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United States/Things to Do in Chicago, with kids

Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago (with kids)

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How Kids-Friendly is Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago?

79%Kids-Friendly
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What makes it 79% Kids-Friendly: Kids enter free, Family Days add art-making and snacks, strollers and sensory kits help parents, yet abstract pieces and no playground mean some under-12s tire quickly.

Google
Reviews4.4/ 5
(from 6,451 reviews)

Positives:

  • Free child admission: Kids under 18 enter the museum at no cost, making the visit budget-friendly.
  • Stroller and wheelchair access: Elevators and ramps on every level allow smooth movement with strollers and wheelchairs.

Challenges:

  • Quiet gallery rules: The galleries require quiet voices and no running; consider sensory kits if kids need movement or noise relief.
  • Limited food variety: The on-site café has a simple menu; pack small snacks if your kids prefer familiar foods.
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🏖️ Explore Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago?

  • A downtown Chicago museum devoted to post-World War II and contemporary art in painting, sculpture, photography, video and performance
  • A rotating exhibition program highlighting emerging and established artists from around the globe
  • An architectural landmark featuring a six-story light-filled atrium and riverside terrace designed by Josef Paul Kleihues

What is so special about Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago for with kids?

  1. Children under 18 enter free, reducing costs
  2. Family Days offer hands-on art and snacks at no extra fee
  3. Complimentary sensory kits and stroller access ease the visit
  4. Free docent tours and outdoor sculptures add variety

Recommended visit duration: 2-4 hours

Why 2-4 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Gives families time to see key exhibits, join a tour, and explore the sculpture garden without rushing.

(View Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago on Map)

Kids-Friendly Activities in Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago

Join Family Days:

Attend free Family Days with art-making stations, snacks, and ASL interpretation.

Tip: Register online early and arrive by 11 am to secure spots at popular activities.

Borrow a sensory kit:

Use complimentary kits with noise-canceling headphones and fidget tools.

Tip: Ask a staff member at admissions for a kit before starting your visit.

Take a free docent tour:

Enjoy a 45-minute guided tour with kid-friendly commentary on Sundays and Wednesdays at 2 pm.

Tip: Meet at the second-floor admissions desk five minutes before the tour.

Explore the sculpture garden:

Let kids roam and discover large-scale outdoor artworks.

Tip: Dress in layers and check the museum website for winter garden hours.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago

  1. Book Family Day early: Reserve your spot online to avoid last-minute registration issues.
  2. Visit on weekdays: Weekday afternoons are less crowded, giving more space for kids to explore.
  3. Download the Family Guide: Bring the free Family Resources Guide PDF to spark art conversations.
🏖️ Tour Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago

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Scott Stevens

Scott Stevens

Jan 2026

I do not consider myself an art expert or even a fan, but this place was a really cool experience. I was there for the Yoko Ono exhibit, and did not go in there with Great expectations. However the experience was immersive and engaging. There were lots of Hands-On activities that really added to the event. Educational, and fun. I will definitely go back. Tuesday nights are free for Illinois reside...

Melissa Ribeiro

Melissa Ribeiro

Jan 2026

The space is great, but I felt there weren't many exhibitions available. You can walk through the entire museum in less than an hour. It felt like some works were missing; maybe I just wasn't lucky.

Ubunibi-Afia Short

Ubunibi-Afia Short

Jan 2026

Perfectly accessible and extraordinarily friendly staff! We saw the Yoko Ono exhibit, which was a combination of visual audio, self reflection, patron collaboration and nostalgia. As a patron or a visitor to the exhibit, we were allowed to contribute and vicom part of the exhibit itself. i loved it. It was rather late when we visited so we will definitely visit again before it is gone.

Harold PK

Harold PK

Dec 2025

Art is my one hobby that’s very different than what pays the bills. Contemporary Art is probably one of the more difficult to translate because it’s less straight forward than others; often it forces you to examine things differently. I felt the MCA did a much better job than most at story telling & explaining the why. I brought our 9 year old son & he became so engaged in the exhibits (even if...

Incision Incision

Incision Incision

Sep 2025

It is a really great place to spend a day and enjoy something different. The building itself look modern and open, with big bright spaces that make it easy to walk and explore. Exhibitions change often and always bring something new, from big bold installations to smaller art pieces that make you stop and think. Staff is friendly and ready to help if you need directions or info, and everything ins...

When is the best time to visit Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago (Chicago, United States)?

From October to May, enjoy Family Days every second Saturday. In warmer months, plan extra time for the outdoor sculpture garden; verify winter terrace and garden hours online.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Chicago on Trip.com

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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)

ItemCost (Approx.)
2 adult admissionsUSD 44
Museum cafe snacksUSD 15
Small souvenir from MCA StoreUSD 20
Total EstimatedUSD 79

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Map of Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago

Address: 220 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA

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About Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago

Opening Hours

Monday:Closed
Tuesday:10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+1 312-280-2660

Average price

US$ 19.83
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Average price

US$ 19.83
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