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Great things to do with kids in Chicago?

Chicago is our nearest “big” US city. There is a lot to do for families. We usually visit Chicago twice a year. And every year we find something new, what we can do with our kids. Here are the events we visited and the things we did. I’ll update this post always, so keep checking back regularly.

1. Navy Pier

Chicago is located on the South West side of Lake Michigan. If it is a clear day you can make great photos from the Navy Pier. The kids love to see all the different boats. There is a Ferris wheel and a carousel.

Indoors you’ll find a nice Botanical Garden, several restaurants  and souvenir shops, the Children’s Museum, which we always try to visit. Not only in Chicago, but in any city in the US. There is a movie theater and during the winter months, there are special events, like visiting Santa and a Winter Wonder Land at the end of the Pier. I’m not sure if it is there every year, though!

2. Millennium Park

Visit Chicago with kids

This park is south of the Chicago River and it includes several things, like the Art Institute of Chicago“the BEAN” or Cloud Gate and a Pavilion. At the art museum you’ll find things to do for families with children.

The Bean is always fun to see…fun to make all kinds of pictures and at the Pavilion you’ll find events for children too, like storytelling, theater and music. Going more to the west, you’ll find the Maggie Daley Park with a huge playground. We haven’t been there yet, but that one, is definitely on our to-do-list.

In the winter there is a skating rink.

3. Shedd Aquarium

Going more south at Millennium Park towards the lake, you’ll find the Shedd Aquarium.  This thing is huge and definitely worth the money. If you are flexible with your days and time, check for free admission days as well.

4. Magnificent Mile (Millennium Mile)

Okay, this one might be more for the moms, than for the dads or kids, but some of the stores are fun to check out, like the Disney Store (which is not there anymore I just realized) and Dylan’s Candy Bar or one of the popcorn stores. We recently discovered “rolled ice cream” (in the Water Tower Place) and “poke bowls” (on the lower level of the Hancock Building). These places are somewhat hidden, but oh, so good!!!

One of the first times I visited Chicago (somewhere in 2005 or so?), I couldn’t believe that there was a long line inside and outside of popcorn stores. We tried to get in line and see what was so special about these stores. I couldn’t stand the smell longer after 10 minutes. Too intens for me!

Also the Hancock Observatory is on this street. Lots of shopping, but also a lot to see, especially around Christmas time with all the beautiful decorations. Don’t forget to check out the Christmas Market (Christkindl Market) around this time.

5. Oak Street Beach

What to do with kids in Chicago?

This always blows my mind, even after 15 years visiting Chicago regularly: You can sit at the Oak Street Beach with fine sand and clear, icy cold water. The kids play ball or make sand castles, you watch them play in the shallow water, you turn around to walk to your beach towel and BOOOM! You look up to a bunch of skyscrapers, like the Hancock building with its 99 levels. Just Crazy!

In the last few years we have gone to the AVP Beach Volleyball tournament here to see the top (and Olympic) beach volleyball players.

6. The Hancock Center

What to do with kids in  Chicago

I remember going to the 92nd floor with one of the fastest elevators in the world. Scary! Beautiful views when the sky is clear:0) There are tons of interesting history facts about Chicago, a souvenir shop and a café. We always play a game of “I spy..”. Once we saw a rainbow and another day a snowstorm coming from far and hit the Hancock Center. I think all this is pretty amazing, just because you won’t see all this in the Netherlands.

7. Lincoln Park Zoo

What to do with kids in Chicago

There is one thing in Chicago which never gets old for our kids: the Lincoln Park Zoo. It is FREE and it is not too big. The kids also love the play area behind the seals, the Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo. There is a fun indoor climbing structure, where parents can sit for a minute, phewwww!

8. Rainforest Cafe

What to do with kids in Chicago

The food is mediocre, but it is a fun experience for the kids. It is like eating in the jungle, with elephants and monkeys all around you. The restaurant itself is a bit dark, but they have a fun souvenir shop.

9. The Pancake House

What to do with kids in Chicago

This is one of the first restaurants we found in Chicago. They have all kinds of yummy breakfast and brunch dishes, like pancakes of course but also waffles and quiche. It has a Dutch atmosphere and the kids love the food.

Please tell me, there is more. We are always exploring this city. Please let me know!

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Chicago Trip: Ladies Weekend Out! - Crafty Dutch Girl
October 3, 2019 9:29 pm

[…] ahead and we wanted to eat outside anyway. But where? There were no parks around. We found the Rainforest… Read more »