How to ride transit to kid-friendly destinations in the Chicago region

Exploring the Chicago area with children? Transit is a great way to get around—and for some kids, just riding the bus or train is half the fun of the trip. The RTA has curated a list of kid-friendly destinations in the Chicago region that are accessible by transit.

With the new Regional Day Pass, riders can access unlimited rides across CTA, Metra, and Pace within a single day. Check out our previous blog post on how to ride transit in Chicago with kids for tips on traveling with strollers and reduced fares for children on CTA, Metra, and Pace.

Ready to start planning your journey? Try using the RTA’s Trip Planner tool to get personalized transit directions to your destination.

Downtown Chicago

Millennium and Maggie Daley Park

From free summer concerts and movies at the Pritzker Pavilion to winter ice skating and holiday events, Millennium Park’s year-round appeal makes it a popular destination for a reason. Between May and October, stop by the Crown Fountain to splash and play in the water feature. Maggie Daley Park sits just across the Frank Gehry-designed BP pedestrian bridge from Millennium Park and offers a playground, ice skating loop, and more.

Address: 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601

Transit Information: Millennium Park is just east of the Washington/Wabash station on the CTA Orange, Pink, Green, Purple, and Brown Lines, the Lake stop on the Red Line, and the Washington stop on the Blue Line. The park is also served by the Metra Electric Line and CTA buses #3, 4, 6, J14, 20, 56, 60, 124, 146, 147, 151, and 157.

Tip: The Art Institute of Chicago is just across the street from Millennium Park and offers free admission for kids under 14 every day. Check out the Institute’s tips for families here.

Chicago Children’s Museum at Navy Pier

The Chicago Children’s Museum features 3 levels of hands-on exhibits for kids to explore. Nearby at Navy Pier, discover additional kid-friendly attractions like the Centennial Wheel and Amazing Chicago’s Funhouse Maze. Like many of the museums in this guide, the museum is part of the Museums for All program.

Address: 700 E Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60611

Transit Information: The Chicago Children’s Museum is served by CTA buses #2, 29, 65, 66, and 124. To reach the museum from local Metra terminals, take CTA bus #124 from Union, Ogilvie, or Millennium Station or CTA bus #29 from LaSalle Street or Millennium Station.

Thomas Hughes Children’s Library in Harold Washington Library

Harold Washington Library’s green-colored roof ornamented with large owl sculptures makes the building’s exterior eye-catching. Inside, there is a children’s library on the 2nd floor grouped into “neighborhoods” for early learners, school-age kids, and tweens. The children’s library runs events for different age groups and hosts a Teacher in the Library for homework help during the school year.

Address: 400 S State St 2nd Floor, Chicago, IL 60605

Transit Information: With its location right at the south end of the Loop, the library is served by all CTA train lines except the Yellow Line and CTA buses #1, 7, 28, and 126. The library is a few blocks from Metra Electric line’s Van Buren Street stop and a 10-minute walk from the LaSalle Street Station, served by Metra’s Rock Island Line.

South Side

The Rink

The Rink on 87th has been a home for Chicago-style JB skating and culture for the past 50 years. From all-ages skate lessons to family open skate sessions, the Rink’s weekly schedule has something to offer skaters of every level.

Address: 1122 E 87th St, Chicago, IL 60619

Transit Information: The Rink is served by CTA bus routes #4 and 87. While Metra Electric’s 87th Street station is under construction, the 83rd Street and 91st Street Metra Electric stations are closest to the Rink.

Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

Embark on a tour of a realistic coal mine, watch and shape a 40-foot tornado, and explore historic vehicles in the Transportation Gallery at Chicago’s famous Museum of Science and Industry. The museum offers a variety of accessibility resources and free admission for Illinois residents on select days.

Address: 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60637

Transit Information: The Museum of Science and Industry is served by CTA buses #2, 6, 10, 28, and 55 and is within a 10-minute walk of the Metra Electric Line’s 55th - 56th - 57th St. stop.

Tip: Want to get outdoors? The museum’s Jackson Park location is close to the Japanese-inspired Garden of the Phoenix, the Chicago Lakefront Trail, and 57th Street Beach.

Bronzeville Children’s Museum

Featuring exhibits centered around African American history and culture, STEAM, and more, the Bronzeville Children’s Museum offers educational guided tours designed for children ages 4-9.

Address: 9301 S Stony Island Ave, Chicago, IL 60617

Transit Information: The Bronzeville Children’s Museum is served by CTA bus routes #28, 95, and J14.

