Things To Do With Infants in Chicago

Things To Do With Infants in Chicago

If you’re visiting Chicago, you might also be interested in my post about literary destinations or this post about my “bun in the oven” baby shower which highlights one of my favorite things to do in Chicago.

Chicago, also known as the Windy City, is the third-largest city in the United States, located in the Midwest region of the country. It is an iconic destination for its impressive skyline, rich history, cultural diversity, and world-class museums. Home to the famous deep-dish pizza, Chicago is also known for its culinary scene, ranging from gourmet restaurants to street food vendors to family friendly spots. The city boasts several must-see attractions, including the Navy Pier, the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower), the Art Institute of Chicago, and Millennium Park. Whether you're interested in architecture, sports, music, or art, Chicago has something for everyone. And I’m only a little bit biased since I live here. :)

Things to Do With Infants in Chicago: Art Institute of Chicago

Chicago is also a fantastic city for families with babies. There are a plethora of fun and educational kid friendly activities to do with your little one. The Lincoln Park Zoo offers free admission and is a great place to introduce your child to different animals. Navy Pier is also a popular destination for families, with its beautiful views of Lake Michigan, a children's museum and a Ferris wheel. The city also has many parks and playgrounds, such as Maggie Daley Park, which has a fantastic play area for young children. Additionally, Chicago has many family-friendly restaurants and cafes that cater to children, making it easy to enjoy a meal out with your little one. Overall, Chicago is a wonderful city for families with babies, with plenty of options for fun and learning. Below is a round-up of activities you can do with infants in the Windy City.

Things To Do With Infants in Chicago

What to do with my infant in Chicago? Three programs for babies under a year. I haven’t yet tried a music class, but it is next on my list!

Baby Book Club by Academic Connections

Baby Book Club is a literacy-based sensory class perfect for ages 3 to 12 months. Run by a Licensed Teacher, this class promotes infants to use all of their senses, while introducing them to reading through lively books and songs, sensory activities and crafts. Babies and their caregivers love this class and come to cherish the time together with others.

This was the first class I enrolled Miles in for a little family fun. I love that it involved the parents in the activities - I got to meet and chat with other moms and dads early on in my parenting journey. I’m still friends with several of them!

Baby Gross Motor & Sensory Adventures by Skip and Scoot

Perfect for non-walkers and cruisers. Babies are exploring all aspects of movement, including rolling (vestibular/ balance practice), level changes, midline crossing, bilateral coordination, emotions and facial expressions, spatial awareness, sensory play, and moving to new music! In this class, guided by a pediatric physical therapist, you will learn how to use purposeful play time with your baby safely in multiple positions, which will help foster achievement of gross motor milestones. Utilizing hands-on and open floor time play will help promote strength, flexibility and coordination for your child. This class also offers a great opportunity for both you and your baby to socialize, as well as spend quality time learning and bonding together.

Miles went from refusing to sit up to confidently sitting on his own in one class, so this program focused on family play gets a big seal of approval from me.

First Signs by Little Giggles

Learn what to expect and how to elicit baby’s first gestures and sign language. This class engages babies in language-rich play, music, and literacy, and teaches caregivers common first gestures and signs.

I loved the idea of Miles being able to communicate better through sign language as he learns how to talk. The kids loved the activities, which included reading, playing, and signing, as much as the adults.

Things to Do With Infants in Chicago: Garfield Park Conservatory

Things to do in Chicago in Spring

1. Visit Lincoln Park Zoo: This is a great place to take babies, as it's free and open year-round. In the spring, you can see baby animals like chicks, lambs, and piglets. You might also consider the Brookfield Zoo, just outside of Chicago.

2. Take a boat tour: Chicago's architecture boat tours are a great way to see the city from a different perspective. Many tours offer indoor seating, making them suitable for babies.

3. Visit the Chicago Children's Museum: This museum is located on Navy Pier and offers plenty of hands-on activities for babies and toddlers.

4. Check out the Garfield Park Conservatory: This indoor botanical garden has a children's garden that's perfect for little ones. You can see a variety of plants and even butterflies!

5. Take a walk in Grant Park: This large park offers plenty of green space for babies to play and explore. You can also see famous landmarks like Buckingham Fountain.

Things to Do With Infants in Chicago: Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Things to do in Chicago in Summer

1. Visit the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum: Although this museum is primarily geared towards older kids, the Judy Isock Butterfly Haven features over 40 species of exotic, free-flying butterflies in a 2700 square-foot greenhouse and kept our infant entertained.

2. Stroll along the Lakefront Trail: Take a walk or bike ride along the Lakefront Trail, which stretches for 18 miles along Lake Michigan. The trail offers stunning views of the city skyline and the lake.

3. Play at Maggie Daley Park: This park has a playground with a water feature that's perfect for hot summer days. There's also a mini-golf course, rock climbing walls, and a skating ribbon in the winter.

4. Attend a free concert or movie: Many parks and venues in Chicago offer free concerts and movies during the summer. Bring a blanket and some snacks and enjoy the entertainment with your little one.

5. Explore Millennium Park: Millennium Park is home to the famous "Bean" sculpture (whose real name is Cloud Gate), as well as a large fountain that's perfect for splashing in on a hot day. There's also a free outdoor concert series during the summer.

Things to Do With Infants in Chicago: Museum of Science and Industry

Things to do in Chicago in the Fall

1. Visit the Museum of Science and Industry: It was fun to show our baby the airplanes and trains when we visited the Museum of Science and Industry, but be careful of the Tesla Coil which makes a very large sound at regular intervals.

2. Go apple picking - There are several orchards within driving distance of Chicago where you can pick your own apples. It's a fun way to spend a day and babies love to see the bright colors and taste the sweet fruit.

3. Visit the Shedd Aquarium - This indoor aquarium is a great place to take your baby on a chilly fall day. They'll love watching the fish swim and the interactive exhibits will keep them engaged.

4. Take a scenic drive - The fall foliage in and around Chicago is stunning. Take a drive down Lake Shore Drive or head out to the suburbs to see the changing leaves.

5. Attend a fall festival - There are several fall festivals happening in and around Chicago during the autumn months. Check out the Chicago Botanic Garden's Harvest Festival or the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce's Apple Fest for some family-friendly fun.

Things To Do With Infants in Chicago: Field Museum

Things to do in Chicago in Winter

1. Visit the Field Museum: This is one of the first museums we took our baby to. He especially enjoyed the very large dinosaur skeleton as well as the bird exhibit.

2. Attend a baby-friendly show: The Chicago Children's Theatre offers performances that are specifically designed for babies and young children. It's a great way to introduce your baby to the arts.

3. Visit an indoor play space: There are many indoor play spaces in Chicago that are perfect for babies. These spaces often have soft play areas, toys, and other baby-friendly activities.

4. Go ice skating: Although your baby may not be able to ice skate, they will enjoy watching others on the ice. The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park is a great place to go ice skating in the city.

5. Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art: The bright colors and bold patterns of the art at the Museum of Contemporary Art kept our baby mesmerized.

6. Warm up with a hot chocolate: There are many great cafes and coffee shops in Chicago that serve delicious hot chocolate. It's the perfect way to warm up after a day of exploring the city with your baby.

Things to Do With Infants in Chicago: Lincoln Park Zoo