Sitting on the west side of the Chicago central business district, West Loop is a serene, charming town dotted with high-rise condos and townhomes that are occupied by families. Within the town community is the historic Greek Town neighborhood that the Blackhawks and Chicago Bulls call home. Residents in West Loop enjoy proximity to the lakefront, parks, fun restaurants, and shopping establishments with kid-friendly activities. There are also several art galleries and studios, making it an excellent destination for enthusiasts looking to find contemporary art.

If you are a local or a visitor looking to explore the town with little ones in tow, there are several family-friendly activities in West Loop to satisfy every interest and fuel all imaginations. From outstanding parks and upscale restaurants to markets and museums, the real estate experts at the Armando Chacon Group have rounded up some of the best places to visit with kids in this amazing neighborhood.

Located at S. Sangamon Street, Bartelme Park is a 2.71-acre park boasting scenic views and fun outdoor activities for kids. Featuring a children's playground, fountain plaza, enclosed seating area, and viewing hill, the park is versatile enough to allow the crowd to shift from energetic play to quieter fun. You will especially enjoy the viewing hill offering stunning views of the Chicago skyline, up six feet above the ground. The children's play area provides ADA accessibility, allowing uniquely-abled young ones to enjoy inventive, non-linear play minus the traditional equipment. If you are bringing along your furry friend, the park has a designated sunken dog park where you can let them off the leash for some energy-sapping exercises.

 

Take the little beach lover in your life to North Avenue Beach to enjoy various watersport amenities. Famed as one of Chicago's iconic beaches, North Avenue features an epic Beach House offering the city's best views and multitudes of bikers, runners, and rollerbladers streaming down the lakefront trail. Regardless of the season, your loved ones will enjoy excellent, season-themed events such as the summer Chicago Air and Water Show and the winter Polar Plunge. Bring buckets and shovels and let your kids' imaginations run wild as they create their sandcastle masterpieces or explore the shoreline together and search for beautiful seashells, which the kids can use to create art later. Once you're done playing and exploring the beach, visit one of the many local restaurants dotting the area for a delicious family meal.

Farmers markets are an integral part of the Chicago lifestyle, providing a great way to connect young minds with the food on their plates. Located on S. Sangamon Street, the Green City Market hosts several local, sustainable food producers and exciting programs for kids of all ages. Let your kids enjoy lively interactions with local vendors as they taste treats or sample fresh produce that you can later use to cook dinners together. The market's location in Lincoln Park, near the Chicago History Museum and North Avenue Beach, makes it easy to combine your visit with other attractions in the area, creating a full day of exploration.

If you need a perfect spot to take your little ninja warrior, the POW! gym won't disappoint. The gym hosts a range of kid-friendly activities, including camps, classes, drop-in events, and birthday parties. Your little one can learn kickboxing, tumbling, traditional boxing techniques, and more. Engaging in physical activities at the gym can boost your child's self-confidence and self-esteem. As they achieve fitness milestones and build strength, they will gain a sense of accomplishment and make new friends. If you prefer something different and unique that is sure to work up a sweat during your kid's upcoming birthday celebration, this can be an ideal spot to host the party.

 

West Loop's Fig Tree offers a ton of cool kid toys, clothes, games, and puzzles to take your family outings to the next level. Many of the items sold here are handmade or made by a local Chicagoan with a deep connection to the culture and history of the community. Challenge your kids to explore the establishment and find a unique Chicago treasure or a gift for a friend back at school. You might find unique clothing, jewelry, fashion accessories, and gift items such as cards, books, small trinkets, and other unique gifts.

Undoubtedly, the West Loop is home to famed TV chefs and world-class restaurants in Chicago, offering incredible fun and delicious choices. One of the must-visit dining spots here is Green Street Smoked Meats, which is known for its delicious smoked meats and southern-inspired dishes. Stop at the eatery to sample its award-winning BBQ and kid-friendly sides. Order the sliced brisket for tender, smoky, flavorful beef or the pulled pork that is slow-cooked to perfection and typically served with barbecue sauce.

If you are looking for a quieter spot that offers great lessons about nature's intrigues, head to the Garfield Conservatory, often called the "landscape art under glass." With over 10,000 species of plants to discover, this lush space is the perfect gloomy or rainy-day destination to visit during the coming winter. It offers plenty of themed gardens to explore, including specific areas for kids that will easily fill their whole day. One of the park's highlights is the Elizabeth Morse Genius Children's Garden, which features a thriving plant population, making it a great spot for a little botany lesson. Ensure your loved ones get to interact with the "sensitive plant" that folds upon contact. You can also explore the Fern Room, designed in 1906 to give visitors a rare glimpse of what Chicago probably looked like millions of years ago. Other kid-friendly amenities to explore here include the Palm House, Desert House, and Show House.

Arrigo Park may be the perfect place if you are looking for a serene spot for a nature walk with your little ones. Tucked between Lytle Street and Loomis, this seven-acre jewel offers open green spaces and benches for a leisurely picnic with family. There is a designated playground where kids can enjoy swings, slides, and other child-friendly activities. You can also walk or jog along the paved paths to exercise while enjoying the greenery. If your kids are into photography, the park can be an excellent location for capturing outdoor scenes, particularly during golden hour.

Known for its vibrant and trendy vibe, West Loop offers various attractions and amenities to enjoy with your kids. It is often called the "Restaurant Row" for its numerous award-winning restaurants, celebrity chefs, and innovative eateries. The neighborhood offers several parks and green spaces to relax and have fun with the little ones, regardless of the season. If West Loop sounds like a great place to call home, the real estate experts at Armando Chacon Group are ready to help you find a perfect family home in West Loop. We leverage our in-depth knowledge of the local market and our experience in real estate to identify the right home and handle all the buying or selling processes from home inspection to closing. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

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