When you walk into the Chicago Children's Museum is a hands-on learning space designed specifically for children aged 0-12, located on the shore of Lake Michigan in Chicago’s Navy Pier. First opened in 1917, it’s one of the oldest children’s museums in the United States, and today it draws over half a million visitors each year. This isn’t a place where kids are told to "look but don’t touch." Here, touching, building, climbing, and experimenting are the whole point.
What Makes the Chicago Children's Museum Different?
Most museums keep their exhibits behind glass. The Chicago Children’s Museum flips that rule. Every exhibit is built for interaction. You won’t find quiet halls with dusty artifacts. Instead, you’ll find a full-scale fire truck kids can climb into, a water play area where they learn about currents and buoyancy, and a grocery store where they can scan items, weigh produce, and even run a cash register.
The museum’s design follows a simple idea: kids learn best by doing. A 2023 study by the Association of Children’s Museums found that hands-on museums like this one improve problem-solving skills in children by 40% over passive learning environments. That’s not a guess-it’s backed by data from real classroom observations.
Take the Dino Expedition exhibit. It’s not just a display of dinosaur bones. Kids dig through sand to uncover fossil replicas, then use tools to brush them clean. They’re not just seeing paleontology-they’re doing it. The same goes for The Art Studio, where children mix paints, sculpt clay, and create art inspired by Chicago’s public murals.
Top Exhibits for Families
With over 10 permanent exhibits, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Here are the ones families return to again and again:
- Toddlers’ Court - Designed for kids under 3, this soft-play area has low slides, textured walls, and musical panels. Parents love it because it’s safe, contained, and perfect for nap-time breaks.
- The Waterway - A 3,000-gallon water play zone with pumps, channels, and floating boats. Kids learn physics without ever hearing the word. It’s the most popular exhibit on hot days.
- Building Zone - Giant foam blocks, pulleys, ramps, and gears let kids construct towers, bridges, and roller coasters. Real engineering, zero pressure.
- My Chicago - A miniature city where kids can be a bus driver, a shopkeeper, or a firefighter. Over 70% of visitors say their child spent more than 45 minutes here.
- Skyline - A three-story climbing structure shaped like Chicago’s skyline. It’s not just fun-it’s a full-body workout for kids who need to burn off energy.
Each exhibit is labeled with age recommendations, but most work for a wide range. A 5-year-old and a 9-year-old can both enjoy The Waterway, just in different ways.
Planning Your Visit: Tips That Actually Help
If you’ve been to other museums, you might assume the Chicago Children’s Museum works the same way. It doesn’t. Here’s what you need to know before you go:
- Go on weekdays. Weekends are packed. Tuesday through Thursday are quietest, especially before noon. You’ll get more space to explore and shorter lines.
- Buy tickets online. Walk-up tickets are often sold out, especially during holidays and school breaks. The museum releases 75% of its daily tickets online.
- Arrive early. The museum opens at 10 a.m. The first hour is the calmest. Kids are fresh, exhibits aren’t crowded, and you’ll beat the lunch rush.
- Bring socks. Shoes aren’t allowed in The Waterway and Toddlers’ Court. You can rent socks for $1, but bringing your own saves time.
- Check the schedule. Daily activities like storytelling, science demos, and music sessions are free with admission. They happen at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. every day. Don’t miss them-they’re short, engaging, and often the highlight of the day.
Strollers? Allowed everywhere. Diaper changing stations? Available on every floor. Nursing rooms? Private, quiet, and stocked with chairs and outlets. The museum thinks ahead.
Pricing and Memberships
Admission prices as of 2026:
| Group | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Children (1-12) | $16 | Includes all exhibits |
| Adults (13+) | $14 | Must be accompanied by a child |
| Children under 1 | Free | No ticket needed |
| Family Membership | $120/year | Unlimited visits, free parking, guest passes |
Membership pays for itself after three visits. Families who visit monthly get free parking at Navy Pier’s garage, priority access to special events, and discounts on birthday parties. If you live in the Chicagoland area, it’s one of the best deals in local family entertainment.
What’s Nearby?
The museum is on Navy Pier, which means you’re steps away from other family-friendly spots:
- Navy Pier Ferris Wheel - A 150-foot-tall wheel with glass-enclosed cabins. Rides last 12 minutes and offer skyline views.
- Chicago Children’s Theatre - A 45-minute show daily, included with museum admission. Perfect for rainy days.
- Lakeside Beach - A sandy, shallow area where kids can dig and splash (no lifeguards, but calm water).
- Navy Pier Ice Rink - Open November to March. Skate rentals are $8, and there’s a dedicated kids’ zone.
Many families plan full-day trips: museum from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., lunch at the pier’s food hall, then the Ferris wheel at 3 p.m.
Accessibility and Inclusion
The museum is designed to welcome every child, regardless of ability. Sensory-friendly hours are offered every first and third Saturday of the month from 9-10 a.m. During these times, lights are dimmed, sounds are lowered, and crowds are limited. Staff are trained in autism-friendly communication, and quiet rooms are available for breaks.
Wheelchair access? Full. Braille labels? On every exhibit. Sign language tours? Available on request. The museum doesn’t just say it’s inclusive-they’ve built it into every corner.
Final Thoughts
The Chicago Children’s Museum isn’t just another outing. It’s a place where curiosity becomes discovery, and play becomes learning. You won’t find a single sign that says "Educational Exhibit." But you’ll see a child who just figured out how a pulley works, or a toddler who learned to count by stacking blocks, or a group of kids negotiating roles in their pretend city.
That’s the magic. No worksheets. No lectures. Just space, tools, and freedom to explore.
Is the Chicago Children's Museum worth visiting for toddlers?
Yes, absolutely. Toddlers’ Court is a dedicated space for kids under 3 with soft play structures, sensory panels, and low-height climbing equipment. It’s one of the most thoughtfully designed areas for babies and toddlers in any U.S. children’s museum. Most parents say their 1- to 2-year-olds spend 1-2 hours here alone.
Can I bring a stroller inside?
Yes, strollers are allowed in all areas of the museum. There are designated stroller parking spots near exhibits with high traffic. You won’t need to leave it at the coat check.
How long should I plan to spend at the museum?
Most families spend 3 to 4 hours. If you’re going with kids under 5, plan for 2-3 hours. Older kids (6-12) often want to explore every exhibit and may stay 4-5 hours. There’s no time limit, and you can re-enter the same day if you leave for lunch.
Are there food options inside?
Yes, the museum has a café with kid-friendly meals like grilled cheese, fruit cups, and veggie wraps. You can also bring your own food and eat in the designated picnic area on the second floor. Outside food isn’t allowed in exhibit areas, but the rules are relaxed for snacks.
Is parking available and how much does it cost?
Navy Pier has a large parking garage. Non-members pay $20 for the first two hours, then $10 per additional hour. Members get free parking. Ride-share drop-off is right outside the museum entrance. Public transit (CTA bus 29 or 66) is also a good option if you don’t want to drive.