These Chicago hikes are just what you and your family need to find some crisp, quality outdoor time

We’ll admit, Chicago’s chilly seasons (yes, seasons) can be tough. But, a dose of fresh air, unforgettable scenery, and a chance to spy on animals in their natural habitat is a guaranteed day of cold weather family fun. We scoured the city in search of the most popular hiking spots that’ll have you lacing up your boots, strapping an infant to your back, and exploring. These are our top trails that range from under a mile to seemingly endless, and they all make for perfect adventures now through winter.

Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve

Chicago hikes
Sayaka Ganz on Unsplash

Hikers, bikers and stroller jockeys (even cross-country skiers) can take advantage of this 2,492-acre forest preserve created by meltaways from the Wisconsin Glacier. Adventure seekers can trek as many as 11 miles of limestone and turf-covered routes via four mapped trails that include overlooks and a man-made waterfall. Fishing is offered in several old quarries scattered throughout the preserve.

Cass Ave. & Northgate Rd.
Darien
Online: dupageforest.com

North Park Nature Village 

North Park Nature Village, a 46-acre nature preserve, offers a big breath of fresh air in the middle of the city. The best part of this trail is that it provides a beautiful snapshot of Illinois' diverse flora and fauna, carrying hikers through wetlands, tallgrass prairie land, forests and even oak savanna. Wood ducks, geese, garden snakes, painted turtles, deer, raccoons, foxes, bullfrogs, kingfishers, crayfish, and great blue herons all call this corner of the city home.

5801 North Pulaski Rd.
Chicago
Online: chicagoparkdistrict.com

Related: 100+ Indoor Activities to Do with the Kids

Fullersburg Woods

What was once a Civilian Conservation Corps Camp is now an urban wildlife haven that plays host to a variety of animals with the original visitor center and several of the shelters still standing. Fullersburg maintains two trails manageable for families to hike or bike. A 1.3-mile interpretive trail follows Salt Creek through lowland woods and restored prairies and includes information on DuPage’s natural history. York Tavern is accessible from the paths and makes for a fun refueling detour.

3609 Spring Rd.
Oak Brook
Online: dupageforest.com

Starved Rock

No matter the age or abilities of your hiking buddies, Starved Rock is a uniquely beautiful destination that offers oodles of family fun. With just over 13 miles of well-marked trails to explore, fishing in the Illinois River and waterfalls in 14 of the 18 canyons, there’s enough to keep the family entertained for hours. Or an entire weekend if you choose to bunk at Starved Rock Lodge. The best time to experience the waterfalls is in the spring when the snow and ice melt or after a heavy rainfall. However, Starved Rock is a place that can and should be seen during all four seasons because it takes on a completely different, but equally stunning, look.

1010-1048 E. State Rte. 71
Ottawa
Online: starvedrocklodge.com

Related: Our Best Family Activities for Winter in Chicago

Dulcey Lima on Unsplash

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center

Trails once traveled by students making their way to school are now traversed by hikers looking to enjoy the three miles of woodland, prairie and wetland trails. A renovated nature center with year-round turtle pond and a children’s activity room and a 19th-century one-room schoolhouse with interactive displays are great places to rest tiny legs. 

9800 Willow Springs Rd.
Willow Springs
Online: fpdcc.com

Maple Grove

Maple Grove is the largest remaining remnant of the vast maple forest that became present-day Downers Grove and is both a rare historic forest and a valuable natural area. Categorized as a globally endangered ecosystem, this preserve has multipurpose and interpretative trails where hikers can appreciate wildflowers and hundreds of plant species, some of which are threatened or endangered. If the spectacular flora color show isn’t enough to maintain the attention of little hikers, the variety of birds and the great-horned owl will draw them into this migratory bird stopover.

Lee Ave. & Gilbert Ave.
Downers Grove
Online: dupageforest.org

Related: Hit the Slopes! Quick Getaway from the Windy City to Wilmot Mountain

Morton Arboretum

Combine hiking with playtime for the kids at Morton Arboretum. Its 1,700 acres offer 16 miles of paved and wood-chipped walking paths that make for a great intro to hiking. While you're there, enjoy the temporary Human + Nature exhibit that includes 5 massive sculptures that reflect on the human connection with nature. 

4100 IL Rte. 53.
Lisle
Online: mortonarb.org

Shabbona State Park

Just under 70 miles west of Chicago, urban sprawl gives way to 1,550 acres of rolling prairie that provides a natural haven from the daily hustle and bustle. In addition to just over eight easily-navigated miles of scenic hiking and cross-country skiing trails that weave through wooded areas, Shabbona features a 318-acre man-made fishing lake, 15-acre seasonal nesting area for migratory waterfowl and areas for picnicking and camping.

100 Preserve Rd.
Shabbona
Online: www2.illinois.gov

Fermilab

Fermilab is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory best known for high-energy particle physics research. As you traverse the 1,000 acres of restored tallgrass prairie that surrounds the tallest building, the uniquely shaped Wilson Hall, it's hard to believe that you're likely standing upon what was once the most powerful particle accelerator in the world. Hike or bike the quarter-mile-long Margaret Pearson Interpretive Trail which connects to several miles of trails through woodland, restored oak savanna and tallgrass prairie. You'll likely encounter animal life along the way: the lab's grounds are home to eastern tiger salamanders, Baltimore orioles and great spangled fritillary, large orange butterflies with black markings.

Pine St. & Kirk Rd.
Batavia
Online: fnal.gov/

Kettle Moraine State Forest

Thanks to the Wisconsin Glacier over 10,000 years ago, this beautiful playground for outdoor adventurers exists. Kettle Moraine consists of 6 units that display a variety of ecosystems with everything from lakes to bogs and rivers to swamps and activities that range from bird watching (that can be done from the comfort of a stroller) to mountain biking. There are several fire towers that can be climbed to get expansive views of the area and beaches for swimming, fishing and exploring. While the number of trails is expansive, there are quite a few half-mile trails that are home to bullfrogs and cattails.

