Chicago is one of the best places to show your kids art, culture, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences that will leave lasting impressions on the youngest members of your family. If you’re looking for a unique adventure, we have you covered with many amazing experiences that the entire family will enjoy. Keep reading for the best things to do in Chicago with kids this month!
Journey through Earth’s ancient past at the ‘Life Chronicles’ VR experience near Chicago starting on September 26. This immersive adventure transports you 3.5 billion years back in time, letting you witness the planet’s major evolutionary milestones, from the Archean period, when life first emerged, to the eras that shaped our world. Grab tickets!
Expose the kids (over 8 years of age) to some incredible sounds under the dim glow of candlelight at one of these fantastic Candlelight Concerts. From tribute concerts of world-class singers to talented musicians performing popular classical ballads like Vivaldi’s Four Seasons & more, there’s never been a better time to introduce your youngsters to the gift of music.
The entire family will enjoy Puttshack, a massive tech-infused mini golf destination with two Chicagoland locations in Oak Brook and Skokie. Beyond mini golf, families won’t want to miss the menu, featuring delicious bites like shiitake mushroom potstickers and Thai fried chicken—plus a full bar with craft cocktails and mocktails, including fun options like Cotton Candy Crush and H2NO Ranch Water that the kids will love.
Discover the most beautiful crystal caves at this new experience
Get ready to awaken your senses at Wondra, a multi-sensory experience at the Woodfield Mall! Wondra takes you on a magical journey through the beauty, mystery and magic of nature. Step into crystal caves and the most enchanting landscapes. Get your tickets now!
Experience Ballet of Lights
Ballet of Lights is a fantastic way to introduce kids (5+) to the arts because it trades the traditional, long-form ballet for a 60-minute spectacle. The show features dancers in fiber-optic costumes that change color and glow in the dark, turning every leap and pirouette into a mesmerizing light show that keeps even the most restless kids engaged. With its abridged storytelling, it’s a perfect family-friendly bridge between a classic fairy tale like Sleeping Beauty and a modern immersive experience.
Marvel’s Spider-Man: Beyond Amazing – The Exhibition is now open at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, giving you an inside look at your favorite superhero. See everything from rare comic books to exploring modern-day movies through authentic props and costumes, interactive displays and more. Don’t miss out while it’s in Chicago!
Enjoy a luxe staycation steps from the city’s most iconic attractions
Experience Chicago like a local tourist by staying at the Fairmont Chicago, a prime downtown location steps away from iconic attractions like Millennium Park and Buckingham Fountain. For an elevated “staycation,” guests can book the Fairmont Gold experience, which features a private 15th-floor check-in and access to a recently renovated lounge offering complimentary breakfast, evening canapés, and cocktails. The hotel also boasts standout dining at the pan-Latin restaurant Toro by Chef Richard Sandoval, alongside cozy winter amenities like tableside s’mores and themed drinks.
Parents and kids alike will love experiencing the world’s largest arcade, just a mere 30 minutes from downtown Chicago! Galloping Ghost Arcade in Brookfield has a whopping 980 games to indulge in, from rare finds like the ultra-rare Sega R360 to classics like Donkey Kong, Space Invaders, Pac-Man, and more!
Have you ever wanted to spend the night at a museum? Now you can! The Field Museum offers the most exciting overnight experience with ‘Dozin’ with the Dinos’, providing you with an after-hours adventure. Get an up-close look at Sue, the famous T-Rex, explore the exhibitions, and take part in all of the late-night activities like exploring Chicago wildlife, previewing the Unseen Oceans exhibit, and dissecting owl pellets. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy a fun sleepover at the Field Museum.
Visit the Adler Planetarium and embark on an imaginative journey with ‘Niyah and the Multiverse,’ following the adventures of a creative Chicago pre-teen. If you’re looking for kid activities in Chicago, join her on a visually stunning Afrofuturist voyage through the multiverse. Learn more here!
It’s official, I’ve passed on my love of thrift shopping to my children, so if your kids are anything like mine, they are going to love scouring the city for the perfect thrifted piece to add to their collection. While I nudge them to look for uniqueclothing items that can be deemed ‘cool’ at school, they are often on the hunt for old toys, dolls, or other fun gadgets they can add to their collections. It’s definitely the thrill of the hunt for us!
Go to this rad science shop for unique items
If you and your kids are looking for kid activities in Chicago and have a passion for science, you can’t miss out on one of the most fascinating shops dedicated to all things quirky and scientific! Explore a treasure trove of items at the American Science & Surplus store, from dissection frogs to vintage Russian microscopes and 1950s Geiger counters. This store promises to captivate the minds of both young kids (and their parents!), offering a thrilling journey through the wonders of science!
