SafeHouse

SafeHouse, Chicago’s super-secret, spy-themed restaurant, is packed with family fun, food, missions and even a "spycial" menu for junior spies. While your agents-in-training wait for their food, they're encouraged to investigate all the secret passageways and interactive gadgets. But first up, you have to crack the code to enter or be subjected to whatever shenanigans the gatekeeper requests of your dinner mates. It’s an incredibly fun covert mission the family won't soon forget.

COVID-19 UPDATE: SafeHouse is currently closed to help flatten the curve. Keep up-to-date via their website as restrictions in Chicago get lifted, which should be around phase 4. 

60 E. Ontario, River North
Online: safehousechicago.com

Wow Bao

Take your kids for the smiley-est meal in Chicago at Wow Bao, which specializes in steamed bao (aka Asia's most favorite portable Chinese snack). Available at the Clark & Diversey, State & Division, and 200 N. Michigan locations, children under ten can enjoy the grinning Lil’ Bunz Meal ($5.99), which includes jasmine white rice, two mini teriyaki chicken bao, one ginger chicken potsticker and one baby carrot.

COVID-19 UPDATE: Wow Bao is currently serving take-out and delivery with adjusted store house. See their website for updates.

Online: wowbao.com

JoJo's Milk Bar

River North's JoJo's Milk Bar brings Chicago a nostalgic take on creative desserts and a reimagined and elevated take on classic diner fare. Along with deliciously whimsical desserts, you'll find tongue-and-cheek decor including a lifesize Lite Brite wall, Got Milk mural and more. Go wild and try their Brady Brunch Shake, featuring an Oreo espresso base and cookie crumb collar. But the toppings are the real icing on the (pan)cake: whipped cream, a toasted waffle, a golden French toast stick and crispy Maplewood bacon — all the ingredients for a well-balanced brunch.

COVID-19 UPDATE: JoJo's is currently open for to-go orders Mon.-Fri., 4 p.m.-11 p.m. and Sat. & Sun., 11 a.m.-11 p.m.. Keep up-to-date via their website as restrictions in Chicago get lifted, which should be around phase 4.

23 W. Hubbard, River North
Online: jojosmilkbar.com

American Girl Cafe

If your child is forever with doll in-tow, their mind will be blown by this cute little cafe inside the mega downtown flagship of American Girl Place. Dolls have their own “treat seats” complete with place setting and bright centerpieces. Every meal starts with welcome cinnamon buns and there are great choices for the kids and yummy entrees for the parents. The store recently added two new experiences, a doll hospital and salon. So, schedule your doll for a bit of pampering and a free wellness check. This spot is incredibly popular with out-of-towners, so book weeks in advance if you're looking for a weekend or take advantage of less crowded weekday times.

COVID-19 STATUS: American Girl Cafe is currently accepting curbside pick-up orders. Keep up-to-date via their website as restrictions in Chicago get lifted for the full dine-in experience, which should be available in phase 4. 

835 N. Michigan Ave., Mag Mile
Online: americangirl.com

Chocolate Sanctuary

Calling all Chocolate lovers! Every dish at this adventurous eatery in Gurnee includes chocolate as an ingredient — from the Cocoa Chili to the Turkey, Mozzarella and Cocoa Candied Bacon Flatbread Sandwich. The pastry and chocolate team is always at work, so request a table near the action and your kids will be entertained as the splendid chefs work their magic making homemade cakes, puddings, truffles and more. The real entertainment, however, is the dessert menu: a magical chocolate fountain flowing with your choice of white, milk or dark chocolate will be brought directly to your table, as well as an assortment of dipping items including housemade marshmallows, Rice Krispys, sable biscuits and fresh fruit, just waiting to be dipped.

COVID-19 STATUS: Chocolate Sanctuary is currently closed to help flatten the curve. Keep up-to-date via their website as restrictions in Chicago get lifted. 

5101 Washington St., Gurnee
Online: thechocolatesantuary.com

Kings Dining & Entertainment

Kings Dining & Entertainment features everything you need to keep the kids entertained, including luxury ten-pin bowling lanes, a full-service restaurant, HDTVs and HD projector screens for all the sports action, billiards tables, shuffleboard, foosball and air hockey tables. Call ahead to make a Dine Then Bowl dinner reservation. If everyone in your group orders an entrée or equivalent, your party will be moved to the top of the bowling wait list.

