A shopping mall is a hearty slice of Americana that serves many purposes for families: a place to play, a spot to eat and lots of space to wander. Thankfully, Chicago-area malls offer a welcomed respite for parents and kids seeking adventure, comfort and even a little luxury. For sanity’s sake, we’ve found the pro tips needed to plan a pleasant visit to a local shopping center with your kiddos in tow. Read on and take note of where to dine in comfort, where to burn off energy, which malls are stroller accessible and the forever-important bathroom directions.
Old Orchard
Where: 4999 Old Orchard Center, Skokie, IL
If you’re up for sunshine and a stroll, this is the mall for you. Old Orchard is a gorgeous outdoor mall filled with art, water features (a koi pond!), a lounge cube, dining valet parking (outside of Uncle Julio’s) and rows of endless shopping. Their newest retail additions feature cult-favorites Fabletics and Soul Cycle. But be on the look out for CMX, A VIP Cinema Experience, coming soon that will feature reclining seats, gourmet grab-and-go food and handcrafted cocktails.
Best stores: Nordstrom, Madewell and Destination Maternity for mom, and Janie & Jack; Baby Gap, Ivivva for the kids.
Best food options: The Bagel Restaurant & Deli has an enormous menu with a kids’ section, and includes dishes like pancakes, grilled cheese and PB & J. Other solid kid-friendly spots include Noodles & Company, The Blaze (fast casual pizza) and Shake Shack.
Play area: Kids can enjoy a grassy maze and a garden-themed PlaySpace outside of the L.L. Bean store. From November to March you can skate on the ice rink that is constructed outside of the Bloomingdale’s entrance. During the summer, the ice rink is replaced with oversized games as well as umbrellas and chairs for families to enjoy.
Stroller access: Old Orchard is delightfully accessible for strollers given that the mall is entirely outdoors. The walkways are wide, seating is plentiful and fountains and sculptures pepper the common areas for sightseeing. All major department store anchors feature elevator accessibility, with the majority of retail being single-story only.
Bathrooms: Look for the major department stores to be your guide. Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Lord & Taylor and Nordstrom have restrooms fully equipped with changing tables (with Nordstrom offering a family lounge for nursing or down time!).
Kelly Q. Anderson
Where: 2171 Northbrook Ct, Northbrook, IL
Located along the scenic north shore of Chicago, Northbrook Court is home to many high-end retailers (Burberry, Tiffany’s) with a hefty dose of kid-friendly fun. This mall caters to little ones while providing a few cozy, luxurious features to make your family feel right at home. Several sitting areas, complete with couches and coffee tables, are scattered throughout the mall for shopping convenience.
Best stores: You’ll want to hit up CUSP, Athleta, J.Crew; Hanna Andersson, Gymboree and Trendy Tots are best for little ones.
Best food options: Stir Crazy Cafe and The Claim Company offer kid-friendly menus that moves beyond basic food court fare. Starbucks and Auntie Anne’s pretzels are perfectly positioned in the center of the mall near the Tree House play space for caffeine cravings and quick snacking.
Play area: Northbrook Court wisely placed their famed Tree House playground in the very center of the mall (just outside of AMC Theater). The tree house features whimsical decor, slides, secret passage ways and a gated entry. Pro tip: the Tree House actually opens before the mall stores! So if your little ones wake early, swing on by and let them burn off that energy.
Stroller access: The shopping center is extremely walk-able and accessible with stroller in tow. Elevators are located within the center of the mall, as well as within its anchor department stores: Neiman Marcus, Macy’s, and Lord & Taylor.
Bathrooms: Restrooms, including a large family option, is located near the Tree House on the main level. On the upper level, restrooms can be found near the food court entrance. Upper level restrooms are plentiful and feature a nursing lounge for breastfeeding mamas.
Fashion Outlets of Chicago
Where: 5220 Fashion Outlets Way, Rosemont, IL
Calling all bargain hunters, we’ve got just the destination for you! This massive mall is complete with 130 designer outlets covering 530,000-square-feet. Major anchors include Bloomingdale’s The Outlet, Forever 21, Neiman Marcus Last Call, Nordstrom Rack, and Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th. Be prepared to search for steals and deals while covering a lot of ground. And no need to fret about parking—it’s free in the attached, covered garage.
Best stores: Tory Burch; Barney’s New York Warehouse, UGG, Disney Outlet, Carter’s
Best food options: The food court is located on level one and offers up familiar and typical mall options (Freshii, Haagen-Dazs) as well as new spots like Chicago Burger Company and Maoz Vegetarian.
Play area: None here!
Stroller access: The mall is stroller accessible and also offers stroller rental at the Concierge Services for shopping convenience.
Bathrooms: Restrooms are available on level one near the food court and near the GAP. Restrooms on level two are near Neiman Marcus Last Call as well as Vitamin World.
Flickr/archerwl
Where: 835 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
This Chicago landmark is perfectly perched along Magnificent Mile. At eight stories tall with a selection of more than 100 stores, Water Tower Place offers a myriad of restaurants and even a live theater (Broadway in Chicago’s Broadway Playhouse).
Best stores: Don’t miss Aritzia, Banana Republic and A Pea in the Pod (for expectant mamas). The kiddos will go crazy for American Girl and the Lego Store.
Best food options: Mity Nice Grill, M Burger, Wow Bao, and Harry Carray’s Seventh Inning Stretch are all fun options for families and they are located on the Mezzanine level (Wow Bao on Level 1).
Play area: Though no traditional play space exists within Water Tower, Build-a-Bear, American Girl and the Lego Store act as play-as-you-shop options, with a plethora of adventure and activity to keep attention spans engaged.
Stroller Access: Although elevators are located throughout but due to its historic nature, Water Tower is not as stroller-accessible as newer malls and facilities.
Bathrooms: Family restrooms are located on levels 3 and 6, both of which offer nursing lounges.
Wikimedia Commons
Where: 900 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
If you’re looking for over the top luxury paired with dining, spa and fitness, the “900 Shops” is for you. Situated along the Magnificent Mile, this seven-level mall features more than 70 luxe retailers: Gucci, MaxMara, Karen Millen, J.Crew, Michael Kors, and Bloomingdales to name a few. The vibe of the 900 shops is bright and restrained but it makes for a serene shopping experience with stunning scenery. Additional retail throughout is a mix of national brands (lululemon, J. Crew), unique boutiques (Sidney Garber, Enchante Lingerie), and assorted dining. Pro tip: keep the 900 Shops in mind around winter holidays as this is the in-demand spot for visiting Santa.
Best stores: Kate Spade New York; L.K. Bennett, Bloomingdales (for mom), and Galt Toys + Galt Baby and Mini Me (for kids).
Best food options: A first floor cafe is a dream come true for parents—easy and convenient for snacking. Potbelly Sandwich Works is located on level 5 and is an easy go-to for families. Also on level 5 is Frankie’s 5th Floor Pizzeria, serving up pizzas, bowls of pasta and fresh salads. Before you leave the mall, be sure to nab a cup of frozen yogurt at Forty Carrots within Bloomingdales (level 6).
Play area: Though this mall is without a traditional play area, there are a few relaxation spots with cozy couches and charging stations located on levels 2 and 5.
Stroller access: The 900 shops feature more ease of access with their escalators however there are elevators placed near the sides for those with strollers.
Bathrooms: Restrooms are available on levels 2 and 5. Both feature nursing lounges and changing tables.
