Chicago Children's Museum

About Chicago Children's Museum

Hands-on experiences for children. Family museum on Navy Pier with lots of interactive exhibits, including many for young kids. The Chicago Children's Museum relocated from North Pier to Navy Pier, representing a significant expansion and modernization of the facility with substantially upgraded exhibits. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,949 visitors.

💬 What Visitors Say

• 🕐Visit early in the day, especially on weekends, to avoid crowds. Children can easily spend 3-4 hours exploring, so arriving early maximizes uninterrupted playtime at popular exhibits like the fire department and water play area.
• 💬Skip expensive Navy Pier parking ($25+) and use SpotHero to find nearby spaces for $12-$20 instead. The museum also offers parking validation, so confirm this benefit at entry.
• 💬Plan your visit carefully around your child's schedule—the museum has unusual hours that may conflict with typical midday naps. Check hours in advance to ensure they align with when your child is most alert and engaged.
• 💡Take advantage of the re-entry policy: parents can leave the museum and return during open hours on the same day, allowing you to break up the visit, grab lunch outside, or give kids a rest without losing entry.
• 💡Bring or plan to wear clothes that can get wet—the water play area provides ponchos, but kids frequently get soaked. The fire truck water guns and water city area are top-favorite exhibits that warrant extended play time.