Chicago Visitors Guide - 2026
FAMILY FUN GUIDE
Amy Bizzarri 2026-01-21 11:18:05
Chicago is where adventure calls for kids of all ages, with thrilling outdoor experiences and indoor discoveries that are second to none.
OUTDOORS
Stroll the scenic Chicago Riverwalk and hop aboard an architecture cruise — like the Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady or Wendella Tours — and glide past iconic skyscrapers. Chicago Fireboat Tours and the Chicago Boat Company offer sightseeing tours with an extra splash of adventure. In the evening catch Art on THE MART, a dazzling nighttime show that illuminates the riverfront with massive digital art projections synced to music.
At Navy Pier kids can soar on the 200-foot-tall Centennial Wheel at Pier Park, catch a live outdoor performance at Polk Bros Park, play with fun exhibits at the Chicago Children’s Museum, set off on a virtual flight over Chicago at Flyover, and watch summertime fireworks sparkle over Lake Michigan.
At Maggie Daley Park, children can captain a pirate ship in the whimsical Play Garden, tee off at City Mini Golf (dotted with small-scale Chicago landmarks), race around the Skating Ribbon on rollerblades or ice skates (in the winter), and scale a towering Climbing Wall.
Spend the afternoon in Lincoln Park. Meet majestic lions and ride the endangered species-themed carousel at Lincoln Park Zoo, a free urban oasis. See rare orchids and tall ancient ferns inside the glassen-closed Lincoln Park Conservatory, a Victorian-era greenhouse that’s always blooming, no matter the season. Flutter through the butterfly haven (where a winged creature just might land on your shoulder) and explore exhibits celebrating Chicago’s ecosystems at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.
In Millennium Park, snap a family selfie in front of the gleaming Cloud Gate (aka “The Bean”), splash through the interactive Crown Fountain, wander among colorful flowers in the Lurie Garden, and catch a free concert under the sweeping steel ribbons of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.
Pedal or stroll along The 606, a 2.7-mile elevated trail connecting four Chicago neighborhoods featuring public art, lookout points, and leafy parks.
Created in 1893 for the World’s Columbian Exposition, Jackson Park’s Japanese-inspired Garden of the Phoenix features koi ponds and scenic bridges nestled among peaceful paths.
Big Marsh Bike Park offers BMX jump lines and single-track trails across 40 acres of wild terrain — perfect for thrill seekers of all ages and skill levels.
Discover gorillas frolicking through a lush rainforest habitat and see leaping dolphins at Brookfield Zoo Chicago in west suburban Brookfield.
Scan here for top Chicago must-dos for tweens and teens.
INDOORS
At the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, kids can take a ride down into a coal mine, get lost in a mirror maze, and discover science in thrilling, hands-on ways.
The Museum Campus brings together the Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, and Adler Planetarium, offering up-close encounters with aquatic creatures, Egyptian mummies, and galaxies far, far away.
Board the pink Sprink-L train, marvel at the jelly bean room, and taste quirky flavors (like hot dog!) at the Museum of Ice Cream.
Step into a kaleidoscope of creativity at Color Factory Chicago, an immersive art experience featuring a rainbow of interactive installations.
At the Bronzeville Children’s Museum, little ones learn through interactive exhibits centered on African American culture and innovation.
Stretch slime, mix custom colors, and play with gooey textures at the Sloomoo Institute.
The American Writers Museum celebrates literary legends with interactive exhibits that bring words, ideas, and storytelling to life.
Experience tech-infused art installations, including the magical Infinity Mirror Room by Yayoi Kusama, at the innovative WNDR Museum.
The Museum of Illusions Chicago tricks minds with optical puzzles, gravity-defying rooms, and reality-bending challenges.
Uncover the stories behind the city’s iconic buildings and marvel at intricate models of global landmarks at the Chicago Architecture Center.
An elevator whisks visitors up to the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower to reach Skydeck Chicago, where stepping onto The Ledge means hovering in a glass box 1,353 feet above the city.
Lean into TILT, an exhilarating ride at 360 CHICAGO that tips you over The Magnificent Mile from the 94th floor of the observatory.
Embrace your inner wizard at the Harry Potter Shop, where spells, wands, Butterbeer, and magical merchandise abound.
Walk through the home where Walt’s journey of imagination began at The Walt Disney Birthplace.
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