Chicago is one of my family’s favorite destinations, as it’s just a two-and-a-half hour drive from our home in Indianapolis.

There are so many things to do in Chicago that you’d never get bored: shopping, deep dish pizza, museums, architecture and so much more!

Visiting the city was my first “vacation” once I graduated from college.

My husband and I would go up for a weekend here and there, because we could afford a cheap hotel room and make the drive, and even got engaged there!

Boys on bridge with view of Chicago River in background

Chicago definitely makes a great big city getaway without having to hop on a plane for most of the Midwest.

But if you DO need to hop a plane to get there, Chicago’s Midway Airport is a major hub for Southwest Airlines, our very favorite airline and on which we fly almost free everywhere!

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Here are some super fun Chicago activities if you’re planning to head there soon.

29 Awesome Things to Do in Chicago

1. Visit With Sea Life at Shedd Aquarium

Stingrays swimming in water at Shedd Aquarium, Chicago
© Shedd Aquarium/Brenna Hernandez

 

If you love all things sea life, stop by Shedd Aquarium.

Our kids loved the Beluga whales and the live show, featuring the whales and dolphins. 

You can also look for the divers feeding the animals in the Caribbean Reef area, and there’s also a super cool area where you can pet stingrays!

Quick tip: To avoid long waits in line during summer, order your tickets ahead of time online.

 

2. See the Stars at Adler Planetarium

Aerial view of Adler Planetarium
Adler Planetarium

 

It’s always a great time to delve into all things space, and Chicago’s Adler Planetarium is a great place to do it!

Located on Museum Campus close to Shedd Aquarium, Soldier Field and the Field Museum, it offers fantastic city views, as it juts way out on the lake, as well as exhibits and fantastic dome theater shows that give you the feeling of traveling in space.

 

3. Wander the Museum of Science & Industry

All kids — and adults! — love the Museum of Science & Industry with so many cool things to see and incredible interactive experiences.

Don’t miss the hatchery where you can spend hours watching chicks hatch out of eggs, the coal mine where you can ride into the mine shaft and Science Storms where you can start a tsunami and see a tornado.

Plus, we enjoyed examining the details in the detailed LEGO replica of Chicago :).

Airplanes, trains, and spacecraft on display at Museum of Science & Industry Chicago
J.B. Spector/Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago

 

4.  Take the Chicago Water Taxi

A great, and affordable, activity for families is to take a ride on the Chicago Water Taxi, especially during the warmer months.

Catch it on Michigan Avenue and ride it over to Willis Tower, enjoying the fantastic Chicago River and amazing buildings along the way.

Tickets cost $6 one way per person with kids 3 and younger free.

Chicago Water Taxi on Chicago River
Credit Chicago Water Taxi

 

5. Head to the Top of Willis Tower

Two boys on Willis Tower Skydeck with view of city below
My kids at the Willis Tower Skydeck when they were little, awww. 🙂

 

Yep, this is what was once known as the Sears Tower and is the eighth tallest building in the world and the tallest in the Western hemisphere (it was the world’s tallest building until 1998).

Another fun fact: You can see 4 states (Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin) from the top!

See if you dare to step out on “the ledge,” a glass platform at the Skydeck of Willis Tower, which extends four feet off the 103rd floor of the building so you can look down and see nothing but glass below you!

Another great view of the city is at 360 Chicago at the John Hancock Observatory.

 

6. Kayak the Chicago River

Another great way to see the river — and architecture — during the warmer months is by kayak.

This gets you outdoors and exercising while seeing the city.

Kids can ride with adults in a double kayak, and you can rent them from Wateriders, kayaking on your own, or joining a kayak tour, which includes a ghost tour, architecture tour and fireworks paddle for the Navy Pier summer fireworks.

Man paddling kayak - Wateriders Chicago Kayak Tours
Credit Wateriders Chicago Kayak Tours

 

7. Stroll the Chicago Riverwalk

I got engaged on the Chicago Riverwalk, so it holds a special place in my heart, but it’s a great place for everyone to take in stunning architectural views and enjoy a walk through Chicago.

