Things to do with kids in Chicago

337 E Randolph St: Maggie Daley Park Play Garden, the Watering Hole and the Harbor

• How to get in: Address: 337 E Randolph St, Chicago 60601.
• What's special: These two side-by-side zones are built for ages 2–5, with sit-on animal figures, a boardwalk and a play boat. The big slides are for 5–12 only, so little ones stay happy here. There are no restrooms inside the Play Garden; the Fieldhouse has family restrooms with changing tables, so change first. Open 6 AM–9 PM.

What local parents say

"Wonderful park for children, with lots of different play spaces suited for kids of various ages. There were also lots of spots (many of them adequately shaded) for parents to sit and watch their kids too."
April Chan-Tsui, Google review via Family Action · source

Public rating: 4.7 from 155 Google reviews, via Family Action, as of Oct 2026

Checked Oct 23, 2026: Maggie Daley Park · Chicago Parent · Maggie Daley Park rules · Summertime Chi

455 E Illinois St: Cupitol Coffee & Eatery, Streeterville

• How to get in: Address: 455 E Illinois St, Chicago 60611.
• What's special: High chairs, a kids menu and family restrooms with changing stations, a short walk from the Children's Museum at Navy Pier. Open daily 7 AM–4 PM.

Checked Oct 23, 2026: Apple Maps listing

700 E Grand Ave (Navy Pier): Kids Free Day, Chicago Children's Museum

• How to get in: Address: 700 E Grand Ave (Navy Pier).
• What's special: Sun, Nov 1, 10 AM–5 PM. Kids 17 and under get in free; registration recommended.

Checked Oct 23, 2026: Kidlist

220 E Chicago Ave: MCA Family Day, "Knock on Wood"

• How to get in: Address: 220 E Chicago Ave.
• What's special: Sat, Nov 14, 11 AM–3 PM. Free admission for Family Day guests.

Checked Oct 23, 2026: MCA Chicago

Book Builders, Harold Washington Library Center

• What's special: Fri, Nov 20, 10–11 AM. A 30-minute story time, then 30 minutes of building play, for ages 2–5.

Checked Oct 23, 2026: Chicago Public Library

1919 N Seminary Ave: Adams (George & Adele) Playground Park, Lincoln Park

• How to get in: Address: 1919 N Seminary Ave, Chicago 60614.
• What's special: A neighborhood park designed for ages 6 and under, with a separate toddler zone, infant swings, a big shaded sandbox and on-site bathrooms.
• Watch out for: The splash pad's big bucket tips about every 5 minutes and can knock over a baby; the splash pad is concrete, so bring water shoes.

What local parents say

"Fantastic toddler park. 2 jungle gym, splash pad, sand pit, swings, and bathroom. ... Be cautious with real little kids as the giant bucket of water drops every 5 min or so and an infant could be knocked over very easily."
Joe R, Google review via Family Action · source

"There is a large sandbox that has an umbrella providing a shaded area for play. There is a toddler playground section."
Miriam Collins, Google review via Family Action · source

Public rating: 4.6 from 160 Google reviews, via Family Action, as of Oct 2026

UPPER's take: ♥♥♥♥♥ Toddler zone, shaded sandbox, benches in each area, restrooms on site, stroller access.

Checked Oct 23, 2026: Source · Family Action

2400 N Cannon Dr: Farm-in-the-Zoo, Lincoln Park Zoo

• How to get in: Address: 2400 N Cannon Dr, Chicago 60614.
• What's special: Not a playground exactly, but the Main Barn is set up for open-ended toddler play, with real cows, goats and ponies next door. The zoo is free every day with no reservation.

Checked Oct 23, 2026: Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest

• What's special: weekends (Fri–Sun) through Sun, Nov 1. Free admission, with pumpkins, s'mores and live music.

Checked Oct 23, 2026: Lincoln Park Zoo

A slow zoo morning

• What's special: Coffee in hand, arrive when the gates open, visit the farm first and leave before nap. No ticket, no rush.

Checked Oct 23, 2026: Lincoln Park Zoo

300 N Central Park Ave: Elizabeth Morse Genius Children's Garden, Garfield Park Conservatory

• How to get in: Address: 300 N Central Park Ave, Chicago 60624.
• What's special: A warm, green indoor-outdoor garden with a toddler area for under-5s, a lovely escape on a cold day. Free for Chicago residents and kids 0–6, but everyone needs a timed ticket. Open Wed 10 AM–8 PM, Thu–Sun 10 AM–5 PM.

Checked Oct 23, 2026: Garfield Park Conservatory

2537 N Kedzie Blvd: Lula Cafe, Logan Square

• How to get in: Address: 2537 N Kedzie Blvd, Chicago 60647.
• What's special: They say it plainly: "We welcome children and parents openly and offer highchairs, boosters, and slings for baby seats." The south-side bathroom has a changing table. It's loud and busy, so ask for an early seating if you want quiet.

Checked Oct 23, 2026: Lula Cafe

3501 W Belmont Ave: WonderPlay & Coffee, Avondale

• How to get in: Address: 3501 W Belmont Ave, Chicago 60618.
• What's special: A real coffee shop with an indoor playground, pretend café and art studio. Play pass is $22 per child (babies under 12 months free with a café purchase), two adults free. Socks only.

Checked Oct 23, 2026: WonderPlay

Tales for Twos and Threes, Mayfair Library

• What's special: Thursdays Nov 5, 12 and 19, 10:30–11:15 AM. Free stories, songs, a simple craft and open play for 18 months to 5.

Checked Oct 23, 2026: Chicago Public Library

100 N Central Park Ave: Harvest Fest at Garfield Park

• How to get in: Address: 100 N Central Park Ave.
• What's special: Sat, Nov 21, 12–3 PM. Free, all ages: petting zoo, hayrides, crafts and s'mores.

Checked Oct 23, 2026: Chicago Park District

Illinois Free Wednesday, Field Museum

• What's special: Wed, Nov 25, 9 AM–5 PM. Free general admission for Illinois residents.

Checked Oct 23, 2026: Field Museum