Top 20 Places to Take Kids in and around Chicago

Chicago's most popular places to take kids in 2026

The best places to take kids in and around Chicago, based on KidsOutAndAbout's annual reader survey. But there is LOTS more to do in Chicago! Get great ideas here at KidsOutAndAbout.com! What is listed below are just the starting point: Browse through our site and calendar to find lots more, and sign up for our fabulous weekly e-newsletter! And be sure not to miss our Everything Free page.

2026 Top 20 Places to Take Kids

Chicago

 

Top 20 Ranking

Category Winners

1. Chicago Children's Museum 2. Shedd Aquarium 3. Griffin Museum of Science Industry 4. Lincoln Park Zoo 5. Chicago Botanic Garden 6. Adler Planetarium 7. "My local library" 8. Museum of Illusions 9. Navy Pier 10. LEGOLAND Discovery Center 11. Field Museum 12. Chicago Children's Theatre 13. Millennium Park 14. The Forge: Lemont Quarries 15. The 606 16. Oz Park 17. The Art Institute of Chicago 18. Amazing Chicago's Funhouse Maze 19. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum 20. Maggie Daley Park

Arts Educator: Dance Gallery Chicago Sports Educator: IK Gymnastics Chicago STEM Educator: iCode - Glen Ellyn IL Festival: McHenry County Fair Indoor Play Center: LEGOLAND Discovery Center Museum: Griffin Museum of Science and Industry Sports Team: Chicago Cubs

©2026, KidsOutAndAbout.com. This list may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without the express written consent of KidsOutAndAbout.com