Things to do in Ravenswood with the kids 

1. Check out the local art

Thanks to the public art and mural program, Ravenswood is home to many street art installations, including sculptures, murals, eco-art, and interactive art. Located at the corner of W. Ravenswood and Montrose, have your little ones play around with sounds using restored PVC pipes that are half-art, half-fun. 

2. Take a dip at Chase Park 

Home to a public pool, a full track, baseball diamonds, a playground, and a vegetable garden, Chase Park is a staple in the community. Family swim and open swim are offered throughout the summer in different time intervals; the park’s district releases the schedule closer to July.

 
Stop in at Margie's for a special treat. Photo courtesy of Margie's Candies

3. Sample ice cream at Margie's Candies 

Created in 1921, this old-timey ice cream parlor and candy shop is family-owned and operated and features signatures like its banana split, root beer floats, and a vanilla wafer cookie arriving with each order. Check out more of our favorite ice cream shops here. 

4. Visit Ravenswood Farmers Market

Running from May through October on Wednesdays from 4-8 p.m., this farmers market hosts local vendors and produce as well as live music and activities like a bouncy house for the kids. 

5. Attend a concert in Welles Park 

Every Tuesday throughout the summer, Welles Park offers free live concerts in their gazebo. While all concerts are family-friendly, a few are family-specific, think sing-alongs and story time, so be sure to check the park calendar in advance.

6. Have a beer and play board games at local breweries 

Ravenswood is home to Malt Row, a corridor that’s made up of eight breweries, a distillery, and a winery. Try one or two like Begyle and Dovetail, which are located steps from one another and feature outdoor patios, board games, and food vendor pop-ups. If you're a beer lover, you'll want to check out our other picks for Best Kid-Friendly Beer Gardens and Breweries as well. 

7. Attend an event at Artifact Events 

This one-of-a-kind historic space hosts a variety of family-friendly events such as local makers’ markets, concerts, holiday festivals, and more. 

 
Get creative in Ravenswood. Photo courtesy of the Lillstreet Art Center

8. Try an art class at Lillstreet Art Center

Lillstreet has been a neighborhood staple since 2003. It’s a welcoming place where moms and kids can explore their creativity together through fun, hands-on art classes like pottery, painting, jewelry-making, and more!

9. Shop along Montrose Avenue

With charming stores, cozy cafes, and unique boutiques, a stroll along Montrose Avenue is perfect for a family outing. A can’t-miss is Hazel, a delightful neighborhood shop filled with thoughtful gifts, fun toys, and stylish finds that moms and kids will both love exploring together. 

10. Walk the nature trail in Winnemac Park 

Walking the nature trail at Winnemac Park is a peaceful family adventure, where kids can explore colorful wildflowers and watch butterflies flutter through the air, or set up a blanket nearby and take in the calming sounds of nature. 

Kid-friendly Places to Eat in Ravenswood

1. Budackis 

For a casual drive-in vibe and some of the best fried chicken wings around, stop by this indoor/outdoor classic Chicago fast food joint.

2. Spacca Napoli

This Italian neighborhood spot specializes in Neapolitan-style pizza in a cozy, kid-friendly atmosphere. Other menu highlights include the burrata starter and cannolis to finish. 

3. Bayan Ko Diner

Open for brunch and dinner, this Filipino-Cuban diner fuses bold flavors into sophisticated bites. If your little ones are less adventurous, the menu caters to small mouths with items like buttered noodles, pancakes, and grilled cheese.

Where to Stay in Ravenswood: Kid-Friendly Hotels

1. The Chicago Hotel Collection Wrigleyville

While not specifically in Ravenswood, about two miles south is the affordable Chicago Hotel Collection in Wrigleyville. A bus or bike ride north will have you in Ravenswood in no time. 

2. Hotel Zachary

If you want to be truly in the baseball action, this hotel sits directly across from Wrigley Field and about a mile and a half south of Ravenswood’s main drag. 

3. The Guesthouse Hotel

A higher-end boutique hotel nestled just north of Lawrence Avenue, this is a great spot for quiet evenings and is within walking distance of most sights. 

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