The Museum Campus. The White Sox. Streets with numbers instead of names. This springs to mind when thinking about the South Loop. Well, we’ve got another highlight to add to the list: a goldmine of family attractions. This fast-growing nabe is full of hidden gems and original activities. Venture with your little ones south of Congress to these spots and see how the South Side does fun.
photo: courtesy of Chicago Park District
Chicago Women’s Park and Garden
Pack extra snacks and diapers; you’ll easily spend the whole day at this local favorite. Tucked away in the historic Prairie Avenue District, it flooks like an English garden with its manicured green space, fountain, sculptures and winding paths. Speaking of history, the Clarke House Museum, Chicago’s oldest house built in 1836, sits in a corner of the park. Tour the preserved home Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 1 p.m. or 2:30 p.m., or let your kids romp in the pint-sized playhouse outside.
1801 S. Indiana Ave.
312-328-0821
Online: chicagoparkdistrict.com
photo: Kids Science Labs by Tiia Norsym Photography
Kids Science Labs
Looking for intellectual STEM-ulation? Register your science and tech-lover for a free trial class at Kids Science Labs. Classes fill up fast, as they should, since kids get to do awesome things like take apart an iPhone or build a solar-powered light saber. Every class is designed to teach around Kid Science Labs’ six foundations: How stuff works, science fundamentals, planet Earth & green technology, creativity & design, physiology & food science and toddler science. Check out the sample class descriptions — like exploring the physics, biomechanics, and engineering of the amazing human body.
1801 S. Indiana Ave.
312-225-4747
Online: kslchicago.com
photo: courtesy of Sod Room
Sod Room
Sure, a neighborhood can claim to be family friendly, but we all know it’s only legit if a play café is close by. Sod Room delivers above and beyond, transforming an industrial loft space into a sun-drenched play area full of ecofriendly toys and responsibly crafted materials. Designed by local artist Jennifer Talbot, Sod Room has magazine-worthy whimsy. Sip complimentary coffee or tea and browse the boutique of adorable eco-friendly gifts; or register for classes that frequently grace the calendar, like breastfeeding clinics, Spanish or Chinese classes, and baby sign language sessions. Check the calendar for special events, too, since a free Mom’s Night Out will pop up here and there.
1454 S. Michigan Ave., 2nd Fl.
312-922-3131
Online: sodroom.com
Admission: $6/0-6 months, $12/child, $8/siblings
photo: Bongo Room via Lu H on Yelp
Bongo Room
Chocolate tower French toast for them; banana tiramisu pancakes for you. What’s not to love? Indulge everyone’s inner foodie here, where original brunch dishes have a cult following. The menu doesn’t show any kid-specific dishes, but your sidekick will want whatever’s on your plate, anyway. Make it a special destination before or after a trip to the Museum Campus, but go on a weekday, since the no-reservation policy makes weekend waits a challenge with kids in tow.
1152 S. Wabash St.
312-291-0100
Online: thebongoroom.com
photo: courtesy of Sherwood Community Music School
Sherwood Community Music School
Now when you brag that Junior is a genius, you can back up your claims by telling friends he goes to college. Okay, technically it’s a music class at Columbia College’s Sherwood community music school, but why fuss over details? The littlest music lovers and their parents attend “music together” classes, and budding prodigies as young as three can receive Suzuki training in cello, violin or piano. Tons of classes for older kids include guitar, voice and more to grow a lifelong love for music.
1312 S. Michigan Ave.
312-369-3100
Online: colum.edu/sherwood
photo: Glessner House Museum’s Facebook page
Glessner House Museum
The Glessner House is one of few remaining 19th century mansions on the street where Marshall Field and other Chicago magnates lived, so it’s safe to say it’s bubbling over with rich history. Check the events page for year-round ticketed events like candlelight Christmas tours, not-so-scary Halloween parties, walking tours galore and Mother’s Day tea in the same dining room where Dvorak and Rachmaninoff dined as guests. Tours of the house are offered Wednesday-Sunday at 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. and last approximately 75 minutes.
1800 S. Prairie Ave.
312-326-1480
Online: glessnerhouse.org
Tours are $15/adults; $8/children 5-12; free for ages 5 & under & every Wednesday is free
photo: courtesy of City of Chicago
Museum Campus: Shedd Aquarium, The Field Museum, Adler Planetarium
Naturally, the museum trifecta is a must-visit. Remember to check out a museum passport from a Chicago public library for free admission for four or purchase a CityPass to take a whirlwind tour of Chicago’s most popular attractions. But there are plenty of reasons to visit the area without stepping foot into a museum: the rolling hills behind the Shedd are perfect for picnicking and viewing Navy Pier fireworks. 12th Street Beach, right next to Adler, is a full day of lollygagging just waiting to happen. And when winter returns, families flock to the 220-foot-long sledding hill outside Soldier Field.
Located at Lake Shore Drive & McFetridge Parkway
Shedd Aquarium: sheddaquarium.org
Field Museum: fieldmuseum.org
Adler Planetarium: adlerplanetarium.org
photo: Harold Washington Library via B.L. on Yelp
Harold Washington Library
Duck into this literary oasis to escape the hustle and bustle of the Loop. The 2nd floor children’s area is separate from the rest of the library, so rest easy while letting your little one explore. The Chicago Public Library website makes it easy to check for events, classes and story times. Don’t miss the Winter Garden on the ninth floor; its gorgeous glass ceilings and windows are a sight to behold.
400 S. State St.
312-747-4300
Online: chipublib.org
Admission is free
What is your favorite thing to do in the South Loop? Let us know in the Comments!
— Maria Chambers & Selena Kohng
