Planning a family trip to the Windy City? Chicago is an absolute gem, packed with incredible sights, amazing museums, and a vibrant food scene that’s sure to get your taste buds tingling. But let’s be real: dining out with little ones can sometimes feel like a high-stakes adventure. You want delicious food, sure, but you also need a place that welcomes kids with open arms, offers kid-friendly menus, and ideally, keeps them entertained! Finding the best restaurants for kids in Chicago can make or break a family meal.
Fear not, fellow parents! We’re here to help you navigate Chicago’s culinary landscape to ensure happy tummies all around. While we can’t recommend specific restaurant names (because those change so often!), we’ve put together a list of fantastic resources – from travel guides to recipe inspirations – that can help you uncover those hidden gems and family favorites. These tools will arm you with the knowledge to find everything from the perfect deep-dish pizza joint to a casual spot with engaging activities for your little adventurers.
Why Chicago is Great for Family Dining
Chicago truly has something for everyone. It’s not just about iconic deep dish or gourmet dining; there’s a huge variety of casual eateries, vibrant food markets, and themed restaurants that are perfect for families. Many places understand the needs of children, offering high chairs, changing facilities, and even dedicated play areas. The trick is knowing where to look, and that’s where our curated list of helpful guides and inspirations comes in handy!
Top Tips for Dining Out with Kids
Before we dive into our resources, here are a few quick tips for a smoother family dining experience:
* Check menus online: Make sure there are options your kids will actually eat.
* Look for early bird specials: Eating a bit earlier often means fewer crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere.
* Pack entertainment: Crayons, small toys, or even a tablet can be a lifesaver.
* Don’t forget snacks: A small snack before arriving can prevent meltdowns while waiting for food.
* Be flexible: Sometimes, the best meals are the unexpected ones!
Our Top Picks for Family-Friendly Fun (Resources to Help You Explore!)
Ready to discover the best restaurants for kids in Chicago (and beyond!)? These resources aren’t actual restaurants, but they’re invaluable tools that can guide your family’s culinary adventures or inspire your next meal, whether you’re in the city or just dreaming of it.
1. The Best of Secret Restaurant Recipes
Ever wondered how your favorite kid-friendly restaurant dishes are made? This fascinating book brings the magic of restaurant kitchens right into your home! While it won’t point you to a specific Chicago eatery, it can inspire you to understand the types of simple yet delicious meals that appeal to children, or even spark an idea for a fun, themed family dinner night at home before your big Chicago trip. It’s all about appreciating the craft behind those beloved family meals.
- Key Features:
- Collection of recipes from popular restaurants
- Step-by-step instructions for home cooking
- Tips for recreating restaurant-quality dishes
- Diverse range of meal types included
- Pros:
- Great for cooking enthusiasts and home chefs
- Offers inspiration for family-friendly meals
- Can save money by cooking favorites at home
- Fun way to engage kids in the cooking process
- Cons:
- Not a direct guide to Chicago restaurants
- Recipes can sometimes be complex for beginner cooks
- Requires effort and ingredients for preparation
- User Impressions: Readers love the thrill of recreating popular dishes, often finding the results surprisingly close to the originals. Many mention it’s a fun way to bring restaurant experiences home without the hassle of going out, making it perfect for family kitchen adventures.
- See it on Amazon here
2. Frommer’s EasyGuide to Chicago (Easy Guides)
This Frommer’s guide is a fantastic starting point for any family planning a visit to the Windy City. It’s designed to be user-friendly and packed with practical advice, making it easier to navigate Chicago. While it might not specifically list “restaurants for kids,” it’s sure to include sections on dining, neighborhoods, and attractions, which are crucial for finding those family-friendly spots. A good general guide is an essential tool for discovering local gems, including places with a welcoming vibe for children.
- Key Features:
- Easy-to-read format and intuitive layout
- Covers major attractions, hotels, and dining
- Includes maps and neighborhood descriptions
- Offers practical travel tips and budget advice
- Pros:
- Comprehensive overview of Chicago for first-time visitors
- Helps in planning itineraries efficiently
- Reliable information from a trusted travel brand
- Lightweight and easy to carry while exploring
- Cons:
- May not focus exclusively on kid-centric dining
- Information can become outdated quickly (check edition year)
- Less in-depth for niche interests
- User Impressions: Travelers praise its straightforward approach and practical tips. They appreciate the curated recommendations and how it simplifies trip planning, making it a go-to for navigating Chicago’s diverse offerings efficiently.
