queues. Sunset is the best slot for the wheel, and the walk along the pier at dusk is pleasant. Check whether any attractions are seasonal before you plan.
- 4
Play in Millennium Park
Beyond the Bean, Millennium Park has the Crown Fountain, two glass towers that show video faces and spout water, and in warm weather children run through the shallow pool underneath. There is also the Lurie Garden, an outdoor concert pavilion and, in winter, an ice rink. Next door, Maggie Daley Park has a large playground, a climbing area and a skating ribbon. Bring a change of clothes and towels for the fountain. Weekday mornings are the quietest, and the park is free to enter.
- 5
Hit a lakefront beach
Chicago has more than twenty public beaches along Lake Michigan, with sand, lifeguards in summer, and the skyline as a backdrop. Oak Street Beach and North Avenue Beach are the best known and close to downtown. The lake is cold even in July, so expect paddling more than long swims. Check the posted flags and water quality notices before you go in. A cycle or stroll on the Lakefront Trail, which runs along the shore, makes a good half day with children. Come on a weekday for more space.
Plan it
- Best time
- June to September is warm enough for beaches and boats, and the busiest. May and October are milder and quieter. December to March is cold, windy and often snowy, though the ice rinks and museums are good in winter.
- How long
- Three to four days covers all five at an easy pace, with a fifth day for a museum such as the Field Museum or the Museum of Science and Industry.
- Getting around
- Use the CTA L trains and buses with a Ventra card. Downtown, Millennium Park and the river are walkable from each other. Ride-hailing and taxis work for the lakefront and Navy Pier, and driving and parking downtown is slow and expensive.
Good to know
- Pack a light windproof layer even in summer. The lake breeze changes the temperature quickly.
- Check the forecast before booking a river cruise or Navy Pier, since wind and storms can halt both.
- Pair outdoor days with a museum day, so a rainy forecast does not break the plan.
Frequently asked
Is Chicago good for kids? +
Yes. It has parks, beaches, museums and boat tours close together, and the public transport is easy to use. Summer is the easiest season, because the beaches and cruises are open and the days are long.
How many days do you need in Chicago with kids? +
Three to four days is enough for the main sights in this list. Add a day if you want to visit a large museum, which can fill a full morning or afternoon.
Does Chicago have good beaches? +
Yes, along Lake Michigan. They have sand, lifeguards in summer and views of the skyline. The water stays cold and can be rough, so many families paddle and play on the sand rather than swim for long.
When is the best time to visit Chicago with children? +
June to September is the best for outdoor activities such as beaches, cruises and parks. May and early autumn are cooler but easier on crowds. Winter is cold, so plan indoor attractions.
