Destinations and Activities at a Glance
Photo credit: Urban Park Design Chicago and Scott Shigley for Site Design Group, LTD.
Chicago Parks: Our Top 5 Picks
With hundreds of parks spanning the city, it can be hard to narrow down which locations to choose. Here are some recommendations for the parks with the best playground equipment, field space and other fun features such as basketball courts, skating ribbons and more.
Maggie Daley Park
With a skating ribbon, climbing wall, mini golf course, fieldhouse, tennis courts, play garden and interactive public art, Maggie Daley Park offers a variety of open-air activities at different price points.
- Where: 337 E. Randolph Street
- Special features/amenities: skating ribbon (ice skating in the winter and roller skating/scootering in the summer), OUT OF SIGHT (interactive public art), climbing wall, play garden, fieldhouse, tennis courts, picnic groves, gardens, mini golf
- Cost: tennis courts ($15-20 per hour), mini golf ($9-11 per game; $65 season pass; free for children under 4), climbing wall (prices vary), skating ribbon (free admission, equipment rentals for a fee)
Mary Bartelme Park
On 2.71 acres of land, this park features lots of field space—great for picnics, playing fetch with your dog or kicking a ball around with the kids. On hot summer days, a park statue emits a thin mist that’s sure to cool you down.
- Where: 115 S. Sangamon Street
- Special features/amenities: a fountain plaza (structures emit mist on hot days), large open lawn area for playing and picnicking, a dog park and a play area (with play equipment including swings, slides, climbing ropes and structures)
- Cost: free admission
Park 574
Great for kids with an adventurous side, Park 574 contains colorful play structures for climbing and running—including outdoor rings, a zipline swing and 22-foot slide. This fitness park features play structures and equipment that also work as an outdoor gym.
- Where: 2540 W. Jackson Boulevard
- Special features/amenities: colorful fitness park, various raised play structures, stone water spray area, 22-foot slide, zipline, pommel horse, outdoor rings, rally swings and other active play equipment
- Cost: free admission
South Lakeview Park
Known to many as the "blue park" due to the hue of its spongy play surface, South Lakeview also features three large play structures and a basketball court. Additionally, the park is home to various community events such as basketball tournaments and the summer event series, Tuesday in the Park, which features local artists and activities.
- Where: 1300 W. Wolfram Street
- Special features/amenities: traditional playground with three large play structures, swings, picnic tables, basketball courts, a volleyball court, water spray feature and a gazebo
- Cost: free admission
Millennium Park
A Chicago staple, this park offers space for family walks, an open field under a pavilion for picnics and outdoor games, the Crown Fountain for splashing and a plaza for winter ice skating.
- Where: 201 E. Randolph Street
- Special features/amenities: the famous Cloud Gate sculpture (dubbed "The Bean" by locals), the Crown Fountain, Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Lurie Garden, winter ice skating and a lake front location
- Cost: free admission
Photo credit: Brookfield Zoo
Chicago Zoos: Get Up Close to Your Favorite Animals
For animal lovers of any age, the zoo or aquarium is the perfect place for you and your family to get up close with your favorite furry or aquatic animal friends. Located in Chicago and the surrounding areas, here are some of our favorite destinations.
Lincoln Park Zoo
With no admission fee, this zoo features exhibits that care for endangered, farm and traditional zoo animals. Additionally, shop, eat and stroll the various attractions and events that are hosted throughout the year.
- Where: 2001 N. Clark Street (Chicago)
- Special features/amenities: zoo animals, dining and shopping options, Sea Explorer 5-D, Lionel Train Adventure, endangered species carousel, penguin family encounter, nature boardwalk, farm-in-zoo and Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo
- Cost: free admission
Brookfield Zoo
With a much larger and more exotic animal selection than many other local zoos, Brookfield offers the opportunity to get up close and personal with the exhibits.