S91W39091 State Rd. 59.
Eagle, WI
Online: dnr.wisconsin.gov

Sagawau Canyon

Got a dino-lover in the home? Trek on over to Lemont, where the lush Sagawau Canyon, the only such landform in northeastern Illinois, will transport you to the days of the dinosaurs. Located in the valley of the Des Plaines River, the exposed dolomite rock the gorge is carved through is likely the reason why biodiversity rules this smaller scale canyon. The ferns, hairy rockcress and ninebark thrive in this rock-rich environment and create a backdrop that appears more Jurassic Park and less suburban Chicago. Keep your eyes on the lookout for the many canyon residents which include blue-spotted salamanders, eastern tiger salamanders, mudpuppies, map turtles, soft-shell turtles, milk snakes, green snakes, flying squirrels, minks, long-tailed weasels, beavers, gray and red foxes.

12545 111th St.
Lemont
Online: fpdcc.com

For the introverts, the social distancing and closures during COVID-19 are perhaps the things that happy dreams are made of. The extroverts, not so much. Many Chicago kid-focused businesses, zoos and museums are going over-and-above to make the extended shutdowns manageable, and maybe even fun at times. From long walks in massive parks to art masterpieces created at home, we have ideas to keep your family safe, happy and connected with our city. So read on and happy wintering, friends!

MUSEUMS

Art Institute of Chicago

Andrea Piacquadio via Pexels

A family visit to the Art Institute of Chicago is on hold for now. But, prep for a future trip with JourneyMaker, an innovative digital interactive kids can use to create a one-of-a-kind adventure with works of art from the Art Institute’s collection. Kids can fly through galleries like their favorite superhero, travel back or forward in time or discover strange and wondrous beasts.

ARTIC's Get Creative at Home series is a great resource to help kids get in touch with their artistic sides. Using inspiration from their collection, ARTIC provides art-making activities, creative writing prompts and coloring book pages to spark imagination into action. 

Online: artic.edu

Shedd Aquarium

Shedd Aquarium

Sea Curious — From octopus to otters, this video series brings the animals, experiences and stories at Shedd Aquarium to virtual visitors. Designed by kids for kids, the videos range from uncovering animal superpowers and discovering how they play to witnessing animal behaviors. Each episode pairs curious kids from the Shedd Aquarium Adventure Club—a diverse group of Chicago area students ages seven to 10—with one of Shedd’s Animal Care experts, as well as a Chicago celebrity guest star, to answer a different question about sea life. Also available on Shedd’s YouTube channel.

Underwater Beauty Live Cam — Need to recharge? Take a break for beauty with Shedd's special exhibit, Underwater Beauty, live cam! Discover the dreamlike patterns of angelfishes, wrasses, tangs and butterflyfishes.

Audio Guides — Dive deeper into some of your favorite habitats at Shedd! These free audio guides share everything you’d want to know about some of the aquarium’s most memorable species, from a beluga whale “who’s who” to the amazing rescue story of green sea turtle Nickel. 

Virtual Reality Penguin Expedition — Utilizing Google Expeditions, this free virtual reality experience allows users to digitally visit Shedd’s penguin exhibit, going behind the scenes to learn more about how the aquarium cares for two species of penguins—rockhopper and Magellanic. Explore 360-degree scenes shot in the aquarium’s animal hospital, kitchen spaces and of course, the penguin exhibit. (Can be viewed with or without VR googles)

Online: sheddaquarium.org

Kohl Children's Museum

Andrea Piacquadio via Pexels

On its website, Kohl Children’s Museum is providing Home Zone, a remote learning video series with stories, activities and experiments that can easily be replicated at home. All Together Story Time videos feature museum educators and kids reading children’s books. In addition, through Kohl Kids Live! weekly programming, kids can explore the 17 interactive exhibits and replicate their educational content.

For more learning resources, visit the Teacher Resources page.

Online: kohlchildrensmuseum.org

DuPage Children's Museum

Andrea Piacquadio via Pexels

DuPage Children's Museum will periodically offer Facebook Live storytimes. Follow them on Facebook for more information, or to watch previously recorded storytimes. 

The Museum also developed Parent Playshop, an adults-only virtual program that helps parents, who are playing a more rigorous role than ever in education, understand early childhood development. The program is meant to give parents context on what might be going on in the brain of a young child, and provide tips on modeling behavior, how to talk through emotions and issues and addresses specific age-appropriate needs.

The remote-learning format of the school year brought about a complex set of challenges, so DuPage Children's Museum responded by creating a variety of STEM Labs and took their popular in-house Arts & Maker programming virtual to help fill the afternoon with engaging activities that spark curiosity. 

Online: dupagechildrens.org

Field Museum

things to do with kids in chicago dinosaur at field museum
Field Museum, Maria Chambers

Chicago’s beloved Field Museum stands as one of the world’s great museums of natural history. Thankfully, kids can online chat or text message the museum’s very own titanosaur, Máximo: Ask him what life was like during the Cretaceous Period, how he came to be at the museum, and even his favorite color or what he likes to eat. Send Máximo a message using the button on this page or text him at 70221.

On the Museum's Learning at Home page, you'll find activities, games, printables and more to keep kids excited about science, nature and history.

Online: fieldmuseum.org

Museum of Science & Industry

Museum of Science & Industry

Every day, even without a pandemic, Museum of Science & Industry has a Science at Home tab on their website with games, hands-on science experiments, videos of baby animals being born and more. 