It’s the perfect place for a stroll any time of year! In fact, it’s quite magical when snowflakes are falling :).

View of Chicago Riverwalk from bridge over Chicago River
Credit: Choose Chicago

 

8. Bike the Lake or River

My family loves to be outdoors and a bike ride by the lake sounds divine!

Chicago’s Divvy bike-sharing program lets those 16 and older rent a bike from one of hundreds of stations by buying a $15 24-hour pass and returning it to any Divvy station.

If you need bikes for kids younger than 16, try Bike & Roll Chicago where you can rent bikes lakefront or riverfront, both great options!

Again, a better activity outside of Chicago winter.

Bikers on Lake front path in Chicago with view of skyline in the background
Credit: Adam Alexander Photography

 

9. See It by Segway

I absolutely love city tours by Segway.

These machines are so fun and intuitive to ride and let you see more of a city without tiring so quickly!

This is best for families with older kids (must be 12 to ride) or adults. Check out Chicago Segway Tour.

Group enjoying Chicago Segway Tours in front of Buckingham Fountain
Credit: Adam Alexander Photography

 

10. Visit Navy Pier

What’s a visit to Chicago without a stop at Navy Pier?

While it is a bit of a tourist trap, it is entertaining and offers amazing Chicago skyline views.

Enjoy shopping, dining and entertainment.

During summer through Labor Day, there are fireworks at dusk on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Aerial view of fireworks at Navy Pier Chicago
Credit: Choose Chicago

 

11. Stay at ACME Hotel Chicago

View of Acme Hotel from street in Chicago
Image by Leigh Loftus, ACME Hotel Company Chicago

 

We love to stay at ACME Hotel Company Chicago, which I highly recommend if you’re tired of the typical hotel chain.

You’ll enjoy a family-friendly fun and funky unique experience with their contemporary design and tech-friendly amenities.

It’s conveniently located in the River North District along Ohio Street close to the Rainforest Cafe and Hard Rock Cafe.

Read my full review with photos.

Inside room at ACME Hotel Company, Chicago
Credit ACME Hotel Company Chicago

 

12. Eat Deep Dish Pizza … Lots of Deep Dish Pizza! 

Chicago deep dish pizza

Whenever we visit Chicago, we have to make a stop at Gino’s East, a classic local restaurant known for their ultimate deep dish pizza!

There is both a River North location close to ACME Hotel or you can head to the original location on Superior and enjoy all the scrawlings on the wall, even adding your own.

Be prepared to wait for 45 minutes to an hour for your mouth-watering pizza and hope that the server doesn’t drop yours as he brings it to the table, as we once witnessed, forcing you to wait another hour for your deep dish!

Another great pizza spot beloved by locals is Lou Malnati’s with several city locations, but plan on it being packed, too!

13. See a Chicago Cubs Game

Boys in front of Wrigley Field sign before Chicago Cubs game

If you can squeeze in time to see the Cubs play at Wrigley Field, I highly recommend it.

It’s definitely a bucket-list must-see and you can grab a selfie with the Harry Caray statue to boot!

My family used Starwood Preferred Guest points (now Marriott Bonvoy Moments) to score 4 tickets in the SPG Suite at Wrigley Field to see the Cubs play the year they broke the famous curse and won the World Series!

It was definitely one of those “priceless” moments. Here’s how we did it.

 

14. See Cubs Memorabilia and Eat at Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse

Lyn with Harry Caray statue wearing at Santa hat at Harry Caray's Italian Steakhouse

Pay tribute to the announcer so beloved by the Cubbies and definitely shout “Cubs Win!” as you enter Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse in the River North district of the city.

The restaurant, located in a historic building, is filled with sports memorabilia.

Plus, grab a pic with the “holy cow,” wearing Harry Caray glasses to share on Instagram.

