Popular Things to Do in Chicago

There's an amazing amount of culture and entertainment to experience while also fueling your adrenaline with plenty of exhilarating activities. You can hit the beaches or an exciting baseball game, which are just some of the fun things to do in Chicago. From baseball games, a front row seat at a ballet performance, or a sunset over this funky city, there is no shortage of memorable things to do in Chicago.If you are in the city you don’t need to worry about what to do in Chicago as culture lovers should plan on spending a day or two exploring Chicago museums. Considered one of the best cities in America for foodies, Chicago is known for its diverse culinary landscape and everything from deep dish pizza to Chinatown's dim sum houses. You can take part in one of the many festivals held throughout the year or visit one of the parks or beaches within city limits.

Buckingham Fountain in Grant park
Buckingham Fountain in Grant park

It is one of Chicago's oldest and most well-known parks, and it is quite possibly home to some of the best fun things to do in Chicago. Older and grander than other fountains in the area, Buckingham Fountain is a lakefront landmark and Chicago icon that features 2,200 powerful nozzles and 30 massive light-emitting diode (LED) lights. Built to resemble Roman antiquities, this stunning fountain has been delighting visitors for years.

  • Price: Free

  • Visiting Hours: 6 AM to 11 PM (Daily)

Cloud Gate in Millennium Park
Cloud Gate in Millennium Park

Millenium Park is located in the Loop area of Chicago and is a great place for families, individuals, and anyone to visit. It features colourful grassy areas, sculptural gazebos for shade, a fun play area with a waterfall, and a water play fountain. The Cloud Gate, also known as The Bean, is a mirror-polished stainless steel sculpture in Millennium Park. The sculpture is made of stainless steel and reflects the sky, Chicago skyline, and its own surroundings

  • Price: Free

  • Visiting Hours: 8 AM to 9 PM (Daily)

Explore The Magnificent Mile
Explore The Magnificent Mile

The Magnificent Mile is the heart of Chicago and is lined with upscale stores and it extends for three miles along Michigan Avenue. The affluent commercial district caters to upscale shoppers with its concentration of luxury retailers like Bloomingdale's, Macy's, and Louis Vuitton. It's known for having high-end stores and restaurants, and it's a great place to go if you're looking for some retail therapy or just want to grab a bite with friends.

  • Price: Free

  • Visiting Hours: 24/7 Daily

Visit Navy Pier
Visit Navy Pier

Navy Pier is a 1,200-foot-long pier on Lake Michigan in downtown Chicago featuring restaurants, shops and entertainment venues. It's also home to the city's only aquarium and its highest restaurant, The MW Restaurant & Lounge, which offers unparalleled views of Lake Michigan. You can go shopping or just watch people go by from the pier's observation deck. The view from up there is breathtaking and you'll get to see the city from new heights.

  • Price: Free

  • Visiting Hours: 7 AM to 8, 9, or 10 PM(daily)

Have Fun at Lincoln Park Zoo
Have Fun at Lincoln Park Zoo

The Lincoln Park zoo's focus on natural habitats and its commitment to providing exceptional care for its animals have made it one of the leading zoos in the country. It also has an aquarium with penguins and sea lions. Children can join in on a scavenger hunt or learn how to take care of animals at one of their many educational programs. You'll find over 2,000 animals from around the world here at this zoo, including snow leopards, monkeys and penguins.

  • Price: Free

  • Visiting Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM(daily)

Visit Chicago Architecture River Cruise
Visit Chicago Architecture River Cruise

The Chicago Architecture River Cruise boat is a fun, interactive tour that teaches you about Chicago and some of its notable buildings. The architecture of this area has been designed by many famous architects and is definitely worth visiting. The tour gives you so much amazing information about the city's history, architecture, and various neighbourhoods.

