Teen Activities in Chicago
29 teen-friendly things to do in Chicago for ages 13 to 17. Age fit, costs, and logistics for parents.
Highest rated: The Game Show Game Show, Kovler Seal Pool, Chicago Botanic Garden. 6 listings are free. 21 listings work for rainy days. Qualified listings include stroller access, cost estimates, and practical planning tips.
How to use this teen list
Use the notes below to match the outing to age, weather, cost, and how much energy your family has. KidPaths is currently tracking 29 indexable picks for this page in Chicago, IL, with details for cost, age fit, stroller access, weather backup, and parent logistics.
Quick fit
13 for infants, 19 for toddlers, 26 for little kids, 29 for big kids.
Weather and access
24 indoor or mixed-weather picks. 14 outdoor or partly outdoor picks. 11 stroller-friendly stops. 21 rainy-day backups.
Cost scan
6 free picks. 17 paid picks. Open the cards for family-of-4 cost notes and savings tips when we have them.
Top Picks
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
Chicago Botanic Garden
4.8 starsThe Nature Play Garden within the Chicago Botanic Garden is specifically designed for children, natural elements like boulders, logs, stream beds, and
The Morton Arboretum
4.8 starsThe Morton Arboretum's Children's Garden is among the outdoor play spaces for kids in the entire Chicago area, a nature play environment with stream e
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
EntertainmentThe Game Show Game Show
Ages: Best for ages 8 to 16 (and competitive adults)
Zoos & AquariumsFreeKovler Seal Pool
Ages: All ages
Farms & NaturePartially FreeChicago Botanic Garden
Ages: All ages, best experienced by season
Tours & ExperiencesThe Morton Arboretum
Ages: All ages
Farms & NaturePartially FreeLake Katherine Nature Center
Ages: Best for ages 3 to 16
Tours & ExperiencesFreeNature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo
Ages: All ages
Parks & PlaygroundsFreeMillennium Park
Ages: All ages, truly universal
Tours & ExperiencesFreeKovler Lion House and Pepper Family Wildlife Center
Ages: All ages
Farms & NatureFreeMontrose Point Bird Sanctuary
Ages: Best for ages 5 and up (especially curious nature kids)
MuseumsPartially FreeField Museum
Ages: Ages 2 to 14; the Crown Family PlayLab is designed specifically for ages 2 to 6
Tours & ExperiencesFreeLaBagh Woods
Ages: 6, 16
MuseumsPartially FreeGriffin Museum of Science and Industry
Ages: Ages 4 to 14, especially children who like machines, space, weather, transportation, or hands-on science
Common Questions
- What are the best activities for teens (ages 13 to 17) in Chicago?
- Chicago has 29 activities rated for teens (ages 13 to 17). Top picks: The Game Show Game Show, Kovler Seal Pool, Chicago Botanic Garden, The Morton Arboretum, Lake Katherine Nature Center.
- Are there free teen activities in Chicago?
- Yes. 6 of the 29 teen-friendly activities in Chicago are completely free, including Kovler Seal Pool, Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo, Millennium Park.
- What indoor activities are good for teens (ages 13 to 17) in Chicago?
- 21 indoor or rainy-day activities in Chicago are suitable for teens (ages 13 to 17). Best rated: The Game Show Game Show, Kovler Seal Pool, Kovler Lion House and Pepper Family Wildlife Center.
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