One of the best things about being a parent in Chicago is the chance to play tourist while introducing your kids to this amazing city. Whether it’s watching them experience their first Cubs game, or braving the crowds to snap a picture at The Bean, usually these touristy outings are worth it for the memories. While at first glance the Magnificent Mile could look like a tourist shopping trap, there is also incredible art, architecture, history and culture to be found. Plan a day—or an entire weekend—around these tried-and-true attractions, shopping spots, and delicious eats and treats right in this eight-block stretch of Michigan Avenue. Read on for our 10 favorites:
360 CHICAGO
Where: 875 N Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
The newly revamped 360 Chicago Observation Deck offers the best views of the city and Lake Michigan from 1,000 feet in the air. Every week, 360 Chicago hosts 360 Sunday Funday, which includes half-price admission for children and kid-friendly entertainment (magic shows, storytelling) from 1 to 3pm. The more adventurous members of your family will love the city’s highest thrill, Tilt, which literally suspends guests out over Michigan Avenue, 94 floors up. Gulp!
Where: 196 E Pearson St, Chicago, IL
Wildberry is a family-friendly breakfast and lunch spot that serves up brunch favorites like omelets, eggs Benedict, pancakes and waffles. The Water Tower location is new to the Mag Mile, but you’ll also find another location across the river near Millennium Park (perfect for after a romp at Maggie Daley!). We can’t get enough of the signature Berry Bliss pancakes, served with vanilla anglaise, blackberry coulis and berry mascarpone. Bonus: gluten-free batter is also available! They’re happy to serve all ages, offering a reasonably priced Little Berries menu complete with Fruity Pebble and Oreo S’mores pancakes.
American Girl Place
Where: 835 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
If you have an AG fan in the house, then American Girl Place at Water Tower Place will be their idea of heaven. Visit to create your own look-alike doll, or if you already have dolls, bring them along for a special day of pampering. The store boasts a doll beauty salon, doll (and real girl!) ear piercing, and a café with lunch and dinner dining. Check the website before visiting to see if there’s a special event (think tea parties, painting parties, even pre-show dinners!) you want to treat your little to.
Chicago Sports Museum
Where: 835 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
A well-loved family favorite, the Chicago Sports Museum is a spot your student athletes can’t miss. Interactive games let you test your basketball, baseball, hockey and football skills against great Chicago athletes. You can also learn about the science of sports, Chicago’s most notorious sports superstitions and see the largest collection of Cubs 2016 World Series memorabilia.
Where: 835 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
Located in Water Tower Place, Chicago’s pioneer of food halls, Foodlife, is truly an experience. Even the pickiest eaters (read: your kids) will find something delectable. Choose from 14 different stand-alone kitchens and cuisines from barbeque and tacos to comfort food and sushi to create a family smorgasbord meal. A myriad of options means everyone’s happy, plus it’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Ranvestel Photographic
Where: 717 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
Make all your child’s dreams come true with a visit to the Disney Store on Michigan Avenue. Need to snag those Coco-themed PJs or the newest Black Panther figurines? This is the place for all things Disney, as well as Pixar, Star Wars and Marvel goodies. And let’s be honest—you might just find a pair of Mickey Mouse ears with your name on them, too.
Garrett Popcorn Shops
Where: 625 Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
There’s no better traditional Chicago treat for the whole family than Garrett Popcorn. Crafted in small batches daily for nearly 70 years, the smell alone is enticing enough to peek inside and sample the flavors. Our favorites are Almond CaramelCrisp and the famous Garrett Mix (caramel and cheddar popcorn). Two locations on the Magnificent Mile provide snacking sustenance while you make your way up and down Michigan Avenue.
Big City Hunt—Chicago’s Magnificent Mile
A great way to engage the whole family—and get your exercise for the afternoon—is to take on Big City Hunt’s self-guided scavenger hunt of the Magnificent Mile. With 20 locations to find within two hours, this fun, fact-finding mission explores the city’s history, art, and culture in a walking tour that covers about two miles. This activity is best for older kids and teenagers who can keep up, and don’t forget your comfortable walking shoes.
Flickr/jpellgen
Where: 445 N Michigan Ave, Chgo, IL
Your child’s sweet tooth is no match for Dylan’s Candy Bar on Michigan Avenue. Chicago’s flagship store features two full floors of more than 7,000 varieties of candy and candy-related gifts. That signature apparel print—which you can get on everything from pajamas and tees to fuzzy slippers—reminds us of Willy Wonka’s lick-able wallpaper! For a surefire sugar-high, visit the café for delicious desserts, and (for the grown-ups) a list of sugary and boozy cocktail creations.
Wendella Boats Original Architecture Tour
The consummate Chicago waterway tour guide, Wendella offers river and lake and cruises, including Chicago’s Original Architecture Tour. Older kids and teenagers will enjoy the city’s scenery while learning about its world-class architecture, but if your littlest ones need to float along, children ages two and under receive free rides (and most kids love a good boat ride). The architecture tour is about 75 minutes and explores all three branches of the river so you can see the major sights like Tribune Tower and Willis Tower. You’ll catch your ride at the base of the famous Wrigley Building!
