Best Family Hotels in Chicago
The Best Family Hotels in Chicago: Where to Stay with Kids
We’ve been to Chicago a handful of times, both with and without kids. It’s a fun city to visit and there’s plenty to do there — world-class museums, parks, and plenty of kid-friendly attractions. But where you stay can make a big difference in how smooth and enjoyable your trip is. Safety is an important factor when choosing a hotel for a family trip, and families want to feel safe and comfortable throughout their stay.
Luckily, many hotels offer amenities for both children and adults, ensuring everyone in the family is taken care of. Family-friendly hotels bring thoughtful touches and services to make all guests happy, from play areas for kids to relaxing spaces for adults.
Here’s a roundup of some of the best family hotels in Chicago, packed with amenities that make traveling with kids easier and more fun! Many hotels are conveniently located near the airport, making arrival and departure easy for families traveling from out of town. Families often look for hotels that offer babysitting services, which can bring peace of mind for adults wanting a night out. Clean rooms and happy, helpful staff can make a big difference in your stay, so cleanliness and friendly service are key. It’s also easy to check room availability and book directly on hotel websites for the best rates and perks.
Tips for Choosing Where to Stay
Anytime I visit a big city, I love staying within walking distance to some of the main attractions and food places. It makes it a lot easier–especially when traveling with our family of 5, where an Uber is going to get pricey. Price is a significant factor for families when booking accommodations in Chicago, so finding a good value is important.
If you’re traveling with a family of 5, you’ll also want to consider the size of the hotel rooms to ensure everyone is comfortable and has enough space.
Introduction to Chicago Hotels
Chicago is a vibrant city that truly has something for everyone, especially families looking for a memorable getaway. When it comes to accommodations, Chicago hotels offer a fantastic range of options designed to make your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Whether you’re seeking a luxurious suite with sweeping city views or a budget-friendly spot close to the action, you’ll find plenty of choices that cater to the entire family.
Many Chicago hotels are located just steps from top attractions like Navy Pier, Millennium Park, and the city’s world-class museums, giving families easy access to all the great things to see and do. With so many hotels conveniently located throughout the city, it’s easy to choose a spot that fits your family’s needs—whether you want to be close to the river, near the best restaurants, or within walking distance of iconic sites. No matter your budget or preferences, you’ll find that Chicago hotels are designed with families in mind, making your stay in the Windy City both comfortable and memorable.
1. Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile
Why it’s great for families:
- Spacious two-room suites, perfect for families needing extra space
- Complimentary made-to-order breakfast (a lifesaver with kids!)
- Indoor pool for winding down after a busy day
- Evening reception with snacks and drinks
Nearby Attractions:
- Navy Pier (10-minute walk)
- Millennium Park (15-minute walk)
- The Magnificent Mile for shopping
2. Loews Chicago Hotel – One of the best luxurious family hotels in Chicago
Why it’s great for families:
- Family-friendly perks like cribs, baby bath amenities, and activity books
- A heated indoor pool
- Kids under 10 eat free at the on-site restaurant with a paying adult
- Free Wi-Fi and in-room entertainment options
Upon arrival, families are greeted with thoughtful touches and can ask about the ‘Loews Little Legends’ program, which includes kid-friendly activities. The welcoming lobby is a great spot for families to relax or enjoy complimentary amenities. If you forgot any essentials, the attentive staff is ready to help retrieve or provide what you need. And the hotel offers luggage storage, so you can leave your bags before check-in or after check-out for added convenience. Guests can also purchase optional amenities or upgrades to enhance their stay.
Nearby Attractions:
- Navy Pier (5-minute walk)
- Chicago Children’s Museum
- Maggie Daley Park, perfect for kids to run around — and there’s an awesome play structure there.
3. Four Seasons Hotel Chicago
Why it’s great for families:
- Incredible kids’ welcome amenities, including stuffed animals and coloring books
- Upon arrival, children receive Sammy’s Adventure Passport, a fun scavenger hunt that makes the first moments of their stay extra special
- Kids’ Room located on a dedicated floor, filled with arcade games and engaging activities for children
- Complimentary in-room movies and popcorn
- On-demand childproofing for rooms
- Ice cream delivery service (yes, really!)
