150+ Fun Things To Do In Chicago This Weekend With Kids

Are you in Chicago city with your kids and looking for fun things to do in Chicago this weekend with kids? Then don’t worry. Here in this post, we will tell you 150+ fun things to do in Chicago this weekend with kids. 

Welcome to Chicago, a vibrant and diverse city filled with opportunities for family fun! Whether you’re a local looking for something new to do with your kids or a visitor looking to make the most of your time in the Windy City (Chicago), this post will provide plenty of ideas.

From visiting world-class museums to exploring beautiful parks and eating delicious food to attending live performances, there’s no shortage of activities to entertain kids and adults. So pack your bags, grab your family, and get ready to make unforgettable memories in Chicago this weekend!

The City Of Chicago And Why It’s A Great Place To Spend A Weekend With Kids 

Chicago is one of the largest cities in the United States of America. It offers an abundance of family-friendly activities that are sure to please both parents and children. The city is home to some of the world’s most renowned museums, including the Field Museum, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Shedd Aquarium, which offer interactive exhibits and hands-on activities perfect for kids. Additionally, Chicago has some of the most beautiful parks in the country, such as Millennium Park, Lincoln Park, and Grant Park, which provide plenty of space for families to enjoy the great outdoors.

But that’s not all that Chicago has to offer. The city also boasts a vibrant and diverse culinary scene, with countless restaurants that offer delicious and unique cuisine. From deep-dish pizza to hot dogs to Italian beef sandwiches, Chicago has a little something for everyone. And when it comes to entertainment, Chicago has it all, from live theater and music performances to sports events and festivals. Overall, Chicago is a fantastic place to spend a weekend with kids, providing endless family fun and adventure opportunities.

150 + Fun Things To Do In Chicago This Weekend With Kids

Here are over 150 fun things to do in Chicago this weekend with kids, organized into different categories:

Museums and Exhibits:

1. Visit the Field Museum, where kids can see Sue the T. Rex and explore ancient civilizations.
2. Check out the Museum of Science and Industry, where kids can learn about science and technology through interactive exhibits.
3. See the animals at the Shedd Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world.
4. Explore the Adler Planetarium and learn about the mysteries of space.
5. Discover the universe’s wonders at the Chicago Children’s Museum.
6. Visit the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and learn about flora and fauna of the Midwest.
7. Check out the Art Institute of Chicago and see works by famous artists worldwide.
8. Learn about history at the Chicago History Museum.
9. Explore the DuSable Museum of African American History and learn about African American culture and history.
10. Visit the National Museum of Mexican Art and learn about Mexican art and culture.
11. Check out the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture and learn about Puerto Rican culture.
12. See the exhibits at the Oriental Institute Museum, which explores the history and culture of ancient civilizations.

Parks and Outdoor Activities:

13. Stroll through Millennium Park and see the famous Cloud Gate sculpture.
14. Explore the Lincoln Park Zoo, home to over 1,000 animals.
15. Visit Navy Pier, ride the Ferris wheel, or play at the arcade.
16. Check out the Chicago Riverwalk and take a scenic boat tour.
17. Go on a bike ride along the Lakefront Trail.
18. Take a picnic to Grant Park and enjoy the beautiful views of Lake Michigan.
19. Visit the Garfield Park Conservatory and see the beautiful plants and flowers.
20. Play at the Maggie Daley Park playground, which features a rock climbing wall and a mini-golf course.
21. Take a nature hike in the North Park Nature Center.
22. Visit the Brookfield Zoo and see over 2,000 animals.
23. Take a paddleboat ride at the Lincoln Park Lagoon.
24. Explore the 606, a 2.7-mile trail that connects several parks and neighborhoods.
25. Play beach volleyball at one of the city’s many beaches.

Restaurants and Food:

26. Try some deep-dish pizza at Giordano’s or Lou Malnati’s.
27. Eat a Chicago-style hot dog at Portillo’s or Superdawg.
28. Sample some Italian beef at Al’s Beef or Portillo’s.
29. Get some popcorn from Garrett Popcorn Shops.
30. Try some Chicago-style barbecue at Smoque BBQ.
31. Have some dim sum at Chinatown’s Phoenix Restaurant.
32. Get some gourmet cupcakes at Molly’s Cupcakes.
33. Try some authentic Mexican food at Rick Bayless’s Frontera Grill.
34. Get some burgers and shakes at Shake Shack.
35. Try some Korean food at the famous Crisp restaurant.
36. Get some donuts from Stan’s Donuts.
37. Have some seafood at Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab.

