Things to do

26 Best Things to Do In Chicago

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Chicago is known by several names, but the most common ones are The Windy City, Chi-Town, and The City of Big Shoulders.

This city offers a boat trip tour, Chicago beans, amazing architecture, and several excellent sites to explore. Join us as we explore more fascinating Chicago attractions and activities by scrolling across your screen.

1. Explore the Art Institute of Chicago

Among the things to do in Chicago tonight, one can name visiting this institute which has presented 300000 artworks. This is a museum that possesses some of the best stocks of Art in America and Europe.

As you explore the gallery, expect to see art from textbooks like Grant Wood's American Gothic Painting and George Seurat's A Sunday on La Grande Jatte.

Address: 111 S Michigan Ave

2. Recreational Activities At The Chicago Riverwalk

The Chicago Riverwalk is a beautiful location for recreation within proximity of the water. It runs along the Chicago River and there are few restaurants and bars to relax with the water view.

It is possible to hire kayaking, go for a boat ride, or simply walk and enjoy the city’s feel. Due to fascinating artwork and vibrant programs, it is as if people are having an exciting celebration along the river waters.

Address: 22 E Wacker Dr

3. Stroll Along The Magnificent Mile

The Magnificient Mile is one of the famous regions for fashion-conscious, food hunters, and culture vultures. It is also one of the places that first-time visitors should consider visiting while in Illinois.

You can also do the tour by walking, cycling, bus, trolley or using Segway. Take a bird's eye view of the entire city's structure from the 360 Chicago.

Address: Michigan Avenue

4. Check Out Views From The Willis Tower Skydeck

This Skydeck resides on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower. This tower is among the tallest ones in the US. From such a tall height, one can have a clear, rather small view of the city. Aon Center and the John Hancock Center are visible from here.

For instance, in clear weather, the lake seems to be touching the sky with the water body being blue as far as the eye can see. Viewing from this place is rather one of the fun things to do in Chicago.

Address: 233 S Wacker Dr

5. Take A Chicago River Boat Tour of Architecture

The concept of this tour is to try observing the facades of the architectural structures along the sides of the Chicago River from a different angle.

Some of the places that you get to tour are the Wrigley Building, Trump Tower, and Michigan Avenue Bridge among others. A tour is usually performed in 45 to 50 minutes.

Address: 465 N McClurg Ct

6. Take A Walk Along Navy Pier

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Navy Pier is an extraordinary structure spanning 3300 feet long and elevated over Lake Michigan. This is an immense area with about fifty acres of beautiful views, displays and exhibits, and the famous Ferris wheel at the Navy Pier.

As you walk down the pier, you will come through shops and some of the best restaurants in Chicago. Billy Goat Tavern and Chef Art Smith's Reunion are where you can grab Chicago classics and Midwestern Twist respectively.

Address: 600 Grand Avenue East

7. Stop By Millennium Park

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To get here, one has to bypass the downtown area. You can expect top-quality art, musical features, and astonishing architecture at this place. Every year several visitors come here to appreciate the beauty of the art collection.

Among the several visitors, at least 80% come here to see The Bean. It is a stainless steel sculpture made in the shape of a bean. The polished finish of this attraction provides a mirror finish.

Address: 201 E Randolph St

8. Explore the Shedd Aquarium

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Shedd Aquarium, located on the shore of Lake Michigan equally attracts visitors to its indoor marine museum. It was the first in Chicago to house permanent saltwater and freshwater exhibits.

Some of the marine animals found in this aquarium are sea lions sea otters and 1500 varieties of fish. This aquarium is home to more than 32000 animals.

Address: 1200 S DuSable Lk Shr Dr

9. Admire Unique Architecture Works At Tribune Tower

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Tribune Tower is one of the extraordinary structures built in Chicago. This historic tower has undergone neo-Gothic architectural works.

It has a demonstrated collection of world architectural fragments that are incorporated into its wall. There is a plaza nearby where one can spot beautiful sculptures and greenery.

Address: 435 North Michigan Avenue

10. Attend A Live Comedy Show At The Second City

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For more than six decades this place has been entertaining its audience with enjoyable and vibrant comedy shows. It also delivers improv and sketch comedy shows.

One of the best things to do in Chicago winter, this place has served as a career gateway for many comedians in their initial days. Bill Murray and Tina Fey are a few among them.

Address: 1608 N Wells St f4

11. Relax In The Green Spaces At Grant Park

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Grant Park is like Chicago's backyard! It has numerous parks and you can sit, engage in recreation, or even watch views for some time.

It offers long stairways to ascend, take a stroll, jog or even sit and dine while watching the city on the move. During the summer period, it is perfect for concerts, festivals, and other forms of entertainment.

Address: 337 E. Randolph Street

12. Watch The Buckingham Fountain

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Many tourists stop by Buckingham Fountain situated in Grant Park. It was constructed in 1927 and is among the biggest fountains located on the planet.

This is one of the things to do in Chicago tonight since at night time there are blazing lights of different colors and special music that add to the condition.

