Holidays offer parents an opportunity to make memories with their children that they will remember far into the future. A city like Chicago has much to offer for parents with children of all ages. The challenge is finding the options and then narrowing them down to ensure a fantastic day of family fun.
Time always seems to be in short supply when raising children, which is why we’ve compiled a list of some exciting ways for parents to spend quality time with their little ones during Columbus Day. Let’s take a closer look.
Educational options
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
Few museums in Chicago offer the wonders of the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. There is something for everyone in the family, with children enjoying interactive exhibits that are designed to make learning fun.
Top exhibits include a 40-foot-tall tornado, the Henry Crown Space Center, and an underground coal mine tour. This museum is an excellent option for parents with curious children and presents a comfortable setting if the weather does not cooperate.
Chicago Children’s Museum
It’s difficult to imagine a better fit for a Columbus Day adventure with children than a visit to the Chicago Children’s Museum. This museum is all about providing an unforgettable visit for little ones.
Located at the Navy Pier, this museum allows children to climb the Cloud Buster, build something in the Tinkering Lab, and use their intuition and curiosity to dig for dinosaur bones. It’s the perfect setting for a child to enjoy their imagination after a week of learning at preschool in Chicago.
Field Museum
The Field Museum is a great fit for parents with children who can’t get enough dinosaurs in their lives. These little ones will be in for an awe-filled visit, as the museum has SUE the T. Rex and Maximo the Titanosaur on display, giving them a true perspective of how large and impressive dinosaurs were.
Outdoor Activities
Lincoln Park Zoo
Should the weather on Columbus Day cooperate with plans, parents who want to get outside with their children should consider enjoying a day at the Lincoln Park Zoo. The zoo, located on North Clark Street, is one of the best in the nation.
It also has the bonus of being free to enter for the entire family, making it a cost-effective way to make memories and indulge your child’s fascination with animals. Families can go to the zoo for casual wildlife viewing, or by making a stop at the Farm-in-the-Zoo to see farm animals up close.
Ride the Lakefront Trail
Beautiful weather in the Windy City can make an active adventure on Columbus Day an appealing option. Few plans can rival a bike ride with the family along Chicago’s Lakefront Trail. Families can bring their own bikes to ride this scenic trail, or rent from several rental companies near Millenium Park and Navy Pier.
Parents with young children can enjoy peace of mind about safety, as the entirety of the trail is car-free. For families with infants, child seats are available from the bike rental companies.
Maggie Daley Park
Maggie Daley Park’s Play Garden is one of the most interesting and fun playgrounds in the nation. It’s unique, creative, and it allows children to use their imagination to the fullest while playing. A visit to this park is a fantastic way to spend Columbus Day with little ones who want to burn off some energy on a beautiful day.
Sweet experiences
Museum of Ice Cream
Few experiences can combine fun, flavor, and learning into one package, but the Museum of Ice Cream finds a way. The museum is located in Tribune Tower, and offers highly visual exhibits and a wide range of free, sweet treats. It offers the perfect cherry-on-top for a memorable day of parents spending quality time with their children on Columbus Day!