- See it on Amazon here
3. Not For Tourists Guide to Chicago 2021
Looking for a guide that goes beyond the usual tourist traps? The Not For Tourists Guide offers an insider’s perspective on Chicago, focusing on local favorites and neighborhood specifics. While its 2021 edition means some restaurant details might be a little dated, its strength lies in its deep dive into different areas, providing maps and insights that can help you identify neighborhoods rich with family-friendly dining options. It’s perfect for families who want to experience Chicago like a local.
- Key Features:
- Detailed neighborhood maps and local insights
- Focuses on local businesses and hidden gems
- Includes public transportation information
- Comprehensive listings for various services and attractions
- Pros:
- Excellent for exploring off-the-beaten-path locations
- Provides a local’s perspective on the city
- Helps in understanding the city’s layout intimately
- Great for finding unique, non-chain restaurant experiences
- Cons:
- As a 2021 edition, some information may be outdated
- Not specifically geared towards family or kid-friendly recommendations
- Can be overwhelming with too much detail for quick scans
- User Impressions: Users love its detailed maps and local feel, highlighting how it helps them discover places they wouldn’t find in standard guides. It’s especially popular among those seeking an authentic city experience rather than just tourist hotspots.
- See it on Amazon here
4. Rick Steves Best of England: With Edinburgh
Okay, so this one isn’t about Chicago! Rick Steves is a legend in European travel, and his “Best of England: With Edinburgh” guide is a testament to his expertise. While it won’t help you find a deep-dish pizza in Illinois, it serves as a wonderful reminder of the joy of family travel and culinary exploration in different cultures. It sparks the imagination for future family adventures abroad, showcasing how enriching food and travel can be when experienced together, whether in London or the Loop!
- Key Features:
- Expertly curated itineraries for England and Edinburgh
- Focuses on cultural immersion and practical advice
- Includes historical context and walking tours
- Tips on lodging, dining, and transportation in Europe
- Pros:
- Incredibly detailed and well-researched information
- Known for accurate and valuable recommendations
- Inspires a deeper appreciation for European history and culture
- Excellent for planning a future family trip across the pond
- Cons:
- Absolutely no relevance to finding restaurants in Chicago
- Specific to European travel, not domestic U.S.
- Requires an interest in international travel
- User Impressions: Devoted fans praise Rick Steves for his insightful perspectives and practical, budget-friendly advice. They often comment on how his guides make European travel feel accessible and deeply enriching, making it a staple for their international journeys.
- See it on Amazon here
5. Frommer’s Chicago day by day (Day by Day Guides)
This Frommer’s “Day by Day” guide is ideal for families who like structured itineraries but also want flexibility. It breaks down Chicago into manageable daily plans, suggesting attractions, walks, and dining options that fit a particular theme or area. This approach can be incredibly helpful for busy parents, as it helps you map out your day efficiently, making it easier to pinpoint nearby places that could be the best restaurants for kids in Chicago within your daily sightseeing. It simplifies planning and maximizes your family’s time.
- Key Features:
- Pre-planned itineraries for 1-5 day trips
- Highlighting must-see attractions and experiences
- Includes walking tours and neighborhood guides
- Practical advice for getting around the city
- Pros:
- Excellent for first-time visitors wanting structure
- Helps maximize sightseeing within a limited time
- Offers a good balance of popular spots and local finds
- Makes meal planning within an itinerary much easier
- Cons:
- May feel too rigid for spontaneous travelers
- Restaurant recommendations, while present, aren’t specifically kid-focused
- Less in-depth information than a full guide
- User Impressions: Reviewers appreciate the convenience of pre-made itineraries, noting how much stress it takes out of planning. They find it particularly useful for short trips, helping them hit all the major highlights without feeling rushed.
- See it on Amazon here
6. Frommer’s 30 Great Drives in Great Britain (Best Loved…)
Similar to the Rick Steves guide, this Frommer’s book takes us across the Atlantic. “30 Great Drives in Great Britain” is all about scenic road trips and exploring charming locales. While obviously not a direct resource for Chicago dining, it beautifully illustrates the concept of adventure and discovering local eateries along the way. It encourages a mindset of exploration and finding delicious local food wherever your travels take you, a sentiment that absolutely applies to seeking out great family restaurants in Chicago!
- Key Features:
- Detailed itineraries for scenic drives across Great Britain
- Suggestions for attractions, lodging, and dining along each route
- Beautiful photography and engaging descriptions
- Maps for easy navigation during road trips
- Pros:
- Inspiring for road trip enthusiasts and European travel dreamers
- Highlights picturesque landscapes and charming towns
- Encourages cultural immersion outside of major cities
- Great for planning a very different kind of family adventure
- Cons:
- Not relevant for finding restaurants in Chicago
- Focuses on automotive travel in a different country
- Requires a passion for road trips in Great Britain
- User Impressions: Road trip lovers absolutely adore this guide, praising its detailed routes and suggestions for quaint stops. Many have used it to plan unforgettable journeys through the British countryside, enjoying both the scenery and the local culinary finds.