- Where: 8400 W. 31st Street (Brookfield, IL)
- Special features/amenities: food and shopping, a dolphin exhibit, butterflies, Hamill Family Wild Encounters, Hamill Family Play Zoo, the carousel and a motor safari
- Cost: general admission - $21.95 adults, $15.95 seniors, $15.95 kids (ages 3-11)
- Some exhibits and attractions have additional ticket costs
- Illinois residents can contact local libraries for discounts and limited free passes
Shedd Aquarium
For aquatic animal lovers, the Shedd Aquarium is the perfect location to explore what's under the water. The aquarium is stocked with a variety of land and sea dwellers from around the world, including small tropical fish, large ocean mammals, reptiles and more.
- Where: 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive (South Loop/Museum Campus)
- Special features/amenities: dining and shopping, animal chats, 4-D experiences, aquatic presentations, animal encounters and eight aquatic exhibits
- Cost: general admission - $39.95 adults, $29.95 kids (ages 3-11); Chicago resident - $19.95 adults, $14.95 kids (ages 3-11)
- Some exhibits and attractions have additional costs
Photo credit: Chicago Children's Museum
Free Museum Days in Chicago: Educational Fun
Immerse your kids in history and science as you explore all the city has to offer at no cost to you on free museum days. Featured below are some of Chicago's most popular museums that grant entry gratis on specific days of the year.
Fossils & Flicks
Outdoors with the Chicago Field Museum in the backdrop, Fossils & Flicks provides kid-friendly activities, lawn games and movie nights. Check out popular family films paired with short educational science screenings.
- Where: 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive (Field Green Bar and Grill - Restaurant at the Field Museum)
- Event is hosted on the museum’s northeast terrace
- What: outdoor movie at the Field Museum, each movie shown is paired with a short science movie for an educational bonus. Before the movie, a variety of lawn games and activities are set out.
- Cost: free admission on select days, no registration necessary
Adler Planetarium
Explore stars and space at a free museum day at the Adler Planetarium.
- Where: 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive (South Loop/Museum Campus)
- What: the planetarium and astronomy museum offers a variety of exhibits and views of the city
- Cost: free for Illinois residents on various days every month of the year
Chicago Children's Museum
Along with a variety of other deals outlined on their site, the Chicago Children's Museum offers complimentary admission for children 15 and under the first Sunday of every month.
- Where: 700 E. Grand Avenue (Downtown/Navy Pier)
- What: children’s museum that offers a variety of hands-on exhibits
- Cost: free for visitors 15 and under on the first Sunday of every month, always free for children under 1 year
Shedd Aquarium
On select days, reap the benefits of being an Illinois resident and explore what's below the water's surface at the Shedd Aquarium, for free.
- Where: 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive (South Loop/Museum Campus)
- What: getting up close and personal with a variety of aquatic creatures and exhibits
- Cost: free for Illinois residents on select days
The Art Institute of Chicago
Admire some of Chicago's finest paintings, photography, sculpture and more. This museum grants free entry every day to children under 14 and Chicago residents under 18. On select days, the Art Institute also opens its doors for no fee to Illinois residents of any age.
- Where: 111 S. Michigan Avenue (Loop)
- What: a variety of exhibits and famous artwork on display.
- Cost: free for Illinois residents on Thursdays 5-8 pm, always free for Chicago residents under 18 and any children 14 or younger
Other free days
- Chicago Botanic Garden: always free, parking is an additional fee
- Chicago History Museum: children under 12 and Illinois residents under 18 always free, Illinois residents of any age free every Tuesday from 2 pm to 9 pm
- DePaul Art Museum: always free
- DuSable Museum of African American History: free every Tuesday, children under 5 always free
- Lincoln Park Zoo: always free
- Loyola University Museum of Art: free every Tuesday
- Museum of Contemporary Art: free for Illinois residents every Tuesday
- The National Museum of Mexican Art: always free
Photo credit: Urban Park Design Chicago and Raney Images for Site Design Group, LTD.
Kids Events in Chicago: Everyday Family Fun & Adventures
From spending time in nature to creating slime in art class, find dozens of creative ways to fill your child's summer with fun. Below are some of the recommended events, workshops and opportunities to get your child's imagination flowing.
