27 Free Things to Do in Chicago with Kids
Planning a family trip to Chicago and wondering where to find the best kid-friendly activities at no cost?
Look no further! Our comprehensive guide details a wide range of fun and engaging activities for children across Chicago.
From the Lincoln Park Zoo to the interactive experiences at the Chicago’s Children Museum, we’ve compiled a list of the best free things to do in Chicago with kids.
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Free Things to Do in Chicago with Kids
Check out some of the best free kid activities in Chicago that promise an enjoyable time for the whole family!
1. Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago is a fantastic destination for kids, featuring engaging attractions and interactive activities.
Things to Do at the Lincoln Park Zoo:
- Explore the Nature Boardwalk where you can spot wildlife and plants
- Interact with domestic animals like cows, pigs, and goats at the Farm-in-the-Zoo
- Learn about African Apes at the Regenstein Center
- Enjoy the nature-themed play structures and interactive learning at the Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo
- Learn how seals are trained and fed at the Kovler Seal Pool
Lincoln Park Zoo is free to visit.
Check the schedule for educational programs, seasonal events like Boo at the Zoo, and ZooLights, providing additional entertainment and themed activities for kids of all ages.
2. Maggie Daley Park
At Maggie Daley Park, families have access to an array of free activities tailored for kids.
The Play Garden is a large area where children can play on slides, climbing walls, and unique play equipment.
If you are looking for things to do in Chicago in winter, visitors can enjoy ice skating on the Skating Ribbon with their own skates at no cost.
In warmer seasons, the Splash Pad in the Play Garden offers fountains and sprinklers for kids to play in during the hot summer days.
Moreover, Maggie Daley Park occasionally hosts family-friendly events like movie nights and nature-themed activities. Be sure to check out their upcoming events.
3. Millennium Park
Millennium Park offers a range of free kid-friendly activities.
The iconic Cloud Gate, known as “The Bean,” is fun for children to visit and be able to see their reflection.
Another highlight is the Crown Fountain, where kids can play in the shallow pools while enjoying the video sculptures.
Additionally, families can relax at the Lurie Garden.
Families can enjoy various free events hosted at Millennium Park throughout the year, such as concerts, movie screenings, and cultural performances specifically tailored for kids.
Additionally, temporary interactive art installations occasionally are located throughout the park.
4. Grant Park
Grant Park, commonly referred to as Chicago’s Front Yard, offers various free activities that kids will love.
Visit the Buckingham Fountain, where children can enjoy the spectacular water displays and seasonal water shows.
Explore the park’s lakefront area, offering beautiful views of Lake Michigan, providing ample space for games, walks, or relaxation.
The park also offers well-maintained walking and biking paths, featuring sculptures and monuments.
Throughout the year, Grant Park hosts free events and festivals, including music and cultural celebrations, with engaging activities suitable for families.
5. Chicago Cultural Center
The Chicago Cultural Center offers a range of free and kid-friendly activities.
Kids can explore diverse art exhibitions and interactive displays and partake in activities at the Learning Lab.
They can also take part in family-oriented events such as storytelling sessions, craft-making workshops, and music performances.
Additionally, families can discover its stunning architecture through self-guided tours or free scheduled tours, learning about its historical significance and design.
Throughout the year, the center hosts educational programs highlighting different cultures and occasionally offers free art workshops or classes for children, providing hands-on activities led by professional artists or instructors.
Check out their events schedule.
6. The Bloomingdale Trail at The 606
The Bloomingdale Trail at the 606, situated on Chicago’s Northwest side, spans around three miles and is an elevated park converted from an old railway line.
It offers dedicated paths for walking, running, biking, and other activities.
It features intriguing art installations and regularly hosts events and fitness sessions.
More than just a park, it serves as a connecting point between neighborhoods, fostering outdoor community engagement.
7. Chicago Riverwalk
The Chicago Riverwalk is a fantastic spot for kids to explore and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere along the Chicago River.
It offers a chance to walk along the river, watch the boats passing by, and enjoy beautiful views of the Chicago skyline.
There are also family-friendly events and activities occasionally held here.
8. Navy Pier
Navy Pier in Chicago is a great place offering free activities perfect for kids.
With plenty of open spaces, it’s an ideal spot for kids to run around and enjoy outdoor fun.
During summer, the Navy Pier often hosts free events and performances, including music concerts, movie nights, and fireworks displays, offering delightful entertainment for families.
