Kid friendly attractions near Willis Tower are not hard to find once Skydeck is done for the morning, and I would pick one additional stop rather than try to cram three into a single day with kids in tow. Here is how I would round out a family day: anchor the morning at Skydeck, then add one of the options below based on your kids’ ages and how much walking everyone has left in them.
If you have not yet nailed down the Skydeck visit itself, visiting Skydeck Chicago with kids is worth reading first for the logistics side of that half of the day.
Ready to see prices? Chicago CityPASS: Skydeck Plus 4 Top Attractions, from $144 See times Is Museum of Ice Cream a Good Fit After Skydeck?
Yes, especially for younger kids. It is a short, colorful, highly interactive stop that works well as an afternoon add-on since it does not require a huge time commitment. I would book it for kids who responded well to the hands-on exhibits at Skydeck, since the format is similar: walk-through, tactile, built for short attention spans rather than long dwell times.
How Much Time Should I Budget?
An hour or so covers most families comfortably. I would not plan it as a half-day stop; it works best as a quick, high-energy addition rather than the centerpiece of your afternoon.
Does Color Factory Work Well for a Family Day?
Color Factory follows a similar interactive, photo-friendly format and tends to suit a similar age range as Museum of Ice Cream. I would choose one or the other, not both, since they scratch a similar itch for kids and stacking them back to back risks diminishing returns rather than doubling the fun.
Which One Should I Pick If I Can Only Do One?
I do not have a strong universal answer here since it depends on your kids’ specific interests; both are colorful, interactive, short visits. I would let your kids’ past reactions to similar pop-up style attractions be the deciding factor rather than guessing.
How Do I Decide Which One Fits My Family’s Day?
I would match the choice to how much energy your kids have left after Skydeck and how much time you have in the day. A quick, colorful stop like Museum of Ice Cream or Color Factory suits a day that already has other plans; Navy Pier suits a day built around outdoor space and a slower pace. Do not try to fit all three in with young kids; pick the one that matches your actual schedule.
Should I Book Tickets for These in Advance?
I would check each attraction’s own booking page ahead of your trip, since timed entry and advance booking requirements vary by venue and season. Treat each as its own reservation rather than assuming walk-up entry will be available, especially during peak travel months.
Ready to see prices? Willis Tower Skydeck and The Ledge Ticket, from $47.10 See timesMy Honest Recommendation
Anchor your morning at Skydeck, then pick exactly one of these three based on your kids’ energy and your remaining time: Museum of Ice Cream or Color Factory for a quick, colorful afternoon stop, Navy Pier if you have a full afternoon or evening to give it. Do not try to stack all three with young kids along; that is the fastest way to turn a fun day into an exhausting one.
For the Skydeck side of your day, visiting Skydeck Chicago with kids and Skydeck with toddlers cover the logistics in detail, and is Skydeck wheelchair accessible is worth checking if mobility access matters for your group. For a broader list of what else to do downtown, things to do near Skydeck covers options beyond just the kid-focused ones here.
Attraction details here reflect general information as of this writing; confirm current hours and booking requirements directly with each venue, and with the official Skydeck site for your main ticket.
Want a closer look? Chicago CityPASS: Skydeck Plus 4 Top Attractions, from $144 See timesFrequently Asked Questions
What are the best kid-friendly attractions near Willis Tower? Museum of Ice Cream, Color Factory and Navy Pier are the most commonly paired options with a Skydeck visit.
Can I fit Skydeck and Navy Pier into the same day with kids? Yes, but I would treat it as a full day rather than a quick add-on, since Navy Pier is a bigger commitment across downtown.
Should I book Museum of Ice Cream and Color Factory on the same day? I would pick one rather than both; they offer a similar interactive format and stacking them risks diminishing returns with young kids.
Do these attractions require advance tickets? I would check each venue’s own booking page ahead of your trip rather than assume walk-up entry, especially during busy travel months.
Once your family’s afternoon plan is set, book your willis tower tickets for the morning slot that leaves the most daylight for whichever stop you pick next.
Short on time? Small Group Tour with Skydeck and River Cruise, from $189 See times