While I watch a blizzard dump down outside my office window, I thought , “What better time to write a post about indoor activities for families and kids in Chicago?”. I can’t believe I haven’t written this post sooner. This won’t be a comprehensive list, rather a list and review of a few activities that my family enjoys in the Chicagoland area. Make sure to check out each place’s website or social media page for more information and for updated Covid policies.
Our Go-To Indoor Chicago Activities:
Altitude Trampoline Park – Skokie
Ages: 3 years – adult
Price: $$
Review: We love Altitude. My kids always ask to go there. We can last about 2 hours there, but you have the option to choose any block of time from 30 minutes to jump. Obviously, the more you jump, the more expensive it is. The price does rack up quickly. Although you’re not supposed to bring in outside food, they never care about bringing in kosher food and drinks. We’d go all the time, but the price makes it more of an occasional special treat for us. You can buy jump passes, which might make frequent jumping more affordable.
Chicago Children’s Museum
Ages: Infant – age 8, but ideal for kids ages 4-8 (per website)
Price: $$; membership available (admission for the museum isn’t so bad, but parking at Navy Pier is extremely expensive)
Review: We’ve been to the CCM a few times and always have a lot to do there. There are many exhibits and lots of pretend play. The main event is a huge, 2-story climbing structure. This is probably better for the older kids. There is a small infant area as well.
Field Museum
Ages: 5+
Price: $$; membership available (price varies on what you’d like included in your admission and where you live), parking can be expensive; there are occasional free admission days
Review: On my bucket list. I haven’t been since I was a kid. I think my kids would find some of the exhibits really interesting.
Funtopia – Glenview
Ages: 4+ (must be adventurous 4 year olds, otherwise older)
Price: $$$
Review: My kids had fun here, but they were very timid on the climbing structures. I do think this place is better for older kids or more adventurous little ones. The kids likes the soft play area and climbing structure, but if that’s all they’re going to do, then it’s not worth the high price tag. This is a very rare occasion treat. There’s also a location in Naperville.
Kohl Children’s Museum
Ages: Infant – ~10 years
Price: $ BUT adults have to pay as well, which makes it a bit more expensive; membership available; free parking lot
Review: We haven’t been to the Kohl Museum since Covid, but my kids LOVED it when they were younger. It’s so fun because it’s all pretend play. There are different areas where the kids can pretend to be doctors, waitresses and everyone’s favorite — the grocery store. The re-vamped water play room is so much fun, and in the summer, the outdoor area is great too. We actually had one of the kids’ birthday parties there, and that was great too. If you live close enough (Glenview), it’s worth it to get a membership because then you don’t feel bad if you don’t get to everything in one visit.
Little Beans
Ages: Infant – ~8
Price: $$ but adults do NOT have to pay and the second sibling gets a $2 discount; free parking lot
Review: Little Beans is a fun, open area with pretend play places for kids to explore. They also have a foam pit area and swinging bar for older kids. There’s a cafe for moms to get coffee (not kosher), but it’s just a nice place to hang out. I’d say this place is ideal for kids 1-3 years old.
Museum of Science and Industry
Ages: 3+, my husband might like MSI the most out of all of us
Price: $$$; children 3-11 are significantly discounted, but parking is very expensive. If you are planning to go more than once or twice, get a membership because you get free parking, and it ends up paying for itself. That’s how we’ve done MSI in the past. Allstate Insurance employees receive a discount at MSI as well.
Review: We LOVE MSI. It’s great for ALL family members. The kids’ favorite part is the Idea Factory. It’s a free kids play area with a huge water play exhibit, but you have to sign up for a timed entry. We usually head there to sign up for a time when we first arrive. The policies may have changed due to Covid so check the website. There are always moving exhibits and so many things to explore.
Paint n Party
Ages: 2+
Price: $$$; you only pay for the pieces you paint, but they are NOT cheap
Review: The kids had a blast, but it was super expensive, and I wasn’t expecting it. This is more of a “when Papa’s in town he can take you” kind of place because I just can’t get over the amount of money each piece is. It’s a great activity, but don’t have sticker shock — because I’m warning you!
Shedd Aquarium
Ages: Everyone!
Price: $$; if you live in the city of Chicago it is MUCH less expensive than if you don’t; libraries offer passes you can rent; membership available; they do have free admission days occasionally; parking can be expensive if you can’t find street parking
Review: We love the Shedd. It does smell a bit like fish, but it’s a great activity for everyone. We love being able to pet the starfish and the dolphin show is a family favorite.
These are our favorite activities around Chicago. What are yours? Leave them in the comments, and let us know if you try any of these!
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