We researched over 100 things to do in Chicago, and out of these, we selected the 17 best things to do in Chicago and nearby areas of the city. We selected these places based on their popularity, cost, reviews, etc. Our research team used more than 50 inspection key points to make this list.
Millenium Park
The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs is in charge of managing the public park that is known as Millennium Park, which can be found in the Loop neighbourhood of Chicago. In this location, you will find a cutting-edge collection of art, architecture, and landscape design that serves as the backdrop for hundreds of free cultural programs. In the event that you are unaware of this fact, please allow me to inform you that Millennium Park is Chicago’s second most popular tourist attraction.
Address: 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
The Navy Pier, which was a naval training center in the past and now features amusement park rides, restaurants, and shops, as well as fireworks, draws large crowds. The Navy Pier in Chicago, Illinois, is a pier that extends out over Lake Michigan and is 3,300 feet long. It can be found in the Streeterville neighborhood of the Near North Side community area in the city of Chicago. It is here that you will find the incredible Centennial Wheel, the Pepsi Wave Swinger, a musical carousel inspired by the 1920s, and other throwback fairground rides, all of which offer breathtaking views of the skyline and the waterfront.
Skydeck Chicago
You can walk outside the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere at the Skydeck Chicago, which is 1,353 feet above the ground. A one-stop Chicago experience that features The Ledge, a glass balcony that extends four feet outside the 103rd floor of Willis Tower, offering spectacular views that span up to four states! The doors will close for the final time half an hour before closing. The entrance to the Skydeck can be found on Jackson Boulevard (the south side of the building). This is one of the best things to do in Chicago.
Shedd Aquarium
Shedd Aquarium combines the best aspects of the early 20th-century “age of aquariums” — a diverse, global animal collection surrounded by eye-popping architecture — with the most recent advancements in animal care, environmental design, and interpretive practices of the 21st century. The Shedd Aquarium is a public aquarium that is located indoors in the city of Chicago, Illinois, in the United States. The five million US gallon aquarium was opened on May 30, 1930, and for a time it held the title of being the largest indoor facility in the entire world. Currently, it is home to approximately 32,000 animals.
Breeze Helicopter Tour
In search of a memorable vacation experience? You can rely on Breeze Helicopters. In Chicago, you can find Breeze Helicopters at the Vertiport Heliport, which is located at 1339 S. Wood Street. We offer ample parking for our customers in our spacious airplane hangar. Guests can use the on-site restrooms and relax in the spacious waiting area. Our company is committed to providing unforgettable tours and excursions in the greater Chicago area. The best way to observe the area from a different perspective or to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience with your loved ones is on a trip with Breeze. This is one of the best things to do in Chicago
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Museum of Science and Industry
This is an enormous, hands-on museum that is packed with educational and entertaining scientific and industrial exhibits that are suitable for children. There are more than 400,000 square feet of interactive exhibits at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, which is one of the largest science museums in the world. These exhibits are designed to stimulate scientific curiosity as well as creative thinking. This is the largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere, and it is home to thousands of exhibits, relics, and “wow” experiences that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
Address: 5700 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60637
Field Museum
The Field Museum of Natural History, more commonly referred to simply as The Field Museum, is a natural history museum that is located in Chicago, Illinois and is one of the largest museums of its kind in the entire world. The Field Museum is a venerable Chicago institution that is also recognized as one of the most prestigious natural history museums in the world. Their impressive collection of more than 24 million objects is used in the creation of immersive displays that span a wide range of topics, from ancient civilizations to the most recent scientific breakthroughs.
Address: 1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
The Art Institute of Chicago
This establishment is one of the world’s earliest and largest art museums. The museum is frequented by around 1.5 million people on an annual basis, earning it acclaim for both its curatorial work and its appeal among guests. The Art Institute of Chicago was the first museum in the United States to permanently exhibit a large collection of modern art and was also the first museum in the world to do so. Enjoy some of the most important pieces from this trailblazing collection, which is now considered to be among the best in the world.
