Top 10 Kid Friendly Things To Do and Attractions in River Forest

"Probably the most iconic part of Navy Pier is the Centennial Wheel, a large ferris wheel. It’s open year round, weather permitting. Towards the end of the pier, you can also get a really good view of the city. It also holds several free events from time to time, so make sure to check the calendar before you go."

"You have two choices here: you can either take a selfie from afar, with Navy Pier and its massive Ferris wheel in the background, or you can buy a ticket and take the ride, snapping a selfie from 150 feet up in the air."

"At Peggy Notebaert, Children are connected to nature and science through the museum’s hands-on exhibits, family events and education programming. Learn about the specimen and archival collections: birds, eggs and nests; mammals; amphibians and reptiles; insects and spiders; fossils and more. You'll find an indoor treehouse that can be climbed on and in to learn about animal habitats (there’s even a crow’s nest at the top)."

"Located in Lincoln Park, the Peggy Notebaert Museum is dedicated to expanding knowledge of nature and environmental science. While this might sound advanced for a young child, the museum is actually very toddler-friendly with numerous hands-on exhibits. From an up close visit with critters to an obligatory “burn some energy” play space, the Peggy Notebaert is a gem in the city."

"While Thursdays are technically free to Illinois residents, a suggested donation helps keep things running smoothly during 2020 museum free days."

"This slag-filled site at the confluence of Lake Michigan and the Calumet River was once home to the massive South Works U.S. Steel manufacturing plant that employed 20,000 workers at its peak. But the steel giant closed in the early ‘90s and the Chicago Park District acquired the vacant land. In 2014, it re-opened as Steelworkers Park—a 16.5-acre lakeside landscape dotted with pleasant walking paths, artifacts of the old U.S."

"Chicago’s Lakefront Trail I promised we’d do a lot of walking today, so next, head back towards Lake Michigan and enjoy the lakefront trail, a nearly 20-mile stretch of paved walkway that meanders down the city’s coastline. The views are spectacular and it’s a great way to see the city’s skyline from a distance. If you’d prefer to bike the trail (highly recommended!), check out the city’s bike-sharing system, Divvy, where you can grab a bike for a 24-hour rental period from one of the city’s many stations"

"Lincoln Park Zoo is a renowned 35-acre zoo in Lincoln Park and a hotspot for tourists. It’s the zoo’s pavilion, designed to provide shelter for open-air on-site classes, that offers such a fantastically picturesque snap. With the design drawing inspiration from the appearance of a tortoise’s shell, the stunning curved wooden pavilion elegantly frames the Chicago skyline."

"The Helen Brach Primate House is yet another extension of the Lincoln Park Zoo and is home to primates of varying shapes, sizes and colour. The area is made in a way to imitate the natural habitat for the primates to make them feel safe and familiar at the place that they are residing in. It was opened back in 1927 which finally underwent an extensive renovation in the year 1992."

"It would be hard to find a kid that doesn't like the zoo, especially the Lincoln Park Zoo, with its historical architecture and world-class wildlife exhibits nestled among lagoons and mature trees not far from Chicago's downtown. Families traveling on a budget will appreciate the fact that the zoo is open free of charge 365 days a year. Lake Shore Drive and Fullerton Parkway, 312-742-2000."

"At this urban enclave near Lake Michigan, you can face off with a lion (separated by a window, of course) outside the Kovler Lion House;…"

"We’re positive that we’re not the only ones who have missed Claudio and his tamales. What was the perfect way to end a night, will now become a great way to treat ourselves for breakfast, lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday. Place your order for pickup here."

"He appears late at night in some of the darkest corners of the city. His name is mentioned in hushed, reverential tones amongst Chicago residents. Many have tried to follow his footsteps, but most have failed."

"Restaurants Steakhouse River North. Little ones will love the expansive kids' menu that offers everything from a mini-slab of ribs and grilled cheese to chicken fingers and a hot fudge sundae. Servers go out of their way to accommodate the kiddos so that parents can relax and enjoy a martini."

"This ’40s-style steakhouse has something for everyone, with menu choices ranging from chopped salads to filets on the adult side. As for the kids, they can choose a rack of ribs, their own filet, spaghetti and meatballs or classic chicken tenders, and they can even start with a kids’ dinner salad. There’s a hot fudge sundae for dessert."

"Chef Armando Gonzalez’s contemporary Latin American cuisine draws diners from all over Chicagoland to Libertad in Skokie. His dinner menu of mix-and-matchable small plates, divided..."

"Lincoln ParkThe views don’t get much better than Theatre on the Lake, where your outdoor table is parked just steps from the softly crashing waves of Lake Michigan. With seating for 80 and a focused selection of entrées from chicken tinga tacos to brisket dip, Theatre on the Lake continues to serve as something of a mental health break come to life. Stop by for weekend brunch served from 10 am to 3 pm.How to book: Reserve via OpenTable."