Labor Day is a major milestone on the calendar in the United States, often marking the end of the summer. Therefore, parents in Chicago who are trying to make plans often get overwhelmed by the sheer number of options.
Planning should be fun, with parents finding activities to do that align with their children’s interests. Those experiences can provide a storybook ending to a great summer. Get your planning process started by discovering some of the most popular things to do with kids in Chicago on Labor Day.
Outdoor adventure and fun
Crown Fountain
Crown Fountain offers families with children in Chicago a memorable way to capitalize on the end of the summer weather. The fountain, which is popular with residents and visitors alike, features a spitting fountain that is free to enjoy, giving kids a fun place to play in the water and cool off.
Lincoln Park Zoo
A visit to the Lincoln Park Zoo should be near the top of the list for families with children in Chicago when making plans for Labor Day. The zoo is home to several impressive exhibits that provide learning opportunities for children in pre-K in Chicago to indulge in their interest in animals. It is also free to visit, making it an accessible option the whole family will enjoy.
Lake Michigan Beaches
Labor Day is often associated with time spent at the beach, and Chicago’s beaches on Lake Michigan provide the perfect setting to say goodbye to summer. The sandy beaches are perfect for children to play and get creative by building sandcastles.
Bike the Drive
The DuSable Lakeshore Drive is famous for being car-less, making it a safe and scenic setting where families with children can celebrate the summer’s end on two wheels. The path, which covers 30 miles, offers stunning views and a way to stay active.
Navy Pier
Navy Pier is another popular choice for a Labor Day experience to remember. The Pier is home to several fun and thrilling rides that the entire family will enjoy, along with the Centennial Wheel. Families can also finish the day by dining and watching the sunset together from one of the Navy Pier’s restaurants.
Maggie Daley Park
Whether seeking a fun setting for a round of mini golf with the family, or looking for playgrounds to run in and enjoy the warm weather, Maggie Daley Park is the spot. Parents with children in Chicago can visit the park to make new memories, stay active, and make the most of one of the season’s last warm days.
Museums and festivals
Field Museum
For a break from the weather, families should consider going to the Field Museum. The museum has several fascinating and fun exhibits, with the Crown Family Play Lab topping the list.
Shedd Aquarium
Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium is another option worth considering for families with children who would like to beat the heat while exploring a fun and educational establishment. The aquarium can allow children to learn about several different sea critters and discover an interest in exploring and learning about the ocean.
Chicago Children’s Museum
The Chicago Children’s Museum is an ideal compromise for families with children who want to avoid hot weather while allowing their children to be active. The museum’s exhibits are designed for play, exploration, and climbing, providing a unique Labor Day experience.
Chicago’s Labor Day Parade
Parades are a Chicago staple, and the Labor Day Parade is among the most popular. The parade is held on the city’s Southeast Side, providing a fun day for families with children to take part in a community celebration.
Indoor fun
Color Factory
Children who enjoy sensory experiences will love spending Labor Day at Color Factory. The entire experience is designed to allow little ones to explore and play with color, tapping into their creative side.
Wintrust Sports Complex
The Wintrust Sports Complex has a plethora of fun options for children in Chicago to enjoy on Labor Day. Children can test their skills on the arcades vast collection of games, participate in several sports-themed activities, and win sibling bragging rights on the laser tag course.
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
Summer offers plenty of opportunity to help children continue learning, which makes the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry an excellent Labor Day choice in Chicago. From the human-sized hamster wheel to the 40-foot tornado recreation, there’s plenty to keep kids occupied here.
Planning is fun when you have a clearer picture of the options in Chicago. Use this expansive guide to give your children a memorable end to summer in the Windy City.