The best family-friendly activities in Illinois for parents and kids (Updated October 2026)

Chicago All Day Water Taxi
Shoreline water taxis are the fast and fun way to get to Chicago’s top attractions. Our water taxis aren’t tours, but they are a great...
$36

We are the original, top-rated Gangsters and Ghosts tour! Hear the tales of the ghosts, and gangsters, that haunt the city. Explore the Chicago South...
$38

Chicago Architecture River Cruise
Experience the stunning beauty of Chicago on a captivating cruise along the historic Chicago River. This architectural tour takes you down the main branch of...
$39

Lake Michigan 30 Minute Speedboat Ride
Enjoy Chicago’s iconic skyline with an exciting speedboat Tour on Lake Michigan. Departing from Navy Pier, the Lakefront Speedboat Tour is the best way to...
$39

Experience the best Chicago kayak rentals and Chicago SUP & paddleboard rentals from our unbeatable location at Ohio Street Beach, just steps from Navy Pier...
$40

The Offbeat Street Art Tour is the first tour in Chicago that truly celebrates Chicago's street art scene. No other tour takes guests out into...
$40

We are Chicago's only paranormal investigation tour, and Chicago's oldest ghost and hauntings tours, founded by Ursula Bielski, Chicago's 35 year paranormal researcher and investigator....
$40

Discover the vibrant Wicker Park neighborhood as you stroll from the Polish Triangle through the Milwaukee Avenue shopping and dining district. This guided walking tour...
$40

We wrote the book(s) on Chicago ghosts! Now in our 26th year! Ursula Bielski, our founder, has published more than a dozen volumes on Chicago's...
$40

Soak in unobstructed views of Chicago’s world-famous architecture from the water with an exciting ride on our Seadog River and Lake Architectural Tour! Sail through...
$42

Step into the captivating realm of illusions, where reality is never exactly as it appears. Museum of Illusions is a one-of-a-kind, visual, sensory, and educational...
$43

What do the artists Picasso, Chagall, Miro, and Kapoor all have in common? Incredible public art hiding in plain sight amidst world famous architecture. This...
$43

Skydeck - Willis Tower Admission
Gaze upon the city sights from the pinnacle of Chicago, the Skydeck. Located on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower, formerly Sears Tower -- the...
$44

Explore downtown Chicago through the lens of film and television on this guided walking tour featuring iconic filming locations from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, The...
$44

There’s nothing more magical than Christmas in Chicago, & this 2hr guided Chicago Walking Tour takes you straight into the heart of it. Journey through...
$45

Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Tour
Be inspired by the captivating, visual art that is Chicago’s legendary architecture, and the exceptional architects who created this ever-changing, dynamic legacy for all to...
$45

Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour
An authentic Chicago tradition since 1935, this is the tour that started it all. This unique excursion tells the story of more than 200 years...
$45

Lake Michigan Sunset Cruise in Chicago
The Lake Michigan Sunset Cruise departs near the DuSable (Michigan Avenue) Bridge on Wendella's world class tour boats. The Cruise will navigate from the Chicago...
$45

Paint your own street art at Studio WIP
Studio W.I.P. by Native 312 Events offers a unique spin on BYOB paint night! Join us as we host an intimate look into the world...
$45

Discover the real Chicago with those who really know it! At ChicaGo Turismo we transform a simple tour into an unforgettable experience. More than visiting...
$45

Our popular 90-minute daytime river and lake sightseeing tour delights family members of all ages with incredible views of Chicago's world-renowned buildings and stunning skyline....
$46

