Best Tours & Experiences in Chicago for Kids & Families

15 family-friendly tours & experiences with age ratings and parent tips.

Highest rated: Nature Play Garden, Kovler Lion House and Pepper Family Wildlife Center, The Morton Arboretum. 6 listings are free. 3 listings are indoor. 7 listings are outdoor. Qualified listings include age fit, stroller notes, cost signals, and practical planning tips.

By Kit, KidPaths editor

Reviews family planning details across KidPaths city guides.

This Chicago page currently has 15 qualified listings in tours & experiences that passed KidPaths' listing and photo checks. Start your comparison with Navy Pier, The Morton Arboretum, LaBagh Woods, then use the age, cost and visit-length notes to narrow the list.

6 options are free. 8 options work indoors or in mixed weather. 8 options have confirmed stroller access. 11 picks fit toddlers and 15 picks fit big kids.

Check total duration, bathroom access and how much of the experience requires sitting still. Ask about minimum ages before booking a nonrefundable family slot.

Top Picks

Nature Play Garden

5 stars

The Nature Play Garden is built on the philosophy that children need natural loose parts, boulders to climb, logs to balance on, stream beds to explor

Best for ages 2-9OutdoorAccess included with Chicago Botanic Garden visit, parking is the main cost ($25-30/car)

Kovler Lion House and Pepper Family Wildlife Center

4.8 stars

Seeing lions, snow leopards, and other big cats close up through large glass viewing panels creates visceral excitement in children that's hard to rep

All agesFreeIndoor & Outdoor$0, part of the free Lincoln Park Zoo

The Morton Arboretum

4.8 stars

The 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

All agesIndoor & Outdoor~$25-30 per adult, $13-15 per child (3-12)

Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo

4.8 stars

The Nature Boardwalk wraps around a restored urban pond that teems with wildlife, kids spot herons wading at the edge, turtles sunning on logs, ducks

All agesFreeOutdoor$0, completely free

Chicago Zoological Society

4.7 stars

The Chicago Zoological Society connects visitors with the scientific and conservation work behind Brookfield Zoo. Educational programs and behind-the-

All agesIndoor & OutdoorThis is the Chicago Zoological Society administrative office rather than a standard zoo visitor attraction

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15 activities