40 million artifacts and specimens, with interactive features like iPad games and a glow-worm cave!

More than 32,500 animals representing 1,500 species

A public museum dedicated to the study of astronomy and astrophysics. It was founded in 1930 by Chicago business leader Max Adler. It is located on the northeast tip of Northerly Island at the shore of Lake Michigan in Chicago

An indoor family entertainment center located in The Streets of Woodfield shopping center in Schaumburg, Illinois. Kids will love the Lego-theme rides, soft play area, and 4D cinema.

Ferris wheel – 200′ high - Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier offers 360-degree views and enclosed gondolas. The pier is also home to Chicago’s Children’s Museum and Chicago Shakespeare Theatre

A 94th-floor observatory deck (formerly John Hancock Observatory) where you can see up to 55 miles out and four states.  This is a great place for a birds eye view of the city’s amazing architecture and a panorama of Lake Michigan. If you're brave, check out Tilt.

Cloud Gate is the three-story, 110 ton elliptical steel sculpture by British artist Anish Kapoor aka “The Bean”.  It is probably the most instagrammed spot in Chicago, especially because it reflects the Chicago skyline. Crown Fountain designed by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa is a favorite spot for kids.

The largest science institution in the Western Hemisphere. With a huge variety of family-friendly programming on everything from tornados to robots.

Costs nothing to enter. Don’t miss the Treetop Canopy Climbing Adventure.

This 20 acre public park is in the Loop community area of Chicago near the Lake Michigan shoreline. Take a lap around the winding skating ribbon, ascend the 40-foot climbing wall or run around the city’s most whimsical playgrounds.

Explore the sights of Chicago with a cruise on Lake Michigan or the Chicago River departing from Navy Pier!

Visit the 2,700 square-foot Butterfly Haven and take part in the daily First Flight Butterfly Release.

A 2.7-mile elevated path that runs through Logan Square, Wicker Park and Humboldt Park.  Once an abandoned rail line, now turned public park.  A Resident Astronomer for the 606 Trail sets up public observation sessions on the 2nd Friday of each month.

Twenty-seven breathtaking gardens spread across 385 acres displaying millions of plants & flowers.  There is a huge butterfly exhibit here too!

Located at Navy Pier where kids can splash, climb, build, and explore.

A continuous winding riverfront walkway with restaurants, bars and urban attractions.

Chicago has some great family friendly beaches