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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Bucktown's best

Kid-friendly spots

Made for those who refuse to leave their children behind while navigating the neighborhood.

Based on 641 Opinions
+638
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Updated May 2026
01
The Messi Experience Chicago image 1
The Messi Experience Chicago image 2
The Messi Experience Chicago image 3
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Exhibition features interactive soccer games and a Messi childhood bedroom that thrill kids. Visitors enjoy delicious empanadas while exploring an inspiring sports icon's life. Atmosphere blends family-friendly fun with engaging exhibits for all ages.

Kids find the exhibit highly interactive and engaging, with a standout feature being a recreation of Messi's childhood bedroom. The experience excites children and keeps them entertained throughout.

People are saying

"The interactive games here are so much fun for everyone."

"The museum's exhibit on Messi's journey is truly inspiring."

"My kids had a blast with all the interactive games."

Good to know

1

Tickets are more expensive than average, so budget accordingly.

2

Free parking is available on-site for visitors.

3

The experience is great for families and kids of all ages.

02
Ray's Bucktown Bed and Breakfast image 1

Eclectic building offers a bohemian vibe with unique art and cozy rooms. Kids enjoy diverse breakfast and fun snacks, while adults relax in the sauna and steam room. Rooftop lounge buzzes with interesting people, blending comfort and charm for all ages.

Exceptional and diverse breakfast delights kids who enjoy food. Sauna and steam room plus games and snacks create a welcoming space for babies and young children.

People are saying

"The beds here are so comfortable and inviting."

"The breakfast here was amazing."

"The breakfast here is fabulous and delicious."

Good to know

1

Breakfast is served from 8 to 11 am daily.

2

The location is a 5-minute walk from the Blue Line train.

3

Street parking is always available near the B&B.

03
Onions & Cilantro image 1

Enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine in a cozy atmosphere with generous portions. Kids love the chicken fajitas and burrito bowls. Prices stay affordable, making it a great spot for families.

Kids enjoy the chicken fajitas, chicken nachos, and burrito bowl options. The food appeals well to younger tastes.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here amazing and super flavorful."

"I found the food here amazing and outstanding."

"The food here is so flavorful and beautifully presented."

Good to know

1

Prices are around $10 to $14 per person.

2

The restaurant offers authentic Mexican food with great prices and specials.

3

They allow customers to bring their own alcohol.

04
Challengers Comics image 1
Comic book store

Comic book store features a well organized layout with a wide range of comics. Kids enjoy a dedicated reading room stocked with child-friendly books. Friendly atmosphere and clear displays make new releases easy to find.

A dedicated room offers a quiet spot for young readers. It holds a well-stocked collection of comics and books suitable for children.

People are saying

"This bookstore has an amazing selection of comics and graphic novels."

"The staff here is so friendly and eager to help with anything."

"It's a really kid-friendly place with a dedicated room for young readers."

Good to know

1

Cash and card are accepted for all purchases; cash is needed for the dice vending machine.

2

Street parking is limited; consider parking on St. Paul if Western is full.

3

The store has a section dedicated to young readers.

05
Le Cafe Station Grill image 1

Cozy spot with an intimate patio and family-friendly atmosphere. Kids enjoy orange ghost marshmallows with chocolate milk and tasty grill options. Festive decor and soft music create a warm vibe perfect for all ages.

Cute orange ghost marshmallows come with kids' chocolate milk. The grill offers great kids options and feels very kid friendly.

People are saying

"I loved their delicious breakfast food and gluten-free options."

"The horchata latte here is to die for."

"It's really kid friendly with great kids options."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is BYOB and provides champagne flutes for mimosas.

2

Community-oriented events are hosted regularly at the cafe.

3

Wine and paint nights are occasionally organized at the cafe.

06
The Red Balloon Co. image 1
Children's clothing store

Small shop shines with curated children's clothing and high-quality toys for kids 6 and up. Local designers bring unique books and gifts that feel precious. Neighborhood gem offers a thoughtful selection perfect for families.

Adorable and unique baby and kids clothes fill the shelves. A small toy section caters mostly to children aged 6 and up. The collection feels beautiful and precious throughout.

People are saying

"I found this to be the best kid store in the city."

Good to know

1

The store offers a curated selection of high-quality toys and clothing for kids.

2

Products are suitable for children of all ages, with a focus on unique items.

3

Gift wrapping services are available for purchases.

07
Candle Castle & Co. image 1

Space blends modern design with cozy decor and rich candle-making supplies. Kids enjoy hands-on classes perfect for birthdays or quiet dates. Atmosphere shifts from lively to calm, fitting both fun and intimate moments.

Hands-on candle making classes welcome kids and adults together. Spaces often feel private, great for birthday parties or quiet mother-daughter dates.

People are saying

"This candle-making class was so fun and beginner-friendly!"

"It's a great idea for a romantic date night."

"The host Jocelyn was amazing and made it kid friendly."

Good to know

1

The candle making class is a fun and creative activity for all ages.

2

Antuan is the instructor for the candle making class.

3

Participants can customize their candles with various scent options.

08
Ehrler (William) Park image 1

Playground offers split play areas for different ages with a large main structure and a small child playhouse for toddlers. Open space encourages activity but may have off-leash dogs. Benches and a drinking fountain make it easy for families to stay.