Also during its closure, MSI is offering live 45-minute virtual tours of their massive U-505 Submarine

Online: msichicago.org

Adler Planetarium

Adler Planetarium

Even though Adler Planetarium's doors are closed for a short while, you can stay connected with science, astronomy, our universe—and other Earthlings—from exactly where you sit. Visit Adler's Online Resources page to listen to their YOUniverse Podcast, view their exhibits virtually, contribute to real-life science from your couch via Zooniverse and get ideas for experiments to conduct at home. 

Online: adlerplanetarium.org

Chicago Children's Museum

Chicago Children's Museum

Chicago Children's Museum knows we can't socially distance from our children. That's why they put together a list of activities that allow you to turn a corner of your home into a mini Chicago Children's Museum experience on their Recipes for Play at Home page. 

Online: chicagochildrensmuseum.org

ZOOS

Lincoln Park Zoo

Todd Rosenberg Photography

While Lincoln Park Zoo is closed through March 4, they're bringing animal experiences to Chicagoans via their new YouTube series, Stay Tuned to the Zoo! Episodes will feature many of the animals you'd see on a typical zoo visit, from giraffes to meerkats, and will highlight activities families can do together related to animal care or behavior. New episodes will air every Tuesday and Thursday.

Every Wednesday and Friday, 9 a.m. & 2 p.m., join Lincoln Park Zoo for Facebook Live experiences. For behind-the-scenes updates and to get a glimpse of ongoing animal care, connect via FacebookTwitter, and Instagram

Online: lpzoo.org

 

Brookfield Zoo

Brookfield Zoo

Brookfield Zoo is closed to the public until Mar. 1, but they created Family Play Programs with the help of artists, nature educators and early childhood specialists. Children learn through play with their favorite play partner. . . you!

Their Zoo to You series brings you some of the coolest and most interesting animals around while also providing informative sessions that engage and educate. 

Online: czs.org/Brookfield-ZOO

PLAYSPACES & MUSIC

Bubbles Academy

classes for babies in chicago things you have to do with babies in chicago
Bubbles Academy

Kid-favorite Bubbles Academy is streaming multiple virtual classes, Mon.-Fri. Kids ages 0-6 can participate in circle time, ballet, yoga and music classes from the comfort of home. 
 

Mr. Dave Music

Mr. Dave Music

Mr. Dave Music in West Town is closed, but he is offering virtual classes Wed.-Sat. and is available for virtual birthday parties.

You can also support Mr. Dave Music during this difficult time for small business owners by purchasing a gift card to use at a later date or donate at Save Mr. Dave

Online: mrdavemusic.com

EXERCISE

Tula Yoga

Valeria Ushakova via Pexels

Tula Yoga in Logan Square is offering live-stream classes or video-on-demand classes at home. Visit their website to learn how to participate, and namaste.

Online: tulayoga.net

Hiking Trails

iStock

We’ll admit, a Chicago winter can be tough. But, a dose of fresh air, unforgettable scenery and a chance to spy on animals in their natural habitat is a guaranteed day of wintry family fun. Lace-up your boots, strap an infant to your back and explore one of Chicago's hiking trails that range from under a mile to seemingly endless. 

Four Lakes Alpine Snowsports

Maria Chambers

There’s a lot of great things about living in the Midwest (the people, the sports teams, the lack of earthquakes) but let’s face it, the winters leave a bit to be desired. Cue Four Lakes Alpine Snowsports in Lisle for some much-needed winter fun for the whole family just 45 minutes west of Chicago. From ski and snowboard lessons for beginners to a challenging terrain park for the most adventurous, Four Lakes is the close-by cure for your winter blues.

Online: fourlakessnowsports.com

Wilmot Mountain

Wilmot Mountain

Chicago’s terrain is flat as far as the eye can see, making it tricky to use that ski gear collecting dust. The options to ski near Chicago are few and far between. But, in a little over an hour, you can hit mountainous slopes at one of the area’s best ski destinations. Plan your winter family-friendly romp in the snow at Wilmot Mountain in Wisconsin where new COVID-related safety protocols are firmly in place.

Online: wilmotmountain.com

Cross-Country Ski or Snowshoe at Morton Arboretum

Morton Arboretum

When more than 4 inches of snow is on the ground, bundle up and head to Morton Arboretum for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Visitors can bring their own equipment or rent from the Arboretum. Be sure to stop by the Visitor Center for directions to the on-site ski trails. 

Online: mortonarb.org

ARTS & SCIENCES

Art Makers Outpost

Art Makers Outpost

Classes at Evanston's Art Makers Outpost are temporarily canceled, but they are hosting virtual art classes. Each week, using a free-form art-making approach, kids will journey through creating fantasy lands, imaginative robots, whimsical creatures, abstract sculptures and 2D design projects. Each student will receive an environmentally conscious art kit based on the theme of their class. 

Online: artmakersoutpost.com

The Laboratory Collective

The Laboratory Collective

We know The Laboratory Collective for their wildly popular STEM date night drop-offs, classes and day-off and summer camps with fun themes like Spa Night, Harry Potter Wizarding, Robots, Dragons and LEGOs. For now, in-person classes are halted, but you can watch pre-recorded lessons on their YouTube channel.

Online: thelaboratorychi.com

Stages Performing Arts 

Cottonbro via Pexels

Stages in West Loop offers baby music classes, musical theater classes and camps and birthday parties with (you can probably guess) . . . performing arts themes. They jumped into high gear and created virtual class options to help kids pass the time. For the virtual classes, you'll need to enroll and there will be a fee, but they are also offering FREE Facebook live events.