West Side

Garfield Park Conservatory

Stroll through indoor and outdoor gardens featuring thousands of plant species from around the world at the Garfield Park Conservatory. The Conservatory offers free admission with proof of Chicago residency, runs family programs, and provides resources for self-guided visits.

Address: 300 N. Central Park Ave. Chicago, IL 60624

Transit Information: The Garfield Park Conservatory is a large glass building just north of the Conservatory-Central Park stop on the CTA Green Line.

Tip: Keep an eye on this project: the 128-year-old Garfield Park Bandstand is undergoing its first significant restoration since the 1950s.

Chicago Children’s Theatre

Discover a year-round lineup of engaging productions and educational programs at Chicago Children’s Theatre, a professional theatrical company based in West Loop. The company's Red Kite Project is a series of unique programs designed for youth on the autism spectrum and their families.

Address: 100 S Racine Ave, Chicago, IL 60607

Transit Information: The Children’s Theatre is near the Racine stop on the CTA Blue Line and CTA bus routes #7, 20, and 126.

Northwest Side

Margie’s Candies (Original Location)

Treat the kids to an over-the-top sundae at Margie’s Candies, a 100-year-old candy store and ice cream parlor still displaying much of its original decor. The store has been visited by the likes of the Beatles and (allegedly) Al Capone and keeps display cases full of memorabilia collected over the years.

Address: 1960 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Transit Information: Margie’s Candies is located steps from the CTA Blue Line’s Western station. It is also near CTA bus routes #49 and 56.

Tip: In 2005, Margie’s Candies opened a second location in Ravenswood. This location, steps from the Montrose Brown Line stop, aims to replicate the atmosphere of the original and serves equally delicious ice cream.

Walsh Park Playground & the 606

Featuring a large play structure, basketball hoops, athletic fields, and a dog-friendly area, Walsh Park is a family-friendly space at the easternmost end of The 606 trail. The 606 has been transformed from an abandoned railway line into a recreational greenway, complete with a smooth paved surface and wheelchair-accessible ramps at each of its 12 access points.

Address: 1720 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Transit Information: The park is served by CTA bus routes #9, 72, and 73. It is also a 5-minute walk from the Clybourn Metra station on the Union Pacific North and Union Pacific Northwest lines.

North Side

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum offers a variety of temporary and permanent exhibits, including a PlaySpace for the museum’s youngest visitors. Every day at 2 p.m., catch the Butterfly Release to see newly emerged butterflies and moths take flight for the first time.

Address: 2430 N Cannon Dr, Chicago, IL 60614

Transit Information: The museum is accessible by CTA bus routes #76, 151, and 156.

The Quandary Escape Rooms

The immersive escape rooms at The Quandary are family-friendly and recommended for ages 10 and up. Try the Escape Room Quiz to find out which room is the best fit for your group.

Address: 3205 N Clark St Suite 100, Chicago, IL 60657

Transit Information: The Quandary is a 4-minute walk from the Belmont stop on the CTA Red, Brown, and Purple lines. It is also near CTA bus routes #8, 22, and 77.

Swedish American Museum

Within Andersonville’s Swedish American Museum is the Brunk Children’s Museum, a fully interactive exhibit where visitors of all ages can follow a 19th-century journey of immigration from Sweden to the United States. The museum hosts a selection of special events throughout the year.

Address: 5211 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640

Transit Information: The Swedish American Museum is close to CTA bus routes #22, 50, and 92. It is also about a 15-minute walk from the CTA Red Line’s Argyle stop.

South Suburbs

Metra lines: Heritage Corridor (HC), SouthWest Service (SWS), Rock Island District (RI), Metra Electric (ME)

Homewood Science Center

As a nonprofit community science center with a mission to “inspire scientific wonder, learning, and pursuit,” the Homewood Science Center offers free “STEM Saturdays” and paid “STEAM Play” programs featuring creative play, exhibits, and presentations. Additional programs from the Science Center include summer camps, internships, and a STEM network for parents and educators.

Address: 18022 Dixie Highway, Homewood, IL 60430

Transit Information: The Science Center is about a 4-minute walk from the Homewood station on the Metra Electric line. It is also served by Pace bus routes #356 and 359.

Haunted Trails Joliet

Haunted Trails Joliet is a Halloween-themed entertainment center where kids and families can enjoy mini golf, go-karts, batting cages, escape rooms, arcade games, and more. With 14 acres of indoor and outdoor attractions, the park has no shortage of pay-as-you-play fun.

Address: 1423 N Broadway St, Joliet, IL 60435

Transit Information: Haunted Trails Joliet is served by Pace bus routes #505 and 832.

