Summer is almost here and my kids and I are already talking about how much time we will be spending at these Chicago beaches. As a maternity and newborn photographer, I’m always looking for safe and exciting things to do with my kids that I can also easily share with my clients. Going to the beach is something we started doing last year, and now it’s a core memory for them. We went so much, I blame my weight gain on it (that or the countless tamales I made trying to perfect Mexican and Guatemalan recipes). We’ve even skipped out on pool passes this year since we hardly used them last year! Although there are so many we can recommend, these are the ones we visited and enjoyed.
Explore the best Chicago beaches for families, including kid-friendly spots perfect for swimming, playing, and most of all, being safe.
Loyola Beach
1230 W. Greenleaf Ave, Chicago, IL 60626
Starting strong with our go-to Chicago beach is Loyola Beach. My kids (2, 6, 10, 12) don’t even ask to go to the on-site park when we are there, but I know it’s important for families who want both. During the summer, they have lifeguards-one on a boat and typically two more at each pier. Paid parking is close by, but it is scarce on peak days/hours. Our favorite thing is that there are no giant rocks to enter the water, so it’s easy on little and grown feet alike. Restrooms are also on site, which is perfect! They even have a small restaurant for a quality meal.
12th Street Beach
1200 S. Linn White Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
Another fun one is 12th Street Beach. It is located in the same area as the Adler Planetarium in Chicago. This one also has a concession stand and bathrooms on-site. We actually spent a couple of hours here after a day at the aquarium and planetarium. It was such a refreshing dip after hours of walking! This one does have small pebbles to enter the water, so water shoes are recommended! It’s definitely on our go to list when we are in museum campus during the summer!
57th Street Beach
5700 S. Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60611
Want the best of both worlds? Make a day out of Chicago and visit both 57th Street Beach and the Museum of Science and Industry. This beach features onsite bathrooms and concession stands, perfect when you don’t want to pack your own lunch! Paid parking is a little bit of a hike, but still manageable and less than a 10-minute walk. The walk is nothing when you consider the view of the Chicago Skyline. This beach does have some big rocks at the entrance of the water, but nothing a water shoe wouldn’t be able to handle. Lifeguards are present from 11 AM to 7 PM.
Take My Word For It, These Chicago Beaches Are Perfect For Your Next Family Adventure.
Whether you’re planning a relaxing beach day, searching for kid-friendly fun, or simply wanting to soak in everything summer in Chicago has to offer, these spots truly have something for everyone. Be sure to dowload the app Park Chicago to easily pay for parking and check the Chicago Park District website to verify if the beach’s water quality is safe that day. As a Maternity and Newborn photographer, I love sharing family-friendly recommendations that help you create meaningful memories beyond the photos. If you’re looking for a photographer to document this season beautifully, I’d love to chat.
