USA & Canada · Best Jun–Sep
Chicago packing list for families
Chicago weather depends on how close you are to the lake, and that can change your packing more than the season does. Here is how I pack for a family city trip with plenty of walking, museums, and time by the water.
Photo by Jeff Brown on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Chicago
- The lake makes its own weather. On a warm spring or summer day it can be 10 or more degrees cooler at Navy Pier than a few miles inland, so I pack a light jacket for anything near the water.
- Book an architecture river cruise early in the trip. Kids love floating under the bridges, and it gives everyone a map of the city in their heads before you start walking.
- Museum Campus is the easy win with kids: the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium sit side by side. Pick one per day and pair it with lakefront time so nobody burns out.
Best timeJun–Sep
PlugsUS plugs, no adapter needed
MoneyUS dollar
PassportNot for US citizens
Your packing edit
Chicago
This time of year
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Every item links to what Kristina would buy. Tap Add to bag on what you're missing, then check out on Amazon in one tap.
Carry-on17
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Travel neck pillow for the grown-ups
Kids' travel pillow
Light blanket or large scarf for the plane
Change of shirt for the grown-upsSpills on a kid mean spills on you.
Baby wipes, even for big kids
Kids' backpack for their own things
Coloring book, sticker book, or activity pad
A new book or two
Gum or mints
Clothing14
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Light sweater or sweatshirt per personPlanes, restaurants, and evenings run cool.
Light rain jacket per person
Leggings or comfy travel pants for the flight
Shorts and skirts
Belt
Sports bra or workout clothes
Socks for closed shoes, plus a spare pair
Pajamas for the first night in the carry-onIf a bag is late, bedtime still happens.
Packable windbreakerKristina's pickLake breezes turn chilly fast, even in summer.
Kids' compact umbrellaSummer thunderstorms roll in quickly off the prairie.
Shoes3
Broken-in walking sneakersKristina's pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
Flip-flops or slides for the pool and shower
Dress shoes or nicer sandals
Beach & pool1
Mineral sunscreen
Cold weather1
Warm gloves and beanieWinter wind off the lake feels much colder than the forecast.
Little ones13
Lightweight travel strollerKristina's pick
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Sippy cup or straw cup
Bibs and a few spoons
Portable changing pad
Diaper cream
Baby monitor
Fitted crib sheet from homeA familiar smell helps babies sleep in a new crib.
Outlet covers
Potty seat or folding potty
Little things19
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Stick-on battery night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Electrolyte packetsHot days and long walks catch up with kids before they say they're thirsty.
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Small foldable tote for souvenirs and laundry
Sewing kit and safety pins
Luggage tags
Collapsible water bottle for the grown-ups
Sunglasses for the grown-ups
Small umbrella
Health & toiletries18
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Hanging toiletry bag
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
Deodorant
Hairbrush, comb, and hair ties
Face wash and moisturizer
Makeup and makeup remover
Razor
Contact lenses, solution, and glasses
Prescription medicines in original bottlesKeep them in your carry-on, never in checked bags.
Bandages and blister pads
Kids' thermometer
Anti-itch cream
Hand lotion and SPF lip balm
Feminine products
Clear quart bag for liquids
Documents & tech17
Phone lanyard or crossbody case
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Kids' ID bracelet with your phone number
Driver's licenses and kids' IDs
Health insurance cards
Travel insurance details
Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Some cash in small billsFor tips, taxis, and markets.
Photos of passports and IDs on your phone
Booking confirmations saved offline
Phone chargers and cables for everyone
Multi-port wall chargerOne outlet, every device charged by morning.
Tablet chargers and kids' headphones adapter
Wireless earbuds for the grown-ups
Airplane Bluetooth adapter for seatback screens
Camera and memory card
E-reader
The outfit edit
City neutrals
Navy, cream, camel, olive
For photos
- Neutrals plus one red scarf or hat
- Overcast days flatter everyone
Tap any piece to shop the look.
Month by month
Chicago weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32°F 0°C | Cold and windy, with snow and lake-effect wind chill; dress in real winter layers | |
| February | 36°F 2°C | Cold and windy, with snow and lake-effect wind chill; dress in real winter layers | |
| March | 47°F 8°C | Unpredictable spring, from snow flurries to warm days, often cooler by the lake | The Chicago River is dyed green for the St. Patrick's Day parade weekend in March |
| April | 59°F 15°C | Unpredictable spring, from snow flurries to warm days, often cooler by the lake | |
| May | 70°F 21°C | Unpredictable spring, from snow flurries to warm days, often cooler by the lake | |
| June | 80°F 27°C | Warm to hot and humid, with lakefront breezes and quick thunderstorms | Beach days at North Avenue and Oak Street beaches, plus free summer concerts at Millennium Park |
| July | 84°F 29°C | Warm to hot and humid, with lakefront breezes and quick thunderstorms | Beach days at North Avenue and Oak Street beaches, plus free summer concerts at Millennium Park |
| August | 82°F 28°C | Warm to hot and humid, with lakefront breezes and quick thunderstorms | Beach days at North Avenue and Oak Street beaches, plus free summer concerts at Millennium Park Lollapalooza in Grant Park in early August, when downtown hotels fill quickly The Chicago Air and Water Show over the lakefront, usually in August |
| September | 75°F 24°C | Crisp, comfortable fall days and cool evenings, the nicest walking weather | |
| October | 62°F 17°C | Crisp, comfortable fall days and cool evenings, the nicest walking weather | |
| November | 48°F 9°C | Gray and chilly, with the first cold snaps and occasional early snow | Christkindlmarket and holiday lights, including ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo |
| December | 36°F 2°C | Cold and windy, with snow and lake-effect wind chill; dress in real winter layers | Christkindlmarket and holiday lights, including ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo |
Questions families ask
Chicago with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Chicago with kids?
The best time is Jun–Sep. Crisp, comfortable fall days and cool evenings, the nicest walking weather
What's the weather like in Chicago?
Typical daytime highs range from about 32°F (0°C) in January to about 84°F (29°C) in July. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Chicago?
US citizens don't need a passport, but bring a government ID for adults.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Chicago?
None. Chicago uses the same plugs as the US.
What's your top tip for Chicago with kids?
The lake makes its own weather. On a warm spring or summer day it can be 10 or more degrees cooler at Navy Pier than a few miles inland, so I pack a light jacket for anything near the water.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.