Chicago is one of the most vibrant cities in the United States. From world-class attractions and cultural experiences to mouth-watering restaurants and nightlife, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Chicago. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time resident, you’ll never run out of things to do in this amazing city. Let’s explore some of the top activities to do in Chicago IL.
ZooLights
ZooLights is a free annual event that takes place at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago. This event transforms the zoo into a magical winter wonderland with millions of glimmering lights, holiday music, and festive treats. The event is perfect for families, couples, or anyone looking to get into the holiday spirit.
Visitors can enjoy ice carving demonstrations, a festive holiday market, animal encounters, and more. There is also a special Holiday Express train, Ferris wheel, and carousel for a truly unique experience. ZooLights is open from late November to early January every year, so take advantage of this unique opportunity to get into the holiday spirit in the Windy City.
Lunar New Year
Chicago is a great city to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Every year, the city comes alive with colorful decorations, traditional music, and delicious food. The Lunar New Year is a major holiday in Chinese culture [1] and it is celebrated in many cities all over the world. In Chicago, celebrations usually begin on the first day of the Lunar New Year and last for several days.
During this time, people gather to enjoy traditional lion and dragon dances, martial arts performances, and other cultural events. There are also many special activities for the kids, such as face painting and arts and crafts. Whether you’re Chinese or not, the Lunar New Year is a great opportunity to learn more about this fascinating culture and take part in the festivities.
Millennium Park
Ice skating in Millennium Park is one of the most popular winter activities in Chicago. The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, a popular destination, will be open for its 21st season from November 18 to March 5. In the shadow of “The Bean” (Cloud Gate) and the bright lights of Michigan Avenue, you’ll find this free-entry rink in Millennium Park.
Skaters of all ages and abilities can enjoy the beautiful skyline views while gliding across the ice. The park also offers a variety of other winter activities, such as sledding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. There are also plenty of food options nearby to refuel after a day of outdoor fun.
Chicago Cultural Center
The Chicago Cultural Center is a must-see for any visitor to the city. This historic building is home to stunning art galleries and stunning architecture. Originally built in 1897 as the city’s first public library, the building now houses a variety of exhibits and programs, such as the Chicago Cultural Center Film Series, the Chicago Jazz Festival, and the Chicago Children’s Choir.
Take a free tour of the building and explore the grand staircase, marble interiors, stained-glass domes, and the world’s largest Tiffany glass dome. There are also several public art installations, such as the Chicago Picasso sculpture, that you can explore. The Cultural Center is the perfect place to get a glimpse of the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Magnificent Mile
The Magnificent Mile is a shopping district located on Michigan Avenue in Chicago. This iconic strip is home to some of the best shopping in the city, ranging from high-end designer stores to affordable boutiques. The Magnificent Mile is a great place to find the perfect outfit, pick up some souvenirs, or just browse the shops.
With numerous stores, including popular brands like Apple, Bloomingdale’s, and Saks Fifth Avenue, you’re sure to find something to bring home. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes, so you can take a break and refuel while you shop. Whether you’re looking for luxury or just want to do some window shopping, the Magnificent Mile is worth a visit.
LondonHouse Rooftop Bar
The LondonHouse Chicago is a 4-star hotel in a 1920s building facing the iconic Riverwalk. It offers stunning views of the city skyline and the Chicago river, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a drink and watch the sunset. The bar features an extensive drink menu with cocktails, beer, and wine, as well as small plates and charcuterie boards.
The rooftop also has live music, a fire pit, and a cozy outdoor lounge area. LondonHouse is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the city’s skyline after a long day of sightseeing. Its three-story rooftop bar offers breathtaking panoramas of the Chicago River, the Magnificent Mile, and even Lake Michigan.
Chicago Riverwalk
The Chicago Riverwalk is a pedestrian walkway that runs along the south bank of the Chicago River. This picturesque walkway is the perfect place to take in the sights and sounds of the city. With its winding path, bridges, and foliage, the Riverwalk provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown.
