Fun Fall Things to Do in Chicago With Kids
Fall in Chicago… brisk lake walks, sweater weather, and a hunger for fun things to do before winter settles in. Families searching for fall plans and lots of joy, look no further. We have the best list of things to do (we’re on it, of course).
Sloomoo Institute Chicago
Sloomoo Institute Chicago is the perfect solution for screen-free connections, making memories that stick, and nonstop laughter. Located at 820 N Orleans St in River North. Sloomoo’s work is all about hands-on exploration.
Science fact: hands-on play builds new neural pathways. So it’s good for your brain. For adults who think slime is just for kids, we are here to tell you it’s not. Our co-founders found joy in slime during hard times in their lives and built Sloomoo to spread joy.
“It’s incredibly stress relieving. It helped me through my own depression. My mission is for others to realize that unleashing the child within is healing and healthy,” says one of our founders, Karen.
It’s also more than just slime. There is a scent and sound journey, immersive video, #satisfying sand, and more. Plus, Sloomoo offers sensory-friendly hours for families who need a calmer environment, along with options for birthday parties, private events, and field trips for school groups.
Guests leaves with with a custom slime they designed.
“It’s all built around activating the world versus passively standing there to take a photo,” says Sara, Co-Founder.
See current hours for Sloomoo Institute Chicago and book ahead of a weekend visit.
Chicago Riverwalk
Fall in Chicago is gorgeous. Leaves are changing color. The air is crisp. The best excuse for a walk. Sloomoo’s favorite one is along the river, which runs through the Loop. There are lots of benches for pit stops and open space to really explore.
It works well as a short outing on its own or when paired with a Navy Pier visit. Pro tip: Bring a stroller or scooter. The path stays flat and paved the whole way.
Pumpkin Patches
Sonny Acres Farm in Wayne and Kuiper's Family Farm in St. Charles are both festive brain breaks. Sonny Acres runs hayrides alongside its pumpkin patch, while Kuiper's adds apple picking to the mix (an excuse to make an apple pie after).
Navy Pier
Navy Pier stays open through the fall and the lines are always shorter than during the summer. The lake views are gorgeous and there are lots of ways to be inspired by the area. You can grab food, have a makeshift picnic, and connect.
Millennium Park
Millennium Park costs nothing to visit and covers a lot of ground for a short outing. Cloud Gate, better known as The Bean by artist Anish Kapoor, is an iconic photo moment and a playful way to experience sculpture. The architectural views are straight out of a magazine. And the Crown Fountain is a must see.
Maggie Daley Park
Maggie Daley Park sits just off Millennium Park and has climbing walls, slides, and a play garden, built for discovery. The skating ribbon opens in late fall. And it’s all free.
Chicago Botanic Garden
Chicago in the fall means color-changing trees and the wonders of nature. The Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe has that on full display across accessible, paved paths. Check their programming as they always have something on. It’s made for wandering and wonder.
Book a Visit to Sloomoo Chicago
Families ready to trade a passive afternoon for a DIY slime bar, a lake of slime to walk on, a giant slime slingshot, and more, check current hours and reserve a spot for indoor sensory play. Weekends fill up fast once the weather cools, so booking ahead helps avoid a wait at the door. Whether it's a first visit or a repeat trip before the holidays, Sloomoo joy is just a stretch away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best fall activities for kids in Chicago?
Free options include Lincoln Park Zoo, the Chicago Riverwalk, Millennium Park, and Maggie Daley Park. Paid picks include Navy Pier, the Chicago Botanic Garden, and nearby pumpkin patches. For a weatherproof indoor option, Sloomoo Institute Chicago offers hands-on sensory play in River North.
Is Sloomoo Institute Chicago good for a rainy day?
Yes. Sloomoo Institute Chicago runs entirely indoors, so weather doesn't affect a visit. Everyone gets hands-on time with a DIY slime bar and sensory play stations (aka slimescapes), no matter what's happening outside.
Do I need to book Sloomoo Chicago in advance during fall?
Booking ahead is recommended. Weekends fill up quickly once the weather cools, so reserving a spot on the Chicago location page helps avoid a wait at the door.
