Home to a world-renowned aquarium, an active children’s theater and a bustling zoo, it’s fair to say that there are plenty of things to do with kids in Chicago. Whether your child enjoys the adrenaline rush of a rip-roaring carnival ride or a fun-yet-educational interactive museum exhibit, the Windy City delivers activities for kids with an array of interests.
Navy Pier
Navy Pier is home to some of the most popular kid-friendly activities in Chicago, including a mini theme park with a carousel, a free-fall ride and a nearly 200-foot tall Ferris wheel. Stop in at the Chicago Children's Museum, where kids can dig for dinosaur bones or work in a pretend grocery store. Plus, the night sky over the pier lights up in the summer during twice-weekly fireworks displays.
The Field Museum of Natural History
Curious little minds will enjoy a host of family activities in Chicago’s beloved Field Museum of Natural History, home to more than 30 million artifacts and specimens. Come face-to-face with the most complete T. Rex ever found and view the Midwest’s largest collection of Egyptian mummies or the display of rare gems and stones. You can also see short films shown at the 3D movie theater, which cover topics like science and the animal kingdom.
The Museum of Science and Industry
Interactive exhibits give kids and adults a chance to climb aboard a German U-505 submarine at the Museum of Science and Industry in Jackson Park. Sit behind the simulated controls of an aircraft or make your way out of a house of mirrors. Kids can also attend workshops where they’ll design and 3D-print their own personal creations.
Lincoln Park Zoo
Whoever said the best things in life are free must have visited the Lincoln Park Zoo. This cozy institution does not charge an admission fee. Spend your day viewing more than 200 animals, including furry and feathered friends like African penguins, giraffes and chimps. Take a break from the critters and enjoy a ride upon the zoo’s miniature train and carousel.
Shedd Aquarium
Experience life under the sea at the Shedd Aquarium, located in the lakeside Museum Campus. Home to 32,000 aquatic animals, the aquarium lets you touch swimming sturgeons and stingrays and watch as divers feed animals in a Caribbean reef. Get up close and personal with beluga whales at the Abbott Oceanarium’s underwater viewing gallery. It’s show time for the whole family at a 4D theater that screens marine animal-themed shorts.
Chicago Children’s Theatre
Expose your kids to the arts at the West Loop’s own Chicago Children’s. Housed inside a former police station, the group’s resident theater group performs shows for children—and starring children—throughout the year. Past productions include a combination of classic works and original plays and musicals.
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