Chicago Weekend Activities & Things to Do
Weekend in Chicago
This weekend itinerary for Chicago families blends engaging, year-round attractions with delightful free activities, ensuring a fun and affordable experience for children aged 3-12. From aquatic wonders to indoor play and creative exploration, each day offers a mix of learning, play, and quality family time, with practical details for a stress-free outing.
Friday Evening - Aquatic & Play Adventure
Friday, January 2Shedd Aquarium Visit
Dive into the incredible underwater world at the Shedd Aquarium.
Explore diverse aquatic habitats, from the Caribbean Reef to the Amazon Rising, and marvel at sharks, sea otters, penguins, and beluga whales. This early evening visit allows for a less crowded experience.
Perfect for all ages, but especially captivating for 3-12 year olds. Kids will love the vibrant fish, playful otters, and the interactive elements. Stroller accessible throughout. Family restrooms available. Allow 2-3 hours for a good visit. The Amazon Rising and Abbott Oceanarium are always big hits.
Parking is available in the Soldier Field North Garage (5-10 minute walk), or accessible via CTA bus routes (146, 130). Stroller-friendly public transport routes are available.
Pizza & Play
Enjoy a relaxed, kid-friendly dinner at a local pizza spot in the South Loop, followed by a quick play session.
Giordano's is famous for its deep-dish, offering a classic Chicago experience in a casual, family-friendly setting.
Kids will love choosing their pizza toppings and the fun, bustling atmosphere. High chairs are available. Early timing ensures kids aren't overtired. There's a small park or open space nearby (Millennium Park) for a quick post-dinner stretch if weather permits.
Located centrally, easily accessible by public transport (CTA 'L' trains to Millennium Station or buses). Paid street parking or garage parking is available nearby, though it can be expensive in the Loop.
Saturday - Museum & Indoor Fun Day
Saturday, January 3Children's Museum Explore
Spend the morning at the Chicago Children's Museum, located at Navy Pier.
This museum is designed specifically for children aged 0-10, offering three floors of interactive exhibits like the Tinkering Lab, Kids Garden, and WaterWays, encouraging creative play and discovery.
Perfect for energetic kids, with hands-on activities that foster imagination and learning. Bathrooms with changing tables are readily available. Stroller accessible. Plan for at least 2-3 hours of engaging play. The Art Studio and Dinosaur Expedition are perennial favorites.
Navy Pier has a large parking garage, though it can be pricey. Accessible via CTA bus routes (29, 65, 66, 124) which drop off directly at the Pier entrance. Consider the free Navy Pier trolley if running.
Navy Pier Lunch & Carousel
Grab a quick and affordable lunch at Navy Pier's various food court options, offering everything from burgers to casual dining.
Afterward, take a spin on the historic carousel, a timeless classic that kids adore.
Many kid-friendly food options ensure everyone finds something they like. Plenty of seating in the food court. The carousel is a gentle, fun ride perfect for younger children, offering a nice break after museum exploration. Restrooms available throughout Navy Pier.
Conveniently located within Navy Pier, just a short walk from the Children's Museum. Same parking and public transport options as the museum.
Free Zoo Animals
Head to the Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the few free zoos in the country, for an afternoon with amazing animals.
Explore habitats from the Regenstein African Journey to the McCormick Bear Habitat, and watch the primates at the Regenstein Macaque Forest.
Excellent for all ages, offering ample space for kids to run and explore. Numerous animal encounters, easy stroller access, and plenty of restrooms. The Pritzker Family Children's Zoo (part of Lincoln Park Zoo) is specifically designed for younger visitors, with nature play areas and child-friendly exhibits.
Limited paid parking is available at the zoo lot; public transport via CTA bus routes (22, 36, 151, 156) is highly recommended and drops off directly at the zoo. Very stroller-friendly grounds.
Indoor Play Fun
After a day of exploration, let the kids burn off any remaining energy at an indoor play center.
Kids Island is a popular choice offering multi-level play structures, slides, and obstacle courses perfect for ages 1-12. This is a great alternative if the weather is cold or rainy.
Kids will love the freedom to climb, slide, and explore. Soft play areas are great for younger ones, while older kids will enjoy the larger structures. Parents can relax in seating areas. Restrooms and snack bar available. Great indoor option.
Street parking might be available, or a small private lot. Accessible via CTA Blue Line (Division stop) then a short walk. Check their website for specific directions.
Sunday - Relaxed Family Day
Sunday, January 4Museum of Science & Industry
Embark on an interactive journey at the Museum of Science and Industry.
Explore fascinating exhibits like the U-505 Submarine, the Coal Mine, or the Science Storms, engaging curious minds of all ages.
This museum is highly interactive and engaging for ages 5-12, but younger kids will also find plenty to see. Stroller accessible, with ample restrooms and dining options. Plan for a solid 3-4 hours to explore thoroughly. The ToyMaker 3000 exhibit (if still running) is a hit.
Paid underground parking garage available directly at the museum. Accessible via CTA bus routes (28, J14, 55, 10). The museum is large, so comfortable shoes are a must.
Library Story Time
Wind down with a relaxing and free story time session at a Chicago Public Library branch.
Many branches offer weekend children's programming including storytimes, crafts, and interactive play, perfect for a quieter afternoon. Check the CPL website for specific schedule and branch details closer to the date.
A wonderful, free activity for younger children (ages 3-7). Provides a calming break and fosters a love for reading. Libraries are stroller accessible and have restrooms. Great alternative for bad weather. Always confirm the specific schedule for the chosen branch.
Dependent on the chosen branch. The Harold Washington Library Center is easily accessible by multiple CTA 'L' lines and buses. Parking can be challenging in the Loop, but many neighborhood branches offer easier street parking.
Park Playground Fun
Conclude your weekend with some outdoor play at a local park playground.
Grant Park, with its spacious areas and various play structures (near Maggie Daley Park), offers a great opportunity for kids to enjoy fresh air and burn off some last energy before heading home.
Perfect for a final energy burst before the school week. Playgrounds are designed for various ages, ensuring both younger and older kids have fun. Restrooms are typically available in public parks, though facilities might be limited in winter months. Always dress for the weather.
Grant Park is easily accessible by CTA 'L' trains and buses. Paid parking garages are available underneath Millennium and Grant Parks, but can be costly. Walking or public transport is often the best option.
This weekend itinerary for Chicago can be customized using our AI travel planner. Chat with our AI assistant to modify activities, adjust timings, add personal preferences, and get recommendations for restaurants, hotels, and transportation.