COVID-19 STATUS: Kings Dining & Entertainment is currently closed to help flatten the curve. But, they would appreciate the gift card purchases at this time. Keep up-to-date via their website as restrictions in Chicago get lifted. 

1500 N. Clybourn Ave., #c102, Lincoln Park
Online: kings-de.com/lincoln-park

5505 Park Place, Rosemont
Online: kings-de.com/rosemont

Fat Rosie's

It's just about everyone's favorite theme in food — Mexican! Fat Rosie's opened their second location close to downtown Naperville's popular riverwalk. The 3,500-square-foot restaurant features retractable garage doors creating an indoor/outdoor space that's perfect for fun, warm-weather eats. Their menu covers everything from empanadas to enchiladas in addition to the much-loved margaritas and free chips and salsa while you wait to feast. We'd recommend starting with the nachos, with or without meat, as an app and the cauliflower tacos are great for any vegetarian or vegan eaters in your crew. If you have a member of the family with a large appetite, challenge them to the enormous, 3lb El Patron Gordo Burrito, which is free to guests that can eat it in under 12 minutes! Kids that need distracting will get a kick out of the sombreros available for photo opps and the stuffed donkey over the bar that engages diners at random. 

COVID-19 UPDATE: Fat Rosie's is currently operating curbside pick-up and patio seating. 

47 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville
Online: fatrosies.com/naperville

Pilot Pete's

It’s a bird, it’s a plane . . . wait it actually IS a plane. This aviation-themed restaurant is located at the Schaumburg Regional Airport and the windows give a panoramic view of the bustling runway where your little ones can be mesmerized by take-offs and landings. The bright interior is also dotted with model planes and other flying things that are fun for kids to point out. The everything-made-from-scratch menu is extensive with everything from “World Famous” chicken tenders with top secret honey mustard to fall-off-the-bone ribs with a mango guava BBQ sauce. Check out wait times before you go (and get in a virtual line) via the no wait app they have so there can be more time enjoying the views and less time in line.

COVID-19 UPDATE: Pilot Pete's is offering free delivery Sun.-Thurs., (Mon.-Fri., 4 p.m.-8 p.m. & Sat. & Sun., 3 p.m.-8 p.m.), within a 10 mile radius. Curbside pickup and GrubHub delivery is also available. To place an order directly with the restaurant, call 847-891-5100.

905 W. Irving Park Rd., Schaumburg
Online: pilot-petes.com

Pac-Man Entertainment

We won’t tell if you are secretly more excited about this one than your kiddos. After all, they may only know about Pac Man because mommy or daddy told them. But they’ll soon realize how cool this chomping little yellow circle is when they get a chance to play an “old school” joystick game (and there is bowling too!). And shh…parents, you may want to come back here for a date-night sans kids to take advantage of the lounge area and craft cocktails. The dining venue is surprisingly top-notch with sushi and filet, and has a kids menu with choices for every type of kid from “blinky” to “inky.” Early evenings or Sunday brunch works well for families as the later in the evening it gets the less this place is about the kiddos.

COVID-19 STATUS: Pac-Man Entertainment is currently closed to help flatten the curve. Keep up-to-date via their website as restrictions in Chicago get lifted. 

Woodfield Mall, Unit A, Schaumburg
Online: pacmanentertainment.com

House of Blues

Are you ready to rock n’ roll? Then this Marina City concert venue and restaurant is the place to be. Of course, you’d be amiss to bypass the Sunday morning Gospel Brunch for a true taste of Southern cooking — chicken and waffles for the family — and live gospel music that will have your kids up and clapping between each bite. Tickets must be reserved through Ticketmaster and everyone needs a seat. If you call and reserve (you can’t do it online for the littles, unfortunately) kids under 5 can be seated for free. And, a portion of the proceeds support the arts and music for underserved youth.

COVID-19 STATUS: House of Blues is currently closed to help flatten the curve. Keep up-to-date via their website as restrictions in Chicago get lifted. 