Play areas split into older kids' side and younger kids' side. Smaller structure includes a playhouse and tunnel suitable for toddlers. Bigger slides offer fun without being too scary.

People are saying

"It's really kid friendly with structures for all age groups."

"This park has structures for kids of all ages."

Good to know

1

The park has play structures suitable for kids of all ages.

2

Expect some dogs off-leash, which may be a concern for families.

3

There are many benches available for seating throughout the park.

09
WhirlyBall image 1
Restaurant

Bright, spacious facility offers WhirlyBall fun and bowling lanes perfect for kids and groups. Staff ensures allergy-aware service and keeps energy lively with upbeat music. Private outdoor terrace suits parties and group outings well.

Birthday parties for kids happen here with easy online booking and staff attentive to allergies. Kids enjoy WhirlyBall and bowling, with helpers ensuring plates and drinks stay full and guiding hand washing before snacks.

People are saying

"It's a great place for fun activities with friends and family."

"I thought the food here was great."

"The staff here is so Kid Friendly and wonderfully accommodating."

Good to know

1

WhirlyBall charges $250 per hour, plus a 20% service fee on top.

2

Expect high prices for food and drinks; they are considered pricey.

3

The venue has a large parking lot, so parking is not an issue.

10
Uprise image 1
Skateboard shop

Skateboard shop offers custom skateboards and a kid-friendly vibe with stickers and games. Enjoy free arcade games and a solid sneaker collection. Bike shop section adds variety and a comfortable atmosphere for all ages.

Staff build custom skateboards on site while kids wait. They give out stickers to kids, creating a welcoming vibe. Kids can shop for their first serious skateboard here.

People are saying

"They gave me directions to a local spot for BMX riders."

"The staff here is super friendly and makes you feel welcome."

"The staff are so friendly, they even gave my kids stickers!"

Good to know

1

Uprise offers a wide selection of skateboards and street attire.

2

Prices at Uprise are competitive compared to other local skate shops.

3

Expect knowledgeable staff who can help with product selection.

11
BFF Bikes image 1
Bicycle Shop

Bicycle shop offers a chill atmosphere and affordable repairs for all ages. Staff help kids with hands-on support and test rides to build confidence. It serves as a community hub for local cycling and triathlon enthusiasts.

Staff provide hands-on help with kids' bikes, including test rides and quick repairs. They focus on comfort and confidence when matching bikes for young riders.

People are saying

"The Local Spot staff is so knowledgeable and easy to work with."

"The staff here is so kind and helpful with kids."

"I trusted their mechanics to be honest about repairs."

Good to know

1

BFF Bikes hosts regular learning sessions and clinics for cyclists.

2

They offer a women-only ride on Thursdays for beginner riders.

3

BFF Bikes is known for its affordable prices and no upselling.

12
Diversey River Bowl image 1
Bowling alley

Large bowling alley blends old school vibes with modern fun like cosmic bowling and live DJ music. Kids love the bumpers and ramps plus tasty pizza, making it great for families. Friendly security and a lively bar with beer towers add to the welcoming, energetic scene.

Kind and patient security staff create a welcoming atmosphere for families with kids. Kids enjoy bowling and pizza, making it a fun spot for family celebrations.

People are saying

"The staff here makes bowling a blast with their friendly service."

"The food here was simple car food, but done so well."

"It's really fun and good for kids here."

Good to know

1

Cosmic bowling occurs on Fridays and Saturdays from 7pm to 12am.

2

Carpooling is highly recommended due to limited parking.

3

If visiting after 8pm for cosmic bowling, reserve a lane online to avoid long waits.

13
Forever Yogurt image 1
Frozen yogurt shop

Self-serve frozen yogurt shop offers wide flavor rotation and a toppings bar in a clean, cozy atmosphere. Kids love the flavors but may taste yogurt directly from machines due to no tasting cups, which is less hygienic. Seating inside and outside fits groups well.

Kids enjoy the yogurt flavors and find the place very nice for them. Lack of tasting cups leads some kids to taste yogurt directly from the machine, which can be unhygienic.

People are saying

"This frozen yogurt spot is impressively clean."

"It's really nice and kid friendly; my kids loved it."

Good to know

1

Frozen yogurt is priced at $0.89 per ounce.

2

The facility is exceptionally clean and well-maintained.

3

They offer a wide variety of flavors, including seasonal options.

14
Bloomingdale Trail Park image 1

Elevated trail offers smooth path and wide open space for walking and biking. Multi-story jungle gym provides a fun play area for kids. Watch out for fast-moving cyclists and electric scooters that may affect safety.

A multi-story jungle gym offers a fun play area for kids. Some parts of the trail are suitable for children, but electric bikes and scooters create safety concerns.

People are saying

"I loved walking the smooth, well-maintained trail at this park."

"It's great for kids, especially with that multi-story jungle gym."

"It's dog friendly with a great dog park."

Good to know

1

Once a month on Friday nights, the Chicago Astronomy Club shares telescopes with visitors.

2

The trail is great for walking, biking, or jogging with friends and family.

3

Parking is easy near the trail access points.

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Bucktown, Chicago

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