Being one of the major cities of the United States, there is no shortage of things to do in Chicago. One can always find something to be engaged in at the Windy City. From state-of-the-art museums to vibrant nightlife centers and lively shopping districts, Chicago – has it all! Chicago is also home to one of the most iconic NBA teams, the Chicago Bulls. There are also a few more iconic names that Chicago boasts (not exactly for the best causes, though). Chicago was also home to one of the most notorious, yet legendary mobsters in the word – Al Capone, who is also famously known as Scarface. Chicago hot dogs, deep-dish style pizza, Maxwell Street polish sausage, and quality jazz music are some iconic things to not miss during your visit to Chicago. Check out the curated and handpicked list of the top things to do in Chicago. Start charting out your things to do in Chicago today! Follow our list and enjoy the best of Chicago.
1. Chill Out with Art and Music at Millennium Park
If your bucket list of things to do in Chicago includes quality music concerts, people-watching, and enjoying art, then Millenium Park is a must go! With popular installations like the Cloud Gate (The Bean) and the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, enjoy plenty of free things to do in Chicago this weekend at the Millennium Park. If you visit the park before mid-march, make sure to have fun with some last-minute ice-skating at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink inside the park.
2. Witness Chicago from the Clouds at Willis Tower Skydeck
Ever wondered how it would feel to witness your favorite city from the clouds? Satisfy your fantasy or overcome your fear of heights with a visit to The Skydeck. This top thing to do in Chicago offers a chance to view the city from 1,353 feet above. The Skydeck also holds the record for being the tallest observation deck in the United States. Very few Chicago attractions can beat Skydeck for top honors when it comes to the best places to visit in Chicago.
3. Gawk on Artworks on Display at The Art Institute of Chicago
Rich with a collection of more than 300,000 artworks on display, the Art Institute of Chicago is one of the best places to visit in Chicago. The institute features work by legendary artists like Pablo Picasso, Georges Seurat, Edward Hopper, and Grant Wood. The institute also has a rare collection of Renaissance Art and Medieval Armory, making it a top thing to do in Chicago.
4. Spend a Day with the Wildlife at Lincoln Park Zoo
Witness Polar Bears swimming or the lion pride relax at elevated stone perches of the Lincoln Park Zoo. The Chicago attraction is open all year round and offers free admission. If you are traveling on a budget and seeking free things to do in Chicago, this is your best bet. From African lions patrolling snowy terrains to snow monkeys going Tarzan from branches to branches, enjoy fun things to do in Chicago in Winter at the Lincoln Park Zoo.
5. Meet the Botanical Specimens of Garfield Park Observatory
Yet another entertaining free thing to do in Chicago, is to visit the lush green botanical beings at the Garfield Park Conservatory. Spanning across more than 12 acres of land, the beautiful glass structure, which is also known as the “landscape art under the glass,” houses more than 100,000 plants. The Garfield Park Conservatory is also one of the largest conservatories in the United States, which is one of the reasons why it ranks as a top thing to do in Chicago.
6. Cruise and Explore the Details of Chicago Architecture
Chicago is a city internationally acclaimed for its original and unique architecture. What better thing to do in Chicago than explore the Chicago Skyline on a luxury cruise boat? Several operators offer guided tours that explain the history and details of the Chicago architecture. Enjoy the best of Chicago architecture that is on display with a Chicago Cruise you will not regret venturing on.
7. Unravel the prehistoric mysteries at the Field Museum
Take on a trip to the Field Museum of Natural History to enjoy some top things to do in Chicago this week. Keep in mind that you might have to skip a few exhibits to cover the entire museum for the complete experience. The museum features one of the best dinosaur exhibits across the world, so be prepared for a bone-tingly welcome by Sue the T-Rex, and Maximo, the Titanosaur. This Chicago attraction also features the 5,000-year-old tomb of Pharaoh Unas Ankh and several other artifacts from Egypt.
8. Tour through 606 Elevated Park & Trail
Originally known as the Bloomingdale Trail, the 2.7-mile elevated stretch used to be an abandoned elevated railway track named after the first three digits of every Chicago zip code. Now, it is a Chicago attraction favored by both locals and travelers to either stroll, jog, bike, or visit the nearby park. There are many quiet parks, cozy eateries, and fancy bars along the entire stretch. Make sure to visit the 606 Elevated Trail to enjoy some fun things to do in Chicago.
9. Witness the Cubs in action at Wrigley Field Stadium
Northern Chicago’s classic ballpark and home to the Chicago Cubs, the Wrigley Field has witnessed triumph and fall of the home team many times. If you have the chance to witness the Cubs in action, make sure not to miss the opportunity at this retro Chicago attraction. Worried about visiting the stadium during the off-season? Well, you can enjoy many off–season activities like touring the Friendly Confines or exploring Wrigley Park. Consider parking in advance before heading out for the game, to make sure that you get to your seat in time before the game begins.
10. Walk, Run, or Bike with a Scenic View at the Lakefront Trail
Enjoy a stroll, jog, or a bike ride along the 18-mile long Lakefront Trail to burn some calories with one of the best scenic views in the city. The trail which stretches connects the north to the south from the Hollywood Avenue to the 71st Street moves adjacent to Lake Michigan. If you are planning to get the best view of Chicago Skyline, you have to consider including the trail in your list of things to do in Chicago.
11. Build Sandcastles Under the Sun at Montrose Beach
While Montrose Beach might not be the popular beach in Chicago, it is one of the best places to visit in Chicago. While almost all other Chicago beaches attract hordes of visitors, Montrose Beach is much less hectic. The beach also offers kayak rentals and volleyball courts for those looking for things to do in Chicago this week.
12. Back the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field
Chicago is one of the few cities in the United States to have multiple baseball teams. The southside team, the Chicago White Sox play their home games at Guaranteed Rate Field (formerly known as the Comiskey Park). Guaranteed Rate Field is a modern ballpark with more space and seating capacity than their neighboring team, the Chicago Cubs who have their ballpark at Wrigley Field. Enjoy some fun things to do in Chicago with a visit to the stadium.
13. Swing and Score with Mini Golf at Maggie Daley Park
Enjoy mini versions of the best of Chicago with a game of mini–golf at Maggie Daley Park. This Chicago attraction serves as a tribute to all major landmarks of Chicago, which have their mini versions featured along the park. From the retro structure of Wrigley Field to the iconic Chicago Theatre, and the sky-high Willis Tower. Visiting the 18-hole mini–golf course is a top thing to do in Chicago.
14. View the Chicago Skyline atop the Centennial Ferris Wheel
Witness the Chicago Skyline like never before from atop the Centennial Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier. Enjoy one of the top things to do in Chicago with the Centennial Ferris Wheel experience that offers secure, enclosed and climate-controlled gondolas. Be ready to face hordes of visitors as the Navy Pier is one of the best places to visit in Chicago.
15. Witness WWII Machinery at the Museum of Science and Industry
Into big guns and war machines? Head to the Museum of Science and Industry to witness one of the four surviving German submarines from World War II. You will not be disappointed by including this interesting Chicago attraction in your list of top things to do in Chicago. The Museum of Science and Industry also offers guided tours inside the 700-ton submarine. There are also many other exhibits like the mirror maze called Numbers in Nature, Science Storms simulated tornado, and the Giant Dome Theater.
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