The ultimate family getaway in Chicago

Summer in Chicago is a special time when the entire family can come together to explore interactive museums, outdoor rock climbing, sightseeing cruises and lakefront amusement parks. There are endless adventures and experiences for little explorers and adults alike, all neatly laid out in this family-friendly itinerary.

Day 1

Start your day at Pier Park at Navy Pier with breakfast on the go and a visit to old-school thrill rides. Do not miss the famed Centennial Wheel, which offers breathtaking views of the lakefront and skyline from nearly 200 feet up. Be sure to check out the Wave Swinger, a whimsical 1920s-inspired carousel, and the Chicago Children’s Museum. Experience Chicago from a whole new perspective with Flyover, an immersive journey that tells the city’s story through stunning visuals and cultural connections, culminating in an epic nine-minute flight over Chicago’s most iconic landmarks.

From Navy Pier, take the Shoreline Water Taxi to the Museum Campus, home to the Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum and stunning views of the Chicago skyline. Highlights include joining a shark feeding tour and interacting with stingrays at the Shedd Aquarium. At the Field Museum, grab a selfie with Máximo the Titanosaur—the largest dinosaur known to man—and SUE the T. rex. Then, head to the Museum of Ice Cream to dive into a rainbow sprinkle pool and sample sweet treats in rooms designed for play and imagination. Nearby, the Sloomoo Institute offers a sensory playground where kids can create custom slime by mixing colours and textures.

Spend the evening at the Chicago Riverwalk, a scenic waterfront promenade in the heart of downtown. Here, you will find charming cafés and restaurants, local vendors, public art, green spaces and more. Get out on the water with your choice of a seated dinner cruise, an educational architecture tour, or a guided kayak outing. And do not miss Art On The MART, a spectacular light display projected onto the iconic Merchandise Mart, best viewed after dark.

Day 2

Begin your day discovering Lincoln Park. Enjoy breakfast outdoors at the scenic Patio at Café Brauer before exploring the Nature Boardwalk, an ecological haven where kids can spot birds, fish, insects, and other wildlife while strolling along wooden walkways. It is also a great spot for a family photo with the city skyline as your backdrop.

Continue your adventure at Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the nation and one of the few with free admission. Along with lions, tigers and bears, you will find an old-school carousel, locomotive rides and the Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo. Stop by the charming Farm-in-a-Zoo to meet goats and ponies, and discover the tranquil Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool. If you have time, soak up the sun at North Avenue Beach or visit the family-friendly Chicago History Museum, both located nearby.

In the afternoon, head to Maggie Daley Park for roller skating, rock climbing and mini-golfing. Children will love the whimsical play gardens, which feature an enchanted forest, a pirate ship and more. Then, cool off at Millennium Park’s Crown Fountain, splashing in the shallow pool between the interactive fountains. End your evening with a visit to Cloud Gate, also known as “The Bean”, followed by a free concert at Millennium Park’s summer concert series.

Day 3

Start your day in Hyde Park at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, which boasts an incredible range of interactive exhibits. Kids can step inside a tornado, view model trains and explore a real submarine. While in the neighbourhood, visit the nearby Garden of the Phoenix, the Bronzeville Children's Museum, and a selection of locally owned restaurants.

For an outdoor adventure, hop in the car and head to the Chicago Botanic Garden, home to millions of plants across 27 spectacular gardens. Stroll along the six miles of lake shoreline, visit the beautifully manicured Japanese Garden and English Walled Garden, and explore their renowned bonsai collection. If time permits, catch a live music performance at the nearby Ravinia Festival, an outdoor amphitheatre hosting a diverse summer lineup.

Another option within an hour’s drive of Chicago is The Morton Arboretum, an outdoor museum dedicated to the appreciation and conservation of trees. The grounds span 1,700 acres and house more than 220,000 live plants, a visitors' centre, a restaurant, a children’s garden and 16 miles of scenic trails.

With so much to see and do, this Chicago itinerary promises an unforgettable summer experience for the whole family.