329 N. Dearborn St., Downtown
Online: houseofblues.com

Dylan's Candy Bar

The good ship lollipop pales in comparison to this brightly colored modern candy haven complete with a ginormous lollipop tree. Although it may be nearly impossible to dodge the candy from the get-go, head into the cafe for a light meal in a sweet spot. You’ll feel like you are swirling in a rainbow of deliciousness as you order a variety of snackable selections from burgers to flatbreads. If you feel like throwing dinner out the window altogether, the over-the-top desserts are a kiddos dream from dessert pizza to a 10-scoop sundae. If your kids love it and don’t want to leave, they also host birthday parties which includes a candy spree through the store.

COVID-19 STATUS: Dylan's Candy Bar is currently closed to help flatten the curve. Keep up-to-date via their website as restrictions in Chicago get lifted. 

663 N. Michigan Ave., Mag Mile
Online: dylanscandybar.com

Hofbräuhaus Chicago

If your kids can’t sit still, no big deal, you won’t want to either once you hear the nightly live entertainment in this lively, expansive German beer hall. Waitresses don cute Bavarian outfits and everyone quickly befriends each other while munching on giant Bavarian pretzels (kids can also order the tinier version — pretzel bites) It’s like being transported to another country without leaving the ‘burbs. As an extra bonus, go on Tuesdays when the little ones eat free the entire day.

COVID-19 UPDATE: Hofbräuhaus Chicago is open for outdoor dining only on a first-come, first-serve basis, daily, noon-10 p.m. Keep up-to-date via their website as restrictions in Chicago get lifted. 

5500 Park Place, Rosemont
Online: hofbrauhauschicago.com

Lucky Strike Social

Lucky Strike Entertainment debuted its latest creation, Lucky Strike Social at Wrigleyville, with sweet views of Wrigley Field. This 30,000-square-foot social space brings together chef-driven food and craft beverages with eight Lucky Strike Lanes, over 100 electronic gaming systems including the exclusive Daytona Championship USA Motion SDLX, a first in the world of its kind, ping pong and pool tables, air hockey, board games, a very addictive basketball Connect Four and more. Tip: If you have a chance to visit during the day when school is in session, you have very little competition to play the games.

COVID-19 UPDATE: Lucky Strike is currently closed to help flatten the curve. Keep up-to-date via their website as restrictions in Chicago get lifted. 

1027 W. Addison St., Lakeview
Online: luckystrikesocial.com

Rainforest Cafe

For date night you’ll want to run far away from this spot, but it’s one of those joints that every kid needs to experience . . . if even just once. The behemoth frog on the outside of the building is unmissable and inside is larger than life too. There is no stone left unturned when it comes to catering to kids. An expansive kid menu, various mascots and even an exploding volcano dessert that even you will secretly love. This spot is a mega-tourist destination so try popping by on a weeknight to avoid massive crowds or head out to the slightly less intense suburban location in Gurnee.

COVID-19 STATUS: Rainforest Cafe in River North is currently open, but the Gurnee location is still closed. Keep up-to-date via their website as restrictions in Chicago get lifted. 

Locations in River North and Gurnee
Online: rainforestcafe.com

Sugar Factory

The sweetest of the sweet-tooths will be satisfied when meal time leads you to Sugar Factory. With nearly a 40-page menu, there’s no need for a separate kid’s menu, but several food options can be prepared in smaller portions if you ask. Kids will think they're on a trip to heaven with drinks served in goblets — with and without alcohol for the parents — candy galore, milkshakes, ice cream, chocolate fondue and, oh yes, the insane milkshake that includes a chocolate covered glass and anything from a burger to a Twinkie on top.

COVID-19 UPDATE: Sugar Factory in Rosemont is currently open, but the River North location is still closed to help flatten the curve. Keep up-to-date via their website as restrictions in Chicago get lifted. 

55 E. Grand Ave., River North
Online: sugarfactory.com

5455 Park Place, Rosemont
Online: sugarfactory.com

Punch Bowl Social

Schedule a date, in fact, make it a double. Punch Bowl Social brought their eat-drink-play concept that’s no-fail fun for family dates to the West Loop. You’ll find made-from-scratch dishes and craft beverages paired with throw-back social activities like shuffleboard, Ping-Pong, marbles, 80s video games, bowling, virtual reality and skee-ball in an urban and eclectic atmosphere. The fun is family appropriate until 10 p.m. and then it’s big kids only.

COVID-19 UPDATE: Punch Bowl Social is currently closed to help flatten the curve. Keep up-to-date via their website as restrictions in Chicago get lifted. 

310 N. Green St., West Loop
Online: punchbowlsocial.com