Ideas For Summer Fun in Chicago with the Kiddos

View of Chicago from Navy Pier
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Summer is well underway, with kids out of school many will have the next weeks planned out with camp, vacations, sports and other activities. But what about kids who might not be old enough for camp? Or what about exploring more of Chicago with the kids?

As a native Chicagoan and former nanny, I love exploring the city and have taken advantage of many summer offerings. It is great that so many activities and outings are kid friendly. 

It’s always nice to have a good reason to get out of the house for a breather, a break, or a day of adventure!

Photo : Corey Goddeyne

The Chicago Public Library often has story times and events that are great for kids of all ages! Also a great way to get kids started on their love of reading and literature! The yearly summer program is well underway with this years theme being :Explorers at Play!

The Chicago Park District offers great summer classes for infants and kids. From yoga to art and sports!  For more info check them out. Several events take place so look up your closest location.  Of course a trip to the good ol playground is always fun. Some even offer Splash areas to cool off on those hot days!

Millennium Park has the Family Fun Festival with crafts, music and fun. Click here for more information on the daily fun.  Don’t forget the ever popular Maggie Daley Park a short walk away. A great place to play too. 

Field Museum

Navy Pier is a great place to explore, besides the Children’s Museum, a child friendly short version of the Wizard of Oz is currently playing at the Shakespeare Theater .

Museums often have exhibits that are kid friendly and educational! Check for any free days that occur during the year here.  Tip: The Chicago Public Library has Kids Museum Passports with a library card.   Most offer a family of four (4) general admission during regular public hours. Group must include at least one child under 18 for this pass to be valid. Maximum of two (2) adults admitted with this pass. Click here to look one up. They are popular and can’t be put on hold so check in with your library! 

Chicago River

Bookstores often have story times and special events for children. Take a look at the ones in your neighborhood. Barnes and Noble have many locations throughout the Chicago area, click here to see a schedule of children events 

Check local coffee shops and indoor playground/cafe locations. They may have events for children such as music or story times.

Check local movie theaters, they sometimes screen kid movies at a steal! ( My local theater screens them at $3 with concession stand deals!) The movies may not be new releases but its a fun treat and trip to take and have some popcorn! AMC has locations throughout the city, and they have  Summer Movie Camp series of kid movies. 

For more ideas and kid friendly events, check out one of my favorite sources: Chicago Kids lists events and happenings in Chicago and suburbs.

For more tips and ideas for babysitters and nannies follow me!
@nannythisnannythat on Instagram


All photos by Eucarol Juarez unless otherwise noted.

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