Family Nature Days
Fun for all ages, Family Nature Days, hosted by the Lincoln Park Zoo, offers a variety of activities across different stations, each hosted in parks around Chicago. Held open-house style, this event allows you to brush up on outdoor hobbies—such as bird watching and hiking—while exploring nature with the entire family.
- Where: McKinley Park & Humboldt Park
- What: nature play days with stumps and seeds, bird-watching and family scavenger hunts for all ages
- Cost: free admission
Family Fun Festival
Spend your summer in the beautiful Millennium Park at the Family Fun Festival featuring music, crafts, games and more.
- Where: Millennium Park, under the tent at Chase Promenade North (south entrance)
- What: music, arts and crafts and other activities for all ages
- Cost: free admission
Parent's Time Off
For parents looking to unwind, drop your kids off at the Kidcreate Studio with a snack and a drink to give yourself the morning off. Then, relax while they explore and create fun, kid-friendly art projects.
- Where: 3709 N. Southport Avenue (Kidcreate Studio)
- What: a drop-off class where children build imagination through arts and crafts
- Cost: register beforehand - price varies by event
Kids' Art Workshops
Unlock your child's creative side with a drawing, painting or crafting workshop. For children ages 1.5 years to 12 years depending on the workshop.
- Where: 3709 N. Southport Avenue (Kidcreate Studio)
- What: children developing art skills and create their own projects
- Cost: register beforehand - price varies by event
Kids Garden Days
If your child has a budding green thumb, consider signing up for Kids Garden Days. For ages 6 and up, this event engages your child in gardening activities as they learn about nature.
- Where: 944 W. 21st Street (El Paseo Community Garden)
- What: Kids Garden Days give children the chance to learn about the community garden and participate in activities, ages 6 and up
- Cost: free, $5 suggested donation, register beforehand; materials are first come, first serve
Other Kids Events
- Triathlons, 5ks, obstacle challenges and other races
- Kids Yoga
- Wild Wednesdays
- Kids Cooking Classes
- Virtual or In-Person Family-Friendly Scavenger Hunts
Photo credit: Star Events and Raney Images
Chicago Art Shows & Craft Fairs: Get Your Creative Juices Flowing
Stroll the streets of Chicago while you admire the works of some of the city's and nation's greatest artists. Here are some ideas for art shows and festivals that will inspire both older and younger members of your family.
Southport Art Fest
Cruise through the streets of Wrigleyville at the Southport Art Fest, which features a wide variety of artists and art forms. The fest also has a designated kids area where they can enjoy games and activities.
- Where: W. Waveland Avenue & N. Southport Avenue (Wrigleyville)
- What: around 60 artists showcasing their work, a selection of food vendors and a kids area with games and activities
- Cost: free admission
Annual Artfest Michigan Avenue
Located on the Magnificent Mile beside the Chicago River and Riverwalk, Artfest allows the whole family to admire the work of 70 talented artists.
- Where: 435 N. Michigan Avenue (Streeterville)
- What: work from 70 artists is featured at the base of the Chicago Tribune building, overlooking the Chicago River
- Cost: free admission
Edge Fest
Advertised as kid- and pet-friendly, Edge Fest features live music and entertainment, food from local restaurants and even a pet parade, ending with the election of the next pet mayor of Edgewater.
- Where: N. Broadway Street & W. Thorndale Avenue (Edgewater)
- What: a large variety of local musicians and food vendors in a kid- and pet-friendly atmosphere
- Cost: $5 suggested donation
Retro on Roscoe Festival
Complete with three stages, this blast-from-the-past festival features not only a variety of artists and bands but also a kids area with inflatables, crafts, face painting, balloon artists and more.
