If you’re looking for fun things do with kids in Chicagoland, you’ve come to the right place. We’re putting all our local lists onto one big map! This is a great article to bookmark for a day when you’re out and about, looking for new things to explore on a day trip, or searching for new favorites near home.
Below the map, you’ll find handy links to the included categories. These pages have more information on each location. Happy exploring!
This guide to fun things to do with kids in Chicagoland is sponsored by The Forge: Lemont Quarries. They offer a ton of family fun all in one place!
Family Fun at The Forge: Lemont Quarries
The Forge: Lemont Quarries
227 Heritage Quarries Drive
Lemont, IL 60439
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For an unforgettable adventure with the kids, head to The Forge: Lemont Quarries. The Ultimate Adventure Pass includes the Climb & Zipline Adventure, featuring a 1,200 ft. zipline across the quarry, unlimited 70 ft. rock wall climbing, high ropes courses and a 100 ft. rappel tower. Other activities include laser tag, kayaking, archery, pedal boats and BMX biking.
Youngsters too little for all that excitement? The Kids Adventure Zone Pass (for ages three to 13) is the jungle gym of their dreams. Kids can climb over 12 feet off the ground on safely-netted structures featuring ropes course elements, climbing nets and balance lines. Little ones can jump on our 50-foot-long jumping pad, navigate an inflatable obstacle course or enjoy a traditional bounce house with a slide.
Map of Things to Do
Are we missing a place you think should be on the map? Email annie@mykidlist.com and let us know!
Museums and Zoos
Hands-on learning and fun is the name of the game at these local museums, including incredible children’s museums. Find more info on museums and zoos here:
Outdoor Art and History
Enjoy art and nature in the outdoors at these local favorites:
- Art festivals
- Paint pottery
- Cantigny Park
- Naper Settlement
- Schaumburg Sculpture Park
- Elmhurst Art Museum
- The MAC
Water and Swimming
Splash and swim at these spots year round:
Check out our year-round swimming guide to see the latest updates for where to swim during the current time of year.
We also have a Summer Guide with all of the warm weather opportunities for water fun:
Playgrounds
You can’t beat the playground for a day of outdoor play! Our Guide to Parks and Playgrounds will help you find a fun spot nearby, or an extra-cool destination playground that’s worth the drive:
- Best playgrounds
- Parks with sand
- Toddler parks
- Ninja parks
- New playgrounds
- Fenced-in parks
- Inclusive playgrounds
- Skateboard parks
- Mulch-free parks
- Coffee shops + park combo trips
- Parks with nice walking paths
Games and Entertainment
Looking for a little friendly competition? These spots are great for a family day out, or for older kids to take on with their friends:
Our games and entertainment guide has even more local venues for kids who love to get their game on.
Active Adventures
Kids who love to climb, leap, fly, and stay active will be thrilled at these locales:
Check out our guide to active adventures in Chicagoland for more ideas for kids who can’t get enough chances to explore.
Amusement Parks and Centers
Check out our round-up of outdoor amusement parks for more on each of these destinations for a day of thrills.
Indoor Play
Whether you want to beat the heat or get out of the rain, these indoor play spots have you covered:
Nature
Looking to spend a day exploring flora and fauna together? These spots will help you get in touch with nature:
- Farms open to the public
- Nature centers
- Waterfalls
- Best forest preserve trails
- Popular nature-based attractions:
Find the lists of options and all of the details for each of these in our guide to nature places. You can also find options for snow tubing, skiing, sledding, ice skating, and cross country skiing during the colder weather months in our Winter Guide.
Want even more ideas for things to do together with kids in Chicagoland? These aren’t on the map, but you’ll find plenty of places to go in these articles:
2 Comments. Leave new
This is amazing!! I’ve been looking for something like this!
Valuable to know these places are out there….for post-corona virus days ahead!