Chicago: Toddler-Friendly City Guide

Exploring the city with kids can still feel like an adventure. These family-friendly Chicago picks (organized by neighborhood) keep the fun alive for everyone—big and small.

Lincoln Park / Near North Side

Activities

• Lincoln Park Zoo & Conservatory: Free admission zoo with stroller-friendly pathways, shaded animal areas, and palms to explore at the Conservatory.  The Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo and Farm-in-the-Zoo offer hands-on animal encounters. Extra rides like the carousel and Train Adventure cost around $3 per person
  • Pro-tip: Visit early on weekends for cooler crowds, and bring a stroller with good wheels—paths are accessible and offers stroller parking.
    
• Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum: Dedicated butterfly house and interactive exhibits perfect for tiny hands and curious minds.
  
• Neighborhood Tip: Very walkable and stroller-friendly sidewalks. Plenty of playgrounds (e.g., Oz Park), and charming cafes nearby offering highchairs and changing tables.

Food

• Summer House: Californian-inspired menu, all-season courtyard, casual vibe (Moderate price) 
  
• Gemini Bistro: Sophisticated kids' menus and mocktail options in Lincoln Park (Family-friendly, moderate) and across from Oz Park (a Wizard of Oz themed playground!)
  
• Pro-tip: Many nearby restaurants offer highchairs, changing facilities, and stroller-friendly entrances.
  

Gold Coast / Streeterville

Activities

• Maggie Daley Park: The play garden has separate toddler zones, splash pads, and climbing structures low to the ground.
  
• Chicago Children’s Museum (at Navy Pier): Great for imaginative play in a manageable indoor environment—ideal when the weather’s unpredictable.
  
• Centennial Ferris Wheel on Navy Pier: Doesn’t need much explanation – views of the city and lakefront! You can get tickets here.
  
• Neighborhood Tip: Easy access to public transit, plus lakeside walking paths great for slow stroller roll and snack breaks.
  

Food

• American Girl Café (Magnificent Mile): Doll-themed dining, prix fixe around $25 per person—great for a fun, memorable treat

West Loop / Fulton Market

Activities

• Skydeck: On the 103rd floor of Willis Tower (1353 feet!) you’ll find the highest observation deck in the US. Expect beautiful views of the city kiddos of all ages will love to see – and The Ledge (all glass box), which you’ve likely seen pictures of.
  
  • Keep in mind: It’s a ticketed experience, but kids under 3 are free and free stroller check is available.
• Little Beans Café (and similar cafés): Many with soft play areas, children’s menus, and relaxed seating—Toddler-friendly zones create comfortable dining for parents.
  
• Mary Bartelme Park: Compact yet imaginative playground with interactive water features and climbing steps tailored for younger toddlers.
  
• The Art Institute of Chicago: Check out the Family room for hands-on art activities and crafts!
  
• Neighborhood Tip: A food-loving neighborhood popular with families—look for tables outdoors and highchairs; perfect for group brunch or morning outings.
  

Food

• Kaiser Tiger: Playful beer garden atmosphere with yard games (bocce, mini curling), kid-friendly menu items (smashburgers, sandwiches) Mommy Poppins.
  
• Pro-tip: Spacious both indoors and outdoors—great for toddlers who need room to move.

Hyde Park

Activities

• The DuSable Museum of African American History: Offers toddler-friendly storytelling events and bright, engaging exhibits.
  
• Promontory Point Park: Open green lawns and lake views—perfect for picnics with fenced paths and gentle slopes.
  
• Neighborhood Tip: Laid-back, residential chic—great small, parent-run cafés and frequent family events.

Lakeview / Wrigleyville

Activities

• Margaret Donahue Park: Newly renovated, with safe rubber surfaces, toddler swings, and shade cloths.
  
• Neighborhood Tip: Vibrant and youthful—lots of toddler meal options, from pizza to gluten-free snacks, within a short stroll.
• Wrigley Field: Of course, there’s catching a game, but Wrigley Field offers a lot of family fun during games and on off-days: 
  
  • After Sunday games, the first 1,000 kids can run the bases
    
  • First Game Certificate available at the ballpark
  • Cooking with Clark on some Sundays (sample foods and balloon artists)
    
  • Tours of the field throughout the week
    

Food

• Crosby’s Kitchen: Known for being ultra kid-friendly (stroller valet, step stools in bathrooms), serving family favorites
  
• Tuco and Blondie: Festive Tex-Mex with kids-eat-free deals daily from 4–6 PM (with adult entrée purchase)
  
• GG’s Chicken Shop: a fast casual chicken joint by Michelin Starred Chef Lee Wolen that has a great kid’s meal
  
• Pro-tip: Ideal for post-naptime meals; the neighborhood is flat and good for stroller strolls.
  

South Loop

Activities

• Field Museum of Natural History: Dinosaurs (you can touch!), mummies and the Family PlayLab (mini scientists in the making) make this a stress-free, interactive environment for parents of littles.
  
• Shedd Aquarium: Home to over 32,000 species – including beluga whales and Pacific white-sided dolphins! 
  
• Adler Planetarium: One of the oldest planetariums, filled with interactive exhibits everyone will enjoy (who isn’t amazed by space?!).
  
• Pro Tip: These are on all the Museum Campus, so consider it a one-stop shop for fun! Consider a Chicago CityPASS® to visit 5 attractions and save.
  

General Tips for Chicago

• Chicago sidewalks are generally smooth and stroller-welcoming, especially near the lakefront and parks.
  
• Many neighborhoods offer splash pads in summer—carry a quick-dry towel in your diaper bag.
• Look for “family restrooms” and nursing rooms in major museums and malls.