- Where: 2000 W. Roscoe Street (Roscoe Village)
- What: live music, featured artists, food from popular restaurants in the area, a classic car and motorcycle show, plus a kid-friendly space where little ones can play with inflatables, crafts and rides or stop by the balloon artist and face painting stands
- Cost: $10 suggested donation
Annual Bucktown Arts Festival
Along with a kids tent, scavenger hunt, dog parade and other kid-friendly activities, the Bucktown Arts Festival also showcases a wide variety of photography, painting, entertainment and live music performances.
- Where: 2200 N. Oakley (Bucktown)
- What: fest featuring almost 200 artists, in addition to music, dancing, poetry, food trucks, activities for kids and more
- Cost: free admission
Chicago Artisan Market
Showcasing small businesses, the Chicago Artisan Market promotes craftspeople who are dedicated to their products. Admire the art, sign up for a DIY class and talk with artisans about their crafts while enjoying delicious food and beverages. This event also includes a kids zone that offers complimentary activities, drinks and snacks for little ones.
- Where: 401 N. Morgan Street
- What: a market featuring Chicago's best artists, food, fashion and home goods, complete with a kids zone that has arts, crafts and kid-friendly food
- Cost: $8 in advance, $10 at door, 4 for $20 (in advance), free admission for kids under 12
Renegade Craft Fair - Flagship Fair
Cruise the streets of Renegade, Chicago's flagship fair, to check out the work of over 400 craftspeople, artists and designers. Complete with music, workshops, food trucks and drinks, this fest presents a fun day the whole family will enjoy.
- Where: Division Street between Damen Avenue & Ashland Avenue (Wicker Park)
- What: art fair featuring over 400 designers from around the U.S., local DJs, workshops, art, food trucks and more
- Cost: free admission
Photo credit: Chicago Public Library
Library Events for Kids: Get Your Read On
Take advantage of all the library has to offer this summer with fun activities that encourage you and your kids to leave the house. Find our suggestions below for events designed to get kids moving, learning and using their imaginations. Check back each summer for updated information on activities and performances hosted by the Chicago Public Library.
Summer Learning Challenge
A summer challenge series hosted by the Chicago Public Library that encourages kids to read, step outside their comfort zone and use their imagination to create something new.
- Where: all Chicago Public Library locations
- What: a learning challenge for children of all ages that encourages them to read and discover new things
- Cost: free admission
Explorers at Play Music Concert with Little Miss Ann
A musical concert for young children and preschoolers that incorporates singing, jumping, dancing and moving as a family.
- Where: location varies among Chicago library locations
- What: a musical performance by Little Miss Ann—ideal for children up to 6 years old
- Cost: free admission but must register beforehand
Play Ball
Along with a featured performance from the youth of the CircEsteem's performance team, Play Ball offers hands-on activities and games recommended for families with children ages 3 and up.
- Where: Harold Washington Library Center
- What: hands-on games and activities, suggested for kids 3 and up
- Cost: free admission
Drawing a Story with Zach Lehner
Comic artist Zach Lehner instructs participants on how to illustrate visuals for funny stories. As a team, children work with Lehner on constructing a comic, and then have time to create their own.
- Where: location varies
- What: kids learn about storytelling and illustrating, suggested for kids 7 and up
- Cost: free admission but must register beforehand
Game On with Mad Science of Chicago
Allow your kid or tween to work within a team while playing games and experiencing activities that involve solving science-related questions.
- Where: location varies, check the Chicago Public Library website for more information
- What: play games that explore different aspects of science, suggested for kids ages 6-13
- Cost: free admission
Other Featured Events
- Bringing Stories Alive through Science
- FrankenToyMobile
- Design Your Own Game Board
- The Play about Play Improv Playhouse
- Musical Play-cation
Photo credit: Navy Pier
Kids Concerts in Chicago: Sing Along to Favorite Songs
For music fans of all ages, kids concerts let you spend the summer jamming with your family. Below are some suggestions for the best musical performances for kids who love to sing, dance and rock to the beat.
Summer Nights Concerts
Hosted by the Brookfield Zoo, Summer Nights Concerts feature games and activities, roaming entertainers, animal ambassadors (animals taken through the crowd for kids to touch and play with) and a concert with a laser light show finale.
