Recently we visited Chicago and had an amazing time exploring this city. Whether you are just stopping by for the weekend or going for an extended visit, you find a ton of fun things to do with kids in Chicago.
Six Things to do with Kids in Chicago
Shedd Aquarium
https://www.sheddaquarium.org/ –
If you have Detroit Zoo membership, then you can purchase up to two discounted tickets with the membership.
The Shedd Aquarium holds about 32,000 animals across 80 habitats . Grace enjoyed the string ray touch experience most of all. Parking is located in two lots near the aquarium. You can also walk a trail along Lake Michigan right in front of the aquarium. However, we recommend that you book tickets in advance as they were sold out all weekend.
Navy Pier – Things to do with kids in Chicago
The Navy Pier is about a 12 minute walk from the Loews Chicago location. Navy Pier hosts a variety of restaurants, Children’s Museum, rides, games, as well as shopping. You can also take a boat tour from the docks. It tends to get more crowded as the day goes on. We recommend going earlier in the day if you want to avoid crowds. There are a variety of food choices available. We opted to try Chicago style hot dogs and had Garrett’s Popcorn for dessert. The pier also hosts special events, you can check the website for details.
Millennium Park
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/millennium_park.html
Millennium park has beautiful trails, gardens, an amphitheater, as well as the infamous bean. We enjoyed walking around the park and grabbed a photo in front of the bean. Millennium park also hosts several special events throughout the year that are listed on the site.
Lincoln Park Zoo – Things to do with kids in Chicago
The Lincoln Park Zoo is home to a variety of 200 species. However, the birds were our favorite exhibit. The zoo does not charge for admission, but you do have to pay for parking. The parking lot is located directly in front of the zoo. There are also several places to eat or purchase ice cream within the zoo. In addition to the amazing animal exhibits, the plants and gardens at the zoo were beautiful which made the experience even better.
Maggie Daley Park
We visited Maggie Daley Park the same day we visited Millennium Park, as it is within walking distance. It’s a great place to visit if you enjoy beautiful landscaping. You can also play miniature golf, visit the playground, walk the trails, or have a picnic.
Unos Pizza
https://restaurants.unos.com/locations/Chicago/IL/0761
What is a trip to Chicago without pizza? This was the original location from 1943, which is still operating in the same building. We enjoyed trying Chicago style pizza for the first time. There was a 30 minute wait, but we were able to walk around and they texted us when the table was ready.
Where to Stay in Chicago
Loews Chicago O’Hare
Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel is a great place to stay if you enjoy shopping. Fashion Outlets of Chicago is just a five minute walk from the hotel. Additionally, the Capital Grille is onsite, which is also convenient for lunch or dinner. If you are looking for a quick pick me up, then you’ll be happy to find Starbucks in the lobby.
Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel redefines the meaning of the words “airport hotel.” The property features 556 guest rooms as well as 60 suites. They also host a 53,000 square feet of stylish meeting space and a live music and comedy venue, The Montrose Room, that hosts regular shows and can be rented for private events. Finally guests can enjoy and on-site art gallery and a fully equipped fitness center.
Back to School with Style
As the school year is approaching, it’s time for back to school shopping! Whether your student is heading back to the classroom or you are returning to the office, it’s time for a wardrobe upgrade. Loews Chicago O’Hare is located just steps away from Fashion Outlets of Chicago – the Midwest’s only two-level indoor shopping experience. Enjoy shopping at over 130 outlets. After shopping head to Parkway Bank Park to enjoy a live music or bowling with the whole family.
The Back to School with Style package includes:
- Overnight accommodation in a stylish guestroom
- Fashion Outlet Savings Pass (*up to $800 in savings)
- $50 Gift Card
- Complimentary breakfast for in-room dining
- Complimentary self-parking for one vehicle each night
Book Now: https://www.loewshotels.com/chicago-ohare/specials/upgrade-your-style
Loews Chicago
The hotel is such a great location, it was about a 12 minute walk to Navy Pier. We enjoyed the pool, it was large and not crowded at all. There are several dining options inside the hotel. We preferred to eat outdoors on the terrace. The package below was such a nice touch with the tent and snacks for Grace. She was so excited when she walked in the room.