  • Price: Subject to availability

  • Visiting Hours: Check before visiting as depends on the day of visiting

Explore Museum of Science and Industry
Explore Museum of Science and Industry

Museum of Science and Industry is dedicated to educating visitors about science through hands-on experiences with interactive exhibits and demonstrations from educators who are experts in their fields. The museum has over 300 exhibits, including a planetarium where you can see the stars above the city. It also has many hands-on activities for kids. They'll be able to explore everything from chemistry to physics in an interactive way that will make them want to learn even more about how things work around them!

  • Price: $21.95 for adults: $12.95 for kids 3-11

  • Visiting Hours: Tue-Sun 9:30 AM.-5:30 PM.

Explore Art Institute of Chicago
Explore Art Institute of Chicago

Housed in a five-story Beaux-Arts building designed by Dankmar Adler, which contains airy galleries with comfortable seating. The Art Institute of Chicago combines its permanent collection of more than 300,000 pieces with superb temporary exhibitions to provide an experience that's considered essential for any Chicago visitor.

  • Price: $25 for adults: $19 for kids 14-17; Free for kids below 13 years

  • Visiting Hours: Fri-Wed 11 AM–5 PM| Thurs 11 AM.–8 PM | Tuesday–Wednesday closed

Enjoy at The Chicago Riverwalk
Enjoy at The Chicago Riverwalk

Come to the Chicago Riverwalk and you'll find numerous activities to engage in. Alternatively, you can also visit one of the public gardens or explore the art displays. You can grab a drink and relax while watching the boats go by or try one of the many different types of food that are offered here. If you’re looking for something more active, there are also paddle boats and bike rentals available for use by tourists.The riverwalk runs along both sides of the Chicago River from Lake Street to Wells Street downtown; it also extends for about five miles southward through Grant Park along Lake Shore Drive near Soldier Field Stadium where there are other attractions like the Field Museum of Natural History and Shedd Aquarium.

  • Price: Free

  • Visiting Hours: 24/7 Daily

   Visit The Field Museum
Visit The Field Museum

The museum itself offers a world-class dinosaur exhibition, many other activities and which are the answers to your question about what to do in Chicago. If you're planning a trip to Chicago, then The Field Museum should be at the top of your list. Visitors can also see live animals such as elephants, gorillas and Komodo dragons, or watch a 3D movie about dinosaurs or human evolution. You can also visit the Stanley Field Hall, which houses a variety of African animals and birds.

  • Price: $26 for adults; $19 for kids 3-11

  • Visiting Hours: 9 AM-5 PM daily

 Explore 360 Chicago Observation Deck
Explore 360 Chicago Observation Deck

The 360 Chicago Observation Deck has an immersive experience that's unlike any other in the city, with floor-to-ceiling windows providing spectacular views of Lake Michigan and Millennium Park. You'll get some amazing views of the city from the 94th floor of John Hancock Center. The observation deck has glass floors that look straight down at the street below and a glass-enclosed restaurant where you can enjoy drinks and appetizers while you take in the sights.

  • Price: $30 for adults; $20 for kids 3-11

  • Visiting Hours: 9 AM to 11 PM daily

Have Fun at North Avenue Beach
Have Fun at North Avenue Beach

North Avenue Beach is a great place to go if you are wondering what to do in Chicago as you can soak up some sun and enjoy outdoor summer activities. It's only 3 miles long and ¼ miles wide but has everything you need for a day at the beach. It's quiet and family-friendly, without the fancy boardwalk attractions (or crowds) of other beaches. It offers volleyball courts, sand volleyball courts, swimming areas and a playground for kids.

  • Price: Free

  • Visiting Hours: 11 AM to 7 PM Daily

FAQ's of Things to do in Chicago

What is the number one tourist attraction in Chicago?

    Navy Pier is one of the top things to do in Chicago. The city is known for its architecture, museums, and other cultural institutions, but Navy Pier offers something unique: a fun experience that's a little bit different from the typical tourist destinations.Navy Pier is an entertainment complex on Lake Michigan with restaurants, shops, rides, and live entertainment. It's right in the heart of downtown Chicago and just steps away from other major attractions like Millennium Park and the Field Museum.

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Top Things to Do in Chicago