Address: 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
The Smart Museum of Art
The Smart Museum of Art at the University of Chicago is an open forum for the discussion of art and ideas, where visitors are encouraged to consider controversial topics from multiple perspectives. The Museum welcomes visitors of all ages and admission is always on the house. The Museum’s exhibitions, collections, academic activities, and public programming reflect the rich diversity of its community and its visitors by highlighting a wide range of perspectives, identities, and experiences. Collections from all across the world and throughout history are used to create ambitious exhibitions that show how the world has changed over time and how it looks now. Special events complement the subjects of exhibitions and collections to spark in-depth discussion and original thought.
Address: 5550 S Greenwood Ave, Chicago, IL 60637
Chicago History Museum
Millions of relics from Chicago’s rich history have been blown into the museum’s halls. Chicago’s permanent exhibits cover its history from a trading post to a thriving metropolis, the meaning of freedom, a collection of Lincoln memorabilia, a gallery dedicated to children, and a film that examines the city’s most significant events. The Museum also hosts two temporary exhibitions every year that focus on topics relevant to Chicago. The Museum is a great place to hold private events, seminars, and tours.
Address: 1601 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
North Avenue Beach
North Avenue Beach, which is located on the shores of Lake Michigan near Lincoln Park, is a favorite among Chicagoans and visitors alike. Because of the reputation that North Avenue Beach has earned as a “packed, party beach,” some Chicagoans may prefer to spend their time at one of the city’s other, less crowded, and more tranquil beaches. This beach gets five stars from those who like beaches like this.
Monteros Beach
If you’re looking for a beach in Chicago, look no further than Monteros. In addition to ample morning parking, this location features a sizable dog beach and bird refuge. A lively seasonal swimming beach with volleyball, jet ski rentals, and a bar can be found here, not far from a refuge for birds. Food vendors, kayak and volleyball rentals, and clean facilities and showers are just some of the attractions that visitors to this popular beach can take advantage of.
31st Street Beach
Enjoy a beach on the South Side of Chicago that is more widely known as 31st Street Beach and has several different options for families. An indoor parking garage features a picnic area with a “green roof,” a splash pad, and a playground that is accessible to those with disabilities. Do you require a break for lunch? Burgers and live music can be enjoyed together at the Pier 31 Restaurant, so make your way there.
Ohio Street Beach
Ohio Street Beach is a hidden gem for Chicago families despite the fact that it is located in close proximity to the popular tourist destination of Navy Pier. The water at the beach is relatively shallow, allowing your children to play there for the entirety of the day. If you and your family are hungry, head over to Caffe Oliva for a bite to eat. Take a stroll around Milton Lee Olive Park, which is near to the shore, and you will be rewarded with some breathtaking views of the city.
Brookfield Zoo
In Brookfield, Illinois, only 12 miles west of Chicago, you’ll find Brookfield Zoo, a zoo managed by the Chicago Zoological Society that spans an expansive 216 acres. Worldwide, people recognize the name “Brookfield Zoo” for its pioneering realistic, multi-species exhibits and its leading role in animal conservation. Over two thousand mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates call the zoo their home. Animals are housed in realistic environments meant to simulate their natural environments. Great Bear Wilderness and Habitat Africa are two of the best displays. Habitat Africa: The Savannah, Seven Seas, The Forest, The Living Coast, The Swamp: Wonders of Our Wetlands, The Desert’s Edge, and Tropic World: A Primate’s Journey.
Address: 8400 W 31st St, Brookfield, IL 60513
Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park is a park in Chicago, Illinois, that spans 1,208 acres and is located on the city’s North Side, adjacent to Lake Michigan. This lovely neighborhood is a dream come true for anyone who appreciates the beauty of nature; it features meticulously maintained gardens, a secret lily pond, an old interior botanical garden, and a substantial amount of lakefront. In spite of the fact that it is one of the few remaining free zoos in the state, it receives over 3.5 million visitors annually. One of its most well-known former occupants was a gorilla named Bushman, who held the record for being the largest gorilla ever kept in captivity.
Maggie Daley Park
The Chicago Park District is in charge of maintaining the 20 acres of land that makeup Maggie Daley Park, which is located in the Loop community region of Chicago. This is a well-liked spot for outdoor entertainment because to the presence of winter ice skating, a climbing wall, and playground apparatus. Maggie Daley Park has had hundreds of new trees planted in it, as well as many other magnificent amenities (including a children’s play area of world-class caliber), breathtaking views of Lake Michigan, meadows, and natural areas.
