Planning a family trip to the Windy City? Or maybe you’re a local looking for new, exciting dining experiences that cater to the whole crew? Finding the best restaurants for kids Chicago has to offer can sometimes feel like a quest, especially when you’re balancing delicious food for adults with fun, engaging, and kid-friendly options. We get it – happy kids make for a happy mealtime, and a happy mealtime makes for a great family memory!
Chicago is bursting with incredible culinary options, and thankfully, many establishments go above and beyond to welcome little diners. From themed eateries to places with fantastic kids’ menus and entertainment, there’s no shortage of spots where your family can enjoy a fantastic meal without the stress.
To help you on your delicious journey, we’ve rounded up some top considerations for kid-friendly dining in Chicago. Plus, we’ve found some unique products that can enhance your family’s Chicago adventure, whether it’s for meal prep, entertainment on the go, or trip planning! Let’s dig in and discover the best restaurants for kids Chicago has to explore, alongside some clever aids for your family’s culinary and travel needs.
1. The Best of Secret Restaurant Recipes
Ever wondered how your favorite kid-friendly restaurant dishes are made? This fantastic cookbook lets you peek behind the curtain and recreate those beloved flavors right in your own kitchen! While it’s not a restaurant itself, it’s a brilliant resource for parents who want to bring some of that restaurant magic home, or even get inspiration for picky eaters before heading out to try the actual best restaurants for kids Chicago is known for. Imagine perfecting that famous mac ‘n’ cheese or a popular chicken tender recipe – it’s all about making mealtime an adventure, even when you’re not dining out.
- Key Features:
- Extensive collection of copycat recipes from popular eateries
- Easy-to-follow instructions for home cooks
- Tips and tricks for achieving restaurant-quality results
- Variety of dishes, from appetizers to desserts
- Pros:
- Saves money on dining out
- Great for expanding your family’s culinary repertoire
- Offers ideas for satisfying diverse palates
- Fun activity for cooking together
- Cons:
- Requires effort and time to prepare meals
- Recipes may not be exact replicas
- Some ingredients might be hard to source
- User Impressions: Families love the challenge and reward of recreating restaurant classics at home. Many mention how much their kids enjoy the familiar tastes, and it’s a great way to bond over cooking. It often inspires them to seek out new restaurants to try and then attempt to replicate those experiences.
- See it on Amazon here
2. Keto Restaurant Favorites: More than 175 Tasty Classic…
For families with specific dietary needs, like those following a ketogenic lifestyle, finding suitable options at the best restaurants for kids Chicago can be a real challenge. This cookbook acts as a fantastic guide, not just for cooking at home, but also for understanding how classic dishes can be adapted. It provides over 175 tasty recipes that help you prepare keto-friendly versions of restaurant favorites, giving you confidence when dining out or inspiring you to pack delicious, compliant meals for your Chicago adventures.
- Key Features:
- Over 175 keto-friendly recipes for classic restaurant dishes
- Focus on whole, natural ingredients
- Nutritional information provided for each recipe
- Strategies for adapting traditional meals to keto
- Pros:
- Empowers those with dietary restrictions
- Offers a wide variety of meal ideas
- Supports a healthy lifestyle
- Can inspire creative ordering at restaurants
- Cons:
- Requires careful meal planning
- Ingredients might be specific or specialized
- Not all family members may follow a keto diet
- User Impressions: Reviewers frequently praise this book for making a keto diet more accessible and enjoyable, especially when missing restaurant staples. Parents appreciate the ideas for packed lunches and dinners that keep their kids happy and healthy while maintaining their dietary goals, even when they plan to visit the best restaurants for kids Chicago has to offer that might not be explicitly keto-friendly.
- See it on Amazon here
3. CHICAGO CHRISTMAS TRAVEL GUIDE (full-Colour 2024-2025): The…
Planning a magical winter visit to Chicago with your family? This full-colour Christmas travel guide is an absolute must-have! It’s packed with information to help you navigate the city’s festive attractions, events, and, of course, discover the most enchanting and best restaurants for kids Chicago offers during the holiday season. From where to see the best lights to finding cozy spots for hot cocoa and a meal, this guide ensures your family’s holiday trip is unforgettable.
