Things to Do with a Toddler in Chicago in the Winter
- Lucie Duffy
- Feb 21
- 8 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Looking for things to do in Chicago with a toddler this winter? Discover magical, toddler-friendly attractions, indoor adventures, and fun experiences to keep your little one entertained and cozy. From museums and play spaces to storytimes and sports, this ultimate guide has everything you need for winter activities with toddlers in Chicago!
Explore Indoor Play Spaces
Indoor play areas are perfect for burning off energy when it’s too cold to play outside. Chicago offers plenty of spaces for toddlers to climb, explore, and pretend:
Play Street Museum (South Loop): An interactive children’s museum offering hands-on exhibits and creative play spaces for toddlers.
My Gym (Lakeview): Provides toddler-specific gymnastics and movement classes.
The Little Gym (Lakeview): Interactive classes focused on motor skills and fun physical activities.
Fit City Kids (Lincoln Square): Offers open play, classes, and birthday parties perfect for toddlers.
Uppie Yuppie (Old Irving Park): A bright and welcoming play area with climbing structures, bounce houses and sensory activities.
ClimbZone (Portage Park): A climbing adventure with colorful walls that toddlers can explore with supervision.
Altitude Chicago Trampoline Park (West Town): A toddler-friendly trampoline time for safe bouncing fun.
Skip and Scoot (Multiple Locations): Offers engaging toddler movement and sensory classes.
Purple Monkey Playroom (Bucktown): A clean and cozy play space designed with toddlers in mind.
Bubbles Academy (Bucktown): A mix of toddler classes including art, music, and open play.
Enjoy Creative Music and Art Programs
Foster creativity and imagination with music and art activities designed for toddlers:
Tiny Tunes Studio (Various Locations): Music and movement classes that encourage exploration and fun.
Mr. Dave Music (Various Locations): Live music shows and classes designed to delight toddlers and caregivers alike.
Kids Clay Room (Lincoln Park): Unleash your toddler's creativity with hands-on pottery and clay activities designed for little artists.
Kidcreate Studio (Lakeview): Hands-on art classes tailored for toddlers to explore their creativity.
Junior Chef’s Kitchen (Multiple Locations): Fun cooking classes where little ones can explore their inner chef.
Bunny Ears Art House (Northcenter): kid-friendly art classes and workshops perfect for fostering imagination and fun.
Discover Toddler-Friendly Museums
Chicago’s world-class museums have spaces and exhibits designed just for toddlers:
Chicago Children’s Museum (Navy Pier): Toddler Town and WaterWays are sensory-filled spaces for young learners. (pro-tip buy a membership and include parking)
Field Museum (Downtown): Visit the Crown Family PlayLab for hands-on fun designed for younger kids or stop by and see Sue!
Adler Planetarium (Museum Campus): Enjoy the Young Explorers Mondays for toddlers interested in space.
Chicago Sports Museum (Water Tower Place): Fun interactive exhibits perfect for young sports fans.
Art Institute of Chicago (Downtown): The Ryan Learning Center offers family-friendly activities.
Museum of Contemporty Art (Downtown): showcasing innovative and thought-provoking works by local and international artists.
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (Lincoln Park): The butterfly haven and interactive nature exhibits are a hit with toddlers. Water play area also available
Chicago History Museum (Lincoln Park): Offers engaging exhibits and spaces for curious toddlers.
Museum of Ice Cream (River North): A colorful, immersive experience filled with play zones and sweet treats.
Museum of Science and Industry (Hyde Park): Features toddler-friendly zones like the Idea Factory for hands-on exploration.
Bronzeville Children’s Museum (Bronzeville): A cultural gem offering interactive learning for little ones.
Museum of Mexican Art (Pilsen): exhibitions capturing a wide range of Mexican cultural expressions and art forms, from ancient to modern and on both sides of the border.
Animal Adventures and Nature Escapes
Toddlers love animals and the wonders of nature. Chicago offers plenty of year-round options:
Shedd Aquarium (Museum Campus): Toddler-friendly exhibits include the Polar Play Zone and interactive touch pools.
Lincoln Park Zoo: Open year-round with a variety of animals to see on a winter stroll.
Houston Family Play Treehouse (at Lincoln Park Zoo): A fun, nature-themed indoor play space for toddlers to explore and learn through play.
Brookfield Zoo: Enjoy indoor exhibits like Tropic World and The Living Coast on colder days.
Cuddle Bunny Café (Lakeview): A cozy spot where your toddler can enjoy bunny snuggles in a relaxing environment. Must be 5 and older.
Treehouse Animal Café (West Ridge): Watch rescue cats play while enjoying snacks and drinks with your toddler.
Lincoln Park Conservatory: A peaceful indoor garden for exploring plants and colorful flowers.
Garfield Park Conservatory: Tropical warmth, lush greenery, and fish ponds for little ones to enjoy.
Indoor Attractions for Unique Adventures
Explore these one-of-a-kind experiences for toddlers and parents alike:
Color Factory (Willis Tower): A sensory experience with colorful, interactive rooms perfect for toddlers.
Skydeck Chicago (Willis Tower): Enjoy incredible views and a fun photo op on the glass Ledge.
TILT at 360 CHICAGO (John Hancock Center): A thrilling but safe adventure for little explorers.
Sloomoo Institute (River North): A slime-themed sensory play destination for curious toddlers.
Lighthouse ArtSpace Chicago (Lincoln Park): Immersive exhibits like Van Gogh and Mozart designed to dazzle little ones. Check schedule for availability.
Kids Science Labs (Roscoe and South Loop): Spark your toddler’s curiosity with hands-on science activities and creative exploration at this interactive learning space.