- See it on Amazon here
7. Frommer’s 25 Great Drives in Northern Italy (Best Loved…)
Rounding out our list of travel inspirations is “Frommer’s 25 Great Drives in Northern Italy.” Again, we’re far from the Illinois flatlands, but think about it: Northern Italy is home to some of the world’s most incredible family-friendly cuisine – pasta, pizza, gelato! This guide, by inspiring exploration of a region renowned for its food, subtly reminds us that delicious, kid-approved dining is a highlight of any family vacation. It highlights that the spirit of culinary discovery is universal, whether it’s in the Italian Dolomites or enjoying a casual dinner in a vibrant Chicago neighborhood.
- Key Features:
- Curated driving routes through picturesque Northern Italy
- Recommendations for local attractions, food, and accommodation
- Stunning visuals and rich descriptive narratives
- Practical advice for driving and experiencing Italian culture
- Pros:
- Perfect for planning a dream Italian road trip
- Showcases the diverse beauty and cuisine of Northern Italy
- Encourages discovery of regional specialties
- Inspires an appreciation for global food experiences with family
- Cons:
- Offers no direct help for dining in Chicago
- Geographically specific to Italy
- Might make you hungry for Italian food you can’t get in Chicago!
- User Impressions: Reviewers rave about the stunning routes and excellent local recommendations, often highlighting how it helped them discover authentic Italian experiences and fantastic food that made their trips unforgettable. It’s a favorite for those seeking a romantic or adventurous Italian getaway.
- See it on Amazon here
Beyond the Guides: What to Look For
When you’re actively searching for the best restaurants for kids in Chicago, remember to look for these indicators:
* Online reviews: Check Google, Yelp, and TripAdvisor for mentions of kid-friendliness.
* Restaurant websites: Many will highlight family options or special events for kids.
* Word-of-mouth: Ask local parents or hotel staff for their top recommendations.
* Open and casual atmosphere: Places that aren’t too formal or quiet are generally more welcoming to children.
Conclusion
Finding the best restaurants for kids in Chicago might seem like a daunting task, but with the right resources and a little planning, it can be an enjoyable part of your family adventure. Whether you’re using a comprehensive travel guide to scout out neighborhoods, or simply getting inspired by global culinary explorations, the goal is to create memorable dining experiences that everyone, big and small, will love. So pack your bags, grab a guide, and get ready to taste all the deliciousness Chicago has to offer!
FAQ Section
Q1: What kind of food is generally kid-friendly in Chicago?
A1: Chicago is famous for its deep-dish pizza, which is almost universally loved by kids! Beyond that, hot dogs, burgers, pasta dishes, and casual American fare are widely available and usually a hit with the younger crowd. Many restaurants also offer dedicated kids’ menus with familiar favorites.
Q2: Are there restaurants in Chicago with play areas for kids?
A2: Yes, some family-focused restaurants and cafes in Chicago do offer small play areas or designated spaces with toys and games to keep kids entertained. Look for “family cafe” or “kid-friendly restaurant with play area” in your searches, or check their websites directly.
Q3: How can I find restaurants that cater to dietary restrictions for kids (e.g., gluten-free, allergies)?
A3: It’s always best to call the restaurant directly in advance to discuss dietary needs. Many Chicago establishments are accommodating, especially for common allergies. You can also use online filters on review sites to search for restaurants with specific dietary options.
Q4: Is it better to make reservations when dining with kids in Chicago?
A4: For popular restaurants or during peak dining hours (e.g., Friday/Saturday evenings), making a reservation is highly recommended, especially if you have a larger group or need a high chair. This helps avoid long waits and potential meltdowns!
Q5: Are there budget-friendly options for family dining in Chicago?
A5: Absolutely! Chicago has plenty of casual eateries like hot dog stands, pizza parlors, and diners that offer delicious meals without breaking the bank. Food halls and markets can also be great for variety and value, allowing everyone to pick what they want.
Q6: What’s the best time to dine out with young children in Chicago?
A6: Dining earlier in the evening (around 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM) is usually ideal. Restaurants are less crowded, service is often faster, and it aligns better with most children’s natural dinner times, leading to a more pleasant experience for everyone.
Q7: How do I find restaurants close to major Chicago attractions that are also kid-friendly?
A7: Use mapping apps and filter by “restaurants” and “kid-friendly” near the attraction you’re visiting. Travel guides (like the Frommer’s guides mentioned above) often list dining options by neighborhood, which can help you find suitable spots within walking distance of museums, parks, or other family attractions.