Things to do in Chicago

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)

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)

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

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)

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)

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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