- Where: 8400 W. 31st Street (Brookfield Zoo - East Mall)
- What: outdoor concerts at the zoo, each night a different performer is featured
- Cost: free for members, non-members must purchase a general admission ticket to the zoo to attend (general admission - $21.95 adults, $15.95 seniors, $15.95 kids (ages 3-11)
The Rock and Roll Playhouse Family Concerts
Designed to keep children engaged and moving, the Rock and Roll Playhouse puts together summer and early-fall concerts for families at two Chicago locations. Concerts are themed and past events have featured reggae and rock, among other genres.
- Where: Gallagher Way & Thalia Hall
- What: themed concerts for children of all ages; past themes have included music of the Beatles and Phish in addition to reggae
- Cost: tickets are $15, kids under 1 are free
Kidzapalooza
Kids 10 and under get in free to Kidzapalooza, a sector of one of Chicago's biggest music festivals known as Lollapalooza. Enjoy a day in Grant Park filled with a variety of yummy foods, kid-friendly music and fun activities including kids airbrush tattoo and hair salon stations.
- Where: 337 E. Randolph St (Grant Park)
- What: a children’s music festival within a larger teen/adult music festival; the festival typically has a variety of musical performers, activities, workshops, food options and more
- Cost: free for children 10 years and younger; however, they must be accompanied by a ticket-holding adult, 2 children per ticket
Photo credit: Little Beans Cafe
Chicago Indoor Playgrounds: Rainy Day Fun
When the weather isn't working in your favor, take your kid to an indoor playground that helps them blow off some steam. Below are a handful of suggestions for the best indoor places that have space for your child to climb, play and run.
Little Beans Cafe
Settle back with coffee and snacks as you watch your little one climb around Little Beans Village (a small make-believe town) or learn in the classroom space, where a variety of workshops and interactive activities are held. Be sure to remember your little one's socks, as they are required for playing on the equipment. In case you forget, new pairs are also sold at the cafe.
- Where: 1809 W. Webster Avenue
- What: a cafe with a variety of drinks and snacks, as well as an indoor play space for kids
- Special features/amenities: classroom space where kids workshops are held and Little Beans Village, a mock town built for kids
- Cost: daily pass - $14, sibling - $12, additional siblings - $8
Present Place
Present Place contains wooden play structures for young kids to climb on, around and through. With free coffee, tea and WiFi, there is plenty of space for you to sit and observe while your child reads or plays.
- Where: 3701 N. Ravenswood Avenue, #247 (Lakeview Location), 314 W. Institute Place, #2W (River North Location)
- What: a play area for children and a small kitchen space for adults to make coffee and store snacks
- Special features/amenities: enrichment & wellness classes offered (yoga, Spanish immersion, music classes, etc.)
- Cost: Lakeview location daily pass - $14, each sibling $10 ; River North location daily pass - $20, each sibling $12)
Sod Room
Let your kids loose in an eco-friendly playroom that features sustainable and responsibly-made toys for your child. The area also hosts classes for parents looking to become more eco-friendly, in addition to a retail boutique stocked with Earth-conscious products.
- Where: 1454 S. Michigan Avenue, 2nd Floor
- What: a playroom that features an environmentally-friendly playspace
- Special features/amenities: workshops and classes to assist parents in becoming more eco-friendly, space for party rentals and a retail boutique that sells local, organic, fair trade and recyclable products
- Cost: daily pass - $15, sibling - $10, additional siblings - $7
360 Chicago/TILT
Explore the city from a bird's eye view with the 360 Chicago/TILT experience. Check it out on specific days of the week to take classes, work out and participate in fun activities with your child 1,000 feet above the ground.
