20+ Amazing Things to Do in Chicago with Teens

As a mom who raised my teenagers in Chicago, I know firsthand that this city is an absolute goldmine for families with older kids.

Chicago isn’t just a great city to visit with teenagers; it’s practically built for them. From the electric energy of a Broadway-caliber show in the Theater District to the adrenaline rush of a high-speed boat tour on Lake Michigan, there’s a natural match for every kind of teen – the culture lover, the thrill-seeker, and yes, even the dedicated shopper.

Having lived here and navigated these experiences with my own kids, I can tell you what’s worth your time and money. The recommendations below aren’t pulled from a tourist brochure. They’re the places and experiences my family returned to again and again, and the ones I confidently share with every visiting family who asks.

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20+ Awesome Things to Do in Chicago for Teens

1. Get your STEM on at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) 

The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry was built in 1893 for Chicago’s World Fair, and today it is home to an abundant collection of artifacts. There are thousands of interactive exhibits with everything from history to the human body.

Teens will love the World War II era submarine (U-505), a re-created coal mine, and a massive indoor tornado, but those are only a few of the highlights. It’s a fun place to spend the day in Chicago with teens. GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

2. See a show at one of Chicago’s world-class theaters

Chicago has a bit of everything when it comes to theater. There are Broadway shows, musicals, plays, and comedies. Literally, there’s something appropriate for all ages year-round.

If your kid is a theater buff, be sure to check out Broadway in Chicago.

3. Admire one of the best art collections in the world at The Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago has been chosen time and time again as one of the premier art museums. If you’re in Chicago with a teenager who loves art, this is the place to be. 

The collections span from ancient times to modern day, and include works of artists from Monet to Diego Rivera and more. The architecture inside is just as stunning, so allow plenty of time to take it all in. 

4. Pose for obligatory selfies in Millennium Park

No family trip to Chicago would be complete without a visit to Millennium Park. The park is home to the famous Cloud Gate sculpture (aka The Chicago Bean), Crown Fountain, the Lurie Garden, and Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Millennium Park is one of the best places to take pictures in Chicago!

If you’re planning a teenage trip to Chicago, you’ll want to include these spots. All of these provide beautiful backdrops for Chicago selfies. And be sure to review these tips for how to take the best photos of yourself before snapping away!

Adjacent to the park is Maggie Daley Park, a 20-acre park with a playground, climbing wall, mini golf, tennis courts, and a skating ribbon. In Chicago, teens are never too old to explore the park!

Other plenty of places in Chicago to take selfies, including Wrigley Field for baseball fans, Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park, and Navy Pier with restaurants, boats, and the Centennial Wheel Ferris wheel.

5. Try an Escape Room

There are several Escape Rooms in downtown Chicago. Typically, each challenge requires “teams” to solve a themed puzzle in a set amount of time (usually an hour).

Not only is this a fun way to spend time as a family, but it’s also exciting to race against the clock and see if you have what it takes to solve the clues. An escape game is a fun thing to do in Chicago with tweens and teens!

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6. Head up high for the ultimate Chicago views at 360 CHICAGO or the Skydeck

There are two different ways to see the city from some of the tallest buildings in downtown. 360 CHICAGO is located 1000 feet above Michigan Avenue in the John Hancock building, some 94 floors above street level.

Thrill seekers will love TILT, the moving platform that literally “tilts” riders away from the building in a glass-enclosed box for a view unlike any other.

Skydeck is located on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower, one of the tallest buildings in the Western Hemisphere. This Chicago observation deck is where visitors come for the “Ledge”, glass boxes that extend outside of the building, providing 360-degree views of the city.

It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s definitely one of the fun things to do in Chicago with a teenager.

7. See how Chicago was built on an Architecture River Cruise

The Chicago Architecture Foundation leads a tour on the Chicago River that’s consistently voted one of the top tours in the city.

Along the way, experienced docents point out the architectural highlights of the city (there are many) and tell the history of how Chicago has changed through the years. Another idea is to take a kayak tour on the Chicago River and see the buildings from your boat.

8. Go for a high-speed Lake Michigan cruise on the Seadog

Seadog Extreme Thrill Ride is one of the most exciting boats on Lake Michigan, and teens will love it. The boat gets up to 45 mph as it zooms over the waves. Drivers twist and turn, so riders are splashed and bounced around.

The ride is 30 minutes long, so it’s a fun and quick way to see the city from the water. It’s the ultimate way to see Chicago with teens.

9. The Best Tours in Chicago for Teens

Teens are the perfect age for tours, and Chicago has plenty of them. Segway tours are a different way to see the city, and there are several tour companies and itineraries, so choose the one that fits your group.

Another fun way to see the city is via kayak, with several options to row along the Chicago River and even Lake Michigan.

