Memorial Day often brings excitement to children nationwide, with the holiday symbolizing the unofficial start of summer.
The warm weather also makes it the first big holiday that encourages families to resume enjoying outdoor activities in the sun.
One of the challenges parents may face in the weeks leading up to Memorial Day is finding something that the entire family will enjoy. With how quickly time seems to disappear when raising young children, it’s best to start your planning early.
We understand how difficult that can be, which is why we’ve compiled this guide to make the planning process easy.
Outdoor fun and festivals
Memorial Day Parade
Chicago is famous for its Memorial Day Parade, which offers a family-friendly setting where little ones can celebrate the holiday and understand what it represents.
The parade, which begins on State Street, will end at Daley Plaza, where participants will lay wreaths to pay their respects to fallen U.S. service members, allowing it to double as a history-based learning opportunity.
Navy Pier
The Navy Pier is another popular destination in Chicago, with its popularity rising with the temperatures. Pier Park will be open, providing families with children access to its collection of fun and exciting rides. The evening also provides opportunities to make memories, as families can watch the beginning of the Summer Fireworks Series.
Maggie Daley Park
When the weather gets hot, few places offer fun and refreshment like Maggie Daley Park. The park is an excellent place to visit with children on Memorial Day due to its “Watering Hole,” where visitors can cool off in several fountains. A play garden provides a setting for adventure, while older children with scooters and rollerblades can try out the park’s skating ribbon.
Lincoln Park Zoo
The Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the Windy City’s most popular and famous attractions. It stands out due to its free admission.
The zoo is packed with beautiful and exotic animals, making it a fantastic choice for parents with little ones who love wildlife. The lakefront location offers many other attractions after a day of checking out the historic zoo’s many exhibits.
Local festivals
The greater Chicago area is home to several communities that have Memorial Day festivities. Families that are looking to get out of the city to celebrate can travel to communities like Barrington, where the Barrington Art Festival helps children build confidence, discover creativity, and build an interest in the arts.
Museums and educational opportunities
Shedd Aquarium
The cool, indoor exhibits of the Shedd Aquarium provide a respite from the heat should Memorial Day in Chicago prove quite warm. While suitable for all ages, the aquarium is the best fit for little ones, with the Polar Play Zone a particularly popular setting for interactive learning and play.
Field Museum
Among Chicago’s most popular museums for families is the Field Museum. It’s an excellent Memorial Day option for families with children who can’t get enough information about dinosaurs. The Field Museum is packed with natural history and dinosaur-themed exhibits.
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Spending Memorial Day at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is a fantastic way to make new family memories. Many say that the highlight of the experience is the museum’s butterfly greenhouse, where little ones can spend time surrounded by these beautiful bugs.
Garfield Park Conservatory
Another outdoor setting that pairs fun with learning is the Garfield Park Conservatory. It’s an excellent fit for families with young children in preschool in 60618 because of its dedicated Children’s Garden.
Pullman National Historical Park
Chicago is full of interesting history, and the Pullman National Historical Park is one of the best spots for children to learn about it. The park features several exhibits that shed light on local events and the city’s impressive history.
Tours and views
Chicago Water Taxi
Spending a day on the water is always fun on Memorial Day, and the Chicago Water Taxi combines that with a new way to explore the city. Families can travel from one place to another using this taxi system.
Skydeck Chicago
For families filled with thrill-seekers, it doesn’t get much better than visiting Skydeck Chicago on Memorial Day. The deck, which is located on one of the top floors of the Willis Tower, offers unparalleled views of the city for those brave enough to walk onto its glass-floored ledge.
360 Chicago
The John Hancock Building, another of Chicago’s impressive skyscrapers, offers a popular alternative to Skydeck Chicago. 360 Chicago is located near the top of the building and is meant to provide unforgettable views for the entire family.
Memorial Day offers an opportunity for Chicago families to get out and make core memories. The ideas on this list can help point your family in the right direction for an exciting shared experience.