Online: stageschicago.com

Grow Mushrooms at Home with Fresh Picks

Flora Westbrook

Looking for a fun family science project this winter? Fresh Picks will deliver Mushroom Growing Kits from River Valley Ranch to kickstart your home garden while it's still cold outside. The mushrooms grow in a box stored inside and can be picked in as soon as 3-4 weeks. Today's educational e-learning project, next month's dinner!

GARDENS & ARBORETUMS

Morton Arboretum

Morton Arboretum

The Morton Arboretum's 1,700 acres of trees and outdoor space are still available for midday brain breaks. Winter highlights of a visit to the Arboretum are the Troll Hunt exhibit and the gnomes of Gnome Hunt hiding in the Children's Garden.

Online: mortonarb.org

Chicago Botanic Garden

Kara A. via Yelp

Even when it's cold outside, there is plenty to see, do, touch, taste, hear and explore at Chicago Botanic Garden. The peaceful allure of nature in winter reminds us to appreciate the simple pleasures of the season. Unwind on a walk through the quiet solitude and reap fresh air benefits. Bring binoculars to catch a glimpse of feathered friends and don't forget your camera to capture unexpected beauty.

Online: chicagobotanic.org

— Maria Chambers

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Did you resolve to visit more museums this year? Any resolutions about staying on a budget? Good news: You can tackle both at once. We have the skinny on upcoming free or discount museum (and zoo and garden) days right here. (Psst. . . you can also stop at a Chicago Public Library to check out a free admission pass to select Chicago museums.) Click through for the scoop on where and when to get your free culture fix.

The Field Museum

The Field Museum via Maria Chambers

Free & Discount Days: Hurray for free basic admission for Illinois residents the entire month of February! (You can upgrade to see a special exhibition.) Throughout the year, the museum adds discount days for basic museum admission. Chicago residents also save $5 on their basic admission ticket every day with proof of residency. When you have a day you're itching to get out of the house, check their calendar to see if exploring the Field for free is an optional boredom buster.

What Kids Love:  From Sue the T.Rex, newcomer Titanosaur Máximo and mummies to special exhibits, kids get their curiosity fix at this Chicago classic. A kid favorite is Underground Adventure, where they'll get a bug’s-eye view of the world. Your crew will magically shrink to 1/100th of your actual size to explore an immersive environment of worm tunnels and soil chambers. Until Apr. 19, the Fantastic Bug Encounters exhibit gives kids a hands-on opportunity to discover how bugs’ incredible adaptations are changing the world,

Located at 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr., Museum Campus; (312-922-9410 or fieldmuseum.org).

Museum Science + Industry

Museum Science Industry

Free Days: There is free general admission for Illinois residents on Feb. 3-6, 10-13, 18-20 & 24-27. Museum entry does not include parking, special exhibits and events, Omnimax movies, Coal Mine or U-505 on-board tours.

What Kids Love: In a beautiful building built for the World's Columbian Exposition of 1892, this stunner is the end-all, be-all for curious kids. They'll especially love the Science Storms, an exhibit hall that tackles questions like: Why does lightning strike? and Why does a flame burn? Don’t miss the Numbers in Nature: A Mirror Maze exhibit that explores numbers and patterns found in nature and culminate with a mirror maze guaranteed to elicit giggles.

Located at 5700 S. Lake Shore Dr., Hyde Park; (773-684-1414 or msichicago.org).

Museum of Contemporary Art

Museum of Contemporary Art

Free Days: Every Tuesday there is no admission for Illinois residents. Because they believe art should be accessible to everyone, no exceptions, the MCA always has a pay-what-you-can policy everyday so no one will be turned away.

What Kids Love: The museum’s permanent collection includes video, visual and audio art leading to a great post-visit conversation about what you saw and what is art. It also offers experiences that redefine the way kids and families explore and create art together. Every second Saturday MCA hosts Family Day, a free monthly program where Chicago artists transform the museum and you can take part in workshops, open studio sessions, gallery tours and performances from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Located at 220 E. Chicago Ave., Streeterville; (312-280-2660 or mcachicago.org).

Adler Planetarium

Adler Planetarium

Discount Days: Several days a year, the Planetarium offers free general admission to Illinois residents. Upcoming dates include Feb. 4-6, 11-13 & 17-20; Mar. 9-12; Apr. 20-23; May 10-16; Jun. 2, 9 & 16; Aug. 22-23 & 31; Sep. 1-4; Oct. 12-15; Nov. 11 & 17-19; Dec. 4-6. The Adler Planetarium sometimes adds discount days throughout the year, so check their website under Special Offers

What Kids Love: You'll see stars even on the sunniest day and aspiring astronauts can discover a new planet in the Planet Explorers exhibit, where kids take the helm in a modern-day space adventure and climb, crawl, play and learn what it takes to be a part of a space mission. Scientists are often on hand to answer even the most difficult space questions. The newly opened Community PlayLab emphasizes learning through play by providing materials and experiences that encourage young kids to make sense of the world around them.

Located at 1300 S. Lake Shore Dr., Museum Campus; (312-922-7827 or adlerplanetarium.org).

Chicago Children's Museum

Chicago Children's Museum

Free Days: There is discounted admission for everyone on Play Late Thursdays, when up to 4 people can enter the museum for $20 from 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Also, kids ages 15 & under can enter the museum for free the first Sunday of each month for First Free Sundays. Veterans and active military receive free admission every day.

What Kids Love: What’s not to love? Little ones can climb, bang, create, splash and dance at the Chicago Children’s Museum. Through May 10, in the temporary Castle exhibit, young imaginations are invited to play in a castle with secret tunnels, a rope bridge, tower, dungeon, throne room, wizard's room, kitchen, feasting table, market and more. And the new Cloud Buster is a 30-ton, 37-foot-tall steel dreamscape that celebrates adventure and risk-taking, qualities that are inherent to childhood

Located on Navy Pier at 700 E. Grand Ave., Navy Pier; (312-527-1000 or chicagochildrensmuseum.org).

