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.
Chicago
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Carry-on8
Clothing6
Shoes1
Beach & pool1
Cold weather1
Little ones5
Health & toiletries3
Documents & tech3
City neutrals
Navy, cream, camel, olive
For the grown-ups
- A trench or chore jacket
- White sneakers
- One dinner outfit that packs flat
For the kids
- Cozy knits that layer
- Navy or olive leggings and joggers
- A raincoat with a hood
For photos
- Neutrals plus one red scarf or hat
- Overcast days flatter everyone
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 |
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.