Check out their events calendar.
Additionally, kids can wander through Polk Bros Park, featuring interactive fountains and unique sculptures.
9. Chicago Children’s Museum Free Days
The Chicago Children’s Museum offers an exciting array of learning experiences and interactive exhibits for kids.
On select days throughout the year, it opens its doors for free admission to Illinois residents.
During these designated free days, families can explore the museum’s engaging activities tailored for children of all ages.
From experimenting with water and constructing intricate structures to exploring the world of arts and sciences, the museum provides an educational and entertaining environment for children.
If you’re traveling to Chicago during winter, check out 20 of the best things to do in Chicago in winter!
10. Chicago Public Library
The Chicago Public Library has a lot in store for kids!
They organize engaging storytimes, workshops, and events at various branches across the city.
From exciting storytelling sessions to hands-on activities like arts and crafts, STEM-based learning, and special events with authors, the library offers a bunch of fun and educational programs.
Check out their schedule for storytimes and other events here.
Some branches even host family-friendly movie screenings, puppet shows, and other interactive events.
11. Chicago Beaches
Chicago’s beaches along Lake Michigan make for a great place for families to enjoy time together.
At Oak Street Beach and North Avenue Beach, children can engage in a myriad of enjoyable activities.
Some beaches have playgrounds nearby as well for kids to enjoy.
Additionally, these beaches often have calm waters, making them suitable for swimming.
Families can bring along a picnic, fly kites, or simply relax on the shores, taking in the beautiful views and enjoying the lake.
12. Parks and Playgrounds
Chicago boasts several parks that are perfect for kids to enjoy the outdoor.
Oz Park, located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, is a unique spot featuring statues of characters from “The Wizard of Oz,” offering playgrounds, open spaces for picnics, and basketball courts.
Humboldt Park, known for its vast green spaces, lagoons, and gardens, offers playgrounds, a beach, and walking trails ideal for biking or walking.
Additionally, Lincoln Park itself encompasses a zoo, nature museum, and numerous play areas, making it a hub for family-friendly activities.
13. Art Institute of Chicago Free Days
The Art Institute of Chicago offers free admission for all ages on specific days, providing a fantastic opportunity for kids to explore art in an engaging and educational way.
But, free admission is available everyday for kids under 14.
On these designated free days, families can explore the museum’s vast collection, which includes captivating artworks and interactive exhibits spanning various cultures, eras, and styles.
The museum often hosts family-friendly activities, such as art-making sessions, storytelling, and hands-on workshops tailored towards kids.
Check out their events schedule tailored for kids here.
14. Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park
The Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park is a cool place for kids to explore because it’s essentially an outdoor art museum where they can see amazing sculptures made by different artists.
Walking around the park, you’ll find all sorts of sculptures, each one looking unique and interesting.
Some sculptures are huge, some are small, and they come in all sorts of shapes and colors.
It’s a great place for families to visit, take a walk, and appreciate art outdoors.
15. Chicago Botanic Garden
The Chicago Botanic Garden is a wonderful place for kids to explore nature and discover fascinating plants from all around the world.
Inside the garden, there are lots of different gardens with all sorts of plants—some have colorful flowers, while others have plants with interesting shapes and sizes.
There are also trails to walk along and ponds to explore where you might spot frogs, turtles, or even some colorful fish.
Families can bring a picnic and enjoy lunch surrounded by the beautiful scenery.
16. Chicago Fed’s Money Museum
The Chicago Fed’s Money Museum is an engaging spot for kids to dive into the world of money!
Here, children can learn about the history of money, how it’s made, and the role it plays in our lives.
They can explore interesting exhibits that showcase different types of currency from across the world and throughout history, including old coins and bills.
What makes it exciting for kids are the interactive displays where they can see how much money weighs, try their hand at identifying counterfeit bills, and learn how banks work.
17. Adler Planetarium’s Telescope Nights
Adler Planetarium’s Telescope Nights offer an exciting opportunity for kids to explore the wonders of the night sky!
Every Wednesday is free entry for Illinois residents.
It’s an engaging experience where children can look through telescopes and discover celestial objects like stars, planets, and even the moon.
Experienced astronomers or educators often guide these sessions, sharing interesting facts about the cosmos and answering children’s questions.
It’s an interactive way for kids to learn about space while enjoying a hands-on experience.
18. Brookfield Zoo
Brookfield Zoo offers an exciting and educational experience for kids.
