Chicago offers a countless number of things to partake in that are fun for the whole family. From beautiful urban parks to world-renowned museums, there are numerous family-friendly activities and places for you and your kids to enjoy.
Whether you’re a local or a first-time visitor looking for super fun and exciting things to do with your kids this winter, check out hubub’s list of the best kid-friendly things to do.
1.Chicago Children’s Museum
The Chicago Children Museum is a don’t miss attraction and also one of the best, highly rated museums in Chicago ideal for children aged 10years and under. The Museum was established in 1982 by the Junior League of Chicago and it’s located at Navy Pier. There are so many fun activities for children to get involved in which will spark their imaginations, some of which include digging for bones on a dinosaur expedition, making a big splash in a squirting, Painting, Sketching, Printing and Sculpting in an art studio, Tinker with real tools and materials in a DIY maker-space, Constructing a Skyscraper, fishing in a river, Dressing up as a fire fighter, driving a truck and putting out a ‘fire’ among many more. This is a definitely a place kids will love to visit and explore this winter on a family day out!
The Museum is opened on both weekdays and weekends.Tickets also range from $3 to $19. For more information on the opening times, visit https://www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org
2.Shedd Aquarium
Whether you are a local or a tourist, making a trip to the Shedd Aquarium with your kids is an essential activity here in the Windy City. Opened on May 30, 1930, Shedd Aquarium is located on the shore of Lake Michigan.
This is the ‘must-sea’ destination in Chicago, housing over 32,000 aquatic wonders and it is also known as one of the world’s first largest indoor aquariums. Shedd Aquarium is well recognised for being one of the best things to do with kids here in Chicago. It is packed with fun-filled kids exhibits and explores subjects they’ll find educational and fascinating. For instance, kids will get to experience a diver’s eye view of the underwater world’s most interesting creatures. You’ll also get to encounter an eye-to-eye with sharks, parrotfish, beluga whales, moon jellies and giant octopus via the floor-to-ceiling exhibit windows. Other famous exhibit sectors include the Polar Play Zone and the Caribbean Reef which both provide tons of interactive fun and also place emphasis on significant marine habitats.
The Shedd Aquarium is opened 7 days a week so make sure to visit with your children to explore and experience the Beauty of the Sea. You can choose to skip the queue and buy your tickets online at www.sheddaquarium.org
3. Chicago Botanic Garden
There’s always something going on at the Chicago Botanic Garden, and winter is no exception hence the reason why it’s the perfect venue to hang out with your kids for a family fun time.
Located in Glencoe, the Chicago Botanic Garden features 27 display gardens on 385 acres and even currently have in place a new 26,700-square-foot learning Center to boot. Kids will enjoy running on the grassy Esplanade, marching over the arched bridges of the Japanese Garden and climbing roly-poly hills in the Nature Play Garden. The garden is opened 7 days a week all year round with free admission but parking for non-garden members is $30 per car. Visit www.chicagobotanicgarden for opening hours and more insight to enable you plan your visit properly.
4.Gallagher Way
There is always something new and exciting to do and see with kids at the Gallagher Way. Located right next to Wrigley Field, Gallagher Way has become a destination for family fun. There will be holiday movies screenings, ice-skating rink and wreath-making workshops this winter season. While you’re in the area, you can choose to take a break and warm up inside by heading to Jeni’s just around the corner for ice cream. Gallagher opens every day in the week from 10am to 7pm. Check their website on www.gallagherway.com for upcoming events and schedules.
5.Chicago Children’s Theatre
Thinking of a show which can be an incredible experience for kids at any age? Chicago Children’s Theatre is the best place to consider! This theatre is the city’s greatest professional and community-focused theatre providing a lineup of plays all year-round for children and families including acting classes. Head here with your children for all types of activities from new plays to life-size puppets written and produced by staff members. The Chicago Children’s Theatre is located at Racine Avenue in downtown Chicago. Visit www.chicagochildrenstheatre.org for opening times and upcoming events and shows.
6.Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier
Navy Pier and its neighbouring attractions are full of fun activities year-round for both kids and adults. The Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier, formerly called the Chicago’s Ferris Wheel is a treasured part of Chicago’s cultural history and also a historic part of the Chicago skyline. Mounting to 200-feet-high, the Wheel offers visitors 360-degree views of the city, Lake Michigan and the enclosed gondolas, making it a kid favourite and providing an unforgettable experience no matter the season. If you want a smooth, enjoyable ride with great views of the city in a comfortable atmosphere for yourself and children or family, then this is definitely for you! No trip to Navy Pier is complete without a visit to the Pier Park! You can choose to either purchase your ticket (Play the Park Pass) at the Pier Park Box Office or online at www.navypier.org
7.Kohl Children’s Museum
Looking for an environmentally friendly, kids suitable and energy efficient Museum to take your younger children to? Kohl Children’s Museum is the right place! This is a children’s Museum which provides hands on learning laboratory for children from all ages up to 8. The Museum has both indoor and outdoor exhibit space which features programs and exhibits aligned to the Illinois State Learning Standards and created to make learning interesting and fun for the younger generation.This Museum is situated in Glenview, Illinois, and just about 30 minutes outside of the Loop with popular destinations such as the Water works station, the Whole Foods Market, not forgetting the popular Pet Vet Center. Opened 7 days in a week with no reservation costs, this indeed is the best place to get your child’s imagination fired up. Check online at www.kohlchildrensmuseum.org for events, activities and more information.
8.Adler Planetarium
Make a day of the Adler Planetarium with the kids this winter to explore one of the most stunning planetariums in the county. Since it opened in 1930, Adler Planetarium is America’s first planetarium and has become well recognised in science education inspiring the next generation of space explorers. During your visit, you get to watch sky shows, pretend to be space explorers in the hands-on planet explorer area or see the moon through an aperture telescope. With daily shows and exhibits, this can never be a boring place to take your children to. Check on their website (www.adlerplanetarium.org) for current pricing for different types of tickets and add-ons.
9.Harold Washington Library
Located in the South Loop, Harold Washington Library is the central library for the Chicago Public Library. The library prides itself a complete second floor of children’s books, multimedia tools, games, hands-on-activities among others that is perfect when harsh weather attacks. With stunning glass ceilings, move onto the 9th floor to see an absolute beautiful winter garden. For opening times and upcoming events, visit www.chipublib.org
10.Legoland Discovery Center Chicago
This is an indoor family entertainment Center located in the streets of Woodfield Shopping Center in Schaumburg, Illinois. Who doesn’t love LEGO? Take the whole family to explore a captivating indoor LEGO wonderland, occupied by interactive and exciting exhibits which include Lego-theme rides, a 4D cinema, a soft play area and a gift shop. Kids will enjoy MINILAND more, the interactive LEGO world specifically built just for them! The attraction is aimed towards younger children, even though teens and older kids will still enjoy the chance to play around with their best blocks.
Visit http://chicago.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/ for more details.
Even in the cold, there is always plenty of things to do and see in the Windy City with kids.
Remember, many of these ideas brought to you by hubub are included on the Go Chicago Card, where you can save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate.
Consider adding some of hubub’s Top Things To Do With Kids in Chicago this Winter to your upcoming itinerary and feel free to drop any other ideas you’ve got in the comment section below.
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