Mentioned by Family Destinations Guide
28 Best Things to Do in Chicago with Kids for 2021 (Family Fun!)
"The Field Museum of Natural History is a grand shrine to the natural wonders of the world and the anchor of the Museum Campus, which is also home to Shedd Aquarium. From dinosaur skeletons to priceless gems, the museum has, as part of its mission, understanding, protecting, and celebrating nature and culture. It's jaw-droppingly large, and its collections span various sciences and cultures."
"Head to Field Museum, and snap a selfie with Máximo, the largest titanosaur — stretching 122 feet from head to tail, peeking behind your shoulder."
"Shedd Aquarium is quite possibly one of the coolest aquariums around. The animal collection is diverse and global, the architecture is stunning, and the learning opportunities are boundless. Every member of the family will find their curiosity piqued here."
"Built in 1930, more than 80 different habitats are represented. There are also live shows featuring dolphins, penguins, and even Beluga whales. Shedd Aquarium offers free days for Illinois residents as well as participating in Museums for All."
"Begin your morning at the Shedd Aquarium. Plan to get here when it opens, as it gets busy (depending on the time of year you decide to visit)."
"Half-mile-long Navy Pier is one of Chicago's most-visited attractions, sporting a 196ft Ferris wheel and other carnival rides ($9 to $18 each), an IMAX theater, a beer garden and lots of chain restaurants. A renovation added public plazas, performance spaces and free cultural programming. Locals still groan over its commercialization, but its lakefront view and cool breezes can't be beat. The fireworks displays on summer Wednesdays (9:30pm) and Saturdays (10:15pm) are a treat too."
"Navy Pier combines everything you could ever hope for in an area of a city you're visiting, and it has placed it right on the shores of Lake Michigan. There are shops, places to eat, boat tours, mini golf and a Ferris wheel. You might also find the Children's Museum of interest if you're there with family."
"Take pleasure in the Navy Pier atmosphere without spending money. Pack a lunch for the family to eat on the dock. As you stroll along the pier, people-watch and take pictures of your family in front of a beautiful Lake Michigan landscape."
"Motor Row Brewery is located in Chicago’s historic Motor Row neighborhood|Courtesy of Motor Row Brewery. Frank Lassandrello, the head brewer of Motor Row, learned the tricks of his trade while at college in Vermont, creating home brews with his roommate. It wasn’t until 2007 that Lassandrello partnered with his son and purchased a space in Chicago’s historic Motor Row neighborhood to start his own legitimate brewery."
"German influence meets Midwestern hospitality at Motor Row Brewing. Located in an historic landmark warehouse building, Motor Row Brewing takes you back in time to when the neighborhood was home to Chicago’s auto industry. It offers extended seasonal releases (including a series of easy-drinking Belgian-style ales, perfect for summer), plus collaborations and experimental one-offs."
"Motor Row Brewing is a microbrewery with a tasting room and taproom. It produces and serves seasonal beers. As it is located in the neighborhood of automobile manufacturers and dealers, their name is conceived."
"Restaurants Contemporary American Lincoln Park. Bring the kids along for date night at this swanky Lincoln Park restaurant, where kids eat for free on Monday nights. Chef Rob Shaner uses seasonal ingredients from Green City Market and nearby farms, so you can rest assured that your little ones are getting an excellent meal."
"Situated in the heart of Lincoln Park, Kennison is a great spot to hit before or after a visit to the zoo, a stroll through the Green City Market or playtime in the park. The restaurant is designed with park-facing windows and enough space to accommodate strollers. Kids eat free on Mondays, which is just another perk."
"The Roman Catholic Parish on West Adam Street is one of the few buildings that survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. This church is considered a cornerstone of Irish Culture in Chicago, where God’s grace is demonstrated- amidst the bustle. It is also an important landmark that preserves history."
"Address: 700 W Adams StSaturday Mass Times: 11:00am, 1:00pm, 3:00pm, and 5:00pmA/C: YesCost: $1,500.00Parishioner?. NoTime for photos after: 20 minutesCan you bring your own priest?. Yes, they suggest you reach out to a priest you think of first."
"Restaurants American West Loop. From the creators of Moneygun, Longman & Eagle and Revival Food Hall, this West Loop cafeteria-style diner offers upgraded takes on "Meat N Three," allowing hungry diners to match their protein with three side dishes. Of course, you can order à la carte, with decadent options like tres leches pancakes and the patty melt, which is layered with caramelized onions, Swiss cheese and special sauce."
"There are always two flavors of soft serve available at Saint Lou’s Assembly, rotating on a monthly basis. Past flavors have included Fruity Pebbles sprinkled with cereal, salted caramel, and popcorn and Mai Tai topped with freeze-dried pineapple. The flavor rotation is often inspired by Saint Lou’s own diners through Instagram contests where followers can submit ideas for inventive ice creams."
"Saint Lou’s signature “meat ‘n’ three” option might be a bit too heavy for bocci ball on the back patio, but luckily there are plenty of light bite and—of course—drink options that lead to more limber matches. Saint Lou's backyard patio is open Wednesday through Sunday afternoons and evenings on a first-come, first-served basis."
"The striking English Gothic clock tower that sits along the lakefront at Waveland is home to the Clock Tower Café. The casual spot is popular with those playing on the nearby tennis courts and golf course, but all are welcome to enjoy cold drinks and a casual menu. Choose from burgers, salads, sandwiches, and hot dogs, plus your choice of seating on two different patios."
"This is the next generation of a Jamaican restaurant from Buffalo, N.Y., as the owners’ children arrived in Chicago to bring Jamaican patties and jerk chicken to a space across the street from the Polish Triangle. The restaurant has plenty of rum and Red Stripe with a chill vibe inside a well-designed space that could fill a niche in Chicago."
"Dedicated to art from 1945 to the present, the Museum of Contemporary art is endowed with a serious collection, spanning surrealism, conceptual art, pop art and minimalism. You’ll get to see works by Chuck Close, Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns, Francis Bacon, René Magritte, Alexander Calder, Ann Hamilton and Richard Serra. When we wrote this article in 2018 there was a haunting exhibition by the Nigerian multidisciplinary artist Otobong Nkanga, combining installations, photography and textiles."