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 this fall, 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!
1. Visit the world’s largest corn maze!
Every year in September, Richardson Adventure Farm opens a themed 28-acre corn maze to the public, which holds the title of the world’s largest corn maze. Recently, the famous farm revealed its 2024 theme and opening date! This year, the farm will pay tribute to John Deere, the inventor of the self-scouring steel plow. The maze will open from Sept. 7-Oct. 27 will feature five maze games, including a farm scene investigation game, a fun quiz to test your knowledge, and more!
🌽Plan your visit to the Richardson Adventure Farm, or check out more around Chicago!
2. Try Portillo’s new Salted Caramel Spice Cake for $1 this month
It’s hardly a secret that Portillo’s is our go-to for Chicago-style hot dogs, and heading there whenever we need to get our fix happens pretty often. Looks like we’ll be making a trip very soon because they have just launched a new cake for the first time in 20 years!
That’s right, you can now get the Salted Caramel Spice Cake in stores or at the drive-thru, either by the slice, as an entire cake for celebrations, or as a Cake Shake! We don’t know about you, but we’ll be taking full advantage of their “Spice-tember” offer. During the month of September, get a $1 slice of Salted Caramel Spice Cake with the purchase of any entrée.
🍰Find Portillo’s locations here!
3. Go apple picking at one of our favorite apple orchards
One of our favorite things to do in Chicago as soon as we feel the weather turn crisp is apple picking. Whether we are looking for Honeycrisp, Galas, or Granny Smith apples, it’s such a fun fall activity for the entire family!
🍎Here are 10 apple orchards near Chicago that you must check out.
4. Visit Wonderverse for the most thrilling immersive VR experiences, and more!
We took a trip to Oak Brook to check out Sony Motion Pictures’ Wonderverse, and it was an absolute blast for the entire family! This 45,000-square-foot space features an arcade with every game imaginable, Zombieland bumper cars, and VR experiences that absolutely blew us away! The Ghostbusters VR Academy offers two options to experience the thrill of being a real Ghostbuster.
At Jumanji: Reverse the Curse, you’ll put on your Oculus and be thrust into an adventure to find the stolen jewel, where you become one of the characters from the movie, including Dwayne Johnson (Dr. Smolder Bravestone), Kevin Hart (Franklin “Mouse” Finbar), Jack Black (Professor Sheldon Oberon), or Karen Gillan (Ruby Roundhouse). There’s also a full bar with delicious drinks for parents and tasty food options at their onsite restaurant.
5. Create Culinary Magic at the Sheraton Little Chef Experience
Whether you’re a local seeking the ultimate staycation or visiting Chicago for the first time, the Sheraton Little Chef Experience at Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk promises an unforgettable family activity. Hosted by one of our exceptional chefs, this hour-long class on the art of pizza-making is designed to make your family feel truly special.
Young chefs will don branded hotel aprons and hats as they embark on a journey to craft their very own pizzas. With a variety of favorite ingredients to choose from, whether they prefer the classics like cheese and pepperoni or crave the works with all the toppings, the choice is theirs to create a culinary masterpiece.
For dessert, indulge in cupcake decorating! The entire family will love topping their cupcakes with favorite ingredients, from fresh fruit to sprinkles.
6. Visit the largest arcade in the world just 30 minutes from downtown
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!
🕹️Click here for more details!
👾 Check out the top arcades here!
7. Zoom over the city at Navy Pier’s thrilling new FlyOver experience
Navy Pier’s thrilling $40 million, 48,000-square-foot FlyOver experience is now open, and one of the best things to do in Chicago with kids right now! Whether you’re a native Chicagoan, a longtime resident, or a first-time visitor, don’t miss the chance to experience this brand-new adventure. The three-part journey begins with a gallery-style presentation featuring Chicago characters set to themed music. The pre-show, one of our personal favorites, delves into the city’s rich tapestry, sharing captivating stories accompanied by powerful music. Be prepared for a few tears!
Next, you’ll embark on a 9-minute flying experience, soaring past iconic skyscrapers and getting up close to landmarks like the Bean and the Chicago River dyed green for St. Patrick’s Day. You’ll also catch glimpses of the L-train, Joffrey Ballet dancers in rehearsal, and a car chase—which turns out to be a film being made! Sports fans will love the aerial views of beloved stadiums, while aviation fans can marvel at the Air and Water Show from a unique perspective. Tickets are priced at $24.95 for adults and $14.95 for children under 13. Chicago Public Schools students can enjoy $5 tickets until April 30th, 2024, and groups of 15 or more students can book field trips at the same rate. Other school districts can take advantage of $10 tickets for groups of up to 15 guests.
8. Have your own night at the museum!
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. There are several dates coming up in March and April, so don’t miss your chance to enjoy a fun sleepover at the Field Museum.
Learn all about ‘Dozin with Dinos here!9. Catch a thrilling Chicago Fire match at Soldier Field
If your family loves soccer, attending a Chicago Fire match is a must. We had the pleasure of experiencing Kids’ Day during a thrilling match against CF Montréal. It’s a day filled with fun activities tailored for children, including meeting the beloved mascot Sparky, interacting with members of Paw Patrol, enjoying performances by the School of Rock Chicago, and even participating in painting a themed banner in the Kids Zone for the game.
Even if you didn’t get the opportunity to check out Kids Day’ seeing a Chicago Fire game is a fantastic day out for the entire family! Tickets are more affordable than other major sporting games, and matches only last about 90 minutes, which is great for younger children. Plus, the electrifying atmosphere of Soldier Field, along with the chance to witness world-class soccer players in action, makes it an unforgettable experience for fans of all ages! Ahead of the 4th of July, check out the match against the Philadelphia Union on July 3rd with a post-game fireworks show!
