Top 5 Kids Activities in Chicago

Family-friendly attractions and activities in Chicago, updated for 2025.

1. Field Museum

★★★★★

Type: Natural History Museum

Location: Museum Campus

Hours: Daily 9AM-5PM

Age Range: All ages

Website: fieldmuseum.org

Highlights

SUE the T. Rex exhibit
Interactive Underground Adventure
Evolving Planet exhibition
Crown Family PlayLab
3D Theater experiences

Special Features

Hands-on learning stations
Daily educational programs
Special exhibitions
Family-friendly dining options

$$$

2. Shedd Aquarium

★★★★★

Type: Aquarium

Location: Museum Campus

Hours: Daily 9AM-5PM

Age Range: All ages

Website: sheddaquarium.org

Highlights

Caribbean Reef exhibit
Dolphin shows
Penguin encounters

Considerations

Can get crowded
Premium pricing

$$$

3. Lincoln Park Zoo

★★★★★

Type: Zoo

Location: Lincoln Park

Hours: Daily 10AM-5PM

Age Range: All ages

Website: lpzoo.org

Highlights

Free admission
Farm-in-the-Zoo
Daily animal encounters

Considerations

Weather dependent
Parking fees apply

Free

4. Museum of Science and Industry

★★★★½

Type: Science Museum

Location: Hyde Park

Hours: Daily 9:30AM-4PM

Age Range: 5+

Website: msichicago.org

Highlights

Interactive exhibits
Giant dome theater
Science experiments

Considerations

Some exhibits cost extra
Complex for very young children

$$$

5. Maggie Daley Park

★★★★½

Type: Public Park

Location: Loop

Hours: Daily 6AM-11PM

Age Range: All ages

Website: maggiedaleypark.com

Highlights

Play Garden
Climbing walls
Ice skating ribbon (winter)

Considerations

Weather dependent
Can get very busy

Free

Family Activity Tips for Chicago

What to Know

Many museums offer free days for Illinois residents
CityPASS available for multiple attractions
Most venues accessible by CTA
Check weather before outdoor activities
Many indoor options for winter months
Book ahead for holiday periods