Visiting Us

Visit Shriners Children's Chicago

Duck the Flu!

We know that family and friends can help the healing process. Due to an increase in cases of COVID and flu, visitor policies have changed as of January 9, 2026. Only visitors age 18 and older are permitted to enter Shriners Children’s Chicago. Children should only be brought to Shriners Children’s Chicago if they are patients who require evaluation or treatment. Thank you for helping us keep everyone safe.

Please do not visit if you or your child have any of the following symptoms:

• Fever or flu-like symptoms
• Cough or sore throat
• Vomiting or diarrhea

If you or your child have been sick or have symptoms, please stay home and call 773-385-5410 to reschedule your appointment. 

We ask that all visitors join us in creating a safe place. Large groups of people are not allowed to gather in the lobby or parking lot. All visitors must check in at the lobby front desk.

We have specific visitor guidelines for each area of the building:

Inpatients

• Visiting hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• The inpatient and pediatric intensive care units allow up to two healthy adult visitors at one time.
  • Visitors will receive a pass when checking in at the front desk. Each patient room may have up to two visitor passes at a time.
  • Once all passes are in use, additional visitors must wait until a pass is returned and available.
• Siblings age 18 and older are allowed to visit.
• Only one approved parent/guardian may stay overnight.

Surgery Patients

• Up to two healthy adults are permitted to visit on the day of surgery until visiting hours end at 8 p.m.

Clinic and Therapy Outpatient Appointments

• Patients may have two healthy adults accompany them.
• The number of visitors may be limited in procedure areas.
• Due to rising flu cases, siblings under the age of 18 are not permitted to come with the patient for outpatient visits.
• Patients must be supervised at all times when in the hospital.
• Telehealth/virtual appointments may be available as needed.

General Visiting Guidelines

To maintain a family-friendly, healing environment, we ask that all visitors respect the following guidelines:

• Visitors should obtain a visitor's pass, available at the main lobby front desk, before coming to the unit each day. The pass must be displayed at all times.
• Visitors must leave the unit if requested by hospital employees.
• Latex (rubber) balloons are not permitted in the building. Patients may receive Mylar balloons.
• Any food brought in must be labeled with the patient’s name and room number, as well as the date.
• No smoking is permitted on Shriners Children's Chicago grounds.
• Patients are not allowed to consume alcohol or smoke while they are patients of ours.

Please call the hospital main number if you have any questions: 773-688-4243.

Food Service

Carmelo's Cafe, our cafeteria, provides a welcome and comfortable place for families to enjoy a variety of menu choices, including kid-friendly food items. We serve hot breakfast and lunch, and grab-and-go dinner items, Monday – Saturday. Cash, Apple Pay, debit and major credit cards are accepted. Vending machines are also available 24 hours for snacks and beverages.

Cafeteria Hours

Monday-Saturday

6:30 a.m.–6 p.m.