The walkway passes by many popular attractions, such as the Navy Pier and the Willis Tower, and there are plenty of places to stop and take in the views. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes along the walkway, so you can take a break and grab a bite to eat. The Riverwalk is a unique and lively place that you won’t find anywhere else in Chicago, day or night.
Noyane Rooftop Bar
Noyane Rooftop Bar is a bar located on the rooftop of the Conrad Chicago hotel. With its stunning skyline views, it is the perfect place to spend a relaxing night out. The bar offers an extensive drink menu with crafted cocktails, beer, and wine. There is also a menu of light bites and charcuterie boards for snacking.
The atmosphere is cozy and relaxed, with a fire pit and comfortable seating. On select nights, there is live music and DJs to liven up the atmosphere. Whether you are looking for a romantic evening or a fun night out with friends, Noyane Rooftop Bar is the ideal spot for a night out in Chicago.
Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier
One of the most iconic attractions in Chicago is the Navy Pier Ferris Wheel. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, the Ferris Wheel is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. The Chicago Ferris Wheel is in the middle of the pier and is hard to miss. This 60-meter-high construction rotates slowly and gives some of the best views of the cityscape.
Single-ride tickets cost $12 for kids and $19 for adults. It’s not a cheap way to have fun, but it’s a lot of fun and you can get a great view of the city from the lake. The ride takes around 15 minutes and is a great way to get a unique view of the city. There are also plenty of restaurants, shops, and attractions on the pier to explore.
Willis Tower Skydeck
The Willis Tower Skydeck is one of the most popular attractions in Chicago. Located on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower, the Skydeck offers stunning 360-degree views of Chicago’s skyline. Visitors can step out onto a glass ledge called “The Ledge” and look down at the city below.
Since 2009, glass balconies that stick out more than one meter from the building’s front have given people a whole new view of the city. As soon as you step into the glass boxes, you’ll be able to see cars driving on the streets right below your feet. It’s crazy and a little bit scary to feel like you’re “above” the city.
Chinatown
Chinatown is a vibrant, bustling neighborhood in the heart of Chicago. This vibrant neighborhood is home to a variety of Chinese restaurants, markets, and shops. Whether you’re looking for authentic Chinese food or just a fun night out, Chinatown is the perfect place to explore. There are plenty of fantastic restaurants offering a variety of dishes from different regions of China.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try some street food, such as egg rolls, dumplings, and wonton soup. Chinatown is also home to many markets where you can find fresh produce, Chinese herbs, and traditional Chinese snacks. Exploring Chinatown is a great way to experience the city’s dynamic culture and flavors.
North Avenue Beach
North Avenue Beach is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to admire the stunning Chicago skyline. Located on the northern edge of Lincoln Park, North Avenue Beach is one of the city’s most popular beaches. It offers spectacular views of the city, especially at night when the lights of the skyscrapers reflect off the lake.
Visitors can also enjoy a variety of activities on the beach, such as swimming, volleyball, and kayaking. During the summer months, the beach is packed with people enjoying the sun and sand. A cafe located on the beach serves up delicious food and drinks, making it the perfect spot to take in the views while refueling.
Whether you are a local or a visitor, North Avenue Beach is the perfect place to admire the Chicago skyline.
Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago is a world-renowned art museum located in downtown Chicago. Founded in 1879, the museum is home to a vast collection of art spanning centuries and cultures. The museum offers visitors the chance to explore more than 300,000 works of art, including masterpieces by Monet, Cezanne, Picasso, and more.
The museum has a variety of interactive exhibits and activities, such as the popular “Crowds & Commotion” exhibit, where visitors can explore the fascinating history behind the art. Visitors can also take advantage of the museum’s free admission days and special events. Whether you’re an art lover or just looking for something to do, the Art Institute of Chicago is an unforgettable experience.
Shedd Aquarium
Shedd Aquarium is an iconic Chicago landmark. It is the world’s biggest indoor aquarium, with more than 8,000 aquatic animals on display. Shedd also tries to teach, spread the word about, and show the best ways to protect marine environments and make the oceans a better place. Shedd was the first inland aquarium to have permanent saltwater exhibits.