Shedd Aquarium

Shedd Aquarium via Maria Chambers

Discount Days: Enjoy Illinois resident discount days on Feb. 3-7, 10-14, 17-21 & 24-28. General admission for Chicago residents is discounted to $19.95/adults and $14.95/ages 3-11 everyday.

What Kids Love: Welcome to an underwater adventure — without getting wet. From clownfish (aka: Nemo) to penguins (aka: Happy Feet), kids love seeing the familiar and discovering new underwater creatures big and small. Oh, and, the baby otters are cuteness overload and worth a visit. In Underwater Beauty, you'll see 100 species from around the world come together displaying a variety of adaptations and characteristics of aquatic beauty including: Shimmer, Color, Patterns and Rythm. 

Located at 1200 S. Lake Shore Dr., Museum Campus; (312-939-2438 or online at sheddaquarium.org).

Art Institute of Chicago

Art Institute of Chicago

Free Days: Admission is always free for Chicago teens under the age of 18 and free for all kids under the age 14. For all others, admission is free for llinois residents every weekday, Jan. 27-Mar. 4. 

What Kids Love: Given the size of the Art Institute, there is definitely something for everyone. Dollhouse lover? Head to the Thorne Miniature Rooms. Ever get the urge to touch things at a museum, but know you can't? Well, here, you can! Head over to The Elizabeth Morse Touch Gallery where visitors have the opportunity to experience how the sense of touch can enrich their appreciation of art.

Located at 111 S. Michigan Ave., The Loop; (312-443-3600 or online at artic.edu).

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Discount Days: Thursdays are suggested donation days for Illinois residents, which means they can enjoy free admission. It's always free for children under 3!

What Kids Love: Butterflies — the Judy Istock Butterfly Haven is home to more than 1,000 butterflies (and flowers, ponds and trees) and gives spring-starved Chicagoans a chance to feel like it's not quite so cold outside. If you're in the museum at 2 p.m., you can experience the wonder of the First Flight Butterfly Release. The size of the Peggy Notebart Nature Museum makes it manageable for families with kids of all ages. When the weather is warmer, take your museum experience outside with the Nature Trails exhibit.

Located at 2430 N. Cannon Dr., Lincoln Park.; (773-755-5100 or naturemuseum.org).

Morton Arboretum

Morton Arboretum via Maria Chambers

Discount Days: Every Wednesday there is discounted $10 adult admission ($15 otherwise), $9 seniors admission ($13 otherwise) and $7 youth admission ($10 otherwise). Children ages 1 & under are always free. Admission includes free parking.

What Kids Love: This is a spot you'll want to visit more than once to experience how the Morton Arboretum changes with the seasons. For kids, a trip to the Children’s Garden can’t be missed as they'll love exploring, learning and playing right alongside nature. Through Jun., Troll Hunt features 15- to 20-foot tall trolls made of reclaimed wood who are trying to make sense of the human world and make us think about our impacts on the planet.

Located at 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle; (630-968-0074 or mortonarb.org).

Brookfield Zoo

boy with bird at brookfield zoo things to do with kids in chicago animal farms near chicago
Brookfield Zoo via Maria Chambers

Free Days: General Zoo admission is free Tues., Thurs., Sat. & Sun., Jan. 1-Feb. 29 and Tues. & Thurs., Oct. 1-Dec. 31.

What Kids Love: Animals, of course! Everyone has their favorites so we won’t tell you which animals to see. Whether pretending to be a zookeeper or creating an animal-themed craft, kids learn to appreciate animals and nature just a little bit more. Covering just over 3-acres, Brookfield Zoo’s Hamill Family Wild Encounters features unforgettable hands-on experiences that includes opportunities to touch and feed animals.

Located at 8400 E. 31st St., Brookfield; (708-688-8000 or czs.org).

Chicago Botanic Garden

Chicago Botanic Garden

Free Days: Every day! The Garden is always free; parking fees apply ($25 per car + tax).

What Kids Love: This North Shore destination is 26 gardens in one — and each has a different feel and plenty of vibrant color. They include the Japanese Garden, where you can pose and play amidst striking bonsai plants. And don’t miss the English Walled Garden, where you can make like you’re in the Cotswalds. Also, make sure you look into their schedule for storytime and weekday family class.

Located at 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe; (847-835-5440 or chicagobotanic.org).

Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo via Maria Chambers

Free Days: Every day! The zoo is always free; parking fees apply.

What Kids Love: We shouldn’t take for granted that our city is home to one of the few free-admission zoos in the U.S. Almost all of its wildlife exhibits are stroller accessible, including the outstanding Regenstein Center for African Apes. Go for a Sing-A-Long with Mr. Singer every Wednesday and Friday at 9:15 a.m. and 10 a.m. at the Farm-in-the-Zoo.

Located at Fullerton Parkway and Cannon Drive (312-742-2000 or lpzoo.org).

Ed Paschke Art Center

Ed Paschke Art Center

Free Days: Every day! This museum is always free -- and there are even free coloring books for kids.

What Kids Love: The Ed Paschke Art Center features the artist’s work as well as art inspired by Ed Paschke’s style. Influenced by animation and Chicago, the colorful art connects with kids. We suggest having that post-visit conversation over a plate of ribs at the nearby Gale Street Inn.

Located at 5415 W. Higgins Ave., Jefferson Park; (312-533-4911 or edpaschkeartcenter.org).

