If you’re looking for a family-friendly destination with plenty of activities to keep your kids entertained, look no further than Chicago. This Midwestern city offers a wide variety of kid-friendly attractions, from zoos and museums to parks and playgrounds. And with so much to see and do, you’re sure to find something that interests everyone in the family.
1. Visit the Lincoln Park Zoo
One of the most popular things to do in Chicago with kids is to visit the Lincoln Park Zoo. This world-renowned zoo is home to over 1,200 animals, making it one of the largest zoos in North America. Kids will love getting up close and personal with some of their favorite animals, including lions, tigers, bears, and gorillas. And with so many different animals to see, they’re sure to learn something new too.
2. Explore the Field Museum
Chicago’s Field Museum is another great option for families with kids. This museum is home to an extensive collection of dinosaur bones, as well as exhibits on ancient Egyptian cultures and Native American tribes. Kids will love seeing the dinosaurs up close and learning about other cultures from around the world.
3. Take a Spin on the Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier
Navy Pier is one of Chicago’s most popular tourist attractions, and it’s easy to see why. This sprawling complex offers something for everyone, including a Ferris wheel, carousel, laser show, and arcade. Kids will love spending a day at Navy Pier, especially if you take them on a ride on the Ferris wheel for a birds-eye view of the city.
4. Visit the Shedd Aquarium
The Shedd Aquarium is another must-visit attraction in Chicago. This massive aquarium is home to over 32,000 animals, making it one of the largest in the world. Kids will love seeing all the different types of fish, turtles, and other sea creatures up close. And they’ll also enjoy taking part in some of the hands-on activities offered at the aquarium.
5. Play at Millennium Park
Millennium Park is one of Chicago’s most popular parks, and it’s easy to see why. This massive park offers plenty of things to do for kids, including a playground, splash pad, and gardens. Kids will also love riding the carousel and taking a spin on the giant Ferris wheel. And if you’re looking for something to do when the weather gets colder, you can go ice skating at Millennium Park’s outdoor rink.
How to Plan Your Budget for a Trip to Chicago With Kids
There’s no doubt that Chicago is a great place to visit with kids. But if you’re not careful, it can also be a very expensive city to travel to. Here are a few tips to help you plan your budget for a trip to Chicago with kids:
1. Choose your accommodations carefully
If you want to save money on your accommodation, consider staying in a hotel outside of the downtown area. You’ll likely find lower rates at hotels in these areas, and you’ll still be close enough to all of the attractions that you want to visit. Another option is to look for vacation rentals, which can often be cheaper than hotels.
2. Don’t eat out for every meal
If you’re on a tight budget, eating out for every meal is going to be very expensive. Instead, try to eat some meals at your hotel or vacation rental, and save dining out for special occasions. You can also look for restaurants that offer discounts for kids, such as those that offer free kids’ meals with the purchase of an adult entrée.
3. Take advantage of free attractions
There are plenty of free things to do in Chicago with kids, so be sure to take advantage of them. Some of the best free attractions include visiting Millennium Park, exploring the Lincoln Park Zoo, and walking along the Magnificent Mile. By taking advantage of these free activities, you’ll be able to save money on your overall trip.
4. Purchase a CityPASS
If you’re planning on visiting a lot of attractions while you’re in Chicago, you may want to purchase a CityPASS. This pass will allow you to visit some of the best attractions in the city, including the Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, and Skydeck Chicago, for one low price. And if you purchase the CityPASS online, you’ll save even more money.
These are just a few of the many great things to do in Chicago with kids. So whether you’re looking for educational activities or just some fun in the sun, you’re sure to find it in this Midwestern city.
