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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Near South Side

Kid-friendly spots

Made for those who refuse to leave their children behind when they head out for the day.

Based on 739 Opinions
+736
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Updated May 2026
01
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Gymnastics center

Gymnastics center offers a colorful environment with structured classes and free play that build strength and confidence in kids. Warm staff create a welcoming atmosphere where children enjoy social growth and physical skills.

Structured classes blend with free play, letting kids practice skills and choose activities. Children gain strength, confidence, and body awareness while enjoying social and developmental progress.

People are saying

"It's so kid friendly; the staff handles everything smoothly and makes it stress-free."

"This gym is amazing for hosting stress-free birthday parties."

"It's great for your child's social and physical development."

Good to know

1

The gym is great for toddlers with engaging activities and a safe environment.

2

Birthday parties can be organized with a party planner for a seamless experience.

3

Expect a warm and fun atmosphere that encourages children's engagement.

02
Webster (Daniel) Park image 1

Green open space offers a quiet atmosphere where kids run freely and dogs roam. Families gather to relax in a calm, natural setting that feels like a small urban oasis. Kids enjoy the freedom and safety of the open space perfect for play.

Open space invites kids to run freely. Quiet atmosphere suits both kids and dogs well. Families find it a good spot to relax.

Good to know

1

The park has a playground area suitable for children of all ages.

2

Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash at all times.

3

Restrooms are available on-site for visitor convenience.

03
Shedd Aquarium Store image 1

Enormous aquariums showcase incredible marine life that captivate all ages. Interactive displays and petting sting rays offer hands-on fun for kids. Lively crowds create an energetic vibe, while the gift shop features kid-focused items for young visitors.

Interactive displays and hands-on experiences like petting sting rays engage kids directly. The store offers marine books and kid-focused items, making it a fun and educational spot for children.

People are saying

"It's so Kid Friendly, you'll feel like you're in a Caribbean reef."

Good to know

1

Ticket prices are not cheap, but the experience is worth it.

2

The aquarium offers free admission days for city residents.

3

Expect large crowds, especially during weekends and holidays.

04
Saraya Salon image 1
Hair salon

Salon offers a calm atmosphere with friendly stylists who provide professional hair care. Kids get kind treatment and quick cuts or braids. Clients enjoy a relaxing experience with thoughtful touches like offered beverages.

Staff treat kids with kindness and accommodation. Hair services include braiding and quick cuts for children.

People are saying

"Jeneen gave me the perfect blowout with amazing volume."

"They were great with my kids and nailed the haircut."

"I felt welcomed and comfortable from the moment I walked in."

Good to know

1

The salon offers a happy hour discount.

2

Free clean-ups are available between cuts.

3

Expect a wait if the previous client takes longer than scheduled.

05
Sweeney Taud image 1
Barber shop

Modern space with large windows offers a classy, relaxed vibe with an indoor cafรฉ and pond. Stylists like Mia and Brandon provide patient care for kids, including those on the spectrum. Staff handle diverse hair types, blending grooming with a spa-like experience.

Haircuts for kids include careful attention from stylists like Mia and Brandon. Comfort matters, especially for children on the spectrum who may resist frequent cuts, so trust and patience are key.

People are saying

"This barbershop's atmosphere is welcoming, refined, and exudes excellence."

"The atmosphere here is so classy and refined."

"It's so Kid Friendly; my son truly enjoyed his haircut experience."

Good to know

1

The salon offers a variety of services for all hair types, including cuts and grooming.

2

Expect to pay around $75 for a standard haircut.

3

Warren, the owner, is known for cutting hair for both celebrities and everyday clients.

06
Haidilao HotPot Chicago Inc image 1

Enjoy robot food delivery and lively performances in a modern interior with city views. Kids love the toy aprons and secret menu treats, while the friendly staff keep them laughing. Cooking your own food adds to the fun and interactive vibe.

Kids get toys and cute aprons with their meals. Staff offer secret dishes from the children's menu and interact warmly by kneeling down and making kids laugh. A food delivery machine called "kitty" entertains children during the meal.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here is amazing and always fresh."

"The hot pot experience was so fun and delicious."

"The staff here are so attentive and thoughtful, it's really kid friendly."

Good to know

1

Birthday celebrations include a song and a gift for the guest.

2

Performances of Sichuan Opera face-changing occur during dinner at specific times.

3

The all-you-can-eat option is available after 8 PM for meat lovers.

07
Cosmic Cafe image 1

Cafe shines with breathtaking skyline views and a vegetarian-friendly menu. Kids enjoy the planetarium fun and meals with pizza and cookie, though pizza quality varies. Prices for kids meals are steep, totaling over $60 for three.

The planetarium offers a fun experience for kids. Kids meals come with a personal pizza, side, and cookie but the pizza quality varies. Prices for three kids meals total over $60.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the amazing view of the city skyline."

"The hot sandwich was tasty and juicy."

"The kid-friendly meals here include a personal pizza, side, and cookie."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for busy times, especially on weekends.

2

Expect to pay around $12.50 for pizza and $60 for three kids meals.

3

The cafe offers a good selection of vegetarian-friendly options.