International Museum of Surgical Science

International Museum of Surgical Science

Free Days: Admission is free to all Feb. 3-7, 10-13 & 17-21; Nov. 30-Dec. 4; Dec. 7-11 & Dec. 14-18 and always free for kids ages 3 & under.

What Kids Love: Budding medical professionals will be fascinated by seeing the evolution of medicine and medical equipment (don’t miss the X-rays). This is definitely a museum for older kids, though, as the museum does not sugarcoat the way medicine was in the past, torture devices and all. Definitely make time for a stop at the gift shop where you will find some of the most unusual take-home items. Common cold plush toy, anyone?

Located at 1542 N. Lake Shore Dr., Downtown; (312-642-6502 or imss.org).

— Maria Chambers and Anli Chen

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Getting more exercise, eating healthier or spending more time with family likely made your 2020 New Year’s resolution list. . . or maybe those are on-going life goals no matter the date on the calendar. We did a deep-dive to give you ideas on getting and staying healthy and including your family in on the lifestyle. Read on for ideas that range from our favorite juice spots to active birthday party ideas.

Where to juice

Real Good Juice Co.

Ditch the over-sugared juices you find in the supermarket and intro your kids to Chicago's fresh-squeezed juice scene. (Psst. . . it’s a pretty sweet way to sneak in veggies!) You'll find juice bars and cafes that focus on all-natural goodness and have family-friendly atmospheres in our story Sip, Sip, Hurray! The Best Local Juice Bars for Kids.

Get kids in on the gym life

enerGEEwhiz

From a wildly cool fitness-focused studio created just for kids to a typically adult-centric facility that gets kids in on the crossfit craze, you can find a gym that caters to your family's interests in our story Our Favorite Fitness Spots for Kids.

Host a fit-inspired birthday

Hi-Five Sports Chicago

We're definitely not encouraging you to skip the birthday cake, but how about planning a birthday party that keeps kids moving or that's sports-focused? You can find ideas for where to host in our story: Hide from the Chill: Best Indoor Birthday Party Destinations.

Dine and dash . . . or bowl

Punch Bowl Social via Maria Chambers

You gotta eat, so why not plan a family date night that gets you up and moving at the same time? Right across the street from Wrigley Field, you'll find Lucky Strike Social offering bowling, pool, air hockey and over 100 games and Punch Bowl Social in the West Loop has bowling, shuffleboard, classic gaming and VR gaming. Find these and more in our story Chicago’s Themed Restaurants You HAVE to Try at Least Once (some are most definitely cheat-day approved).

Teach your kids to swim

Goldfish Swim School

Knowing how to swim, even if it's just the basics, is one of those life skills everyone should have. Even babies who are still in the weeble-wobble stage can get in on the fun. In our story 7 Swimming Schools That Will Float Your Boat, we found schools that focus on everything from playful instruction to I-wanna-be-Michael-Phelps-some-day competitive training. 

Indoors, outdoors . . find your favorite swim spot

Summertime we're all about our spraygrounds, community pools, hidden gems to swim that are off the beaten path and finding the most thrilling water slides, but our story Local Indoor Water Parks For Year-Round Water Playtells your where to water-play until the sun cranks up the heat. 

To make things EXTRA exciting, Raging Waves is adding a new waterslide this summer. The Aussie Mat Race is a six-lane mat racing waterslide where six riders race side-by-side in tunnels to the bottom. With only two such slides installed in the world, the Aussie Mat Dash will be a welcome addition to your summertime fun.

Attend a fest that's all about staying active

Outside Experience via flickr

Outside, America’s preeminent active lifestyle brand, is hosting Outside Experience, presented by Go RVing, May 16 and May 17 at Northerly Island. This festival will showcase new products and interactive demos from leading active lifestyle brands and travel destinations. Attendees will test gear, enjoy films and live music and sip craft whiskey and beer—all in a festive, family-friendly, indoor/outdoor environment.

Explore and dance with Chicago Botanic Garden (and go granola!)

Chicago Botanic Garden

Lucky us, Chicago Botanic Garden offers programming all year long that keeps us outside and in awe of nature's beauty. While Butterflies and Blooms (May 23-Sept. 2), their Model Railroad Garden (May 9-Sept. 2) and Summer Evenings (Weekdays, Jun.-Labor Day) programming are kid-favorites, they are also hosting a family class on how to make your own granola (Mar. 28) — which most definitely helps work toward your stay-healthy goals. 

Take a walk

Morton Arboretum, Daniel Popper

It's not hard to be inspired to walk when you have places like Morton Arboretum in your 'hood. Just as they say goodbye to their uber-cool Troll Hunt exhibit in June, which features 15- to 20-foot-tall trolls hiding in the woods, they welcome Humans+Nature, which includes 5 massive sculptures that bring attention to the deep connections between humans and nature.

For other inspiring ideas on where to hike with kids, read our story Hit the Trails! Best Hikes with Kids No Matter the Season.

 

Figure 8 all year long

Millennium Park

Lace up and feel the cool wind in your face after reading Take a Spin! Awesome Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks or skip the chill and opt for Old-School Cool: Local Roller Skating Rinks You’ll LoveEither way, you'll have a chance to impress the kids with your sick moves on skates. 

— Maria Chambers

RELATED STORIES:

Hit the Trails! Best Hikes with Kids No Matter the Season

Take a Spin! Awesome Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks

Happy New Year! Ideas for an Epic 2020

The new year is in full swing, and boy is it off to a good start! From a new bluesy museum to temporary intrigues just passing through and a record-breaking coaster waiting for your screams of terrified delight, we’ll keep you looped in on all the must-knows in Chicago for 2019. Read on for our favorite exhibits, installations, activities and more to hit the scene this year.

photo: Nature Cat

NEW EXHIBITS AND MUSEUMS

Nature Cat
Kohl Children’s Museum’s newest exhibit, Nature Cat: Backyard and Beyond features 4 distinct interactive learning areas modeled after episodes that encourage kids to learn about their natural environment and incorporate each TV character. Nature Cat is one of the most popular children’s shows, reaching over 10 million households each month, voiced by several SNL cast members. 

