Best Things To Do in Chicago This Summer with Kids

1. See an outdoor movie

Whether it's one of our favorite outdoor movies in a park, a drive-in, or Rooftop Cinema Club, you can check out lots of different ways to see a film outside in the Chicago area this summer. There are movies every day of the week and with lots of different amenities and price points. You're sure to find one your kid will love!

2. Visit a splash pad

Not every summer day in Chicago is a full beach or pool day, but splash pads and spraygrounds are perfect for an hour or two on a hot day. They're also great for families with different aged kids who don't want to keep track of bigger kids while in the pool with a baby or toddler. 

3. Go to the zoo

We have a list of our favorite zoos and aquariums all ready for you! Brookfield Zoo Chicago has lots of fun things going on, like the reopening of Tropic World along with the new Tropic Forests habitat. Or you can check out one of their amazing summer concerts. If your kids aren't ready for a bigger zoo yet, Cosley Zoo is a fun smaller suburban option.

4. Visit a museum

Find a free museum day this summer to vist one of our favorite Chicago institutions. We suggest planning a day for June 12 or 19, when The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, the Shedd Aquarium, Chicago Botanic Garden, and the Art Institute of Chicago are all free for part or all of the day. 

 
Chicago has minor and major baseball games all summer long. Photo by Dice Sales, courtesy of Visit Illinois.

5. See a baseball game

Whether you're a Cubs fan or a Sox fan, there's games all summer long and many of them are a good price. If your kids aren't ready for a major league game yet, try out one of the area's awesome minor league teams like the Chicago Dogs, the Schaumburg Boomers, or the Kane County Cougars. These can offer extra fun at a little lower price (and easier to find parking than Wrigley). 

6.  Check out the Morton Arboretum's newest statues

Following the success of Troll Hunt and Human + Nature, the new Vivid Creatures exhibit brings brightly colored creatures to life. Four of the five sculptaby hures are within a short walk of the children's garden and are the most kid friendly since the trolls left. You can also try out the returning Wonder Woods mini golf opening May 23. 

7. Go for a hike

Keep your kids active and in nature by going on one of our favorite hikes to do with kids. The suburbs and even parts of the city have great greenery to explore, especially in the late spring and early summer months. 

8. Find a new favorite playground

We have a list of the best destination playgrounds for kids in Chicago. Try something new today, or revisit one of your old favorites. 

9. Try new music, food, or other fun at a Chicago area street festival

Nearly every weekend of summer has multiple Chicago street fests to visit. Our favorites are Maifest in Lincoln Square, Roscoe Village Burger Fest, and Northbrook Days, but you can find your own favorites on our massive list of summer festivals.

10. Take a tour of the city or a neighborhood

Chicago tours are always nicer when it's not cold, windy or snowing sideways, so take some time this summer to go on a self-guided walking tour, a boat tour or one of our favorite tours. 

 
Live music at Grant Park. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs

11. Listen to some live music at a free outdoor concert

We have a list of annual favorites, but there are dozens of outdoor music series throughout Chicago and the suburbs. Cover bands paying tribute to everything from the Beatles to Taylor Swift can be heard from the lakefront to the outer 'burbs all summer long.

12. Enjoy Cantigny Park's Feast of the Senses

In addition to its usual music, movies and beer garden, Cantigny Park has new installations celebrating the senses this summer. Families can create music by swinging on the sound swings, walk down a new optical pathway that encourages unique motions, and swing on tree swings nestled throughout the gardens.

13. Plan a short trip

We just got back from Indianapolis this spring break and it was amazing! We have several lists of fun day trips for Chicago kids, including summer trips and budget trips from Chicago. 

14.  Swim at one of Chicago's 50 free outdoor pools

Our favorites are listed here! There's a limited amount of time for outdoor swimming fun during Chicago summers, so make sure you try as many as you can before it's too cold.

15. Visit a beach

Lake Michigan has lots of fun places to swim, or you can try a suburban lake or quarry beach to round out your summer fun. You don't need an ocean to enjoy a day at the beach!

16. Eat ice cream

Nothing says Chicago summer like a Rainbow Cone, but there are lots of other fabulous choices for ice cream in the city and suburbs. If you can't make it to one of these, just wait for the ice cream truck!

