Why You Should Take a Frank Lloyd Wright Tour in Chicago with Kids

Unlike a traditional Chicago architecture tour downtown, Oak Park lets you see Wright’s genius up close at your own pace. Stroll leafy residential streets, admire striking Prairie-style homes with their signature low roofs and art glass windows, and peek into the architect’s personal workspace, just one of more than 20 Wright-designed homes in the area.

Kids will enjoy spotting design details like geometric windows and sweeping overhangs, while parents can appreciate how Wright’s work shaped American architecture. With quiet sidewalks, shaded parks, and plenty of cafés nearby, it’s a relaxed outing that blends education, creativity, and fresh air.

A Self-Guided Tour of Frank Lloyd Wright's Architecture in Oak Park

Get an inside look at Wright's drafting room on a tour of his home/studio. Photo by James Caulfield courtesy of Choose Chicago

Stop 1: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Home and Studio — 951 Chicago Ave

Your tour begins at the hub of Mr. Wright’s home, touted as the birthplace of the Prairie School of Architecture. His 1889 home and studio are available for tours, and advanced ticket purchases are recommended.

Stop 2: Nathan G. Moore House — 333 Forest Ave

Just one block south of the Home Studio, the Nathan G. Moore House looks like something out of a storybook with its Tudor-style design and charming details. Later on, Mr. Wright added his own creative touches, blending his signature style with the homeowner’s wishes. It’s a fun stop for families to see how Wright adapted his designs to fit different tastes—while still leaving behind a bit of his architectural magic.

The Nathan G. Moore house in Oak Park. Photo by J. Crocker via Wikimedia Commons.

Stop 3: Frank W. Thomas House — 210 Forest Ave

Next, head for the next fairy-tale-like building and one of his earlier works. Its castle-like design and special details show how Frank Lloyd Wright could take a family’s favorite style and make it truly one of a kind.

Stop 4: George W. Furbeck House — 223 N Euclid Ave

Make your way to the George W. Furbeck House — it’s a great spot to see how Mr. Wright’s ideas were starting to change and grow. This house shows his “in-between” stage, when he was shifting from traditional designs to the new, modern Prairie style he later became famous for. Kids might notice the tall towers and big windows that make it stand out from the other homes nearby — clues that Wright was already experimenting with shapes, light, and space in exciting new ways.

Stop 5: Francis J. Woolley House — 1030 Superior Street

Next up is the Francis J. Woolley House, which was one of Wright’s early designs when he was just starting on his own. It’s smaller and simpler than some of his later homes, but that’s what makes it special! Families can see how Wright was already trying out new ideas and styles, even before he became famous.

Stop 6: Harrison P. Young House — 334 N Kenilworth Ave

An older house Wright made extra special with his creative touches, the Harrison P. Young Home might not be as flashy as some of his other homes, but it’s a fun way to see how he could turn a regular house into something unique and full of clever ideas.

Stop 7: Laura Gale House — 6 Elizabeth Court

Take a short detour to the Laura Gale House at 6 Elizabeth Court. This home shows Wright’s later Prairie style, with clever ways of using space and shapes that make the house feel open and inviting. It’s a fun stop for families to see how his ideas grew and became even more creative over time.

The Unity Temple in Oak Park offers its own guided tours. Photo by Bmzuckerman via Wikimedia Commons.

Stop 8: Unity Temple — 875 Lake St.

Last, don’t miss a visit to Unity Temple, one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most famous buildings — its bold design and open, light-filled spaces make it a fascinating stop for exploring families. The Temple also offers guided tours for purchase, providing a comprehensive history lesson on Wright’s profound impact on this Chicago community.