Activities for Big Kids in Chicago
48 activities for kids ages 7 to 9 in Chicago. More adventurous options with age ratings, cost estimates, and planning tips.
Highest rated: Butterflies and Blooms, The Game Show Game Show, Kovler Seal Pool. 17 listings are free. 28 listings work for rainy days. Qualified listings include stroller access, cost estimates, and practical planning tips.
How to use this big kids list
Use the notes below to match the outing to age, weather, cost, and how much energy your family has. KidPaths is currently tracking 48 indexable picks for this page in Chicago, IL, with details for cost, age fit, stroller access, weather backup, and parent logistics.
Quick fit
20 for infants, 38 for toddlers, 45 for little kids, 48 for big kids.
Weather and access
31 indoor or mixed-weather picks. 28 outdoor or partly outdoor picks. 27 stroller-friendly stops. 28 rainy-day backups.
Cost scan
17 free picks. 23 paid picks. Open the cards for family-of-4 cost notes and savings tips when we have them.
Top Picks
Butterflies and Blooms
4.9 starsWalking through a greenhouse where live butterflies fly freely around you and occasionally land on your arm, your shoulder, or your head is one of tho
The Game Show Game Show
4.9 starsThe Game Show Game Show recreates the feel of a real TV game show, teams compete in trivia, physical challenges, and game show-style rounds with a liv
Kovler Seal Pool
4.9 starsThe Kovler Seal Pool at Lincoln Park Zoo features below-water viewing panels that let kids see harbor seals and gray seals swimming at eye level, the
Kovler Lion House and Pepper Family Wildlife Center
4.8 starsSeeing lions, snow leopards, and other big cats close up through large glass viewing panels creates visceral excitement in children that's hard to rep
Lake Katherine Nature Center
4.8 starsLake Katherine offers something different from Chicago's typical family attractions, paddling a kayak or canoe on a natural lake surrounded by wetland
Farms & NaturePartially FreeButterflies and Blooms
Ages: Toddlers to Tweens
EntertainmentThe Game Show Game Show
Ages: Big Kids to Teens
Zoos & AquariumsFreeKovler Seal Pool
Ages: All Ages
Tours & ExperiencesFreeKovler Lion House and Pepper Family Wildlife Center
Ages: All Ages
Farms & NaturePartially FreeLake Katherine Nature Center
Ages: Toddlers to Teens
EntertainmentFit City Kids
Ages: Infants to Big Kids
Tours & ExperiencesThe Morton Arboretum
Ages: All Ages
Parks & PlaygroundsFreeWelles Park Playground
Ages: Toddlers to Tweens
Tours & ExperiencesFreeNature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo
Ages: All Ages
Parks & PlaygroundsFreeMillennium Park
Ages: All Ages
Farms & NatureFreeMontrose Point Bird Sanctuary
Ages: Little Kids to Teens
Farms & NaturePartially FreeChicago Botanic Garden
Ages: All Ages
Common Questions
- What are the best activities for big kids (ages 7 to 9) in Chicago?
- Chicago has 48 activities rated for big kids (ages 7 to 9). Top picks: Butterflies and Blooms, The Game Show Game Show, Kovler Seal Pool, Kovler Lion House and Pepper Family Wildlife Center, Lake Katherine Nature Center.
- Are there free big kids activities in Chicago?
- Yes. 17 of the 48 big kids-friendly activities in Chicago are completely free, including Kovler Seal Pool, Kovler Lion House and Pepper Family Wildlife Center, Welles Park Playground.
- What indoor activities are good for big kids (ages 7 to 9) in Chicago?
- 28 indoor or rainy-day activities in Chicago are suitable for big kids (ages 7 to 9). Best rated: Butterflies and Blooms, The Game Show Game Show, Kovler Seal Pool.
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