Where to Eat and Play with Kids in Downtown Chicago: Family-Friendly Deals & Spots
By: Alisa R, Chicago Local Hero Whether you’re visiting Chicago or you live here and are just exploring all it has to offer, you don't have to settle for basic concession stand fare. Downtown Chicago is packed with great spots where families are genuinely welcome, making it seamless to pair top-tier attractions and play spots with fantastic meals nearby.
Organized by activity hubs, here are the best downtown play-and-eat combinations for families.
Nugget Tip: Promotions and hours can shift seasonally. It’s always a good idea to confirm deals directly with the venues before heading out!
1. Michigan Avenue & Gold Coast: 360 CHICAGO & Washington Square Park
Start your day along the Magnificent Mile corridor with a mix of skyline views and historic green space:
360 CHICAGO: Head up to the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center for breathtaking skyline and lake views that will wow kids of all ages.
Washington Square Park: If you prefer to stay on the ground, walk a few blocks southwest to this historic park featuring a central fountain, shade trees, and plenty of room for kids to run off energy.
Where to Eat Nearby
Cafecito: Just around the corner from 360, this Cuban cafe offers delicious all-day dining options. Breakfast is served until 11 on weekdays and 2 pm on weekends. Don’t miss out on Cuban coffee! With options from Cuban pressed sandwiches to pancakes like the “Abuelita” with chocolate chips, cinnamon, churros or the “Tres Leches”, the menu has something for everyone.
The Menu: While there’s no dedicated kids’ menu, they have a long list of incredible sandwiches, both for the pickier and more adventurous eaters. Pancakes and breakfast sandwiches are easy wins, too!
Note: There's a grab-and-go counter and if you're in a hurry with hungry kids.
📸Cafecito
2. Navy Pier: Chicago Children's Museum, Pier Park & Polk Bros Park
Planning an all-day waterfront outing? Navy Pier offers both indoor discovery and outdoor splash fun:
Chicago Children's Museum & Pier Park: Located right inside the pier, the museum features hands-on exhibits where kids can build, climb, and experiment. Just outside, ride the iconic 200-foot Centennial Wheel and classic carousel.
Polk Bros Park & Splash Fountain: Situated right at the main entrance of Navy Pier, this park features a massive interactive performance lawn and a sprawling splash fountain where kids can cool off on warm summer days.
Where to Eat Nearby
Chef Art Smith’s Reunion (Inside Navy Pier)
Elevated Southern comfort food, Reunion is famous for their fried chicken, mac & cheese, and warm biscuits, served right on the pier. Be sure to stop by the famous Hummingbird Cafe inside for its signature cupcake praised by Oprah, Lady Gaga, and the Obama family.
The Deal: Save 20% off entrées and non-alcoholic drinks by showing your Chicago Children's Museum (CCM) ticket! Kids’ meals half off with an adult meal purchased when showing your CCM membership.
Kids Menu: While I’d love to see a chef of Chef Art Smith's caliber put a more inventive spin on the kids' offerings, the main menu, brunch, and Southern comfort staples are exceptional enough for parents to make the stop. The kids get their reliable favorites, parents get a great meal, and everyone can split a legendary Hummingbird cupcake for dessert.
📸Reunion
3. Millennium Park & Maggie Daley Park
Snap iconic photos at Cloud Gate ("The Bean") in Millennium Park, then cross the BP Pedestrian Bridge to Maggie Daley Park's massive 3-acre Play Garden, complete with custom climbing towers, slides, and outdoor green space.
Where to Eat Nearby
Millennium Hall Restaurant
Situated directly inside Millennium Park beneath "The Bean," this local multi-concept space is as close as you can get to the park. It features an expansive outdoor beer garden and patio, making it easy to pop over directly from the Play Garden without crossing busy streets.
Kids Menu: Offers a dedicated kids' menu featuring chicken tenders, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, and wood-fired pizzas.
📸Millenium Hall Restaurant
Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe
Located directly across Randolph Street from Millennium Park, this wildly popular spot is a regional Illinois concept known for generous breakfast and lunch portions. It offers a lively, energetic atmosphere where families feel welcome, though joining their online waitlist early in the morning is recommended to avoid long wait times.
Kids Menu: Serves silver dollar pancakes, french toast sticks, and mini breakfast plates, while parents can indulge in Wildberry's famous over-the-top specialty pancakes and savory skillets.
4. The Museum Campus: Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum & Adler Planetarium
Explore world-class institutions along the lakefront, featuring beluga whales and touch tanks at the Shedd Aquarium, giant dinosaurs at the Field Museum, and space exploration at the Adler Planetarium.
Where to Eat Nearby
Located a short drive or 15-minute walk west into the South Loop on Wabash Avenue, this retro Jewish deli serves giant sandwiches and soda fountain shakes. Its nostalgic decor and comfortable family booths make it a cozy, welcoming spot for tired museum-goers.
Kids Menu: Offers pancakes, burgers, chicken nuggets, and mac & cheese. Every kids' meal automatically includes both fries and applesauce, and you can add a fruit cup for just $0.99- a major upgrade over typical kids' menu sides!
📸Eleven City Diner
Ready to Plan Your Chicago Daytrip?
Pairing great play spots directly with nearby dining options ensures you spend less time worrying about logistics and budget, and more time enjoying the city with your family.
Have a favorite downtown play-and-eat combo we missed? Let us know in the comments below or add it to The Nugget.
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