Jul. 30, 2019-Jan. 26, 2020
Kohl Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview
Online: kohlchildrensmuseum.org

photo: Bixbee Imagination Station

Bixbee Imagination Station
The Bixbee Imagination Station is an experiential popup and retail shop featuring an immersive, interactive experience for kids and the kid in you. It delights with several rooms inspired by Bixbee product design themes, each providing Instagrammable backdrops with engaging activities that boost creativity while providing moments of awareness and self-expression.

Jun. 15-Sept. 22
North Avenue Collection, 915 W. North Ave., Lincoln Park
Online: bixbeeimaginationstation.com

Imagine the Moon at Adler Planetarium
Alder Planetarium kicked off the new year with a brand new sky show, Imagine the Moon, which takes a closer look at humanity’s relationship with Earth’s nearest neighbor.

Showing now
Adler Planetarium,
Online: adlerplanetarium.org

photo: Art on theMart

Art on theMart
Merchandise Mart’s Art on theMart is the world’s largest digital art projection, appearing on the Mart’s nearly three-acre exterior facade.

Running March-December
Merchandise Mart, 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, River North
Online: artonthemart.com

Wired to Wear at Museum of Science and Industry
Wired to Wear showcases how technology is transforming clothes to enhance our lives. From making us healthier, stronger and safer to helping us see in the dark, express emotions or even soar through the air, you’ll see the merging of technology and the human body on display.

Now open through May 2020
Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Dr., Hyde Park
Online: msichicago.org

New Home for SUE at The Field Museum
SUE, the world’s biggest, best-preserved, and most complete T. rex, is back on display and better than ever. The world’s most famous dino is also now up to date with the latest scientific research and is in a new interactive, 5,100-square-foot private suite that shows what SUE’s world was like. A narrated light show highlights specific bones on SUE’s skeleton, revealing everything from healed broken ribs to a jaw infection that might have ultimately killed the dinosaur.

Now on display
The Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr., Museum Campus
Online: fieldmuseum.org

photo: Chicago Children’s Museum’s Sound Playground

Sound Playground at Chicago Children’s Museum
Chicago Children’s Museum’s newest exhibit, Sound Playground, invites visitors to experience and experiment with the physical and imaginary auditory world. Open as of May 4, kids and their favorite adults can explore the interactive nature of sound, and all the surprising ways it can be created.

Museum-goers can play with musical sound makers and one-of-a-kind interactive sonic sculptures including the String Thing, Airophone and Merry Marimba. The experience will also include a Foley installation, the art of surprising sound makers that help communicate the connection between storytelling and sound effects, resulting in endless play possibilities and narrative building.

Open as of May 4
Chicago Children’s Museum, 700 E. Grand Ave., Navy Pier
Online: chicagochildrensmuseum.org

Chicago Blues Museum
As the proud birthplace of the modern blues, Chicago opened the city’s new Chicago Blues Museum that celebrates pioneering artists and generations of musicians that influenced the blues scene and continue to carry on its traditions. Located near Millennium Park, the new museum contains numerous interactive displays, tributes to local legends and Chicago blues memorabilia, as well as a performance lounge and restaurant.

Open as of Apr. 8
Millennium Park, Grant Park
Online: chicagobluesexperience.com

photo: The Field Museum via Mike O’Neill © Te Papa 2016

Fantastic Bug Encounters at The Field Museum
Don’t get too creeped out, but all around us, bugs, such as insects and spiders have built an amazing world that we rarely notice. They can camouflage themselves as flowers, communicate with flashing lights, and even perform “brain surgery” to turn their prey into zombies. This summer, the Field Museum is giving visitors a peek into this hidden world with the new exhibition Fantastic Bug Encounters!, opening June 28. In this hands-on experience, visitors will discover how bugs’ incredible adaptations are changing the world through interactives, larger-than-life models and a bug zoo where visitors will be able to see (and even hold) live bugs from all over the planet.

Open as of Jun. 28, closes Apr. 19, 2020
The Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr., Museum Campus
Online: fieldmuseum.org

Hamilton: The Exhibition
Thanks to the success of the wildly popular musical Hamilton, Chicago has a new attraction. Northerly Island welcomed Hamilton: The Exhibition, an interactive, one-of-a-kind exhibition that provides a historical journey into the creation of our country through the lens of one of the Founding Fathers of our country.

Open as of Apr. 6
Northerly Island, Near Southside
Online: hamiltonexhibition.com

photo: Morton Arboretum’s Trolls

Trolls at Morton Arboretum
Something special has emerged from the woods, meadows and vast open spaces at The Morton Arboretum’s grounds. . . unusual creatures, each made of reclaimed wood and measuring 15- to 20-feet-tall. Danish artist Thomas Dambo and crews of woodworkers and volunteers constructed the mammoth mythical creatures of Troll Hunt, which are trying to make sense of the human world and make us think about our impacts on the planet

Open through 2019
Morton Arboretum, 4100 IL Rte. 53, Lisle
Online: mortonarb.org

Frida Kahlo Exhibit
The Cleve Carney Art Gallery has announced an exhibition in the works centered on Frida Kahlo, who is considered one of the greatest artists of her time. The 26-piece collection will feature work spanning Kahlo’s career with a series of photographs detailing the artist’s life and interactive video presentations. Leading up to the exhibition, the gallery will host a series of Frida-inspired events that are family friendly—so be on the lookout for those announcements.