- Where: 875 N. Michigan Avenue
- What: an observation deck located 1,000 feet above the ground in the John Hancock Building that offers views of the lake and city; additional activities are offered each day of the week (for instance, guided tours, tripod Mondays, sky art, sky trivia, sky yoga, Sunday funday)
- Special features/amenities: TILT is an attraction/ride that extends out and over Chicago
- On Sundays from 9 am-4 pm, TILT is free for kids; from 1-3 pm bring kids to the 360 observation deck for a magic show and musical performance
- Cost: general admission to 360 Chicago - $25 adult & $15 youth (free for children under 3); Chicago resident - $12.50 adult & $7.50 youth; Fast pass - $44; TILT is $8 additional for each guest
Photo credit: Westfield Old Orchard
Mall Play Areas: Places to Shop & Play in One Stop
If you are looking to check some errands off your list, malls with play areas are a convenient place for you and your kids to stop between shops. Here are some recommendations for malls with spaces for your child to run, play and create.
Westfield Old Orchard
Old Orchard's outdoor play area, PlaySpace, provides a place for your kids to run around and burn off some energy during a shopping trip. Positioned near many kid-friendly restaurants, PlaySpace also features a small ice rink that’s also used for various outdoor activities in warm weather. Don't forget to stop by our Old Orchard Crate & Barrel location while you're there.
- Where: 4999 Old Orchard Center (Skokie)
- Special Features: the play area is outside and garden-themed; in the winter, skate on an outdoor ice rink by the play area (used for outdoor games during the summer)
Northbrook Court
Less than an hour north of the city and designed by the Chicago Children’s Museum, Northbrook Court features a creative space that keeps your child engaged while learning. For children ages 2 and up interested in playfully exploring S.T.E.M. ideas, sign your little one up for noggin builders. As long as you're nearby, visit us at the Crate and Barrel Northbrook store.
- Where: 1515 Lake Cook Road (Northbrook)
- Special Features: kids play space with a costume area, baby-friendly space, places to climb indoors and hands-on activities
Yorktown Center
In partnership with the Chicago Brookfield Zoo, Yorktown Center contains a play area that features a mall train, FunFlatables, kiddie rides, a playspace and dining area designed for your little one.
- Where: 203 Yorktown Center (Lombard)
- Special Features: PLAY, a kids area that features kiddie rides, a children's train, FunFlatables (a soft playground in an indoor playspace) and a hands-on children's dining area created in partnership with the Brookfield Zoo
Water Tower Place
While this mall lacks a traditional play area, the Water Tower Place is stocked with kid-friendly stores for your little ones to explore while using their imaginations.
- Where: 835 N. Michigan Avenue (Chicago)
- Special Features: though this mall is not home to a traditional play area, it hosts a variety of stores with play options (such as Build-a-Bear, the American Girl store and the Lego store)
Photo credit: Scooped Cookie Dough Bar
Dessert Places in Chicago: Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
Searching for something sweet to end your night? Treat yourself and your children to Chicago's tastiest cupcakes, cookies, ice cream and more. Here are our ideas for the most unique and delicious dessert places the city has to offer.
Molly’s Cupcakes
Bite into a soft cupcake with a creamy filling. These treats come in a variety of flavors including cake batter, Nutella, creme brulée and more. Complete with a create-your-own option and a sprinkle station, Molly's allows your little one to design their own cake and frosting flavor combinations. While enjoying your treats, take a seat on one of the swings hanging around the counter.
- Where: 2536 N. Clark Street (Original Location), 419 E. Illinois Street, Suite 120 (River East Location)
- Known for: center-filled cupcakes, create-your-own cupcakes and a sprinkle station
- Special feature(s): both of the stores feature swings that you can sit on while you eat your cupcake
Bombo Bar
Great for older children and kids who love over-the-top desserts. Bombo Bar is known for their outrageous and creative shakes as well as their bomboloni (small filled donuts)
- Where: 832 W. Randolph (West Loop Location), 1529 N. Wells Street (Old Town Location)
- Known for: colorful and over-the-top desserts and shakes (with cotton candy, glitter, whipped cream and more) and bomboloni (holeless donuts filled with your choice of flavor)
- Special feature(s): the West Loop location features outdoor seating, a take-out window where you walk up to order and—although more known for their desserts—a selection of burgers and sandwiches
Scooped Cookie Dough Bar
If you love to eat all of the dough before baking cookies, then the Scooped Cookie Dough Bar is for you. Located in the center of the Water Tower Place shopping center, this dessert bar is a great place to take a quick break.
