Chicago Children's Museum

Located on Navy Pier, this three-story interactive museum is designed specifically for children's hands-on learning and creative play. Kids can climb aboard a three-story sailing schooner, build their own inventions in the Tinkering Lab, create art, splash in water play areas, and launch scarves into the Cloud Buster wind tunnel - every exhibit invites touching, building, and active participation.

• ✓The three-story climbing schooner where kids can explore different decks and imagine being sailors
• ✓Tinkering Lab where children build contraptions with real tools, wood, and supplies
• ✓WaterWays exhibit with dams, channels, and boats - kids can spend an hour here alone

1. 1.Thursday evenings (5-8 PM when open) offer reduced admission of $5 per person - incredible value for families
2. 2.Arrive right at opening on weekends to avoid the chaos - by noon it's packed and overwhelming, especially in the water play area
3. 3.Bring a complete change of clothes for kids - the water play exhibits are irresistible and kids WILL get soaked despite 'waterproof' smocks provided

Weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday 10-11 AM when open) are ideal. Note limited hours - often only open until 2 PM on weekdays. Thursday evenings for discounted admission if your kids do well later in day.

Limited snacks and drinks inside museum. Navy Pier has extensive food court with kid favorites (pizza, chicken tenders, hot dogs). Harry Caray's Tavern has full kids' menu. Navy Pier self-park garage costs $30+ and fills quickly on weekends. Consider parking at Millennium Park garages and taking free Navy Pier trolley, or use public transit - #124 bus runs directly to Navy Pier. Excellent family restrooms with changing tables throughout all three floors. Dedicated nursing room available. Stroller-friendly entrance and main areas, but you'll need to park strollers before entering most exhibit spaces. Stroller parking areas provided throughout. Fully accessible with elevators. All exhibit areas wheelchair-friendly except climbing schooner has stairs. Museum provides sensory-friendly hours (check schedule).

Summer and winter are busiest due to Navy Pier tourism - expect crowds. Navy Pier has winter indoor activities and spectacular July 4th fireworks. Museum hours vary by season with reduced weekday hours - always check schedule before visiting. Free Navy Pier trolley runs in warm months.

Navy Pier food court offers every kid-friendly option imaginable from pizza to pretzels. Giordano's on the pier serves famous Chicago deep dish pizza. In summer, grab food and eat at outdoor tables with lake views.