- Key Features:
- Comprehensive guide to Chicago’s Christmas attractions and events
- Full-colour photos and detailed maps
- Recommendations for family-friendly activities
- Tips for navigating the city during the holiday rush
- Pros:
- Excellent for planning a festive family trip
- Helps discover hidden holiday gems
- Provides practical advice for travel with kids
- Inspires a sense of wonder and excitement
- Cons:
- Only relevant for Christmas travel
- Information might need cross-referencing for the absolute latest updates
- Can be overwhelming with too many options
- User Impressions: Families adore this guide for its vibrant visuals and detailed suggestions, especially regarding holiday dining. Many mention it helped them pinpoint fantastic, festive eateries that doubled as memorable experiences for their children, proving invaluable for finding the best restaurants for kids Chicago provides during the most wonderful time of the year.
- See it on Amazon here
4. [250 Sheets] 12×12″ Deli Paper Sheets, Dinosaur Dry Waxed…
![[250 Sheets] 12x12](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51qKK-ULTVL._SL500_.jpg)
Who says food packaging can’t be fun? These dinosaur-themed deli paper sheets are a brilliant, playful addition to any family meal, whether you’re packing snacks for a day out exploring Chicago or wrapping up delicious leftovers from one of the best restaurants for kids Chicago has to offer. They’re not just cute; they’re also super practical, keeping food fresh and preventing grease from seeping through. Imagine wrapping your kid’s sandwich for a picnic at Lincoln Park Zoo or a burger from a fantastic diner in these – pure delight!
- Key Features:
- Premium Quality: Made of wood pulp and edible ink, food-grade, and microwave safe.
- Grease-Proof & Waterproof: Prevents oil/liquid from seeping through, keeps food fresh.
- Value Pack & Perfect Size: 250 sheets, 12×12 inches, ideal for sandwiches, burgers, etc.
- Creative Design: Cute dinosaur patterns, suitable for kids’ parties or lunch wrapping.
- Multi-Purpose: Great for appetizers, snacks, hotdogs, hamburgers, fries, and more.
- Pros:
- Adds a fun, whimsical touch to meals
- Highly functional and practical for food storage
- Eco-friendly materials (wood pulp, edible ink)
- Generous quantity for long-term use
- Cons:
- Primarily for casual or packed meals, not fine dining
- Might not be necessary for every family
- Design might not appeal to older kids
- User Impressions: Parents absolutely love the fun design and practical utility of these sheets. They’re a hit for school lunches, picnics, and even for wrapping treats. Many note how the dinosaur pattern makes mealtime more exciting for their little ones, perfect for a themed snack before or after visiting a top kid-friendly restaurant in Chicago.
- See it on Amazon here
5. Oak Street Beach Chicago College Jersey Style Novelty…
Commemorate your amazing family trip to Chicago with this cool Oak Street Beach college-style jersey tee! While it won’t help you find the best restaurants for kids Chicago, it’s the perfect souvenir to remember all the fun you had exploring the city, perhaps after a delightful meal at a lakeside eatery. This comfortable and stylish tee captures the laid-back vibe of Chicago’s iconic beach, making it a great conversation starter and a lasting memory of your family’s Windy City adventures.
- Key Features:
- Original Beach DZignLine Tee featuring Oak Street Beach in Chicago
- Classic college-style graphic design
- Reminiscent of Summer Vacation or Spring Break in Chicago
- Perfect souvenir for Chicago travel enthusiasts
- Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem
- Pros:
- Great quality and comfortable fabric
- Unique and memorable souvenir
- Represents a famous Chicago landmark
- Versatile for casual wear
- Cons:
- Design might be too specific for some
- Primarily a novelty item, not a travel guide
- Sizing may vary, as with all apparel
- User Impressions: Customers love the comfortable fit and nostalgic design of this tee. It’s a popular choice for gifts and a way to proudly display their love for Chicago, often worn while recounting tales of their family’s memorable trips and favorite dining experiences.
- See it on Amazon here
6. Frommer’s EasyGuide to Chicago (Easy Guides)
For families eager to explore every corner of Chicago, Frommer’s EasyGuide is an indispensable companion. This guide offers concise yet comprehensive information, making it easy to plan your days, discover attractions, and, crucially, pinpoint the best restaurants for kids Chicago has to offer. Its user-friendly format ensures you spend less time planning and more time enjoying delicious meals and creating lasting memories with your children throughout the city.
