Things to Do with Kids in Chicago

Three floors of hands-on exhibits for kids ages birth to 10. Features a dinosaur dig, water play area, building zone, and art studio. Located on Navy Pier. Free admission for children under 1. Illinois residents get free admission on the first Sunday and Monday of each month.

One of the last free zoos in the country, open 365 days a year. Features the Regenstein African Journey, Pritzker Family Children's Zoo with a climbing area, Farm-in-the-Zoo with daily feedings, and seasonal ZooLights. Perfect for all ages.

The largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere. Features a captured WWII German U-boat, a coal mine ride, the Science Storms exhibit, and a massive model train layout. The Idea Factory is designed specifically for kids 0-10 with water play and building activities. Free for Illinois residents on select days.

World-class aquarium with 32,000 animals. The Polar Play Zone is designed for families with kids under 5 and features a penguin habitat and touch pools. The Abbott Oceanarium has beluga whales and dolphins. Illinois residents receive discounted admission on certain days.

The Crown Family PlayLab inside the Field Museum is a free-with-admission play space for kids ages 2-6. Kids can dig for fossils, build a beaver dam, crawl through a log, and explore nature. The broader museum features SUE the T. rex and the Evolving Planet exhibit, great for older kids.

A massive free outdoor park with a play garden featuring slides, climbing walls, bridges, and a separate toddler area. The Skating Ribbon operates in winter (skate rental available). Also features a climbing wall, mini golf in summer, and a fieldhouse with free programming. One of the best playgrounds in the country.

Chicago's lakefront landmark with a mix of free and paid family attractions. The Centennial Wheel ride offers skyline views, the Pier Park has carnival rides, and the free Polk Bros Park fountain is a hit with kids in summer. Fireworks shows on summer Wednesday and Saturday nights. Free to walk around.

One of the largest conservatories in the nation, completely free. The Elizabeth Morse Genius Children's Garden lets kids dig in soil, play in a stream, climb a twisting vine sculpture, and explore plants through touch and smell. The main conservatories feature tropical palms, ferns, and desert plants.

Chicago's main library branch has a dedicated children's floor with free storytime sessions, craft programs, STEM activities, and a play area for young kids. The Thomas Hughes Children's Library hosts daily programming. All Chicago Public Library branches offer free kids programs -- check your local branch for schedules.

Popular neighborhood park with a renovated playground, splash pad (summer), ball fields, and a fieldhouse with free Park District programming for kids including arts, sports, and after-school programs. The playground has equipment for toddlers and older kids in separate areas.

Wizard of Oz-themed park with statues of Dorothy, the Tin Man, Scarecrow, and Cowardly Lion. Features a large playground with modern equipment, sports fields, and an artificial turf area. Popular with families in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. Free and open to the public.

A family-focused nature museum with the Judy Istock Butterfly Haven (a walk-through greenhouse with hundreds of live butterflies), a nature play area for toddlers, hands-on water and animal exhibits, and the RiverWorks water table. Smaller and more manageable for young kids than the big museums.

The 1.25-mile pedestrian walkway along the Chicago River is free to walk and features public art, seasonal play fountains, kayak rentals, and architecture boat tours. The McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum at the east end is great for older kids interested in engineering. Free outdoor space year-round.

Large zoo with 450+ species on 216 acres. Features the Hamill Family Play Zoo where kids can pretend to be zookeepers, the Butterflies! exhibit, dolphin show, and seasonal events like Holiday Magic and Dinos Everywhere. Free parking on Tuesdays and Thursdays in winter. Located about 14 miles west of downtown.