08
Casa Tulum image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican spot shines with live DJ and fire show for a lively vibe. Kids love the tacos and flautas from the menu, while staff handle families with ease. Two bars with TVs keep energy high, making it great for both fun and family.

An atmosphere suits both date night and families with kids. Staff stay very accommodating to large groups with children. Kids enjoy tacos and flautas from the kids menu.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and perfectly seasoned."

"The service here for Date Spots is attentive and above and beyond."

"It's really kid friendly, they had great options for my daughter."

Good to know

1

Happy hour starts at 3 PM.

2

Ask for the $10 margaritas special on Mondays and Tuesdays.

3

Street parking is easy to find and free on Sundays.

09
Northerly Island Park image 1

City park blends serene atmosphere with interactive learning at the aquarium and planetarium. Kids enjoy the grassy play area and beach for rock collecting. Open-air concerts add lively fun amid magnificent skyline views.

Aquarium and planetarium offer interactive learning for kids. A grassy play area and a beach spot for rock collecting and splashing keep children active and entertained.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the gorgeous view of the Chicago skyline from the park."

"It's surprisingly quiet and peaceful, even close to everything."

"It's so Kid Friendly, with a grassy area for children to run and play."

Good to know

1

Parking at the planetarium costs $42, or you can walk a half mile to the park.

2

Fireworks can be seen from the park on Wednesday and Saturday nights.

3

The park hosts a summer concert series with various exciting events.

10
12th Street Beach image 1
Public beach

Large beach with crystal clear water and clean sand offers a quiet, chill atmosphere perfect for families. Kids enjoy a nature reserve nearby and safe play areas with no glass allowed. Lifeguards and snack kiosks add convenience while natural shade keeps it cool.

12th Street Beach offers a family-friendly environment with many amenities for kids and a kids' nature reserve nearby. Glass containers are prohibited on the beach, adding a layer of safety for children.

People are saying

"I found the beach to be an awesome place to relax."

"I found this hidden beach to be a cool, secluded spot."

"It's a great spot with lots of stuff for kids."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $20 for the full day in the lot nearest the beach.

2

Lifeguards mark the swimming limit for safety.

3

The beach is family friendly and has public restrooms.

11
Coliseum Park image 1
City park

Lush green spaces with well-maintained paths invite fitness and relaxation. A safe toddler playground makes it great for kids. Urban location offers scenic views but can get busy at peak times.

Playground suits toddlers well with safe equipment and plenty of space. The area welcomes both kids and dogs, making it a friendly spot for families.

People are saying

"The playground here is really kid friendly for toddlers."

Good to know

1

The park can get busy during peak times.

2

Coliseum Park is ideal for balancing fitness and relaxation.

3

The playground is suitable for young children.

12
Sumi Sushi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small space with calm atmosphere suits families well. All-you-can-eat keeps kids happy and engaged. Servers are friendly to children. Sushi features fresh fish and standout rolls like Hedgehog and lobster.

All you can eat options keep kids engaged and satisfied. Servers interact well with children, creating a welcoming atmosphere for families.

People are saying

"The all-you-can-eat sushi here is a great value."

"The all-you-can-eat dinner here is made to order and worth it."

"My kids and I had a great time here; it's so Kid Friendly!"

Good to know

1

They offer an all-you-can-eat lunch special at a great price.

2

The all-you-can-eat option costs $30.

3

An 18% mandatory tip is added to your bill.

13
Signature Steak image 1
Restaurant

Upscale sports bar buzzes with large screen TVs and lively crowds. Kids enjoy chicken tenders and fries, though shrimp pasta may need adjusting. Dim lounge offers a private vibe with great music and signature cocktails.

Chicken tenders and fries stand out as a kid-friendly meal option. Shrimp pasta for kids can be heavily seasoned, sometimes requiring adjustment to suit young tastes.

People are saying

"The food and drinks here are thoughtful, indulgent, and expertly executed."

"The cocktails here are delicious and perfectly balanced."

"The chicken tenders and fries are the best meal for kids."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

2

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-6pm on weekdays.

3

Expect small portion sizes relative to the price.

14
McCormick Place image 1
Convention center

Enormous convention center offers spacious exhibition halls with stunning lake views. Kid-friendly events feature interactive displays where children explore and learn. Easy navigation through escalators and sky bridges keeps the experience smooth for all ages.

Events include kid-friendly activities and displays that keep children engaged. Kids enjoy sitting in cars and exploring, making it a fun learning experience for all ages.

People are saying

"I found the parking here easy and safe."

"I was surprised how clean the bathrooms stayed."

"It's so kid friendly with fun events for all ages."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $27 per car at McCormick Place.

2

Expect long wait times for parking, especially after events.

3

The Metra stop is conveniently located inside McCormick Place.

15
Southern Chicago image 1

Elegant space offers beautiful dรฉcor and a warm atmosphere with great music. Staff treat children with special needs respectfully and support family celebrations. Guests enjoy thoughtfully crafted cocktails and high-quality Southern dishes.

Staff treat children with special needs respectfully and as individuals. The environment supports family celebrations involving kids.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and thoughtfully prepared."

"The desserts here are phenomenal, sealing the deal for me."

"The service here is top-notch and everyone is so attentive."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great prices on food and drinks.

2

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

3

Valet parking is available for guests.

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Near South Side, Chicago

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