The 8 Best Family Beaches in Chicago

Looking for the perfect family beach in Chicago to enjoy some fun in the sun with your loved ones? Look no further than the family-friendly beaches along Lake Michigan! Whether you're looking for calm waters for the little ones to splash around in or exciting activities for the whole family to enjoy, Chicago has something to offer for everyone.
From sandy shores to pristine water, Chicago's family beaches are the ideal destination for a day of relaxation and entertainment. Take a look at the list below to discover the top family beaches in Chicago and find the perfect spot for your next family outing.
- Safe and clean environment
- Shallow waters for kids
- Playgrounds and picnic areas
- Restrooms and showers
- Lifeguard on duty
- Water sports rentals available
- Family-friendly events and activities
- Nearby amenities and dining options

- Monday: 11 AM–7 PM
- Tuesday: 11 AM–7 PM
- Wednesday: 11 AM–7 PM
- Thursday: 11 AM–7 PM
- Friday: 11 AM–7 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM–7 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM–7 PM
1. Montrose Beach
Information and Reviews
With a stellar rating of 4.6 stars out of 5, Montrose Beach has received glowing reviews from numerous satisfied customers. Some key points highlighted in the reviews include:
- Beautiful and clean beach area
- Great amenities and facilities for families
- Easy accessibility for individuals with disabilities
- Overall enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages
Whether you're looking to soak up the sun, play in the sand, or take a dip in the water, Montrose Beach is the perfect destination for a day of fun and relaxation. Plan your visit today and experience all that this top-rated beach has to offer!

2. Oak Street Beach
Information and Reviews
- This beach provides a tranquil escape with its harmonious blend of nature and city life.
- Visitors love the peaceful and beautiful landscape that makes it a favorite spot in Chicago.
- Many appreciated the proximity of the beach to iconic city locations and the availability of nearby amenities.
- The beach offers a lovely setting for an evening swim with views of buildings, boats, and the sunset.

- Monday: 6 AM–11 PM
- Tuesday: 6 AM–11 PM
- Wednesday: 6 AM–11 PM
- Thursday: 6 AM–11 PM
- Friday: 6 AM–11 PM
- Saturday: 6 AM–11 PM
- Sunday: 6 AM–11 PM
3. Ohio Street Beach
Information and Reviews
Some of the key features of Ohio Street Beach include wheelchair-accessible parking and entrances, as well as public toilets for convenience. Families with children will also appreciate that the beach is good for kids, providing a safe and enjoyable environment for little ones to play and swim.
With a stellar rating of 4.6 stars based on 1116 reviews, customers rave about their experiences at Ohio Street Beach. Here are a few key points from their feedback:
- Beautiful views of Lake Michigan
- Clean and well-maintained facilities
- Friendly and helpful staff
Whether you're looking to soak up the sun, take a refreshing dip in the lake, or simply relax on the sandy shores, Ohio Street Beach is the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy a day by the water.

- Monday: 11 AM–7 PM
- Tuesday: 11 AM–7 PM
- Wednesday: 11 AM–7 PM
- Thursday: 11 AM–7 PM
- Friday: 11 AM–7 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM–7 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM–7 PM
4. 12th Street Beach
Information and Reviews
Customers have left glowing reviews about their experiences at 12th Street Beach. Here are some key points from their reviews:
- Great spot for iconic pictures, especially on foggy days
- Perfect location, adjacent to the museum area of Chicago
- Clean water, good lifeguarding, and a snack shack available
- Beautiful beach close to South Loop with blue water
Visit 12th Street Beach to relax by the water, enjoy the views, and have a great time with your family and friends!

5. Ohio Street Beach
Information and Reviews
Customer reviews highlight the following key points:
- This beach is great, never crowded, and offers lockers for convenience.
- Beautiful beach with clear water and a riverside walk.
- Enjoyable time with family, clear water, good food options, and a relaxing atmosphere.
- Hidden gem worth visiting, can get crowded on holidays but still a wonderful spot.
Whether you're looking to relax by the water, soak in the views, or enjoy a leisurely stroll, Ohio Street Beach provides a memorable experience for all visitors.

- Monday: 6 AM–11 PM
- Tuesday: 6 AM–11 PM
- Wednesday: 6 AM–11 PM
- Thursday: 6 AM–11 PM
- Friday: 6 AM–11 PM
- Saturday: 6 AM–11 PM
- Sunday: 6 AM–11 PM
6. Margaret T. Burroughs Beach and Park
Information and Reviews
One of the highlights of Margaret T. Burroughs Beach and Park is its stunning Public toilet facilities, making it convenient for visitors to refresh during their visit.
Customer reviews rave about the experience at this park. Some key points from the reviews include:
- This park is a fantastic place to hang out, exercise, and even have a BBQ party by the lake. The view of the Chicago skyline is overwhelming and fabulous.
- It's a nice spot to hang out, family-friendly, and pretty clean, with a slightly tricky parking situation.
- Visitors appreciate the small but lovely beach, live music, and a diverse crowd.
- One visitor mentioned visiting the beach at night and found it cool and even nicer than during the day.
With a stellar rating of 4.7 stars, Margaret T. Burroughs Beach and Park is a popular choice for locals and tourists alike. Visit this park for a memorable day out in Chicago!

7. 63rd Street Beach
Information and Reviews
Some key points from customer reviews include:
- Nice beach, happy and very sporty people around you on this beach.
- Perfect beach! The area was clean and well-maintained. There is also a bar!
- Came here a few weeks ago for a Beach Clean-up volunteer event. I never knew there is another beautiful and large beach here on the southern shore.
- Family and I made a quick stop here on Sunday at this beach before heading back to Cincinnati. It was worth it. Clean and not crowded. Planning on coming back here again.
These reviews highlight the cleanliness, positive atmosphere, and overall enjoyable experience that 63rd Street Beach provides. Whether you're looking to relax by the water or engage in some beach activities, this beach is a fantastic choice for locals and tourists alike.

8. Family Beach
Information and Reviews
Customers rave about the friendly and knowledgeable staff who are always willing to offer guidance and support. The gym's clean and well-maintained facilities are also a big hit among visitors. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting out on your fitness journey, Family Beach Gym has something for everyone.
- Friendly and knowledgeable staff.
- State-of-the-art equipment.
- Clean and well-maintained facilities.
Experience the difference at Family Beach Gym and start working towards a healthier you today!
Map of Family Beaches in Chicago
Explore the beautiful family beaches in Chicago with our handy map. From North Avenue Beach with its iconic skyline views to the secluded Montrose Beach, there is a perfect spot for every family to enjoy a day in the sun. Pack a picnic, grab your sunscreen, and head to one of these fantastic destinations for a day of fun in the sand.

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