Top 10 Kid Friendly Things To Do and Attractions in Elmhurst

"Navy Pier and its surrounding attractions are full of fun activities for kids and adults alike (see above for some more details on all the stuff you can enjoy while there). Take a stroll around the pier, sample some classic boardwalk eats, and take a spin on the iconic Ferris wheel for unbeatable views of the city. Use your Go Chicago Card All-Inclusive Pass to get a 4-Ride pass for Navy Pier attractions, including the ever-popular Centennial Wheel."

"Play and learning are bridged together at this museum, where kids can: tackle the Cloud Buster, a 30-ton, 37-foot-tall steel dreamscape that celebrates adventure and risk-taking — qualities that are inherent to childhood — excavate dinosaur bones, explore the way water moves through pulleys and pipes, pretend to fight fires, and discover how our skyline full of buildings is created through architecture and engineering."

"This child-friendly museum in Lincoln Park presents the natural history of the Chicago region in smart and interactive ways. As an institution the museum was founded back in 1857 and moved into a new home in the park in 1999. The old museum, now used by the zoo, was known for its detailed static dioramas, and while these are still here, they’re joined by spellbinding living environments like the astonishing Judy Istock Butterfly house, where 1,000 butterflies flutter in a 250-square-metre greenhouse."

"2430 N Cannon DrHours: Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm; Sat-Sun, 10am-5pm (Thursdays are suggested donation days for Illinois residents year-round.)Suggested donation: $9, $7 for students and seniors, $6 for children (3-12), free for children under 3"

"Day 1: Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park, Chicago Athletic Club, Riverwalk, Flamingo Rum Club, Signature Room at the 95th Kick off your Chicago trip in the heart of the action, by wandering past the glittering storefronts lining North Michigan Avenue, AKA the Magnificent Mile. This 13-block stretch in the Loop area hosts more than 460 stores including luxury brands like Gucci, Burberry and Louis Vuitton, nearly 300 restaurants, and some of the city’s top hotels. Art aficionados will want to pop into LIK Fine Art Chicago, which displays incredible pieces from famed photographer Peter Lik."

"Take transit (or walk) up Michigan Avenue north of the river to shop the Magnificent Mile. If you’re not in the mood for shopping, check out Navy Pier which is a Chicago Landmark and offers a variety of attractions for all ages to enjoy."

"Burnham Park stretches six miles along the shores of Lake Michigan's Oakland Shoal from 14th Street to 56th Street, covering just shy of 600 acres of waterfront. The large Burnham Harbor takes up the shoreline from the park's northern end to 22nd Street, well-protected by Northerly Island. Burnham Park starts at the southern end of Grant Park, and is home to numerous attractions including Soldier Field, home of The Chicago Bears."

"Burnham Park runs for 6 miles (9.7 km) along Chicago's lakefront from Grant Park in the north to Jackson Park in the south, through the neighborhoods of Near South, Douglas, Oakland, Kenwood and Hyde Park."

"Among the 26 different gardens here are the three-island Malott Japanese Garden, the 5-acre Evening Island, and the Grunsfeld Children's…"

"Opened on the site of an old limestone quarry, Palmisano Park unfurls an urban prairie landscape with great views of the Chicago skyline. Locals come here to fish for bluegill in the lagoon in summer and sled the hills in winter. The winding walkways, made of recycled construction debris, are great for a stroll anytime."

"Palmisano Park has gone from coral reefs to quarry to landfill to park. At this park, you’ll find a fishing pond, wetlands, preserved quarry walls, walking trails and more. There is also a giant hill, perfect for gazing over the park and all of its beauty."

"27 acres of wetlands and urban fishing make Palmisano Park a fun place to visit. The park also offers a phenomenal view of Chicago. In winter, it’s a great place to go sledding."

"Kamehachi of Tokyo, in Old Town on Wells Street, was founded in 1967 and has a solid claim to being the first sushi restaurant in Chicago. It has since spawned four other Chicago l..."

"The main focus of Ron of Japan Steakhouse is top-quality steaks and seafood prepared teppan-style at the table-side by showman-like chefs. Entree options include steaks, chicken, a..."

"Fall 2017 saw the opening of West Loop B&B the Publishing Houseand its subterranean wine bar. Visitors have a global selection of more than 70 bottles from which to choose. The drinking menu complements the season-driven fare — from charred broccolini to seared scallops — and a nice mix of cheeses and charcuterie."

"You may be a bit hesitant to bring your kids to a restaurant where the theme is, well, sugar, but rest assured, there’s more to this spot than just candy (like an elaborate drink menu for adults, for instance). Kids will flip for the restaurant’s Rainbow Sliders (mini cheeseburgers with colorful buns that come with a rubber ducky you can take home) and over-the-top milkshake concoctions (Nutella Banana or Chocolate Rocky Road, anyone?). While Sugar Factory probably isn’t practical for a weeknight meal, the place just screams “birthday party” or special event."

"Everyone needs a little sweetness from time to time and the Sugar Factory will satisfy any sweet tooth. This kid friendly restaurant in River North of Chicago is perhaps best known for its world-famous Couture Pops, but its menu features an assortment of both sweet and savory cuisine, from waffles, crepes and french toast for breakfast to classic favorites like burgers, salads, and fried mac n cheese pops later in the day. Of course, the real star is the dessert menu, with colorful, sprinkled, gourmet treats that will delight kids and adults alike!"

"Technically not in Chicago, but still worth the mention due to its proximity to the airport. Popularized by trendy celebs, the Sugar Factory delivers sundaes that are as Insta-worthy as the inside of the restaurant itself. If you’re trying to splurge, order the King Kong Sundae."

"The best sushi really depends on what type of experience you’re looking for. Yuzu Sushi & Robata Grill has by far the most Instagrammable presentations (going crazy with elaborate sauce designs). There are also a few all-you-can-eat spots that are also great deals (and filling if you’re not looking for the best fish) like Sushi Para M."

"And none of us would exhibit our robust appetite full-on while a potential lover is across the table. Arami is the perfect eatery where the nigiri and sashimi are as good as it gets. The menu at Arami is far from fancy, but the food is authentic."

"Always a contender for the top sushi spot in the city, Arami consistently presents what's surely among the best sushi in Chicago. Chef Nelson Vinansaca has garnered acclaim for his..."

"Steak 48 on North Wabash Ave in River North, is a restaurant from Jeffrey and Mike Mastro of the Mastro’s Ocean Club restaurants. They are no strangers to great restaurants and thi..."

"Hemmingway’s Bistro, inside the historic White Inn hotel, takes inspiration from Paris in the 1930s for both its décor and cuisine. The food – breakfast, lunch and dinner plus a la..."