Located in Oak Brook, Activate Games is a high-tech indoor facility that merges physical activity with mental agility through competitive, three-minute face-offs. This family-friendly destination features a diverse array of live-action challenges, including the “Squid Game”-inspired Hide, the color-coded Megagrid, and cinematic laser games reminiscent of spy movies. It’s an ideal heart-racing adventure for those looking to add some excitement to a mid-week night or weekend with the kids.
CityDays Scavenger Hunts allow thrill seekers to see sights and landmarks in the city while working on challenges and puzzles! You can “Get Lost In The Loop” or choose from other exciting trails! Explore Old Town, the Magnificent Mile or Chicago’s China Town for unforgettable cultural and historical fun and challenges! Discover secret treasures all over the city. No matter what trail, you will have lots of fun and adventure around every corner!
Calling all adventure seekers to Lincoln Park Indoor Skydiving! The state-of-the-art iFLY Chicago is home to an epic indoor skydiving destination right here in the Windy City! If you’re looking for a thrilling afternoon and the opportunity to take part in a unique experience with your son or daughter, consider spending the afternoon learning a fun new skill here. You’ll even go home with a personalized flight certificate too! It’s one of our favorite things to do in Chicago with kids.
Explore the wonders of Lincoln Park Zoo, noted for being one of the only free and privately managed zoos in the country. Plan for an unforgettable day with your child as you visit the best landmarks and discover hidden gems at this winter. Besides the zoo, Chicago has also had some pretty unique animal sightings! Chonk, the giant snapping turtle, was spotted as a couple of Chicagoans kayaked the Chicago River, and a family of the sweetest red foxes has been spotted in Millennium Park!
Venture to this dynamic new adventure playground in Glenview, IL, for an exciting day out with your family. This fun-tastic Funtopia play center is perfect for children of all ages. Kids can enjoy areas separated by Fun Zones so they can play with children in their own age group! There’s a climbing wall for older children, an obstacle course suitable for kids ages six to 13, and a playpen area for toddlers to enjoy.
Besides checking out some of the unique events, museums, zoos, pop-ups, and cultural institutions, why not spend the day exploring Chicago’s longest-running street? It’s a cool 20+ mile stretch with car dealerships, unique neighborhoods, the Rosehill Cemetery, and everyday buildings and businesses you’ll find as you explore. It’s something your kids will absolutely love and one of the best things to do in Chicago with kids.
Sure, Chicago boasts some of the most beautiful restaurants and new spots we can’t wait to try, but there’s something decadent about sitting down for a high tea service with your mini-me for an assortment of teas, pastry towers, and decadent cakes. It is one of our favorite things to do in Chicago with kids that will make them feel regal!
Sometimes you just need a getaway! Are we right? If you live in Chicago with kids, planning a little escape to a smaller and charming town can be just the respite you need. Whether you meander over to New Buffalo, Michigan, to take in the sunset at the beach after dinner at the Stray Dog or venture to the charming town of Galena, Illinois, to stroll the cutest main street filled with shops, you’ll want to bookmark this list of top small cities near Chicago!
Looking for an elevated spot with incredible views to train and play soccer? Look no further than this 25,000-square-foot elevated soccer venue in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. “Chicago is an amazing soccer town, and we built Skyline Pitch to celebrate the beautiful sport in the world’s most beautiful city,” said founder and managing director Ivan Lopez. “The only thing better than gathering with friends and teammates to play is to do so with an incredible panoramic view of Chicago’s skyline. Playing at Skyline Pitch will be an unforgettable experience for anyone who visits.”
Isn’t that right because…the best things in life are free! Some of the best things to do in Chicago with kids cost absolutely nothing! From checking out the marvelous digital projections of Art on the Mart to visiting cultural institutions like the Chicago Cultural Center to marvel at the Tiffany Dome, there’s plenty to do in this city that won’t cost you a dime.
There’s no doubt that Chicago has a stellar art scene, especially our murals that bring vibrant art to all 77 neighborhoods in our incredible city. If your child loves art, this is one of the best things to do in Chicago with kids. Explore Chicago’s exceptional street art masterpieces, learn all about the amazing history, and see where to find them.
If you’re looking for an alternative to an iPad or iPhone, visit one of Chicago’s favorite bookstores. Wander through the Children’s section, or grab a TikTok trending book. Whether they love reading or you want a pile of more books in your home, a bookstore is a splendid way to start and one of the best things to do in Chicago with kids.