Chicago for Families

The Windy City has long been a top destination for New Yorkers. It’s a quick flight, it offers plenty of amazing restaurants, unique attractions, and great hospitality, plus—this is key to New Yorkers—walkability. Here's what you need to know to have a great trip when you’re visiting Chicago with kids:

Where to Stay:

For my family, it’s all about location and a great pool. The Kimpton Hotel Palomar Chicago, located in the heart of River North, checks off both boxes (and then some). It’s walking distance to most of the city’s top attractions, and the roof deck pool is amazing. My kids loved it so much we went twice a day: once when they got up in the morning and again after a long day of sightseeing, before bed. (It opens at 6am and closes at 10pm—so many hours of fun.) This pool is no joke: It’s a great size and the fact that there’s no deep end (my boys are 7 and 9 so anything deeper than 4 feet is deep) made this mom relaxed and happy. Plus, there’s a lovely outdoor deck next to the pool, great for having a snack and taking in the city skyline. In addition, all summer long they have movies under the stars with free popcorn and lemonade. Kids get a Palomar welcome bag with sunglasses, coloring books, stickers, and some toys upon check-in. If you’re traveling with babies, be sure to take advantage of the Palomar Baby Butler—they can stock your room with baby essentials including diapers (regular and swim), diaper cream, wipes, baby lotion, baby Tylenol, and pacifiers. You can also borrow a humidifier, sound machine, baby bathtub, and nightlight. Our family booked a suite plus parlor room, and it was great to have the extra space of two bedrooms and a pull-out sofa, so we could spread out.

Where to eat:

Sable Kitchen & Bar

Located in the Kimpton Hotel Palomar Chicago, this casual restaurant offers lots of choices including salmon and branzino for fish lovers, the Sable burger and NY strip for meat lovers, and plenty of tapas for sharing (the mussels and charcuterie platter are great picks). The kids’ menu has mac ‘n cheese, chicken fingers, and pizza. 

Margeaux Brasserie

As much as I love restaurants that appeal to loud, high-energy boys (namely, my own kids), there’s something to be said about exposing kids to a nicer restaurant. Inspired by Parisian culture, Margeaux Brasserie combines fresh Midwestern ingredients with rench flair. The omelets, steak and eggs, and French toast were a big hit. The restaurant is classy without being stuffy and the waiter was super kid-friendly.

Gino’s East

Chicago is known for its deep-dish pizza and one of the best places have it is at Gino’s East. They’ve been making it the same way for 50 years, with secret-recipe dough, mounds of fresh mozzarella cheese, a variety of toppings, and tangy tomato sauce. If your kid is more of a thin-crust fan, don’t worry; Gino’s thin-crust pizzas are super yummy, too. Adults can try Gino’s Brewing Co. craft beer and kids will love the deep-dish brownie gooey chocolate dessert, served with ice cream.     

Bohemian House

A River North classic, this restaurant has fare inspired by the cuisine of the Czech Republic, Germany, and Austria, utilizing the best of what's in season. Adults will love the extensive selection of beer including European and domestic artisan brewers, alongside a selection of domestic and international wines from both boutique producers and renowned wineries. This is a good place for weekend brunch, when the offerings can include an open face pork schnitzel sandwich, Bavarian pancakes, and farmer’s cheese doughnuts.