Saltwater was brought to Chicago from the seas near Key West in railroad tank cars. Through interactive displays and exhibits, visitors can explore the fascinating underwater world and discover how to protect it for future generations. The aquarium also has special events and programs, such as behind-the-scenes tours and animal encounters.
John Hancock Center
The John Hancock Center is a building in Chicago known for its observation deck, the 360 Chicago. Located on North Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago, it offers breathtaking views of the city. From the observatory, you can see four states (Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan) and Lake Michigan.
The deck also has interactive telescopes and touchscreens that provide information about the city’s landmarks and attractions. There is also a cafe and bar, where you can grab a bite to eat or a drink while admiring the views. The John Hancock Center is the perfect place to watch the sunset or get a bird’s-eye view of the city.
Wrigley Field
Wrigley Field is one of the most iconic baseball stadiums in the United States. Wrigley Field, where the Chicago Cubs play, opened in 1914. It was first called Weeghman Park. In 1916, the Cubs beat the Cincinnati Reds there for the first time. In 1927, the field was renamed after the popular Wrigley chewing gum company, whose owner had bought out the Cubs.
If you like baseball, you can take daily or group tours of Wrigley Field, and if you go at the right time, you might even catch a game. After that, go to The Chicago Diner for a hearty meal that will have you full in no time.
Adler Planetarium
The Adler Planetarium is one of the most popular attractions in Chicago. Built in 1930 on the shore of Lake Michigan, the Adler Planetarium offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the universe. With its state-of-the-art technology and interactive exhibits, the museum is a great place to learn about astronomy and space exploration.
At the Adler, visitors can explore the night sky in a planetarium show or use interactive exhibits to explore space. There are also a number of exhibits that focus on the achievements of women, Latinx, and LGBTQ+ astronomers, among others. An excellent exhibit shows how important the work of Islamic astronomers was and how their studies changed the faith and the rest of the world.
There are also collections of things that astronomers used in the past, such as many old and antique sundials and telescopes.
Museum of Science and Industry
The Museum of Science and Industry is one of the most popular attractions in Chicago. Located at the north end of Jackson Park, the museum is home to numerous artifacts and interactive exhibits. Visitors can explore the museum’s vast collection of science and technology artifacts, as well as discover the history and development of science and industry.
The museum offers a variety of interactive exhibits, such as a model railroad, a U-505 submarine, a coal mine, and a health and nutrition center. The museum also has an OMNIMAX theater, a planetarium, and a hands-on lab, where visitors can explore science and engineering concepts.
With its wide range of exhibits and activities, the Museum of Science and Industry is a must-visit for anyone interested in science and technology.
Buckingham Fountain
The Buckingham Fountain is a Chicago landmark located in Grant Park. It is one of the largest fountains in the world and is a popular tourist attraction. Every day, the fountain puts on an impressive water show that is visible from the surrounding park and sidewalks. The water show is set to classical music and consists of multiple fountains shooting water in different directions and heights.
The fountain’s intricate lighting and colorful water jets make it a spectacular sight to witness at night. The water show usually runs from 8 pm to 11 pm in the summer months, and it is free to watch.
Field Museum of Natural History
The Field Museum of Natural History was first called the Columbian Museum of Chicago. It was started in 1893 to show off the biological and anthropological collections that were put together for the World Columbian Exposition. This museum is home to a vast collection of artifacts and objects from cultures around the world.
About 20 million artifacts and specimens from many different fields, such as geology, botany, zoology, and anthropology, are in the permanent collection. The permanent exhibits on Ancient Egypt and the cultures of North, Central, and South America, as well as “Sue,” the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton in the world, are especially interesting. Throughout the year, there are often special exhibits that change.
Conclusion
From the iconic Willis Tower Skydeck to the mesmerizing Art Institute of Chicago, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Chicago. Whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure or an indoor cultural experience, you’ll find plenty of things to do in this vibrant city.
Take advantage of what Chicago has to offer and explore these top activities to make the most of your time in the Windy City.