There’s an Underground Donut Tour that samples some of the city’s finest donuts and allows you to burn off calories walking between each shop. The Chicago Food tour hits all the city’s favorites, including deep-dish pizza and Chicago hot dogs.

Bobby’s Bike Hike has a variety of riding tours, but we like the ones that go off the beaten path, like this Lakefront Neighborhoods Bike Tour. If you want to learn about the nefarious side of Chicago history, consider a Crime & Mob bus tour through the city’s infamous sites.

There’s even a guided Chicago Pedway Walking tour that shows off the indoor underground downtown architecture. This is a great one for a rainy day with teens in Chicago.

10. Walk, ride, skate the 606

The 606 is a former railroad track that has been converted to a multi-use trail through the Chicago neighborhoods of Wicker Park and Bucktown.

There are murals, sculptures, and small parks along the 2.7-mile trail, and occasional events like block parties and stargazing. Grab a bite at one of the local spots like Mindy’s Hot Chocolate or Small Cheval and call it a day.

11. Explore Chicago’s ethnic neighborhoods

Chicago is a city of immigrants, and as such, there are enclaves in the city settled by people from around the world.

There’s Chinatown, Pilsen (Mexican), Andersonville (Swedish), Little Italy, and Bronzeville (African-American), to name a few. Each area offers a wealth of shopping, eating, and history that will entertain even the pickiest teens.

12. Head to the area’s best theme park

If your teens love thrill rides, head to Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, about an hour north of downtown Chicago. My teens love this park and their favorite rides include Goliath, X Flight, and Maxx Force. Anything that goes fast is their speed.

There’s also a water park at Six Flags, so if you want a full day, do the rides and then cool off at Hurricane Harbor. It has all the things you would expect, including a lazy river, water slides, and a surf rider experience.

13. Museum of Illusions, WNDR Museum, or Museum of Ice Cream

If your teen loves unique museums, head to one of these three spots. They all have something unique.

• Museum of Illusions – this immersive experience has over 80 visual and educational installations.
• WNDR Museum – a multi-sensory collection that blends art with technology.
• Museum of Ice Cream – ice cream-themed installations with ice cream samples included!
• Sloomoo Institute – this museum is dedicated to slime, and visitors can make their own, walk through slime, and even have slime dumped on them!

14. Check out a local sports team

For the ultimate MLB experience, take in a baseball game at Wrigley Field, watching the Chicago Cubs. If you prefer the Chicago White Sox, head to Guaranteed Rate Field.

Of course, there’s also Chicago Fire (soccer), Chicago Bulls (basketball), Chicago Bears (football), and Chicago Blackhawks (hockey). Find your teen’s favorite team and buy tickets for a game.

15. Spend time exploring Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park is home to several attractions that teens might enjoy. There’s the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Chicago History Museum, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, and the Lincoln Park Conservatory.

North Avenue Beach is also a fun spot during the summer, and there are plenty of local restaurants serving delicious meals.

16. Explore Navy Pier and surrounds

One of the best things to do at Navy Pier with teens is to ride the Centennial Wheel. This 200-foot-tall Ferris wheel offers breathtaking views of the city and Lake Michigan from air-conditioned capsules. The pier also has a wide variety of entertainment options, including live music and theater performances.

During the summer, there are twice-weekly fireworks shows (on Wednesdays and Saturdays) running from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Navy Pier has an array of dining options that are sure to satisfy any hungry teen’s cravings.

Once you’ve explored Navy Pier, check out nearby entertainment destinations like Flyover, The Butterfly House (seasonal), and Polk Bros Park.

17. Take a scenic helicopter tour of Chicago

For a super unique experience, consider taking a Chicago helicopter tour and seeing the city from above. It’s a beautiful perspective of the Windy City. This is sure to leave everyone with memories to last a lifetime.

Where to Eat in Chicago with Teens (and Tweens)

There are so many great places to eat with kids in Chicago, but what about teens? Here are some spots we think they will love: Big Star (think tacos and honky tonk), Quartino (quality Italian food in a casual setting), Summer House Santa Monica (it’s like a little bit of California in the heart of Chicago), Piece Pizza (because it is Chicago after all), and Portillo’s Hot Dogs.

If the whole family can’t agree on what they want, head to one of the Chicago food halls: Eataly, Time Out Market, or Revival Food Hall.

Looking for a quick snack? Don’t miss Garrett Popcorn shops and their Chicago mix popcorn. If your kid has a sweet tooth, don’t miss the ice cream and Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop, the Nutella Cafe, or Sweet Mandy B’s bakery. Young people won’t be disappointed. There’s also a Starbucks Reserve Roastery, the largest Starbucks in the world.

If you’re looking for other Chicago posts, don’t miss The Best Things to Do in Chicago with Kids, What Needs to Be on Your Chicago Bucket List and Free Family Fun in Chicago.