17. See the fireworks at Navy Pier

Every Wednesday and Saturday night this summer, Navy Pier sets off fireworks at 9 p.m. They're rated some of the best in the country and having them outside of the Fourth of July gives families a chance to see them on their own time without the crowds.

18.  Enjoy a play with Broadway in Chicago 

See Beauty and the Beast at the Cadillac Palace in July or early August. There are also lots of kid-friendly shows from theaters like The Greenhouse Theater in Lincoln Park or Chicago Kids Company, which plays at various venues throughout the city.

19. Visit an amusement park

Thrill seeking kids will want to make sure to get in a roller coaster during the warm weather season.  We also have a list of the best parks for toddlers. Bring your sunscreen!

20. Pick strawberries or blueberries

This is a spring activity in some other areas, but strawberries arrive in late May or early June and blueberries are ripe in July. You can also head to Michigan to pick peaches or cherries during the hottest times of year.

21. Visit a petting zoo or farm

Animal loving kids should get an opportunity to see their favorite furry (or scaly) friends up close! The summer months are the perfect time to see farm animals out and about.

 
Get outdoors and play a round of mini golf. Photo by Kelly Patino for Mommy Poppins

22. Play miniature golf

There are dozens of mini golf courses in and around Chicago for putt putt fun. Choose one of our favorites or find your own!

23. Go to a water park

Some of our best summer memories in the Chicago area were made in a wave pool, a lazy river, or on a water slide! As the temps go up, it's time to cool off with a splash at the water park.

24. Pick sunflowers

These are the best in the first part of July! Pick them just to admire, or to eat the delicious seeds. You can even plant one of your own!

25. Attend a kid-friendly music fest at Kidzapalooza

You don't have to stop being cool because you have kids! Chicago parents can still check out their favorite rock festival at Kidzapalooza, which is returning with new acts in 2025.

26. Eat your way through the Museum of Ice Cream

This Mag Mile museum combines two of our favorite things: museums and ice cream. It offers unlimited ice cream with general admission, or go up to VIP admission for extra special treats. 

27. Take a bike ride

Bike the Drive lets families pedal along a closed-down Lake Shore Drive for one morning on August 31. Or take part in the family twilight ride at the Elmhurst Cycling Classic.

28. Explore Chinatown and see a dragon boat race

The uniquely Asian neighborhood celebrates summer with the annual Dragon Boat Race for Literacy on June 21. Stick around after to explore the neighborhood and try some dim sum.

29. Earn your Pullman Junior Ranger badge at Pullman Park

Learn more about Chicago history and promise to protect your national parks at Pullman National Historic Park on the south side. The site was once home to factories that made luxurious train cars and is important because of its contributions to organized labor, civil rights, and urban planning.

30. See Chicago from above at one of our tall skyscraper observation decks

Summer's clear skies give kids the best views of the city from The Ledge at Willis Tower or 360Chicago observation deck at the former John Hancock building.

31. Bounce around at Funbox in Lombard

The 25,000 square foot bounce house will take up much of the Yorktown Mall parking lot through the beginning of August. Jump through an obstacle course, try the battle beam, or slide down a 23-foot inflatable slide.

32. Go on a Silly Sideways Quest at CAMP Chicago

There's something new behind the magic door at this toy shop/experience in Old Town. Step into a fairy tale in the guided experience that includes lively characters, storybook scenes, and lots of chances to laugh, listen, and have fun

 
Our kids love camping near Chicago. Photo by Maureen Wilkey for Mommy Poppins

33. Sleep under the stars on a camping trip

Try out one of our favorite camp sites for families, or check out Cook County or DuPage County Forest Preserves for organized family camping trips.

34. Visit Da Pope's favorite places on Chicago's south side and south suburbs

Pope Leo XIV is the first American Pope, and he's from south suburban Dolton! Families can use this Choose Chicago guide to find his first house, favorite pizza place and the churches and schools that were part of his education and early career.

35. Celebrate Juneteenth and the Fourth of July

Be on the lookout for Mommy Poppins guides to our favorite summer holidays!