Things to Do in Chicago

Take a stroll through time, with historical artifacts that explore the city’s rich and colorful history.

Spend a day at this sprawling theme park to enjoy an array of thrilling roller coaster rides, a water park and entertainment for kids of all ages.

Explore a massive collection of works celebrating different cultures and historical times, from ancient Egypt to modern installations.

A ferris wheel, shopping, restaurants and more can be found in this waterfront  entertainment district.

A landmark gathering place for locals and visitors who come to admire the unique art, architecture and landscape.

This large, interactive museum contains a coal mine and World War II submarine among its many attractions.

Visit an African savannah, the Australian Outback and the depths of the ocean — all in a single afternoon.

Dinosaur bones, rare gems and real Egyptian mummies are among the displays at this family favorite.

This small zoo in the center of Chicago is perfect for small children and parents looking for a quiet, leisurely stroll — and some impressive animals!

Tour the iconic grounds and catch a game March through September at Chicago’s beloved baseball stadium.

This expansive public park along Lake Michigan offers museums, beaches, nature reserves and sporting facilities.

Tour the former home of a legendary American architect for a fascinating look into his life and work.

This was Frank Lloyd Wright’s first major public building and is still considered one of his greatest achievements. 

This glass structure filled with exotic plants is the perfect place to spend a quiet afternoon.

Visit the Skydeck and gaze down over the Chicago cityscape from a dazzling 1,353 feet above the sidewalk.

Peek into the early life of one America’s best-loved writers. 

While away the afternoon in this huge conservatory housing tropical and rare plants, waterfalls and art.

Attend an event at the United States’ largest convention center, which features hyper-modern facilities and huge exhibition spaces connected by promenades and sky bridges.

See iconic Chicago landmarks made from over a million LEGO® pieces, watch a movie and learn how the bricks are made in the LEGO® factory.

Opportunities for fun, learning and wonder abound at this historic and state-of-the-art museum on the pretty shore of Lake Michigan.

Spend a day exploring the department store, luxury fashion outlets and food court at this mall on the glitzy Magnificent Mile shopping district.

See a stage show at this iconic cultural beacon, which still captures all the splendor of a trip to the movie theater in the early 20th century.

Enjoy endless shopping, see exhibits of sporting memorabilia and attend shows at a live theater at this huge shopping mall.

Witness the simple beauty of Frank Lloyd Wright’s designs in a Chicago house that epitomizes a popular American style of architecture.  

This enormous art deco installation gives free regular water and light shows symbolizing the power and might of Lake Michigan.

Soak up the sun with views of Lincoln Park and Lake Michigan at this city beach known for its fun sports and extensive amenities. 

Free concerts and Frank Gehry’s characteristic forms are some of the attractions of this modern performance venue in Chicago’s Millennium Park.

With trails, a beach and a bird sanctuary, this spacious city harbor is a good place to sail from and a great place to hang out.

Innovative and certainly unique, this art installation in Millennium Park features the faces of 1,000 Chicagoans blown up five stories tall.

Bird life, paved paths and a built-in music venue give one of Chicago’s newest green spaces much to offer to nature lovers, exercisers and music fans.

On the peaceful shores of Lake Michigan, this elaborate temple, open to all, exudes a sense of peace that makes it a welcome change from Chicago’s bustle.

Chicago’s front yardis a pretty landscaped park, which is home to public art displays, museums, themed gardens and international music festivals.

Just outside Chicago, this beloved summer hangout features an enormous pool, volleyball courts, barbecue pits, swim lessons and much more.

Built by famed 19th-century architects and renovated in 1907 by Frank Lloyd Wright, this early skyscraper is a great stop on a Chicago architecture tour.

Shining golden in the Chicago sunshine, this installation outside the Adler Planetarium will impress you with its beauty and help you know what time it is.

One of Poland’s most famous sons is honored here, symbolizing both his contributions to science and the Polish community’s contributions to the city of Chicago.

Gifted by the government of Veracruz, Mexico, this colossal stone replica greets and educates visitors to the Field Museum of Natural History.

Spend a day swimming and paddling on Lake Michigan or soaking up the sun on a peaceful beach located at the northern tip of Lincoln Park. 

Stroll along the waterfront of the Chicago River to pass some of the city’s most appealing attractions and appreciate how a once grim area has been successfully revamped.