Explore Kid-Friendly Theatres
Chicago offers unique and engaging spaces where toddlers can climb, play, and immerse themselves in the magic of live performances:
Children’s Shows at Local Theatres: Discover exciting productions geared towards kids through Theatre in Chicago. A full list of all available shows in the city!
Chicago Children’s Theatre: Enjoy delightful performances specifically designed for young audiences. Check out their current season offerings.
Chicago International Puppet Festival (January only): showcases captivating performances that delight audiences of all ages, sparking creativity and wonder.
Disney on Ice: Let’s Dance! (Limited January/February dates): Experience the magic of Disney with your toddler at the United Center. Sing, dance, and watch beloved characters come to life on ice!
Sports and Active Play
Keep your toddler moving with these sports and fitness activities:
McFetridge Sports Center (Irving Park): Offers ice skating and indoor sports programs for toddlers.
Morgan Park Sports Center (Beverly): Features a kid-friendly indoor skating rink and gymnastics classes.
Shredder Ski’s CNS Program for Toddlers (Old Irving Park): Shredder Indoor Ski Schools, Ski’s Children’s Nordic Ski program is the perfect way to introduce toddlers to skiing in a fun and safe environment.
Little Kickers Soccer: Offers toddler soccer programs focused on movement and fun.
Chicago Fire FC – Little Sparks (Multiple Locations): Introductory soccer programs designed for toddlers to learn the basics.
Cheer at a Blackhawks Hockey Game
Introduce your toddler to the excitement of live sports by attending a Chicago Blackhawks hockey game at the United Center. The energy, music, and lively atmosphere make it a memorable outing for little ones, even if they’re not old enough to follow the action.
Pro tip: Bring headphones to protect sensitive ears from the noise!
Visit Libraries and Bookstores
Chicago’s libraries and bookstores are warm and welcoming spaces to engage your toddler with books, music, and interactive storytimes:
Chicago Public Library: Many branches host regular storytimes, singalongs, and play sessions for toddlers and have maker labs and classes. Popular locations include:
Harold Washington Library Center (Loop)
Sulzer Regional Library (Lincoln Square)
Bezazian Library (Uptown)
Woodson Regional Library (Washington Heights)
Three Avenues Bookshop (Lincoln Park): A charming independent bookstore offering Saturday storytime sessions for toddlers, featuring engaging books and activities.
Women & Children First (Andersonville): Regular storytime events for toddlers with diverse and inclusive themes.
Volumes Bookcafe (Wicker Park): Hosts storytime events for kids along with coffee and treats for caregivers.
Semicolon Bookstore (West Town): A cozy space with family-friendly events and story sessions.
Be sure to check your local library and bookstore calendars for updated schedules!
Winter-Friendly Spots for Toddlers and Working Moms in Chicago
Vibrant indoor play spaces for toddlers to burn energy and a cozy café with a play area, perfect for working moms to relax or stay productive.
Itsy Bitsy (Northcenter): A vibrant indoor play space where toddlers can explore and burn energy while moms relax or catch up on work.
Sunny Village Café (Jefferson Park): A cozy café with great food, warm drinks, and a toddler play area—perfect for working moms needing a productive break.
Etheria Café (Humboldt Park): A chic and family-friendly café offering delicious coffee, a welcoming atmosphere, and a cozy corner for moms to work while kids enjoy a relaxed environment.
Relax and Watch the City Go By
Sometimes, a quiet outing is all you need. Visit Whole Foods Market (Belmont & Ashland): Grab a smoothie for your toddler from the coffee shop and head to the downstairs seating area. It’s the perfect spot to watch traffic and unwind.
Ride the Train Around the Loop
For a simple and exciting outing, grab a CTA pass and take a ride on the "L" train around the Loop. Toddlers will love watching the city pass by from the elevated train.
Best Sledding Spots for Toddlers and Families in Chicago
Sledding is a classic winter activity that combines outdoor fun and exercise for toddlers and families. In Chicago, there are plenty of family-friendly sledding locations perfect for your little one.
Humboldt Park is a top choice, offering wide hills ideal for beginner sledders. Bunker Hill is a top spot within the park if your looking for Humboldt Park Sledding.
Millennium Park provides a scenic setting with beautiful city views, making it a great spot for families to enjoy sledding together.
Cricket Hill in Lincoln Park is a favorite, offering a mix of beginner-friendly slopes and steeper hills for more experienced sledders.
Sledding at Soldier Field: during the winter months, it transforms into a popular sledding destination. Located on the south side near Burnham Harbor, this 220-foot hill offers the perfect balance of excitement and safety for kids. Even with minimal natural snowfall, the Park District guarantees a fun sledding experience by producing artificial snow. It's a good idea to call ahead to check availability.
These top sledding spots in Chicago promise a fun-filled day of outdoor adventure for toddlers and moms alike!
Tips for Winter Outings with a Toddler
Layer Up: Dress your toddler in layers to stay warm and comfortable indoors and out.
Base Layer: Moisture-wicking fabrics like wool or synthetics to keep skin dry (avoid cotton).
Middle Layer: Fleece or down for insulation to trap heat.
Outer Layer: Waterproof and windproof jacket for protection.
Accessories: Hat, waterproof mittens, warm socks, insulated boots, and a stroller blanket or footmuff for extra warmth.
Plan Ahead: Many attractions require advance tickets or reservations during the winter.
Bring Essentials: Pack snacks, diapers, and a change of clothes for a stress-free outing.
Connect with Other Moms and Plan Playdates
Winter is the perfect time to join a mom group and connect with other parents in Chicago. Groups like Friend of a Mom help you meet local moms, coordinate playdates, and explore toddler-friendly spots like museums, storytimes, and play spaces. Build your community, share parenting tips, and create lasting friendships while enjoying the best activities Chicago has to offer for families and maybe feel a little like your old self.
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