02/18/2026
Steal this itinerary for your next day off school 👇✨
If you’re staring at the calendar wondering how to fill a random day off with ✔️ play ✔️ fresh air ✔️ easy dinner — this is your plan!
Stop 1: (Navy Pier)
This shockingly was our first visit! I waited until my youngest was older and 3 & 6 were perfect ages - We could have stayed all day! Also The new Charlie Harper exhibit is so vibrant and interactive!
🅿️ Parking was shockingly easy and discounted when validated at the museum, which made a Navy Pier visit way less chaotic than people think.
You can bring your own lunch and snacks but the food court made it super easy to take a break for food and then go back to the museum.
Stop 2:
A quick drive up Lakeshore and suddenly you’re outside, moving, and burning energy.
🅿️ I grabbed a SpotHero at Webster Square Garage for only $12 and it made getting in and out SO easy if you have a stroller or scooter for a short walk to the zoo entrance.
Stop 3:
I made a res day of on for the mak your own pizza bar where kids can create their own pizzas for $9 (basically dinner + activity in one 🙌).
🅿️Valet was $20 and completely worth it at that point in the day.
Was most of our spending on parking? Yes.
Was it 1000% worth it for a stress-free day with two little kids? Also yes.
Sometimes convenience is the luxury.
Save this for your next unexpected day off and follow along for more curated Chicago family itineraries 🤍