Live Performances and Shows:

38. Attend a historic show at the Chicago Theatre, which hosts concerts and plays.
39. Check out a performance at the Auditorium Theatre, a stunning venue that hosts ballets and operas.
40. See a movie at the Navy Pier IMAX Theatre.
41. Attend a concert at the Ravinia Festival, an outdoor venue that hosts classical and popular music performances.
42. See a show at the Goodman Theatre, a Tony Award-winning theater that stages classic and contemporary plays.
43. Watch a performance by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at Symphony Center.
45. Catch a comedy show at The Second City, a famous improv theater that has produced many famous comedians.
46. Attend a family-friendly show at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater.
47. See a Broadway musical at the Cadillac Palace Theatre.
48. Watch a performance by the Joffrey Ballet, a renowned ballet company.
49. Check out a show at the Steppenwolf Theatre Company, which produces cutting-edge plays.
50. Attend a children’s theater production at the Emerald City Theatre Company.
51. See a magic show at the Chicago Magic Lounge.
52. Catch a movie at the Music Box Theatre, a historic theater that shows independent and classic films.

Sports and Recreation:

53. Attend a Chicago Cubs or Chicago White Sox game at Wrigley Field or Guaranteed Rate Field, respectively.
54. Watch a Chicago Bulls basketball game at the United Center.
55. See a Chicago Blackhawks hockey game at the United Center.
56. Attend a Chicago Fire soccer game at Soldier Field.
57. Go ice skating at Millennium Park’s McCormick Tribune Ice Rink.
58. Play mini-golf at the Navy Pier Miniature Golf course.
59. Go bowling at the Lucky Strike Bowling Alley.
60. Take a swim on the Lake Michigan beaches.
61. Try indoor skydiving at iFLY Chicago.
62. Go indoor rock climbing at Brooklyn Boulders or First Ascent Climbing & Fitness.
63. Play laser tag at Laser Quest.

Educational Activities:

64. Attend a STEM workshop at the Museum of Science and Industry’s Idea Factory.
65. Take a language class at the Alliance Française de Chicago.
66. Visit the American Writers Museum and learn about famous American authors.
67. Take a city history tour with the Chicago History Museum.
68. Visit the Money Museum and learn about the history of money.
69. Learn about architecture on a boat tour with the Chicago Architecture Foundation.
70. Visit the DuPage Children’s Museum and participate in hands-on science experiments.
71. Check out the Art Institute of Chicago’s Family Room, where kids can create their art.
72. Attend a storytime session at the Chicago Children’s Museum.

Miscellaneous Activities:

73. Experience the Chicago Water Taxi.
74. Visit the Navy Pier’s Crystal Gardens indoor botanical garden.
75. Play some arcade games at Dave & Buster’s.
76. Visit the Skydeck at the Willis Tower and get a bird’s eye view of the city.
77. Go shopping on the Magnificent Mile.
78. Attend a farmers market and buy some locally grown produce.
79. Take a guided city tour with the Chicago Greeter program.
80. Visit the Lincoln Park Conservatory and see the exotic plants.
81. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the city.
82. Go on a ghost tour of Chicago.
83. Visit the Chicago Botanic Garden and explore the beautiful gardens and exhibits.
84. Attend festivals like the Chicago Blues Festival or the Chicago Jazz Festival.
85. Check out the 360 Chicago Observation Deck and see panoramic views of the city.
86. Take a river cruise and see the architecture and landmarks of Chicago.
87. Visit the Chicago Cultural Center and see the beautiful Tiffany glass dome.
88. Take a stroll through the Chicago Riverwalk and enjoy the scenery.
89. With these 89 ideas, you and your family will have a fun and memorable weekend in Chicago!

Outdoor Activities:

90. Visit the Lincoln Park Zoo and see the animals.
91. Go on a city bike tour with Bobby’s Bike Hike.
92. Take a walk or bike ride on the 606, a raised trail and park.
93. Rent a paddle boat at the Lincoln Park lagoon.
94. Visit the Garfield Park Conservatory and see the plants and flowers.
95. Take a scenic stroll through the Lurie Garden in Millennium Park.
96. Attend a concert or event at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park.
97. Take a Segway tour of the city with Absolutely Chicago Segway Tours.
98. Go on a nature walk at Northerly Island Park.
99. Rent a kayak or canoe and explore the Chicago River.
100. Visit the Chicago Lakefront Trail for a scenic walk or bike ride.
101. Have a picnic in Grant Park, also home to many festivals and events.
102. Take a dip in Buckingham Fountain, a popular spot for photos and relaxation.