Tip: Want the Haunted Trails experience, but can’t make it to Joliet? Check out Haunted Trails Burbank or Lombard’s Enchanted Castle.

Sand Ridge Nature Center

As the centerpiece of the Sand Ridge Campus—a nature-based education and recreation area—the Sand Ridge Nature Center features interactive exhibits and opportunities for nature play. Watch birds at feeders in the flight room, discover the natural and cultural history of the Calumet region, and walk through wetlands, woodlands, and prairies.

Address: 15891 Paxton Ave, South Holland, IL 60473

Transit Information: To reach the Nature Center by transit, walk or bike from Pace bus routes #364 and 358. A paved trail runs parallel to River Oaks Dr. and Paxton Ave., which will make for a smoother, shadier trip.

Tip: From the nature center, ride a few stops east on Pace bus #364 to reach the River Oaks Shopping Center and Green Lake Family Aquatic Center.

West Suburbs

Metra lines: Milwaukee District West (MD-W), Union Pacific West (UP-W), BNSF Railway (BNSF)

Galloping Ghost Arcade

Explore a labyrinth of over 885 old-school games at the Galloping Ghost Arcade. The arcade offers unlimited play for one price. Nearby, Galloping Ghost Pinball features an array of popular and rare pinball machines.

Address: 9415 Ogden Ave, Brookfield, IL 60513

Transit Information: The arcade is served by Pace bus route #302 and the Congress Park station on the Metra BNSF Line.

Centennial Beach

Centennial Beach is not quite a pool and not quite a lake—it's a unique swimming facility on land that was once used as a quarry. Enjoy the water’s zero-depth entry and 15-foot deep end, then relax with a family picnic under the shade trees.

Address: 500 Jackson Ave, Naperville, IL 60540

Transit Information: Pace bus #530 stops about an 8-minute walk away from Centennial Beach, connecting the area to the Metra BNSF Line’s Naperville station.

Downtown Elmhurst & Express Trolley

Find the Elmhurst Public Library, Classic Cinemas York Theatre, arts and culture attractions, shops, and restaurants all within close walking distance of the Elmhurst Metra station. On summer weekends, hop on the free Elmhurst Express Trolley to enjoy a 30-minute ride around town.

Transit Information: Walk to a variety of destinations from the Elmhurst stop on the Metra Union Pacific West line.

Northwest Suburbs

Metra lines: Union Pacific Northwest (UP-NW)

Xtreme Wheels Roller Skating Center

With a large skating floor, skate rentals, and a snack bar, Xtreme Wheels has everything a kid needs for a great roller-skating session. Xtreme Wheels runs weekly promotions including “$5 Tuesdays” and “Family Funday Sunday.”

Address: 691 S Virginia Rd, Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Transit Information: Pace bus route #550 serves Xtreme Wheels, connecting the facility to Metra’s Union Pacific Northwest line.

North Suburbs

Metra lines: Milwaukee District North (MD-N), North Central Service (NCS), Union Pacific North (UP-N)

Chicago Botanic Garden

The Chicago Botanic Garden is a living museum and science center featuring a variety of natural landscapes. Kids will love running through the Nature Play Garden or learning about the natural world through one of the Botanic Garden’s educational programs. Throughout the year, the garden offers free admission days for Illinois residents with preregistration.

Address: 1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe, IL 60022

Transit Information: The garden's entrance is close to the Braeside stop on Metra’s Union Pacific North line and Pace bus route #213.

Tip: Check out the Botanical Garden’s self-guided walking tours, such as “Fun Spots for Little Kids” to experience a curated visit on your own schedule.

Kohl Children’s Museum

Designed for children birth through age 8, the Kohl Children’s Museum features 17 hands-on exhibits and a cafe. The museum’s special programs are free with the price of admission.

Address: 2100 Patriot Boulevard, Glenview, IL 60026

Transit Information: The museum is about a 3-minute walk from Pace bus route #423 and about a 15-minute walk from the Glen/N. Glenview stop on Metra’s Milwaukee District North line.

Skokie Water Playground

Splash and play at the Skokie Water Playground, an outdoor water park with 5 slides, spray features, and a lap pool.

Address: 4715 Oakton St, Skokie, IL 60076

Transit Information: The water playground is near the Oakton-Skokie stop on the CTA Yellow Line, CTA bus route #97, and Pace bus route #210.

Tip: Weather not cooperating with your water park trip? Try the Exploritorium at the Oakton Community Center next door.

Did we miss any of your favorite transit-accessible spots? Tag us on social media at @/rta_chicago to share your adventures in the Chicago region!