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Familes can also download an app to hear the cruise narration in French, Spanish, Japanese, or Korean. Take a break from watering holes and splash pads and add adventure to your water play this summer with help from Chicago boat tour companies. You’ll learn a bit of city and architectural history and take in a whole lotta gorgeous views cruising Lake Michigan and the Chicago River.
Chicago Experiences
When you dine on Like Michigan, every table is the best in the house. Navy Pier’s brunch, lunch and dinner cruises pair world-class cuisine with panoramic views of the city and lakefront. There are so many amazing things to do in Chicago with kids, from museums, parks, and beaches to food, tours, and Chicago adventures. There’s also lots to do if the temperature is soaring in summer months or you’re visiting Chicago with kids during inclement weather. Try the Chicago Children’s Museum to cool off or warm up, depending on the season. Your family can wander through three floors of epic activities designed for kids ages 10 and under.
Cruise & Tour Types
It is one of the oldest zoos on the continent and offers free admission to explore its many wonders and breathtaking exotic animals. But if you are traveling with preteens or slightly older kids, they are likely to enjoy the performances and even learn something new. The Field Museum is hands down one of my favorite museums of natural history in America. The vet center and the waterworks station are also a must-visit at the museum. This is the largest professional theater company in the city that has been designed keeping in mind children and families. Maggie Daley Park is also located in the Loop and is home to the city’s only outdoor climbing park.
City Cruises – Spirit of Chicago Dinner Cruise
A few ideas include Lincoln Park Zoo, Navy Pier, Millennium Park, Garfield Park Conservatory, and Chicago Botanic Garden. Let your knowledgeable guide lead you to the museum’s highlights, including Sue the T-Rex, the Hall of Jades, and the impressive mummy collection. Embark on a fascinating journey through time at The Field Museum of Natural History, where a collection of over 40 million artifacts awaits. Whenever we travel, we almost always book a family photo shoot with Flytographer. They are super easy, affordable, AND guarantee that I’ll be in some photos. You can get $25 off if you book through this link or use the code HAWAIITRAVEL.
Families who are interested in relaxing dinner cruises, adventurous sailing, or architecture are sure to find something here that floats their boat. It offers engaging youth programs, gardening lessons, train rides, interactive experiences with the animals, and other enjoyable activities. Two brothers and a lifelong friend who are native Chicagoans and self-proclaimed avid adventurers set out to showcase their hometown in a unique way. Their kayak tours will leave you with a newfound love for Chicago and if it awakens an adventurous beast in you, you can purchase a membership to visit again and again.
Family-Friendly Chicago Architecture River Cruise
Quite possibly our favorite museum in Chicago, the Museum of Science and Industry does not disappoint! The building itself was originally built for the 1893 Columbian Exposition as the Palace of Fine Arts. Today it is home to a Zephyr train, a U-505 submarine, and a Boeing 727. Yes, all of these fit inside the building and you can explore inside each one of them. When it comes to kid-friendly things to do in Chicago, don’t miss the Chicago Children’s Museum!
Free Activities
Don’t miss out on a river cruise, where you can take in Chicago’s architectural marvels, or a leisurely beach day beside Lake Michigan. Summer and early fall are usually the best times to visit Chicago with kids. During these seasons, the weather is warm, and many outdoor activities and events take place. Walk at a comfortable pace as your expert guide shares the fascinating history of the city, and don’t forget to indulge in alcoholic beverages available for purchase. Engaging guides bring history to life with entertaining tales and trivia, making it an enjoyable experience for all ages.
Urban Adventure Cruise
With a stunning lakefront view, it’s a hotspot for rollerbladers and BMX bikers of all skill levels. This activity is best for kids aged 8 and up who can handle a bike, but younger kids can enjoy tours with child bikes and equipment. Kids will love the freedom of biking, while parents can enjoy the guided narrative and local cuisine. Special events and workshops keep the experience fresh every visit. Parents will appreciate the educational value, and everyone can enjoy seasonal events and food concessions.
Taking the kids: Getting a terrific wave season deal on all kinds of cruises – 10+ deals - Chicago Tribune
Taking the kids: Getting a terrific wave season deal on all kinds of cruises – 10+ deals.
Posted: Thu, 25 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Chicago Children’s Museum
The stretch of Michigan Avenue known as the Magnificent Mile is rife with tourists and makes a popular choice for exploring Chicago with kids. For the foodies in your family, a local hot dog, complete with all the classic Chicago-style toppings, is a must-try. As with any large city, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. With a skip-the-line ticket, you’ll have more time to admire masterpieces by Picasso, Chagall, Warhol, Hopper, and other renowned artists. Explore Millennium Park, the Magnificent Mile, and Grant Park at your own pace, while enjoying unobstructed views from the open-top, double-decker bus. Experience the ultimate convenience with the Big Bus Chicago Hop-On Hop-Off Tour, providing a mapped-out itinerary of the city’s top attractions.
On these 30-minute speed boat rides, you’ll tear across Lake Michigan at up to 45 miles per hour while getting entertaining and informative commentary on Chicago. If you’re looking for things to do on a rainy day in Chicago, head to the conservatory. This indoor botanic garden has beautiful spaces to explore with play areas for children, plus over 10 acres of outdoor gardens. If you love taking pictures, this is definitely one of the best places for photography in Chicago. Take an educational trip to the Botanic Garden and you’ll make memories that last a lifetime. Admission is free, but there’s a hefty fee for parking (especially during the holidays).
Have your kids do the work as you enjoy a boat ride in Naperville's Paddleboat Quarry along the west suburb's riverwalk. Paddleboats, paddleboards, and kayaks are available to appeal to kids of different ages, and life preservers are required. Families can choose to rent any of these watercraft for $10 for 20 minutes or $15 for 40 minutes. Families can celebrate the season by boarding a variety of boats on Lake Michigan or the Chicago River.
Lake Michigan dinner cruises are the perfect setting for celebrating with friends, connecting with colleagues, or a romantic evening. Take Shoreline’s award-winning 75-minute Architecture River Tour to discover Chicago’s renowned landmarks as presented by our expert and entertaining guides. All photos are property of Kids Are A Trip, Inc., unless otherwise noted. You can’t fully experience a Chicago family vacation without some tasty grub. Next door to Millenium Park is Maggie Daley Park, and you can reach it by crossing the really cool BP Pedestrian Bridge. This 20-acre park with the best playground downtown, the Play Garden.
It’s a great way to compare vacation rentals, hotels, and resorts. Families will love Blue Man Group, Broadway in Chicago, and the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire (about an hour north of downtown). To really get to know Chicago, you need to forget about the most popular tourist attractions and go off the beaten path.
Chicago Electric Boat Company is Chicago's largest self-guided river boat rental operator. Their fleet includes eco-friendly private electric boats that create opportunities to explore our world-famous waterfront from a unique eye-level vantage point. Embark on a 90-minute (approximate) sightseeing adventure aboard our most popular daily tour.
When it’s time to cool off, head to the renowned Crown Fountain for some splash time. The Cloud Gate sculpture (better known as “The Bean”) entices squeals of delight as kids of all ages practice their best poses reflected in the stainless steel sculpture. Chicago is teeming with kid-friendly tours that will spark delight in families.
