The Art Institute of Chicago with kids: a short route and tips
Quick answer
With kids, the Art Institute works best as a 60-90 minute visit with a clear mission: spot the lions, find the monkey in La Grande Jatte and peek into the Thorne Rooms. Children under 14 always enter free, and the best time is 11am on a weekday.
Hours and prices checked on · Official website
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A 75-minute route designed for kids
- 1
0:00 · Michigan Avenue entrance
The lions
Challenge: spot the differences between the two lions and decide which is fiercer.
- 2
0:10 · Gallery 240
La Grande Jatte: find the animals
A monkey on a leash, a dog and a couple with a parasol. Ask the kids to count the people.
- 3
0:25 · Gallery 241
Van Gogh's Bedroom
What things are in the room? Ask what they would paint in their own bedroom.
- 4
0:40 · Gallery 263
American Gothic
A serious couple with a pitchfork: what do you think they're thinking?
- 5
0:55 · Lower level · gallery 11
Thorne Rooms
Tiny rooms with every detail. For most children, it is the favourite stop.
Practical tips for families
- Children under 14 always enter free, but adults need a ticket.
- Take a mid-visit break to avoid fatigue.
- Check the official site for bag, stroller and coat check policies before you go.
- Before you go, let the kids pick three paintings on your phone and hunt for them.
- With the AnyArt app they can point at a painting and hear its story, handy for the endless "what's this one?".
Frequently asked questions
Do kids pay at the Art Institute?
No. Children under 14 always enter free.
What age is it good for?
From about 5-6 with a short visit. Older kids enjoy Hopper, Van Gogh and the Thorne Rooms.
Can I bring a stroller?
Check the stroller policy on the official site and avoid peak hours.
Are there family activities?
The museum runs family programmes on set dates; check the official calendar.