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Food and Drink:

103. Visit the famous Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria and try a Chicago-style deep-dish pizza.
104. Try some Chicago-style hot dogs at Portillo’s or The Wiener’s Circle.
105. Visit the Garrett Popcorn Shops and try some of the famous Chicago-style popcorn.
106. Attend the Taste of Chicago festival and try different foods from local restaurants.
107. Visit the Goose Island Brewery and try some craft beers.
108. Take a food tour of the city with Chicago Food Planet.
109. Try some Italian beef sandwiches at Al’s Beef.
110. Visit the famous Billy Goat Tavern and try their classic cheeseburger.
111. Enjoy some ice cream at the Original Rainbow Cone.
112. Visit the Intelligentsia Coffee shop and try some of their specialty coffee drinks.
113. Try some Mexican food at Xoco, owned by famous chef Rick Bayless.

Shopping:

114. Visit the Andersonville neighborhood for unique shops and boutiques.
115. Explore the vintage shops in the Wicker Park neighborhood.
116. Shop at the Water Tower Place mall on Michigan Avenue.
117. Visit the Magnificent Mile for high-end shopping at Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus stores.
118. Check out the local farmer’s markets for fresh produce and handmade goods.
119. Visit the Chicago French Market for unique food and gifts.
120. Browse the shops and galleries in the River North neighborhood.

Culture and Arts:

121. Visit the Art Institute of Chicago and see the world-renowned collection of art.
122. Check out the Museum of Science and Industry for hands-on exhibits and interactive activities.
123. Attend a play or musical at the Broadway in Chicago theaters.
124. See a performance at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
125. Visit the Chicago Cultural Center and see the rotating exhibits and events.
126. Explore the National Museum of Mexican Art for a unique cultural experience.
127. See a movie at the historic Music Box Theatre.
128. Attend a Chicago Shakespeare Theater performance.
129. Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art for modern art exhibits and events.
130. Take a tour of the Chicago Architecture Center and learn about the city’s iconic buildings and structures.

Sports and Recreation:

131. Attend a baseball game featuring the Chicago Cubs or the Chicago White Sox.
132. Visit the United Center and watch a Chicago Bulls or Chicago Blackhawks game.
133. Take a tour of the iconic Wrigley Field baseball stadium.
134. Play a round of mini golf at the Navy Pier.
135. Go ice skating at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park.
136. Attend a Chicago Fire soccer game.
137. Take a swing at the Diversey Driving Range.
138. Go bowling at one of the many bowling alleys in the city.
139. Watch the Chicago Bears football team at Soldier Field.

Historical Sites:

140. Visit the Chicago History Museum and learn about the city’s past.
141. Take a tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio in Oak Park.
142. Visit the DuSable Museum of African American History for a unique perspective on history.
143. Explore the Pullman National Monument, a historic district of the city.
144. Visit the Robie House, another Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home.
145. Take a tour of the Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Home in Oak Park.
146. Visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in nearby Springfield, Illinois.
147. See the historic Water Tower, one of the few buildings to survive the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
148. Visit the Chicago Cultural Mile, a stretch of Michigan Avenue filled with historic sites and landmarks.
149. Take a tour of the Graceland Cemetery, the final resting place of many famous Chicagoans.
150. Visit the Chicago Riverwalk and see the bridges and architecture from a unique perspective.
151. Visit the Shedd Aquarium and see the fish and marine life.
152. Take a riverboat tour of the Chicago River and see the architecture differently.
153. Attend a performance at the famous Second City comedy club.
154. Visit the Lincoln Park Conservatory and see the exotic plants and flowers.
155. Explore the Field Museum of Natural History and see the dinosaur fossils and exhibits.
156. Go on a ghost tour of the city with Chicago Hauntings.
157. Visit the Oriental Institute Museum and learn about ancient cultures and civilizations.
158. See the animals at the Brookfield Zoo, located just outside of the city.
159. Take a tour of the Chicago Botanic Garden in nearby Glencoe, Illinois.
160. Attend a Chicago Sky WNBA basketball game at the Wintrust Arena.

With all these fun activities, Chicago is the perfect destination for a family weekend getaway. No matter your interests, there is something for everyone in Windy City.

Conclusion

In this post, we mentioned 150+ Fun Things To Do In Chicago This Weekend With Kids. On the other hand, Chicago is a great destination for families looking for a fun-filled weekend. With its numerous attractions, historical sites, and diverse food scene, there is something for everyone in the city.

Families can enjoy plenty of options, from exploring museums and cultural centers to attending sporting events and outdoor activities. So pack your bags, grab your kids, and head to Chicago for a memorable weekend full of fun and adventure!

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