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Started By
Message
Visiting Chicago Late May/Early June with Kids?
Posted on 5/11/26 at 12:07 pm
Posted on 5/11/26 at 12:07 pm
Any suggestions on what to do in Chicago with kids? I haven't booked the trip yet but we're exploring options. I'm trying to avoid the typical summer trip to 30A.
My goal is to convince my wife to road trip to Louisville to see some family and then hit Chicago for three days.
My kids are 12 and 7. Unfortunately, the Cubs won't be in town during our dates.
So far I've seen Millennium Park for sight seeing and Maggie Daley Playground, Navy Pier, and a boat tour. The Ford Natural History Museum and maybe the art museum.
Suggestions?
(NB4 you're gonna get shot)
My goal is to convince my wife to road trip to Louisville to see some family and then hit Chicago for three days.
My kids are 12 and 7. Unfortunately, the Cubs won't be in town during our dates.
So far I've seen Millennium Park for sight seeing and Maggie Daley Playground, Navy Pier, and a boat tour. The Ford Natural History Museum and maybe the art museum.
Suggestions?
(NB4 you're gonna get shot)
5
Posted on 5/11/26 at 12:24 pm to StringedInstruments
I have a list of what I did when I went two years ago:
Wrigley Field tour
Wendella Architectural Tour
Navy Pier
Soldier Field
Field Museum
Grant Park
Buckingham Fountain
Dearborn Station
Art Institute
Money Museum
Willis Tower
Riverwalk
United Center
Lincoln Park
Cloud Gate
Starbuck’s Reserve Roastery
Giordano’s
Lou Malnatti’s
Purple Pig
Portillo’s
Wrigley Field tour
Wendella Architectural Tour
Navy Pier
Soldier Field
Field Museum
Grant Park
Buckingham Fountain
Dearborn Station
Art Institute
Money Museum
Willis Tower
Riverwalk
United Center
Lincoln Park
Cloud Gate
Starbuck’s Reserve Roastery
Giordano’s
Lou Malnatti’s
Purple Pig
Portillo’s
Posted on 5/11/26 at 12:38 pm to eyeofthetiger2121
quote:
I have a list of what I did when I went two years ago:
Where did you stay?
We did a trip to Atlanta over spring break and did fine staying 30 minutes from Olympic Park. The hotel costs around Millennium Park are absurd.
Posted on 5/11/26 at 12:50 pm to StringedInstruments
Warwick Allerton
I thought it was a perfect location. I don’t remember it being absolutely absurd because I wouldn’t have chosen it lol. I would imagine some of the hotels around there are absurd like you said.
I thought it was a perfect location. I don’t remember it being absolutely absurd because I wouldn’t have chosen it lol. I would imagine some of the hotels around there are absurd like you said.
Posted on 5/11/26 at 1:15 pm to StringedInstruments
The Field museum has a lot of kid friendly exhibits that could take up a solid day, Tilt 360 would be something the 12 yo would get a kick out of, Navy pier is a good stop for the whole family, the “Museum of Ice Cream” is a tourist trap but if you know it’s for the kids going in maybe take the 12 yo…
Posted on 5/11/26 at 3:00 pm to Hotgin
Do-Rite Donuts Great for kids and adults.
Better than Stan’s.
Better than Stan’s.
This post was edited on 5/11/26 at 3:01 pm
Posted on 5/11/26 at 3:00 pm to StringedInstruments
Architecture Boat Tour, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, Skydeck (Willis Tower), Museum of Science and Industry, Lincoln Park Zoo, Millennium Park, Navy Pier, Garfield Park Conservatory, Montrose Beach / Bird Sanctuary, Green City and Logan Square Farmers Markets, Maggie Daley, and Museum of Ice Cream.
All worthwhile stops with kids.
If you and the wife want a little time to enjoy yourselves with the kids, highly recommend Malt Row breweries in/around Ravenswood and North Center. Accessible via Brown Line and an opportunity to see a couple neighborhoods outside the usual tourist areas of The Loop, River North, etc. These breweries are very much family friendly, as well - You'll see a lot of kids running around.
ETA: Recommend checking out my definitive Chicago thread. Ton of information there.
ETAx2: Forgot to add our summer street festivals are a good way to see different neighborhoods. All have sections with activities for kids/families. Looks like you may be here May 29 weekend? Do Division might be worth it. Wicker Park is a great neighborhood and you can stop at Parlor (Division location) for pizza with the kids on their patio. Otherwise, here's the street fest calendar: LINK.
All worthwhile stops with kids.
If you and the wife want a little time to enjoy yourselves with the kids, highly recommend Malt Row breweries in/around Ravenswood and North Center. Accessible via Brown Line and an opportunity to see a couple neighborhoods outside the usual tourist areas of The Loop, River North, etc. These breweries are very much family friendly, as well - You'll see a lot of kids running around.
ETA: Recommend checking out my definitive Chicago thread. Ton of information there.
ETAx2: Forgot to add our summer street festivals are a good way to see different neighborhoods. All have sections with activities for kids/families. Looks like you may be here May 29 weekend? Do Division might be worth it. Wicker Park is a great neighborhood and you can stop at Parlor (Division location) for pizza with the kids on their patio. Otherwise, here's the street fest calendar: LINK.
This post was edited on 5/12/26 at 7:54 am
Posted on 5/12/26 at 7:24 am to StringedInstruments
The kids would probably enjoy the Museum of Science and Industry.
Posted on 5/12/26 at 11:21 am to StringedInstruments
Former Chicago resident here, some thoughts-
Do this earlier in the day rather than later. Those metal slides can get really hot in the sun.
Overcrowded and overrated
Cross over Michigan Ave to the Chicago athletic Association and grab a drink at Cindy’s rooftop. Phenomenal views. Food is overpriced though so just plan on having a drink.
Other recs: Science and Industry, architecture river cruise, field museum, tour Wrigkey Field (better to do it when they’re out of town because you can go in the dugout and onto the field)
Ride the CTA, especially in the loop. The kids will get some great views and you won’t be stuck in traffic.
One of the best things about Chicago summers are the street festivals. Tons of info on the internet, but you can look into your particular travel weekend and see which ones are happening.
Great food is everywhere, and I highly recommend Sweet Mandy Bs when the kids need a sweet treat.
Oh and go to Portillos but for the love of God do not put ketchup on your hotdog.
quote:
Maggie Daley Playground
Do this earlier in the day rather than later. Those metal slides can get really hot in the sun.
quote:
Navy Pier
Overcrowded and overrated
quote:
Millennium Park
Cross over Michigan Ave to the Chicago athletic Association and grab a drink at Cindy’s rooftop. Phenomenal views. Food is overpriced though so just plan on having a drink.
Other recs: Science and Industry, architecture river cruise, field museum, tour Wrigkey Field (better to do it when they’re out of town because you can go in the dugout and onto the field)
Ride the CTA, especially in the loop. The kids will get some great views and you won’t be stuck in traffic.
One of the best things about Chicago summers are the street festivals. Tons of info on the internet, but you can look into your particular travel weekend and see which ones are happening.
Great food is everywhere, and I highly recommend Sweet Mandy Bs when the kids need a sweet treat.
Oh and go to Portillos but for the love of God do not put ketchup on your hotdog.
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