Family outings are the best in every way. From sharing meals to laughing over a glass of wine, there’s nothing better than sharing these precious moments with your family. However, one can run out of family friendly activities in Irving Park. If not run out, then bored of visiting the same old places repeatedly. 

But don’t worry; we’ve rounded up 7 of the best family friendly activities in Irving Park that will make your visit worthwhile. 

1. Try New Restaurants 

Families never get bored from eating, but going to the same restaurants can make it dull. That is why trying new restaurants as one of the most cherished family-friendly activities is never bad. 

Irving Park, a neighborhood on Chicago’s northwest side, has many great things. You will feel like a true global citizen because of the incredible variety of cuisines offered. Two must-visit recommendations include:

Naranja Dulce

While most major roads in Irving Park include at least one ice cream parlor, Naranja Dulce is a strong candidate for best in the neighborhood. In addition to their delicious scoopable sweets and Mexican ice cream bars, they provide a wide variety of savory appetizers and unique beverages.

Angelo’s Wine Bar

Another option you can try is Angelo’s Wine Bar. A local treasure since its 1962 opening as a casual pizza place, this spot had a massive makeover in 2015. After the makeover, it offered an equally stunning selection of Italian-fusion dishes, hand-picked wines, and specialty drinks, served in a stunning dining room with great lighting and silent black-and-white movies playing in the background. Their gluten-free pizza dough is up there with the finest in town. 

2. Arrange a Spin Art Class

An art style known as “spin art” involves using paint, a surface like canvas, and a rotating platform. No matter your age, it’s perfect for entertaining and introducing kids to the creative process. 

Similarly, family-friendly indoor activities are great as they accommodate everybody. If you’re wondering where to go for a spin art class, Spin Art Nation is your best bet. 

In Irving Park, Chicago, Spin Art Nation is a convenient and inclusive painting point for families, groups, and individuals. To use it, you just need to book your slots and show up. 

The organization provides everything for such family friendly activities, from coveralls to supplies. Families can hold art competitions by dividing into groups or doing one big painting, where everybody brings something unique to the table. 

No matter what you choose, know that it’s gonna be a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you can relive over and over again. The cherry on top is that you can take your painting home as a souvenir or donate it right there! 

3. Do City Tours with the Chicago Architecture Center

Chicago is a beautiful city, and it can never get old. Another way to relive it uniquely is with city tours arranged by the Chicago Architecture Center. Everything is possible, whether you want to do a boat tour, take a walking tour, roam around on a bus, or arrange a field trip. 

With special consideration given to accessibility and safety for every person, these tours are arranged with the ease and comfort of people of all genders, ages, and physical conditions in mind. 

Moreover, you can also book private group tours if you are not with tourist groups. A city tour can be an ideal setting for your next family activity, as it will provide both fun and information to everybody attending. 

If you want our opinion, go for the boat tour, as it’s much more enjoyable than other family-friendly indoor activities. The CAC River Cruise aboard First Lady was voted number one by USA Today readers in 2024. The next tour starts on 16 March, so book your spots if interested. 

4. Go to the Trailside Museum of Natural History

Stop by the Hal Tyrrell Trailside Museum of Natural History, which opened in 1932, and you’ll find a plethora of information on local species and their habitats, vibrant wildflower gardens, and live native animal exhibits. Trailside Museum was the Forest Preserves’ first public environmental teaching center.

Until the Board of Commissioners decided to transform it into a “trailside” museum showcasing all of Cook County’s flora and fauna, both in their natural habitat and on exhibit, the house was the headquarters of the Forest Preserves. This decision was made to educate the public.

Trailing through Thatcher Woods’ beautiful oak woodlands and floodplain forest is one of the major family-friendly activities that you can do here. In addition, many events happen every day. So, it’s suggested that you check the events online beforehand and then plan your visit accordingly. 

5. Splatter Studio Games

True families are those who do everything together, and that includes splashing paints! Colors speak a language that everyone understands, and what is better than playing with vibrant colors with the people you love? Spin Art Nation brings you a thrilling activity to do with your family indoors, where you all can have fun nonstop. 

In the Splatter Studio, family members, including adults and kids, can enjoy splattering and splashing paints (included in the package) wherever they please. Paint walls, objects, or each other; there’s no limit to it. 

The most famous thing about such indoor family-friendly activities is the neon color that Spin Art Nation uses to elevate visitors’ experiences. The glowy paint in the dimmed room makes the whole adventure worth it. 

6. Enjoy an Automobile Museum

With more than 300 pristine, award-winning vehicles on display, Klairmont Kollections Museum serves as an event venue and an educational resource for families looking for productive, family-friendly activities. 

The museum venue is available for private gatherings, business meetings, educational field tours, public tours, charity fundraising, etc. Klairmont Kollections is a center for preservation and education with a 501(c)(3) status.

Families can bring the kids here to admire vintage automobiles from yesteryear. This museum also provides information about past cars and other vehicles that are not found anywhere else. 

The best strategy is to bring grandparents and grandchildren together so they can both enjoy it. The elderly can reminisce about the old days, and youngsters can learn something new about the era their grandparents lived through. 

7. Throw A Paint-Themed Birthday Party

Throwing a birthday bash and inviting your whole family allows you to gather together and make some memories. A paint-themed birthday party would be a big hit. 

This is a fantastic idea for kids’ and adult birthday parties because Spin Art Nation provides an opportunity for an inclusive painting birthday party in Irving Park that will include everybody equally. 

Kids can do kids painting, including spin art, and adults can do much more in the Splatter Studio or pour a beer. What’s best is that if you want everybody in the same room doing the same activity, you got it! There are no restrictions on it. 

Spin Art Nation has a separate section for birthday parties and indoor family-friendly activities, so you can be sure that your event will be held privately without any intrusions from outside or strangers. The packages include all the materials. Every person will be provided with paints, brushes, coveralls, and canvases to enjoy. 

FAQs

What’s the best way to explore Chicago with kids without too much walking?

Hop aboard the Chicago River Architecture Cruise for stunning city views without the legwork, or take a family-friendly activities in Segway tour for a fun and easy way to see the sights!

Are there any quirky or unusual activities for families?

For something unexpected, try an illusion-based attraction, explore an upside-down house, or participate in a glow-in-the-dark art experience!

Plan Your Next Fun Family Activity in Irving Park!

Family time is important for getting to know each other better and making memories. As our families expand, we find less and less time to spend together. However, planning occasional fun activities can make up for it. 

If you’re in Irving Park, Chicago, and looking for family-friendly activities, we’ve got you covered. From trying new restaurants to enjoying a paint workshop, there’s no shortage of fun family banter. 

If you ask what’s the most fun and favorite of visitors, it will be a visit to Spin Art Nation. From spinning art to splatter studios and much more, book your slots now!