Family-Friendly Chicago

Below is a short list of favorites which are sure to please the whole family. These are arranged starting with activities for families with the smallest children (babies and toddlers) and moving to older kids.

• The Children’s Museum - Housed in Navy Pier, this 3-story museum is a dream come true for kids who love to play, build and explore. Parents will appreciate the thoughtful design, which encourages open-ended play and learning. After the museum visit, check out the views from the pier, grab a drink at Bar Sol or ice cream from The Original Rainbow Cone.

• The 606 and Lakefront Trails - Chicago offers two standout trails perfect for families. The 606, also known as the Bloomingdale Trail, is a 2.7-mile elevated path on a converted railroad bed. While the Lakefront Trail stretches along Lake Michigan, connecting beaches, park and attractions. Both are stroller-friendly and offer a mix of nature and urban sights.

• Lincoln Park Zoo - Kids will love spotting lions, monkeys and polar bears, while parents can appreciate the beautiful park-like setting and skyline views. The nearby Farm-in-the-Zoo lets little ones get up close to goats and cows, and walk through an urban garden. As an added bonus, the zoo is free, making it a flexible stop whether you have a short or long time to explore.

• Willis Tower and Skydeck Chicago - On a clear day, travel a quarter of a mile straight up in 60 seconds to the top of the Willis Tower for a thrilling perspective of the city. Adventurous kids - and grown-ups! - could step out on The Ledge, a glass platform 1,353 feet above the ground, while everyone will enjoy the exhibits and interactive displays.

• The Art Institute - While the Art Institute may seem intimidating with kids, having a plan to browse kid-friendly highlights can turn this into a memorable experience for the kids, while parents delight in the beauty of the space and the collection. Families may visit the Ryan Learning Center where kids can create their own art, explore hands-on activities and even design their own virtual galleries. There are also themed scavenger hunts which take you through the museum, making art discovery interactive and fun for all ages.

• Improv Comedy Show - Chicago is famous for its cutting edge improv, and being a breeding ground for tomorrow’s comedy stars. Several of the local houses offer family-friendly improv shows, where the comedy is unscripted and the jokes are above board. Check out ComedySportz at Malarkey Comedy, StoryTown Improv and family-friendly shows at the IO Theater.

Chicago is a fantastic food city, with some famous local dishes and cuisines from around the world. I’ve included a few of each below – all are places that everyone in the family will enjoy and find something delicious. While none of these are formal, they are listed from most casual to slightly less casual.

• Garrett’s Popcorn - Bring home a tin of this famous popcorn. I’m partial to the Garrett’s mix, which is half caramel and half cheese. Multiple locations.

• Lincoln Park Greenmarket (Saturday mornings from 8am-1pm, April-November; Wednesday mornings, May-October) - Chicago’s largest farmers market, and named by Alice Waters as one of the ten best in the country. Pick from tempting pastries, sandwiches, coffee, fruit and other specialities from local vendors. Bring a blanket to watch performers and musicians. A great stop before visiting the zoo.

• Firecakes - Craft donuts and their famous Donut Ice Cream Sandwich. Multiple locations.

• Lou Malnatti’s - My pick for classic Chicago deep dish. Multiple locations throughout the city.

• Greek Islands - A happy and welcoming spot in Greektown. In warmer weather the glass ceiling is brought down for open-air dining. Order the flaming saganaki for a table-side show.

• Topo Gigio - An Old Town Chicago institution with traditional and modern Italian dishes. It is always bustling, but tables open quickly given the large outdoor patio seating. After dinner, walk down Wells Street to Jeni’s Ice Cream for dessert.

• Shaw’s Crab House - Your kids will like this place, and you will love it. Oysters, crabs, lobsters and seafood, plus lots of kid-focused options. Choose between sitting in the lively bar area (kids welcome) or the more formal dining room.