Chicago is one of the best places for vacationing with kids in America. Your options for fun activities and attractions are virtually endless, especially during the summertime. Whether you’re in town for a few days or a few weeks, this list should help you get started planning your next vacation away from home.

Touring Around Chicago with Kids

If you’re looking for an exciting summertime experience for your kids, consider visiting Chicago. Chicago is a city full of history, culture, and attractions that will keep your family entertained.

When we went to Chicago, we visited the Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower! It was a GREAT experience! We went up three elevators to the very top of the tower and got a 360-degree view of the entire city! Aside from the Skydeck, there are several amazing things that you should check out with your family when you go! Here are some of the most exciting things to do in Chicago with kids in summertime:

1. Visit the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI). MOSI is one of the largest science museums in North America and offers interactive exhibits that are perfect for kids. There’s also a planetarium, an IMAX theater, and a 3D movie theater that your family will love.
2. Take a walk around Millennium Park. Millennium Park is one of Chicago’s most popular tourist destinations. The park features an impressive Cloud Gate sculpture, which is the world’s first self-supporting steel structure. There’s also a pond with fountains and a stunning landscaping scene.
3. See a show at the Cadillac Palace Theatre. The Cadillac Palace Theatre is one of Chicago’s oldest theaters and features performances by Broadway shows and concerts. It’s perfect for parents who want to take their kids to see a show without having to worry about noise levels or long lines.
4. Visit the Lincoln Park Zoo. The Lincoln Park Zoo is home to more than 3,000 animals and is open year-round. It’s also very kid-friendly.
5. Spend time at Navy Pier. Located on the city’s lakefront, Navy Pier is one of Chicago’s best tourist attractions. It features a carnival and amusement park, as well as a museum that tells the history of Chicago’s waterfront. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and attractions to keep you busy all day long.
6. Check out the Navy Pier Harbor Museum. The Navy Pier Harbor Museum focuses on Chicago’s historic maritime culture and history. It has interactive exhibits that let visitors explore everything from boats to old radios and dolls (yes, they have dolls in there!).

What to Do in the City

Chicago is a great city to explore with kids in the summertime. There are plenty of things to do in the city, from visiting museums to going on wild adventures in the parks. Here are some of the most exciting things to do in Chicago with kids:

1. Visit one of the many museums in the city, such as the Shedd Aquarium or Field Museum. These museums offer interesting exhibits and often have special events that children can enjoy.
2. Go on a wild adventure in one of Chicago’s many parks. The city has several beautiful parks, such as Millennium Park or Lincoln Park, that offer plenty of activities for kids to enjoy. There are swings and playgrounds, plus lakes and ponds for swimming and fishing.
3. Walk around downtown Chicago and take in all the impressive architecture. The city has countless skyscrapers to admire, as well as busy streets full of shops and restaurants.
4. Do some shopping at one of Chicago’s many shopping districts. These districts typically have a wide range of shops, from high-end stores to specialty stores that cater to specific interests.
5. Tour Chicago’s museums and art galleries. There are many to choose from, but the most popular include the Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Science and Industry, the Field Museum of Natural History, the Shedd Aquarium (which is free with general admission to McCormick Place), and the Adler Planetarium.
6. Take a cruise on Lake Michigan. The city has a number of boats that offer scenic tours along Lake Michigan.
7. Go to a Cubs game at Wrigley Field or watch an NBA game at The United Center (formerly known as the Chicago Stadium). Both venues have great facilities for watching sports events without having to pay an exorbitant ticket price.
8. Visit McCormick Place in Chicago’s West Loop. McCormick Place has a number of large conference rooms and exhibition halls in which companies large and small can set up displays and events during the fair.
9. Take an architectural tour of Chicago’s West Loop business district (where the fair is located). These tours are conducted by knowledgeable guides who will point out various landmarks throughout the area, describe its history, and even recommend places to dine or stay overnight.
10. Visit The Loop neighborhood or any other neighborhood in Chicago. The Loop is home to some great architecture as well as numerous museums and restaurants that you are sure to enjoy visiting.

Activities for a Rainy Day

One of the best things to do in Chicago during the summertime is to take a walk around the city. Even if it’s raining, there are so many things to see and do! Here are a few exciting activities that can be done when it’s raining:

• Visit the museums: The Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum of Natural History, and the University of Chicago all have great exhibits that are worth visiting, even on a rainy day.
• Take a ride on the El train: This is a great way to get around downtown without having to worry about getting wet. The El train goes through some really beautiful parts of town, and you can always hop off at any stop to explore.
• Check out some of the architectural landmarks: Some of Chicago’s most iconic buildings, like Millennium Park and Willis Tower, are worth seeing even on a rainy day.

Excellent Food Options

One of the best things about Chicago in the summertime is the abundance of food options. There are plenty of places to get a delicious meal, no matter what your budget is. In fact, there are even some food options that are free!

One great place to eat is Millennium Park. There, you can find restaurants serving everything from traditional American food to international cuisine. You can even find food trucks stationed throughout the park serving up delicious bites.

Another great spot to eat in Chicago in the summertime is Navy Pier. This impressive pier has several restaurants and cafes inside and outside of its iconic architecture. You can enjoy a hearty meal while enjoying stunning views of the city skyline.

If you’re looking for something more unique than burgers and pizza, Chicago has plenty of options for you too! When we visited Chicago, we went to Connie’s Pizza (on Archer Avenue)! It was recommended to me by a friend before going. The restaurant was AMAZING. I highly recommend anyone visiting the area, who is looking for authentic Chicago-style pizza, to check them out!

Chicago is a city that never disappoints when it comes to summertime activities. There are plenty of exciting things to do for kids of all ages, whether you want to explore the Museum Campus or take in a performance at one of the many theater venues. And don’t forget about all of the delicious street food available in downtown Chicago! If you’re looking for something special to do with your family this summer, be sure to check out my list of the best things to do in Chicago with kids in the summertime.