Find an upcoming match!
10. Sail into the past at this jaw-dropping Titanic exhibit, now open in Chicago
Experience the captivating Titanic the Exhibition, now open in the Chicago area. This intriguing exhibition tells the compelling story of the iconic liner, from its design in 1908 to its recovery in 1985. Visitors have the unique opportunity to witness real artifacts from the famed ship, providing a firsthand connection to the historic journey.
11. Check out this new Afrofuturistic Multiverse at the Adler Planetarium
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!12. Teach them the art of thrifting!
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 unique clothing 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!
Check out the full list of our favorite thrift stores across the city!13. 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!
📍27 N. Northwest Hwy. Park Ridge, IL 60068
14. Check out this live-action gaming experience
An exciting and competitive indoor gaming facility has opened outside of Chicago that you must visit! The high-tech Activate Games in Oak Brook offers fun for the entire family by combining technology and physical activity. These live-action games require families to work together to test their mental and physical agility and complete the games in three-minute face-offs.
We loved the variety of games offered, such as Hoops, Push, Hide (which reminded us of a family-friendly version of Squid Game), Megagrid, a massive space with color grids on the floor (make sure you step on the right color!), and laser games, similar to thrilling spy movies like Entrapment. This heart-racing family adventure is perfect for kid activities in Chicago and would add a dose of fun to any dull mid-week night or weekend!
🤸Learn more about Activate Games here!
15. Don’t miss these CityDays – Scavenger Hunts
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!
🕵️♀️ Head here for more info on CityDays Escape Room Games in Chicago.
16. See City on Fire: Chicago 1871 at the Chicago History Museum
Courtesy of the Chicago History Museum
The Great Chicago Fire exhibit at the Chicago History Museum promises to be a learning experience for the entire family, allowing you to delve into one of Chicago’s most famous tales. “The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 was a pivotal event in the city’s history, setting it on a path of unmatched resilience and constant evolution that still defines Chicago today,” said Julius L. Jones, Curator at the Chicago History Museum. This interactive and family-friendly exhibition is open until January 2025 and features over 100 artifacts from the museum’s collection, along with engaging multimedia components and shares personal stories from survivors.
📍1601 N. Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
17. Take the kids to a tribute of their favorite musicians at an upcoming Candlelight Concert
Expose the kids to some incredible sounds under the dim glow of candlelight at one of these fantastic Candlelight Concerts. From tribute concerts of world-class singers like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift 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.
🕯️See the full list of candlelight concerts taking place in Chicago here.
18. Go on a skydiving adventure
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!
19. Enjoy a trip to the Lincoln Park Zoo
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!
20. Check out Funtopia, an exciting adventure playground
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.
21. Visit the mindbending Museum of Illusions
The Museum of Illusions (25 East Washington Street) offers a mind-blowing day out with an interactive, immersive, and educational experience for its guests by featuring 80 different mystifying exhibits. The museum is temporarily closed, but will reopen this fall with more space and over 20 new exhibits!
22. Check out ways to have a cinematic experience in Chicago, including checking out top filming locations
Chicago may not be Los Angeles when it comes to filming movies, but we’ve had our fair share of major Blockbusters filmed in this city. If you and your family love movies, check out these 15 cinematic experiences that you must do in Chicago!
🎥 Film lovers can read more here!
23. Take the kids to explore Chicago’s longest-running street
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?
That’s right, one of our streets in this city stands out as the longest-continuous street in Chicago! 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.
🚶Can you guess which street it is? Details here!
24. Enjoy a decadent high tea service!
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 the kid activities in Chicago that will make them feel regal!
Check out our full list of top spots here!25. Escape to one of these charming small towns near Chicago
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!
26. See 360-degree views of this magnificent city at the Willis Tower Skydeck
A trip to Chicago is only complete with making a trip up to the Sears Tower, or as we locals like to call it, the Willis Tower, for incredible 360-degree views of the city from the Skydeck. Check out this list for more kids activities in Chicago that are on our bucket list..
27. Take the kids to see the Blue Man Group!
This is definitely one of our favorite things to do in Chicago with kids. Thirty-five million people worldwide have enjoyed the spectacle of the Blue Man Group, so we can be sure to say that the kids will love to see them at Chicago Briar Street Theater. Watch as three men doused in cobalt blue engage the audience through art, music, and jokes, all while not saying a word!
🥁 Get your tickets here!
28. Immerse yourself in The Art of the Future at Holographic Art Gallery
One of the more incredible summer kid activities in Chicago can be found at Navy Pier. Verse: The Art of the Future fuses art and technology allowing guests to step right into the metaverse in a digital art exhibition featuring augmented reality holograms and artwork by top-selling artists from the burgeoning world of NFTs.
With the help of an AR headset, smartphone, or tablet, each guest will experience their own reality in the same activation area (like a silent disco for holograms!). Verse provides an introduction to the people, technology, and stories that are shaping this disruptive evolution of the art world.
29. Impress your little ones with a game of soccer in the sky at Chicago’s first-ever rooftop soccer pitch
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.”
30. Find something to do that’s FREE!
Isn’t that right because…the best things in life are free! Some of the best kids activities in Chicago 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.
🎨 Check out the full list here!
31. Learn all about the past at the Chicago History Museum
Spend a marvelous day out with the kids learning all about Chicago’s history, as well as the U.S., through thoughtful exhibits featuring around 20 million items at the world-class Chicago History Museum.
32. Go on a marvelous street art and graffiti tour
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.
🖌️ Check out 25 of our favorite murals here!
33. Take your kids to a Chicago bookstore
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.