Address: 301 S Columbus Dr

13. Watch Animal Shows At The Adler Planetarium

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Other points of interest for the visitors are the dynamic exhibits about astronomy and astrophysics. This Illinois Treasure has three theaters and a rather large and impressive one named the Grainger Sky Theatre.

Visitors are entertained with shows on the universe and also they can even observe events through the Doane Observatory.

Address: 1300 S DuSable Lk Shr Dr

14. Visit The Field Museum Of Natural History

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This is an exhibit kind of museum. Here one can find collections of various animals in different sizes. The displays are in connection with archaeology, paleontology, and anthropology.

The highlight of this place is the SUE exhibit. It is one of the largest animal fossils this place has to offer.

Address: 1400 South Lake Shore Drive

15. Explore The Lincoln Park Zoo

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Visiting this zoo is one of the free things to do in Chicago today. It is open every day for the whole year through. The zoo is filled with an immense number of animals from different backgrounds. Polar bears, monkeys, giraffes, and elephants, are some.

Being a few miles away from the downtown area, the zoo also falls under one of the top tourism destinations in Chicago. You will have a great time with your family here.

Address: 2001 N. Clark Street

16. Visit The Griffin Museum Of Science And Industry

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It is a giant museum which is stuffed full of wondrous and interactive activities. There is an actual WWII submarine that you can tour, a coal mine train ride, and coordinate a 40-foot tornado.

Please don't forget to visit the Giant Dome Theater for another type of movie-like experience.

Address: 5700 S DuSable Lk Shr Dr

17. Catch A Game At Wrigley Field

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Wrigley Field is a historic place for playing baseball. Founded in 1914, this is the Chicago Cubs' present home.  Besides watching games, there are nearby places for quick snacks. Now you can grab your favorite snack while watching the thrilling game.

There is a custom in this stadium. On every 7th-inning stretch, the audience sings "Take Me Out to the Ball." So, be prepared and sing along.

Address: W Addison Street, 1060

18. Views From 360 Chicago Observation Deck

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This is not one of the attractive sites that one should dismiss while making a list of the cool things to do in Chicago. Especially if the sky is clear, you can view four States at this place, therefore, attractive for scenic sights.

From this 1,000-foot-up sightseeing point, the entire city and Lake Michigan came out very beautiful.

Address: 875 N Michigan Ave

19. Water Sports At North Avenue Beach

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The beach also has a famous beach house that caters to food and has facilities for bikes and equipment for sporting activities.

Fun stuff that can be done includes beach volleyball, yoga, and sun tanning. Have you ever been to Castaways? If not, do not forget to have a cup of refreshing drink here.

Address: 1600 N Lake Shore Drive

20. Explore The Garfield Park Conservatory

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It occupies 12 acres and is one of the biggest conservatories in the United States. Several plant varieties can be observed such as the tropical and desert varieties.

The conservatory is wonderful and it features both indoor and outdoor gardens. This makes it ideal to get a feel of a natural environment regardless of the hustle and bustle of the city.

Address: 300 N Central Park Ave

21. Attend A Live Performance At The Chicago Theatre

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The Chicago Theatre, as locally known as the Wonder Theatre of the World is a historic theatre building. It also features a lateral marquee and very elegant architecture, which automatically makes it a beautiful place.

Tickets for this theater are usually quite high, especially for the premium seating. To avail of discounted prices, be a part of events such as Chicago Theatre Week.

Address: 175 N State St

22. Winter Activities At Maggie Daley Park

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Winter at Maggie Daley Park is really fun! It also has an ice skating ribbon that goes around almost through gorgeous trees on which one can skate.

It is like a winter wonderland! It is most fun if you bring your skates but if you don't want to bother, you can rent them for a minimal fee.

Address: 337 E Randolph St

23. Enjoy Interactive Exhibits At Chicago Children's Museum

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At this museum located in Navy Pier, the children can play in the life-size fire manos, dig up dinosaurs, and even tinker around the Tinkering Lab.

Kids learn while playing. After having a rich experience of the museum, there are related sites to visit. The Ferris wheel or a pizza that is deeply styled are some.

Address: 700 E Grand Ave

24. Learn From American Writers Museum

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This special museum is dedicated to the American Literature. Visit features where the children can play and learn more such as the Word Waterfall and the Surprise Bookshelf.

It is also possible to write on vintage typewriters for you to exercise your skills in writing. Enter is free only on the third Sunday of the month.

Address:  2nd floor, 180 N Michigan Avenue

25. Gain Knowledge On History At DuSable Museum of African American History

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This museum honors black historical and cultural achievements. It is done through creations, narratives, and displays.

It was established in 1961 and is the oldest museum for African Americans in the United States of America. Here you can learn about significant events in black people's lives.

Address: 740 E 56th Pl

26. Catch Chicago Bulls Game At United Stadium

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The place can be considered very large with almost 21 thousand designated places for people full of anticipation. It is advisable to catch up on some mouthwatering snacks and drinks while watching the Chicago Bulls game.

Michael Jordan's statue is recommended to be visited specifically to make a great photo.

Address: 1901 W Madison St,