How long does a family visit take?

The museum says the average first visit lasts around two hours.

Do children enter free?

Illinois residents age 18 and under are free. Non-Illinois children age 12 and under are free, while non-Illinois visitors ages 13 to 18 currently pay $20.

Which exhibit is best for younger children?

Sensing Chicago was designed with younger visitors in mind and uses sound, smell, movement and pretend play to teach city history.

Can parents bring food into the galleries?

No. Food, drinks, backpacks and umbrellas should be left at the complimentary coat check. The museum has an on-site café.

Is the museum accessible?

The museum has button-operated entrance doors, elevators, accessible restroom stalls, a family restroom and a limited supply of wheelchairs. Contact the museum for specific needs.

Chicago History Museum

Name: Chicago History Museum
Address: 1601 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL, 60614, US
Telephone: (312) 642-4600
Rating: 4.6

Rating

4.6(2,816)

Family of 4

Two Chicago-resident adults plus two Illinois-resident children cost $38.

Duration

About 2 hours for an average first visit

Best Ages

Ages 4 to 14, with Sensing Chicago especially useful for younger visitors

About

Chicago History Museum gives families several ways into the city's story, from large artifacts to activities built for younger children. Chicago: Crossroads of America begins with L car No. 1 and follows the city's communities, crises, inventions and celebrations.

Sensing Chicago is the liveliest stop for younger visitors. Children can hear an L train, smell the wild onion connected to Chicago's name, imagine fighting the Great Chicago Fire, catch a baseball and climb into a giant Chicago-style hot dog. The Great Chicago Adventure film is recommended for age 7 and older.

The museum says an average first visit lasts about two hours. Families with preschoolers may spend most of that time in Sensing Chicago, while older children and teens can handle more of the artifact-heavy galleries. It is a dependable indoor choice during rain, snow, heat or cold.

Visitors who need a quieter experience should follow the museum's sensory guidance: Tuesday-Friday from 1:00-4:30 PM, Saturday morning or Sunday after 2:00 PM. Weekday mornings often include school groups.

Admission depends on age and residence. Illinois residents age 18 and under enter free. Non-Illinois children age 12 and under are also free, while non-Illinois visitors ages 13 to 18 currently pay $20.

Adult admission is $19 for Chicago residents and $24 for other visitors. Bring proof of residency. Published Illinois resident free days and Museums for All or WIC discounts can reduce the total further.

The building has button-operated entrance doors, elevators between floors, accessible restroom stalls and a second-floor family restroom. Wheelchairs and noise-reducing headphones are available in limited numbers. Parents may nurse or bottle-feed anywhere in the museum, although a dedicated nursing room and changing-table availability were not verified.

Backpacks, umbrellas, food and drinks belong in the free coat check. North & Clark Café provides an on-site meal break and closes about one hour before the museum. Same-day admission allows reentry if the family needs time outside.

Age Suitability

Infants (0-1)Toddlers (1-3)Little Kids (4-6)Big Kids (7-9)Tweens (10-12)Teens (13-17)

Parent Logistics

Nursing / Changing

Limited

Kid Meals

Limited

Setting

Indoor

Rainy Day

Great option!

Plan Your Visit

Best Time to Visit

For a quieter visit, the museum recommends Tuesday-Friday from 1:00-4:30 PM, Saturday from 9:30 AM-noon or Sunday from 2:00-5:00 PM.

Wait Times

No typical admission wait is published. Tickets can be purchased in advance.

Nearby Food

North & Clark Café is inside the museum and operates Tuesday-Sunday, closing about one hour before the museum. A child-specific menu was not verified. Families may leave and return on the same day's admission.

Why Kids Love It

Children can climb into Chicago stories through sound, smell and physical play, including an L train experience, firefighting, baseball and a giant Chicago-style hot dog.

Pro Tips from Parents

Start in Sensing Chicago if younger children need movement before quieter galleries.
Use the complimentary coat check for backpacks, umbrellas, food and drinks, which are not permitted in the galleries.
Ask for noise-reducing headphones at the Ticket Desk if your child is sensitive to sound. Weekday school groups can raise the noise level.
Validate parking at the museum for the reduced rate at the Stockton Drive garage, and check the current rate before arrival.

What to Bring

Proof of Illinois or Chicago residency when using resident admission
A light layer for the air-conditioned galleries
Headphones if your child prefers familiar sensory equipment
A compact bag that can be placed in coat check

Cost Info

Partially free — some areas or times are free

Estimated Cost (Family of 4)

Two Chicago-resident adults plus two Illinois-resident children cost $38.

Two non-Chicago adults plus two non-Illinois children age 12 or under cost $48.

Non-Illinois teens age 13 to 18 are $20 each.

Tips to Save

Illinois residents age 18 and under enter free.
Check the current Illinois resident free-day calendar, Museums for All and WIC admission, university partnerships and military benefits before buying tickets.