- Where: 835 N. Michigan Ave
- Known for: scoops of freshly-made cookie dough served like ice cream, and milk on tap to accompany
- Special feature(s): the Chicago location is located in Water Tower Place, which makes it a convenient stop during or after shopping
Eli’s Ark
Creamy and delicious, gelato at Eli's Ark is crafted to look like your family’s favorite animals. Ask for your scoop to be shaped like a koala, monkey, pig, unicorn or any number of other creatures.
- Where: 1843 W. North Avenue
- Known for: scoops of gelato in the form of cute animals (such as bunnies and koalas)
- Special feature(s): in addition to gelato, Eli's ark also serves baked desserts, such as cake and cookies
Xo Marshmallow
For s'mores and hot chocolate any time of year, Xo Marshmallow creatively incorporates fluffy and gooey 'mallows into most of their drinks and desserts.
- Where: 6977 N. Sheridan Road
- Known for: Chicago’s first-ever marshmallow cafe with gourmet-flavored marshmallows used in a variety of drinks and treats
- Special feature(s): a “wonderland” experience in a fun interior, this cafe also advertises their marshmallows as both gluten- and egg-free; most options are also dairy-free
Sweet Mandy B’s
From cakes and pies to cookies and brownies, Sweet Mandy B's offers a large variety of comfort-style treats that are sure to please any type of dessert lover in your family.
- Where: 1208 W. Webster Avenue
- Known for: old-fashioned desserts (best known for cupcakes, but also cookies, brownies, cakes and pies)
- Special feature(s): kids baking classes offered
Photo Credit: Four Seasons Chicago
Kid-Friendly Hotels in Chicago: Extend Your Stay in the Windy City
Staying overnight in the city? Streamline the process of sifting through an abundance of hotels located in Chicago to find the right one for your family's needs. Basing our selections off of location, kid-friendly accommodations and a surplus of amenities, these are our top picks for kid-friendly Chicago hotels the whole family will enjoy.
Four Seasons Chicago
Located within the Gold Coast neighborhood near restaurants and shopping, and with the historic Water Tower just a short walk away, the Four Seasons is positioned just right for you and your family to take in all Chicago has to offer. The hotel also provides floats for the pool, a kids club room with video games and toys, babysitting services and an ice cream cart that will roll to your room and serve custom-made desserts.
- Address: 120 E. Delaware Place (Gold Coast)
- Location: lots of restaurants and shopping in the area - around the corner from the John Hancock building, the Water Tower Place and the Chicago Water Tower
- A 10-minute walk from the beach
- Price: avg. $440 per night - prices vary
- Hotel amenities: pool (including pool toys and floats), kids clubroom (video games, toys, foosball and more), kid friendly check-in process (kids receive a toy from a toy chest), babysitting services and ice cream cart service; this hotel is also pet-friendly
- Special offers: ‘Family Fun in the City Package’
Hilton Chicago
Bring your whole family—plus Fido!—and enjoy a weekend at the Hilton Chicago. Positioned across the street from Grant Park (a great place to play with your family pet), the Hilton not only features a pool and other kid-friendly accommodations, it’s also walkable from both the Shedd Aquarium and Field Museum.
- Address: 720 S. Michigan Avenue (South Loop)
- Location: across the street from Grant Park; a 13-minute walk from the Shedd Aquarium and Field Museum
- Price: avg. $190 per night - prices vary
- Hotel amenities: pool, pet-friendly, cribs and highchairs offered, room service and a children's menu available at the hotel restaurant
- Special offers: ‘Family Fun Package’
Omni Chicago
The Omni is located in the heart of the city on Michigan Avenue. With their Kids Crew, the hotel also provides your little one with all the essentials needed for a fun weekend away from home. Upon arrival, kids receive a backpack full of goodies, including an activity book, card games and crayons. The program also includes complimentary milk and cookies delivered to your family's room on your first night.
