If you're taking a family trip to the Windy City, make sure the kids experience the best of Chicago's kid-friendly activities. Whether you're spending time in the Loop or exploring other neighborhoods, there are plenty of options for kids who want to have fun in Chicago regardless of the time of year you're visiting.
Navy Pier
Kids activities are more densely packed into Navy Pier than any other part of the city. The biggest workout will be attained in the Children's Museum, which is full of places to run, jump and play. An enormous Ferris wheel and hot air balloon ride are also located just outside of the pier, and a mirror maze is located near its edge.
Lincoln Park
Take your kids through one of the most beautiful parks in the country for lessons in natural living and conservation. A free, world-class zoo is located within, with multiple large animal exhibits. The Lincoln Park Conservatory is open every day of the year, and is also free of charge.
Museums
Kids can learn and play in Chicago's museums. On the South Side, the Museum of Science and Industry is much more hands-on than the Field Museum. But the latter institution is full of dinosaur skeletons and other eye-catching exhibits. There is also a planetarium, Adler, near the Field Museum where kids can learn about the universe.
Downtown
The most bustling part of Chicago is the downtown area, where the skyscrapers are tallest and the elevated trains run in a loop around the business district. Just east of downtown between Lake Michigan is Millennium Park, home to the Cloud Gate sculpture ("the bean") and the towering face fountains, which young children can play in during the summer months.
Sports
Kids and parents can both enjoy a professional sporting event in Chicago. Two baseball teams play during the summertime, the White Sox of the South Side and the Cubs of the North Side. During winter, both the Bulls and Blackhawks play at the United Center. And during the cooler part of the year, the Bears compete at Soldier Field.
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