- Key Features:
- Concise and easy-to-read travel guide
- Expert recommendations for attractions and activities
- Detailed neighborhood descriptions
- Practical tips on transportation and budgeting
- Pros:
- Excellent for first-time visitors or quick trips
- Helps streamline trip planning
- Offers reliable and up-to-date information
- Portable and convenient to carry
- Cons:
- Less in-depth than comprehensive guides
- May not cover every niche interest
- Some information can become outdated over time
- User Impressions: Travelers frequently praise Frommer’s EasyGuides for their straightforward approach and helpful recommendations. Many families found it particularly useful for quickly identifying kid-friendly attractions and dining spots, making their Chicago adventure much smoother and more enjoyable. It’s a go-to for finding reliable family restaurants in the city.
- See it on Amazon here
7. Paint by Sticker Kids: Christmas: Create 10 Pictures One…
Keeping little ones entertained, whether you’re waiting for food at one of the best restaurants for kids Chicago has, traveling on a train, or just enjoying some downtime at the hotel, is key to a smooth family trip. This delightful “Paint by Sticker Kids: Christmas” book is a fantastic solution! It encourages fine motor skills, concentration, and creativity, offering a quiet, engaging activity that’s perfect for keeping kids happily occupied during those moments when you need them most focused.
- Key Features:
- Book for creating 10 vibrant holiday images with colorful and glittery sticker shapes
- Encourages fine motor skills, concentration, creativity, holiday cheer
- Find the stickers in the back of the book that match the numbered shapes on each page
- Joyous works of art come to life one sticker at a time!
- Features glitter stickers that sparkle in the light
- Pros:
- Excellent for quiet entertainment
- Boosts cognitive and motor skills
- Mess-free activity for travel or dining
- Produces satisfying, colorful artwork
- Cons:
- Christmas theme is seasonal
- Might be too simple for older children
- Limited to 10 pictures
- User Impressions: Parents consistently rave about how engaging and effective these sticker books are for keeping kids entertained in various settings. It’s a lifesaver for long car rides, doctor’s appointments, and especially for keeping little hands busy and minds focused while waiting for food at family restaurants.
- See it on Amazon here
FAQ: Finding the Best Restaurants for Kids Chicago
Q1: What should I look for when choosing kid-friendly restaurants in Chicago?
A1: When searching for the best restaurants for kids Chicago offers, prioritize places with kids’ menus, high chairs, changing facilities, and a generally welcoming atmosphere. Noise levels can be a good indicator – sometimes a bustling, slightly louder spot is better than a very quiet, formal one! Look for places with quick service or activities to keep kids entertained.
Q2: Are there specific neighborhoods in Chicago known for family-friendly dining?
A2: Absolutely! Neighborhoods like Lincoln Park, Lakeview, and Andersonville often have a higher concentration of family-friendly eateries. Downtown and Magnificent Mile also have options, especially within larger hotels or near major attractions. Don’t overlook the vibrant restaurant scene around cultural institutions.
Q3: How can I handle picky eaters at Chicago restaurants?
A3: Many of the best restaurants for kids Chicago features have dedicated kids’ menus with classic, simple options like pasta, chicken tenders, or grilled cheese. If your child is very picky, check the menu online beforehand. You can also bring small, familiar snacks as a backup or order a simple side dish for them.
Q4: Do I need to make reservations at kid-friendly restaurants in Chicago?
A4: For popular spots, especially on weekends or during peak dinner hours, reservations are always a good idea. This helps avoid long waits with impatient kids. However, many casual kid-friendly eateries operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s best to call ahead or check their website.
Q5: What kind of entertainment or activities do kid-friendly Chicago restaurants offer?
A5: Some of the best restaurants for kids Chicago provides go beyond just a menu, offering crayons and coloring pages, puzzle mats, or even small play areas. Others might have themed decor or live entertainment on specific nights. Always check their website or reviews for details.
Q6: Are there healthy options for kids at Chicago restaurants?
A6: Yes, many modern kid-friendly restaurants are moving beyond just fried options. Look for places offering fruit, vegetable sides, grilled chicken, or whole-grain options. Don’t hesitate to ask if they can substitute fries for fruit or a salad.
Q7: Can I bring my own food for infants or toddlers to Chicago restaurants?
A7: Most restaurants are generally accommodating to parents bringing baby food or simple snacks for very young children. It’s always polite to ask your server, but typically this is not an issue, especially if you’re also ordering meals from the establishment.