- Address: 676 N. Michigan Avenue
- Location: walking distance from the John Hancock Building, Water Tower Place and the Chicago Water Tower; near plenty of restaurants and shopping areas
- A 15-minute walk from the beach
- Price: avg. $250 per night - prices vary
- Hotel amenities: Omni Kids Crew program (kids recieve a backpack of goodies at check-in, milk and cookies delivered to the room on the first night and coloring menus and complimentary kids cups are offered at the hotel’s restaurants), rooftop sundeck, indoor pool
- Special offers: ‘Chicago American Girl Place Package’, ‘Summer in the City!’ and '48 Hours in Chicago'
InterContinental Chicago
Positioned on the Magnificent Mile and only a short walk from the Chicago River, the InterContinental hotel is in a convenient location for you to enjoy city tourist activities. The InterContinental boasts a junior Olympic-sized swimming pool that hosts family-friendly movies every Saturday night of the summer—providing popcorn and pool floats so kids can enjoy the film without leaving the water. Additionally, the hotel offers a variety of events and activities such as brunch, fitness classes, bike rentals and scavenger hunts to accommodate the whole family.
- Address: 505 N. Michigan Avenue
- Location: lots of restaurants and shopping in the area, walking distance from the Chicago River, the Tribune Tower and the Wrigley Building
- Price: avg. $250 per night - prices vary
- Hotel amenities: pet-friendly rooms, a junior Olympic-sized indoor pool, a summer scavenger hunt within the family fun package that mixes sightseeing with fun activities for kids, as well as movies at the pool on Saturday nights at 8 pm, served with complimentary popcorn and pool floats
- Special offers: ‘Family Fun Pack’
Hotel Palomar
The Hotel Palomar offers a wide array of amenities for the family to ensure each member has the most comfortable stay possible. A welcome gift bag, an indoor pool, babysitting services, family-friendly dining options and the opportunity to rent or buy commonly-forgotten items, such as bassinets, sound machines or diapers for your baby, make the accommodations provided by the Palomar a convenient solution for the next family vacation.
- Address: 505 N. State Street
- Location: nearby restaurants and shopping, walking distance from the Chicago River
- Price: avg. $220 per night - prices vary
- Hotel amenities: a welcome bag given to kids upon arrival (with coloring books, crayons and a selection of toys), indoor swimming pool; the hotel also provides commonly-forgotten items for babies (such as a baby bath, sound machine and more), babysitting services, child equipment rental (stroller, bouncy seat, etc.), family-friendly dining and a baby butler service (offers disposable baby essentials for your trip)
- Special offers: ‘Play Ball Package’
The Ritz-Carlton
The Ritz-Carlton offers amenities that keep your children engaged between trips to the city, including a swimming pool, a kid-friendly dining experience, a welcome wagon that provides a toy to each child guest, as well as a candy cart that makes the rounds each night before bedtime. Additionally, the hotel is located just a short walk from some of Chicago's most popular tourist attractions.
- Address: 160 E. Pearson Street
- Location: a short walk from Michigan Avenue, the Water Tower Place, the Historic Water Tower, John Hancock building, the lake, the beach, Navy Pier and lots of other shopping and restaurants
- Price: avg. $450 per night - prices vary
- Hotel amenities: indoor swimming pool, Ritz Kid club with a red welcome wagon (where kids pick a toy of their choice upon arrival), candy cart (a cart will come to your room for your child to pick out candy at night) and kids dining experience (hotel restaurants have coloring books, as well as healthy menu options and treats for kids)
- Special offers: 'American Girl Package' and 'Beach Day All Day'
What makes your family’s trip to the Second City even better? Bringing along everyday favorites, such as stuffed animals, dolls and coloring books, too. Show us how you keep your little ones entertained in the car or on the plane at the hashtag #CrateKidsStyle.