Loews Chicago Hotel is located in the heart of downtown Chicago. Located just one block north of the Chicago River and two blocks east of North Michigan Avenue. This is the perfect home base to experience the things to do with kids in Chicago. The property features 400 guest rooms, including 25 suites. Guests can enjoy the ETA Restaurant + Bar as well as a rooftop lounge, Streeterville Social, which is open seasonally. Families will love a state-of-the-art fitness center with a 75-foot lap pool. Finally the hotel has easy access to The Loop. Enjoy shopping on the Magnificent Mile and the entertainment options of Navy Pier. For reservations or more information about Loews Chicago Hotel, call 1-800-23-LOEWS or visit: www.loewshotels.com/chicago-downtown.
Like Loews Chicago Hotel on Facebook: Facebook.com/LoewsChicago
Follow Loews Chicago Hotel on Instagram: Instagram.com/LoewsChicago
Chicago Discovery Family Package
Explore Chicago from the best vantage point in the city, Loews Chicago Hotel. This summer, get outside and discover your own Chicago stories while creating new family memories. The Chicago Discovery Family Package is designed to keep kids entertained and parents engaged while navigating the city’s top tourist spots. Complete with a family-friend scavenger hunt, a tent to enjoy in your guestroom, and snacks to stay energized. Make this summer one to remember.
Package includes:
- Overnight accommodations in a stylish guestroom
- Family-friendly scavenger hunt with prize for taking pictures along the way
- In-room tent with plush campfire set to enjoy during your stay*
- In-room microwave and family friendly snacks
https://www.loewshotels.com/chicago-downtown/specials/chicago-discovery-family-package
More Day Trip Ideas
Indian Creek Zoo
Indian Creek Zoo in Lambertville offers visitors the chance to meet a wide variety of animals. Meet a giraffe, feed a sloth or lemur.
Midland Canopy Walk at Whiting Forest
The Whiting Forest is home to the country’s longest canopy walk. The ADA Accessible (and stroller friendly) pathway stretches over 1,400 linear feet and reaches a height of forty feet. Also hosts a playground, cafe, creek & trails, and 54 acres of forest.
The Petting Farm at Domino’s Farms in Ann Arbor
The Petting Farm at Domino’s Farms in Ann Arbor is home to a wide variety of farm animals you can pet or feed. You can also enjoy a tractor ride.
Author: Amber Louchart
Amber is the proud mother to four beautiful children, Damian (27), Rosaleigh (14), Carlyn (11), and Naomi (8). Her family also includes four cats. She loves being a stay-at-home mom and feels blessed to be able to care for her children full-time and provide them with so many opportunities through Metro Detroit Mommy. In addition to Metro Detroit Mommy, Amber has a passion for hosting karaoke with Malibu Entertainment. She enjoys the metro Detroit nightlife especially, singing, dancing and meeting new people.
Amber is the proud mother to four beautiful children, Damian (27), Rosaleigh (14), Carlyn (11), and Naomi (8). Her family also includes four cats.
She loves being a stay-at-home mom and feels blessed to be able to care for her children full-time and provide them with so many opportunities through Metro Detroit Mommy. In addition to Metro Detroit Mommy, Amber has a passion for hosting karaoke with Malibu Entertainment. She enjoys the metro Detroit nightlife especially, singing, dancing and meeting new people.
Photographer:
Michele lives in Troy with her husband, daughter, and two dogs. She enjoys traveling, coffee, gardening, and visiting small businesses and shops. She is always looking for her next Michigan adventure. She enjoys photographing everyday life in her free time and looks forward to contributing to Metro Detroit Mommy.
