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 glass-enclosed 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 J ay 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 . PHOTO CREDIT: KATHLEEN HINKEL PHOTOGRAPHY 33
Chicago Visitors Guide 2026: Page 33
