Chicago Children's Museum
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL
Major children’s museum at Navy Pier with hands-on exhibits, toddler spaces, memberships, and excellent family planning support.
Early-childhood exhibit space for younger visitors.
Editorial notes
What stands out
A destination-style indoor outing with real depth for repeat visits, especially if you have younger children and value strong family amenities.
Good fit
- Families who want a half-day or full outing rather than a quick play stop
- Babies, toddlers, and preschoolers using Pritzker Playspace and other early-childhood exhibits
- Visitors who value accessibility resources, family restrooms, and stroller-friendly logistics
Consider another option if
- Parents looking for a low-cost neighborhood drop-in
- Families wanting a conventional climbing-structure indoor playground
- Birthday-party planners, since the museum says it is not currently offering birthday parties
Know Before You Go
- Supervision model
- Caregiver supervised
What to Expect
For kids
- Babies
- Toddlers
- Preschoolers
- Big kids
- Mixed ages
- Museum exhibits
For caregivers
- Food available
- Family restrooms
- Stroller parking
- Caregiver supervised
- Visit type
- Destination museum outing with multiple exhibit zones.
Read more about this location
Chicago Children's Museum is one of the region's top indoor family destinations, with interactive exhibits spanning babies through big kids and especially strong support for early childhood visits. Families come for signature spaces like the Pritzker Playspace, Kids Town, and other hands-on exhibits rather than a traditional single-room indoor playground. It is a higher-cost destination than a neighborhood play café, but it delivers depth, repeat-visit value, and some of the best publicly documented family amenities and accessibility supports in the category.
Hours & Admission
Posted hours
Check posted weekly hours
View full weekly hours
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Based on posted weekly hours. Holidays, private events, seasonal schedules, and special closures may differ.
Admission
| Visitor | Price |
|---|---|
| Illinois resident | $21 |
| Non-resident | $25 |
| Under age 1 | Free |
| Museums for All | $5 |
Admission details can change. Confirm current fees before visiting.
Accessibility
Mobility
The museum offers free adult and child wheelchairs.
Hearing Supports
Assistive listening devices, a hearing loop, ASL interpreters with advance notice, and open captioning are available for certain needs.
Sensory Supports
Quieter recharge areas, sound-reducing headphones, communication boards, fidgets, and storybook guides are listed on the official accessibility page.
Location
700 E Grand Ave
Chicago, IL, 60611
Other options nearby
WonderPlay & Coffee
Avondale play café with all-day indoor play, coffee, art and pretend-play zones, classes, and flexible party options.
Source reviewedFamily Room on Southport
Lakeview family clubhouse with caregiver-supervised indoor play, day passes, memberships, events, and a comfortable parent lounge feel.
Source reviewedNiles Park District indoor playground with bridges, slides, padded climbing areas, daily open play, and budget-friendly birthday parties.
Sources & Updates
Source-checked Apr 7, 2026 against 3 public sources
View source and update details
- Last check on record
- Apr 7, 2026
- Sources reviewed
- 3 public sources
Public sources
- Chicago Children's Museum official websitechicagochildrensmuseum.org
- Chicago Children's Museum tickets and planning pageschicagochildrensmuseum.org
- Chicago Children's Museum accessibility pagechicagochildrensmuseum.org
What changed
April 7, 2026
Verified official hours, address, admission pricing, family amenities, accessibility supports, and early-childhood play details.