Chicago Summer Activities for Nannies and Kids
Wondering how to make the most of summertime in Chicago with your nanny charges? There are so many kid-friendly (and budget-friendly) activities nannies and kids can enjoy in and around Chicago. This summer, be sure to check these things off your bucket list!
1) See how toys are made at the Museum of Science & Industry
At the ToyMaker 3000 exhibit exhibit, kids can watch exactly how a toy is manufactured, from parts to packaging, on this modern assembly line. The ToyMaker 3000 exhibit is included in the museum entry fee, but for $5 extra, kids can get a custom toy engraved with their name.
Looking for more fun exhibits? There are a ton of kid-friendly museums in Chicago.
2) Explore the wonders of nature at Morton Arboretum
Encourage your child to connect with nature in the 4-acre Children’s Garden at The Morton Arboretum. This is a place where imagination lives, curiosity grows, and kids flourish as they splash through secret streams, climb colossal acorns, and slide down giant tree roots all day long. This safe and kid-friendly environment is designed with children in mind, so pack a picnic and be prepared to sit back and relax while the youngsters make the most of this outdoor adventure.
3) Beat the heat at a water playground or pool
Chicago neighborhoods are home to over 20 water parks where kids can cool off on hot days. Adams Playground Park in Ranch Triangle is one of our favorites since even the smallest kids can enjoy the facilities. Another is Burnham Park near 31st Street Beach, a busy park with indoor and outdoor pools, in addition to many other amenities. Find a park near you on the Chicago Park District map.
4) Enjoy music and nature at Chicago Botanic Garden
When you need a break from the daytime heat, take the kids to Chicago Botanic Garden to roam around the sensory Nature Play Garden. Keep an eye out for family events during the summer months, including ‘Muddy Buddy’ toddler sessions and treasure hunts and science sessions for older children.
5) Have a Chicago-style picnic at Hot Dog Fest
The Chicago-style hot dog is one of Chicago’s most iconic foods — and even the pickiest of eaters enjoy a good hot dog. Celebrate at Chicago Hot Dog Fest, where the city’s top hot dog connoisseurs will be grilling and serving up hot dogs. There’s also live music, games, kid-friendly activities, and much more.
6) Catch a kid-friendly movie under the stars
There’s nothing like a free outdoor movie on warm summer nights. Millennium Park hosts a summer movie series amidst the skyscrapers, and has a more diverse offering of movies (though many are rated PG-13 or R, so be careful). Movies In The Parks brings the big screen to local neighborhood parks, and you can also lay out a blanket on the lawn at Oakbrook Center and catch one of their movies from June through to August.
Climb and explore at Maggie Daley Park
Kids have much to explore at Maggie Daley Park. The Play Garden in the southeast section has unique interconnected play spaces for kids of all ages. There’s “The Sea,” an 8,500 foot square play loop with shifting play surfaces. The Harbor is a boat-themed play area with three full-sized play boats. And The Enchanted Forest has an imaginative network of upside-down trees and play zones. There’s no entry fee, but some activities like mini golf and the climbing wall require admission.
Can’t wait to try out these Chicago must-sees with your nanny kids this summer? Find a great family that is just right for you by joining Sommet Nannies, a free nanny placement agency.
Welcome to Sommet Nannies, a nanny agency with presence in Boston, Chicago, Washington DC, New York and nationwide. We help busy families find dedicated and caring college-educated nannies.
If you enjoyed this article, you might also like ‘Online resources for nannies in Boston’.
If you’re a family interested in learning more about our nanny services, head over here.
If you’re a nanny looking for a new family to work with, you can apply to become a Sommet Nanny.