Things to Do in Chicago Illinois
Bring out your inner child at Navy Pier, offering something fun for kids of all ages. Popular attractions such as Cloud Gate (The Bean) offer stunning views of Chicago while Crown Fountain features interactive elements inspired by Gothic culture and technology.
Experience true Chicago by heading to Wrigley Field for a baseball game and cheering loudly! Or take in breathtaking views from Willis Tower.
Millennium Park
Millennium Park offers something for everyone in Chicago Illinois – whether that means taking pictures with the iconic Chicago Theatre sign or cheering for your team at Wrigley Field! Boasting stunning water features and public art installations, Millennium Park is at the core of Chicago culture and one of the must-do things to do there.
Cloud Gate, commonly referred to as “The Bean,” is one of the main attractions at this park. This striking stainless steel sculpture reflects all of the city buildings as well as you if you stroll underneath it, providing kids with plenty of mirrors for photo opps while adults appreciate taking in its spectacular view of the city skyline.
This park boasts many astonishing attractions, such as the Jay Pritzker Pavilion and Lurie Garden. Enjoy strolling through this 2.5-acre oasis located right in the city. Don’t forget the crowning attraction – Crown Fountain. Inspired by Gothic culture, water flows out of gargoyles to form this sculptural crown fountain. Additionally, events and concerts take place here throughout the year and free ice skating sessions run during winter and movie screenings take place during summer – bring along a blanket, picnic basket and friends and make this iconic park an experience you won’t forget!
Riverwalk
Chicago Riverwalk has long been an integral part of life in Chicago and should be included on most traveler’s bucket lists as an iconic part of its vibrant cityscape. Locals and visitors alike love spending time here; with plenty of things to do throughout the year, it makes a wonderful spot for day trips or longer vacations alike.
The Riverwalk offers plenty of opportunities for strolling or running when temperatures rise, from yoga classes to biking and kayaking excursions – Kayak Chicago even provides formal guided tours as well as rentals to add fun adventures onto the water – or try moonlight paddle when Chicago lights up its night sky!
Shoreline Sightseeing provides tours that highlight Chicago’s top attractions, from architecture cruises showcasing iconic landmarks to foodie tours that combine chocolate truffles, craft beers and other culinary treats with exercise. Don’t miss seeing Willis Tower – America’s tallest building at 110 stories tall! You may want to also take the Ledge – transparent boxes jutting off its side that offer a thrilling swooping sensation for those not afraid of heights!
Navy Pier
Navy Pier, an iconic tourist destination and regional foodie and entertainment hot spot situated along Lake Michigan, boasts plenty of small boutique shops, delicious eateries and charming gardens as well as seasonal exhibitions and age-old attractions that draw both locals and tourists.
Take a ride on Chicago’s Centennial Wheel for an unrivaled skyline view (and three revolutions!). Or enjoy boat tours like Tall Ship Windy or Shoreline Sightseeing’s Skyline Lake Tour from here. Or get adventurous and rent one of Divvy bike’s affordable bike-share programs like Chicago’s affordable Bike Share program to go around on your own!
No matter your interest – history, culture or astronomy – the Museum of Science and Industry offers something for you. As the largest science center in Western Hemisphere with an incredible amount of exhibits such as optical illusion mirror mazes or 3D walkthrough models of human hearts – there’s sure to be something here for everyone!
Theater enthusiasts will also find plenty of delight at Navy Pier. From nationally acclaimed companies like Steppenwolf and Goodman Theatre to storefront gems, Chicago offers an incredible theater scene – no better place to experience it than Navy Pier with its Chicago Shakespeare Theater and state-of-the-art Jentes Family Courtyard Theater.
Adler Planetarium
There’s plenty to see and do along Chicago’s Riverwalk, from shopping in luxury boutiques to watching comedy shows that will leave you laughing out loud. Culture buffs will appreciate its museums and theaters while outdoor enthusiasts can rent bikes or hop aboard self-pedaling boat tours for outdoor exploration.
If you want a break from the Loop, Lincoln Park has beautiful shops and charming streets; spend an afternoon at the zoo; or discover one of Chicago’s smaller neighborhoods like West Town or Ukrainian Village for an authentic local experience.
The Adler Planetarium offers an extraordinary experience for visitors of all ages, with compelling theater programs, special exhibitions and other events that highlight the wonders of our universe – from deep black holes to Voyager 1 reaching incredible heights! Their exhibits truly are out-of-this-world.
Museum of Science and Industry
The Museum of Science and Industry is one of the world’s premier science centers, boasting an exciting and immersive array of exhibits that are sure to please visitors from astronomers to zoologists alike. Discover simulated tornadoes, real trains and rockets, Wimshurst machines and Foucault pendulums, among many other things – all sure to provide hours of enjoyment!
Visit the Baha’i House of Worship to experience inner peace and serenity, regardless of your spiritual beliefs. This captivating attraction features a stunning lace-patterned dome – the only one like it in North America!
The Chicago Cultural Center hosts art performances and exhibitions, lectures and community events, rare artwork such as paintings, sculptures and costumes from its permanent collection. It also hosts community programs.
Dine on some of Chicago’s finest cuisine at one of its numerous restaurants or try a popular local treat like Wieners Circle’s hot dogs for something new! Don’t be daunted by Chicago’s culinary magic; enjoy it and have fun eating, walking and laughing your way around this vibrant city!
Cherry Blossoms
One of the most iconic sights in Washington DC is seeing cherry blossoms bloom along the Tidal Basin with grand memorials and skylines as their backdrop. You can also witness this spectacle in other locations around the city such as National Arboretum or private gardens.
Bring the kids along to the Smithsonian American Art Museum for Sakura Sunday – an engaging family event featuring taiko drum performances and cherry blossom-themed artworks in its galleries through a self-guided scavenger hunt! It promises an engaging family adventure!
For something truly romantic, visit the Garden of the Phoenix. This gorgeous garden feels straight out of Japanese art – with curving bridges spanning ponds and fields filled with blooming chrysanthemums, camillas and morning glories.
If you prefer an active approach, why not attend one of the special Washington Nationals games where part of ticket proceeds go toward caring for blossoms year-round. Or take part in the Nationals’ Blossom Kite Festival or Oxon Run Park’s smaller versions; both offer kite building workshops and flying competitions!
Garden of the Phoenix
Garden of the Phoenix is one of Chicago’s unique attractions and offers something for everyone – souvenir shopping in high-end boutiques or kitschy street stalls, watching cherry blossoms bloom during their brief season, strolling along Riverwalk or hiking and kayaking its trails are just a few ways you can spend your time.
No matter your interest, visiting Chicago would not be complete without taking in a game at Wrigley Field. Enjoy an historic tour or opt for the Ivy Tour for an up close and personal view of its iconic ivy walls.
Navy Pier offers an exciting range of family-friendly activities, such as rides on the Centennial Wheel and an interactive maze. Kids will especially love WaterWays playground and Treehouse Trails’ magical forests – and don’t miss a show at Second City Comedy, with its distinguished legacy featuring Joan Rivers and Bill Murray!
When it’s time for a break from downtown Chicago’s hectic pace, Lincoln Park or other small neighborhoods provide the ideal escape. Here you will find numerous shops and restaurants as well as Lincoln Park Zoo and Grant Park’s all-in-one destination with historic landmarks, cultural experiences, and contemporary festivals – everything that defines Chicago!