Activities for Big Kids in Chicago
32 activities for kids ages 7–9 in Chicago. More adventurous options with age ratings, cost estimates, and parent tips.
Highest rated: Nature Play Garden, Japanese Garden, The Game Show Game Show. 14 listings are free. 13 listings work for rainy days. Every listing includes stroller access, cost estimates, and parent 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 32 indexable picks for this page in Chicago, IL, with details for cost, age fit, stroller access, weather backup, and parent logistics.
Quick fit
10 for infants, 25 for toddlers, 30 for little kids, 32 for big kids.
Weather and access
16 indoor or mixed-weather picks. 24 outdoor or partly outdoor picks. 20 stroller-friendly stops. 13 rainy-day backups.
Cost scan
14 free picks. 12 paid picks. Open the cards for family-of-4 cost notes and savings tips when we have them.
Top Picks
Nature Play Garden
5 starsThe Nature Play Garden is built on the philosophy that children need natural loose parts — boulders to climb, logs to balance on, stream beds to explo
Japanese Garden
5 starsThe Japanese Garden's koi fish are the main attraction for young children — the large, colorful fish visible from the footbridges create a reliable 20
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 li
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
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
Tours & ExperiencesAmazing Chicago's Funhouse Maze
Ages: Best for ages 4-12
Parks & PlaygroundsClimbZone Chicago
Ages: Best for ages 4-16
Tours & ExperiencesFreeMillennium Park
Ages: All ages — truly universal
EntertainmentThe Game Show Game Show
Ages: Best for ages 8-16 (and competitive adults)
Tours & ExperiencesColor Factory Chicago
Ages: Best for ages 4-14 (and color-loving adults)
Tours & ExperiencesFreePritzker Family Children's Zoo
Ages: Best for ages 1-10
EntertainmentFit City Kids
Ages: Best for ages 0-9
EntertainmentSafari Land
Ages: Best for ages 4-16
Tours & ExperiencesDiscovery Center Museum
Ages: Best for ages 2-12
Farms & NaturePartially FreeChicago Botanic Garden
Ages: All ages — best experienced by season
Tours & ExperiencesFreeNature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo
Ages: All ages
Tours & ExperiencesBrookfield Zoo
Ages: All ages
Tours & ExperiencesChicago Zoological Society
Ages: All ages
Farms & NaturePartially FreeLake Katherine Nature Center
Ages: Best for ages 3-16
Tours & ExperiencesPartially FreeNature Play Garden
Ages: Best for ages 2-9
Tours & ExperiencesFreeKovler Lion House and Pepper Family Wildlife Center
Ages: All ages
Tours & ExperiencesThe Morton Arboretum
Ages: All ages
Farms & NaturePartially FreeJapanese Garden
Ages: Best for ages 3 and up
Farms & NaturePartially FreeButterflies and Blooms
Ages: Best for ages 3-12
Zoos & AquariumsFreeKovler Seal Pool
Ages: All ages
Tours & ExperiencesFreeMontrose Point Bird Sanctuary
Ages: Best for ages 5 and up (especially curious nature kids)
Parks & PlaygroundsFreeIndependence Park Playground
Ages: 2–10
Parks & PlaygroundsFreeChase Park Playground
Ages: 2–11
Outdoor AdventuresGo Ape Zipline and Adventure Park
Ages: 7–16 (minimum age/height requirements apply)
Beaches & WaterFreeWater Playground
Ages: 1–10
Parks & PlaygroundsFreeHiawatha Park Playground
Ages: 2–12
Parks & PlaygroundsFreeWelles Park Playground
Ages: 2–13
Parks & PlaygroundsPartially FreeBison's Bluff Nature Playground
Ages: 2–10
Parks & PlaygroundsFreeAdams (George & Adele) Park
Ages: 2–11
EntertainmentPirates' Cove Children's Theme Park
Ages: 2–10
Parks & PlaygroundsFreeEugene Field Park Nature Play Space
Ages: 2–10
Parks & PlaygroundsFreeRutherford Sayre Park Playground
Ages: 2–11
Common Questions
- What are the best activities for big kids (ages 7–9) in Chicago?
- Chicago has 32 activities rated for big kids (ages 7–9). Top picks: Nature Play Garden, Japanese Garden, The Game Show Game Show, Butterflies and Blooms, Kovler Seal Pool.
- Are there free big kids activities in Chicago?
- Yes. 14 of the 32 big kids-friendly activities in Chicago are completely free, including Kovler Seal Pool, Millennium Park, Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo.
- What indoor activities are good for big kids (ages 7–9) in Chicago?
- 13 indoor or rainy-day activities in Chicago are suitable for big kids (ages 7–9). Best rated: The Game Show Game Show, Butterflies and Blooms, Kovler Seal Pool.
More Ways to Browse
Free Chicago Weekend Activity Planner
Get a printable planner with Chicago activity ideas by age, a packing checklist, and weekly picks in your inbox.
Join 1,000+ parents. No spam, ever.