The Brookfield Zoo is only free for children 2 and under. They do have several free admission days for all ages which you can check out here.
With a diverse range of animals from around the world, children can explore habitats and observe wildlife up close.
This zoo provides an opportunity for interactive learning through exhibits, live animal presentations, and fun activities like feeding sessions.
There are areas specifically designed for children where they can enjoy hands-on experiences, play in dedicated play zones, and engage in educational programs focused on conservation and animal care.
19. Columbus Park
Columbus Park offers playgrounds, sports areas, and trails for kids to enjoy.
With playgrounds full of swings, slides, and climbing structures, kids have plenty of space to play.
The park features basketball courts, baseball fields, soccer fields, outdoor swimming pool, and pickleball & tennis courts.
Families can explore nature on scenic trails, perfect for walks or bike rides.
20. Chicago Park District Events
The Chicago Park District organizes a wide array of free family events throughout the year.
From outdoor movie nights to lively concerts featuring local musicians, these events offer fantastic opportunities for families to enjoy together.
21. Kohl Children’s Museum Free Days
Kohl Children’s Museum Free Days offer an incredible chance for kids to explore 17 interactive and educational exhibits.
Glenview residents get free admission from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Wednesdays.
Children can engage in an array of hands-on activities, experiment with science exhibits, and explore different cultures.
With diverse sections focusing on topics like nature, health, technology, and transportation, kids have the opportunity to learn while having fun.
22. Garfield Park Conservatory
Explore the Garfield Park Conservatory’s Children’s Garden, offering interactive exhibits and engaging activities for kids.
Check out the scavenger hunts on their website that your kids can use to help them explore the Conservatory in an engaging way.
This dedicated space often features educational displays on plants, ecosystems, and conservation, providing a fun and informative experience.
Additionally, the conservatory occasionally hosts educational workshops and family-friendly programs, including storytelling sessions and hands-on planting activities, allowing children to learn through interactive experiences.
Check out their events schedule here.
23. Lakeview Nature Center
Lakeview Nature Center is an incredible spot for kids to explore nature right in the heart of the city.
The center provides an immersive experience, offering various educational programs specifically tailored for children.
Kids can learn about local wildlife, observe exhibits showcasing different ecosystems, and participate in interactive sessions that make learning about nature exciting.
There are often hands-on activities, such as nature walks, scavenger hunts, and educational games, allowing kids to engage with the environment in a fun and educational way.
Be sure to check out their special events.
24. North Park Nature Center
At North Park Nature Center, kids can explore nature by walking trails and observing local plants and animals.
They’ll get to encounter wildlife, learn about different ecosystems, and participate in educational exhibits.
The center often hosts interactive programs, nature walks, and workshops specifically designed for children.
25. Shedd Aquarium
The Shedd Aquarium is a fantastic destination for kids, offering an aquatic wonderland filled with a diverse array of sea creatures.
They have select days where admission is free which you can check out on their website.
Children can marvel at colorful fish, playful dolphins, whales, and fascinating sharks in various exhibits.
The aquarium provides interactive experiences, allowing kids to touch stingrays, starfish, and other marine life.
Special shows and presentations provide educational insights into marine biology and conservation.
26. Field Museum
The Field Museum in Chicago is an incredible place for kids to embark on an adventure through history and nature.
For Illinois residents, there are select free admission days. Check out the dates here.
There is a diverse array of exhibits featuring ancient artifacts, dinosaur skeletons, and displays about different cultures and environments.
From exploring life-sized dinosaur fossils to experiencing hands-on activities that allow them to learn about ancient civilizations, the museum offers an enriching and enjoyable learning experience.
27. Museum of Science and Industry
The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago is an exhilarating experience for kids due to its engaging exhibits and interactive displays that make learning about science and technology fun.
On select dates throughout the year, they offer free entry to Illinois residents.
With hands-on activities, demonstrations, and immersive exhibitions, children can explore various scientific concepts.
From the model train set to the exhibits about space exploration, the museum offers a large variety of educational and exciting experiences.
Additionally, special events, live demonstrations, and interactive workshops provide opportunities for kids to learn.
Conclusion
Chicago is a great city to visit as a family as there are plenty of kid-friendly activities all throughout the city!
I hope this list of free things to do in Chicago with kids has sparked your interest in planning your own trip to Chicago soon!
Check out my other Chicago blog posts to help plan your trip!
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