Nearby Attractions:
- The Museum of Contemporary Art (2-minute walk)
- Lakefront Trail and Oak Street Beach
- 360 Chicago Observation Deck
4. The Peninsula Chicago
Why it’s one of the best family hotels in Chicago:
- Family-friendly suites with extra space and kid-focused room service
- A rooftop pool with stunning city views
- Complimentary “Camp Peninsula” setup for kids with a tent and s’mores
- Babysitting services are available and are fully vetted and safe for families, giving parents peace of mind if they want a night out
- 24-hour room service and a large Olympic-sized indoor pool
- Seasonal ice skating on property
- Complimentary coffee is available in the lobby or in-room for parents to enjoy
- Hotel staff can load your room with family-friendly amenities like snacks, toys, or cribs upon request
- Families can purchase special packages or amenities to enhance their stay
Nearby Attractions:
- Millennium Park and Cloud Gate (“The Bean”)
- Chicago Riverwalk
- Lincoln Park Zoo (short drive)
5. Swissotel Chicago – One of the best family hotels in Chicago on the river
Why it’s great for families:
- Unique Kids’ Suites with fun themes, toys, games, and books, plus tailored bedding for young guests. The hotel can load the room with additional amenities like snacks or toys upon request to make your stay extra special.
- Amenities and services are designed for both children and adults, ensuring everyone in the family is comfortable and entertained.
- Great views of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan
- Spacious rooms with separate seating areas
- On-site dining with kid-friendly options
Nearby Attractions:
- Maggie Daley Park (just a few minutes away)
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- The Shedd Aquarium
6. Marriott Marquis Chicago
Why it’s great for families:
- Spacious rooms and suites with city views, especially from higher floors
- Every room includes a full kitchenette (stove, microwave, dishwasher) and complimentary breakfast, making it easy for families to prepare meals
- On-site dining with kid-friendly options
- Guests can purchase optional amenities or upgrades to enhance their stay
- Close to McCormick Place and other attractions
- Fitness center and free Wi-Fi
Nearby Attractions:
- Soldier Field (great for sports fans!)
- Museum Campus (Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, Adler Planetarium)
- Grant Park
7. Hyatt Regency Chicago
Why it’s one of the best family hotels in Chicago:
- Large, modern rooms with stunning city views
- Family-friendly dining options on-site
- Convenient location in town, making it easy to access top attractions
- Cribs and high chairs available upon request
- Nice ambiance and friendly staff create a welcoming atmosphere
- Guests often leave happy thanks to attentive service and family-friendly features
- Many families who have traveled to Chicago recommend this hotel for its convenience and amenities
- Enjoy taking a dip in the pool or taking advantage of the family-friendly amenities
Nearby Attractions:
- Millennium Park and Cloud Gate
- Chicago Riverwalk – Convenient for the famous Chicago Architectural Tours
- Navy Pier
Kid Friendly Amenities
One of the best things about staying in Chicago hotels is the wide variety of kid friendly amenities designed to make your family’s stay extra special. From the moment you check in, you’ll notice thoughtful touches that cater to children of all ages. Many hotels offer fun perks like game rooms, kids’ clubs, and even on-site playgrounds, so your kids can have a blast without ever leaving the property. For families traveling with little ones, amenities such as cribs, high chairs, and even strollers are often available to make your stay more comfortable and stress-free.
Dining is a breeze, too—many Chicago hotels feature restaurants with special kids’ menus or room service options that make mealtime easy and enjoyable for the whole family. Some hotels even offer babysitting services, giving parents a chance to enjoy a night out in the city while knowing their children are in good hands.
Don’t forget to ask about special amenities at check in, as many hotels provide welcome treats, activity packs, or seasonal surprises to make your stay even more memorable. Whether you’re visiting in July, September, November, or any time of year, Chicago hotels go above and beyond to offer the perfect mix of fun, comfort, and convenience for families.
Final Thoughts
Chicago offers plenty of fantastic hotels that cater to families, whether you want extra space, free meals for kids, or a fun indoor pool. Many hotels offer luggage storage, so you can leave your bags before check-in or after check-out for added convenience. If you forgot any essentials, attentive hotel staff are ready to assist and make your stay stress-free. Guests can also purchase special amenities or packages to enhance their experience, from room upgrades to family activity bundles.
Keep in mind, the winter months in Chicago can be cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. That may not be ideal for family visits. However, Chicago’s holiday season features festive events and celebrations that families—including those with sons and daughters—can enjoy, especially in December. Staying near attractions like Millennium Park, Navy Pier, and the Museum Campus makes sightseeing with little ones much easier. No matter which hotel you choose, your family is sure to have an unforgettable time in the Windy City!
Looking for more travel ideas? Check out my popular posts:
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Jaime
Thanks for reading my post. My name is Jaime and I am a mom to three busy children. When we're not at the soccer and football fields, we try to get away as often as possible. I'm a teacher and my husband is a firefighter, so we mostly get away for long weekends or over the school breaks. I hope to inspire busy families to take time to recoup and relax while making memories on camping trips or cruise ships, or at the fancy resort pool--we love it all! Follow me on Instagram for real-time inspiration.