Running Jun. 2020-Aug. 2020
Cleve Carney Art Gallery at College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn
Online: clevecarneygallery.org

photo: Altitude Trampoline Park

PLAYSPACES AND KID-LOVED ACTIVITIES

Altitude Trampoline Park
Altitude Trampoline Park, a cutting-edge trampoline playspace and activity center has moved into West Fulton Market, making it Chicago’s first-and-only trampoline park. Altitude Chicago will feature state-of-the-art trampoline entertainment as well as a variety of activities such as Wipe-Out, Basketball, Dodgeball, Rock Wall, Foam Pit, Trapeze, Kids Court for toddlers and a parent lounge for adults. Keep them top-of-mind for birthday parties, corporate team outings, school events, social groups, sports teams or just plain jumping around!

Open now
Altitude Chicago, 404 N. Armour St., West Fulton Market
Online: altitudechicago.com

Lucky Strike Social
Lucky Strike Entertainment debuted its latest creation, Lucky Strike Social at Wrigleyville, with sweet views of Wrigley Field. This 30,000-square-foot social space brings together chef-driven food and craft beverages with eight Lucky Strike Lanes, over 100 electronic gaming systems including the exclusive Daytona Championship USA Motion SDLX, a first in the world of its kind, ping pong and pool tables, air hockey, board games, a very addictive basketball Connect Four and more. Tip: If you have a chance to visit during the day when school is in session, you have very little competition to play the games.

Open now
1027 W. Addison St., Lakeview
Online: luckystrikesocial.com

Maxx Force Roller Coaster at Six Flags
Oh boy! Six Flags just got a whole lot more exciting with the unveiling of the fastest launch roller coaster in North America, reaching speeds of 78 miles per hour in under two seconds. This incredible record-breaker features the fastest inversion and tallest double inversion of any other coaster in the world.

Open now
Six Flags Great America, 1 Great America Pkwy, Gurnee
Online: sixflags.com/greatamerica

photo: Jon L. via YELP

HOTELS

The Hoxton Hotel
Located in the booming Fulton Market District, the branch of London-based Hoxton hotels will open its doors under developer Shapack Partners. The new hotel designed to echo the building’s industrial past will stand 11 stories tall with 182 rooms, two levels of office space, ground-floor retail and a luxurious rooftop terrace. In addition, Boka Restaurant Group will open both a restaurant and bar in the hotel.

Opening Spring 2019
200 N. Green St., West Loop
Online: thehoxton.com

Hyatt House Hotel/Hyatt Place
The old Cook County Hospital is undergoing a transformation into a dual branded Hyatt Hotel that will operate as the first hotel in Fulton Market district to cater to extended-stay corporate travelers. The 14-story, 167,000-square foot, 200-room development will include an indoor pool, fitness center, bar/lounge and a green roof.

Opening Summer 2019
105 N. May St., West Loop
Online: skender.com

photo: JoJo’s Milk Bar

RESTAURANTS

Offshore
The nation’s largest rooftop, Offshore has opened at Chicago’s Navy Pier. This stunning, chic 36,000-square-foot, all-seasons and all-weather venue offers Chicagoans a full-service luminous bar and world-class kitchen, terraces, seven cozy fire pits, an entertainment and gaming area, and multiple large social gathering spaces. Now through Labor Day, guest can experience Navy Pier’s fireworks on Wednesday and Saturday evenings with Offshore’s unobstructed and unparalleled views.

Open now
1000 E. Grand Ave., Streeterville
Online: drinkoffshore.com

JoJo’s Milk Bar
Open as of February 28 in River North, JoJo’s Milk Bar brings Chicago a nostalgic take on creative desserts and a reimagined and elevated take on classic diner fare. Along with deliciously whimsical desserts, you’ll find tongue-and-cheek decor including a lifesize Lite Brite wall, Got Milk mural and more.

Open now
23 W. Hubbard, River North
Online: jojosmilkbar.com

Time Out Market Chicago
Fulton Market District has quickly become a go-to foodie destination and now they’re about to welcome their first food hall. The three-story structure will include 16 food counters, three bars, a demo kitchen, event and retail space and a rooftop deck.

Opening in 2019
916 W. Fulton Market, West Loop
Online: timeoutmarket.com/chicago

photo: SX Sky Bar

SX Sky Bar
SX Sky Bar, the new bi-level restaurant, lounge and nightclub, is now open in Chicago’s South Loop neighborhood. Operated by the adjacent, newly reimagined Hotel Essex, SX Sky Bar provides a fresh destination for dining, imbibing and dancing. The culinary program at is led by Chef de Cuisine Christopher Suzuki, who brings Californian and Asians flavors to a curated menu of sushi and shareable plates—which pair with a thoughtful selection of seasonal craft cocktails.

Open now
808 N. Michigan Ave., South Loop
Online: sxskybar.com

City Hall
This lively, come-as-you-are gathering spot pays homage to the Windy City with delicious, approachable drinks and tasty, elevated bar food from lauded chef Michael Taus. The venue is comprised of three distinct spaces—bar and restaurant, enclosed patio and event space—within a freestanding, beautifully renovated brick and timber building with soaring, 40-foot-high ceilings, designed to celebrate the architectural ethos of the vibrant neighborhood.

Open now
838 W. Kinzie St., West Loop
Online: thecityhall.com

Roebuck Pizza
From the masterminds behind DryHop Brewers and Corridor Brewery & Provisions, Roebuck Pizza will serve wild-fermented pizzas made in a wood-burning oven. The drink program will specialize in light and bright pizza-pairing cocktails and house-brewed lagers.

Opening in September
3159 N. Broadway, Lakeview

—Maria Chambers