Owner Grant DePorter predicted 108 as the “magic” year for the Cubs win — and whaddaya know, he was right ;-).

But this restaurant isn’t all about the hype; it’s absolutely delicious from start to finish.

Try one of their amazing steaks and don’t miss the Four Cheese Mac ‘N Cheese. Yummy…

 

15. Snap a Selfie at the Bean

Chicago Bean in front of skyscrapers
Credit Alice Achterhof, Choose Chicago

 

Though a more recent addition to the city, “The Bean” (a nickname, as the sculpture is officially called “Cloud Gate”) is now an icon for the city of Chicago and a must-take selfie :).

Head to Millennium Park and enjoy a stroll and then give the sculpture a lucky pat.

Lyn and her sons in front of The Bean in Millennium Park, Chicago
My kids and I at The Bean when they were little. Apparently, my youngest needed some sunglasses 🙂

 

16. Shop the Magnificent Mile

View of Chicago Magnificent Mile at night
Credit: Choose Chicago

 

If you’re a shopper, or just like to browse, you’ll find endless options along Chicago’s Michigan Avenue, aka the Magnificent Mile.

We always enjoy a stop at Water Tower Place, where there are tons of shops all indoors in one locale.

Got any American Girls fans in the house? Don’t miss the American Girls store!

 

17. Save on Attractions

Chicago CityPASS
© CityPASS

 

Note: This item contains affiliate links for which I may earn a commission — at no cost to you — if you make a purchase after clicking through. Thanks for supporting the blog!

If you plan to visit several attractions, the Chicago CityPASS and Go Chicago card both offer savings off of paying full price for each attraction.

We have used these in many cities and they are fantastic.

Not only are they significantly cheaper, but they often let you skip the ticket line, getting you right into the attraction.

CityPASS includes 5 attractions — Shedd Aquarium, Skydeck Chicago and The Field Museum, plus two of the following attractions: Museum of Science & Industry, 360 Chicago Observation Deck, Adler Planetarium OR Art Institute of Chicago — for $114 for adults (more than HALF off the regular price of these attractions).

The Go Chicago card lets you choose from an All-Inclusive Pass with 26 attractions that you can do in 1-, 2-, 3- or 5-calendar days in a row starting at $99 for adults (up to 55% savings).

Prices increase with the more days you purchase, but you can do a ton.

Alternately, choose their Explorer Pass, which lets you gain entrance to 2, 3, 4 or 5 attractions chosen from 25 options. Save up to 45% off with pricing starting at $65 for adults.

 

18. Have a Chicago-style Hot Dog

chicago hot dog in front of the Chicago River

How do you eat a hot dog in Chicago?

You’re going to need a poppy seed bun and then add pickles, relish, mustard, 2 sport peppers, tomato slices and onions.

Then you cover it in celery salt.

It’s yummy. You’ll thank me :).

Find Chicago hot dogs all over the city from the north side to the south side.

 

19. Listen to Chicago Blues at Buddy Guy’s Legends

Inside Buddy Guy's Legends Chicago
Credit Choose Chicago

 

Chicago has its own brand of blues and you can get a taste at Buddy Guy’s Legends at 700 S. Wabash.

Heck, you might even see Buddy Guy himself!

 

20. Make Time for the Art Institute of Chicago

Art Institute of Chicago entrance
Credit Choose Chicago

 

Early on I had a love affair with this museum, as I was fascinated with all things Ancient Egypt.

They have a great Egyptian collection and awesome speakers on the topic, which I enjoyed attending.

You’ll know it by the museum’s iconic lions that stand guard out front.

It currently houses about 300,000 works of art across 8 buildings.

 

21. Take a Ride on the “L”

Chicago Cubs World Series El train
This is a special train they painted to celebrate the Cubs World Series win in 2016

 

Chicagoans call their mass transit system the “L,” which stands for “elevated” as the train runs on tracks above the streets in most places.

Taking a ride on the “L” is definitely part of your Chicago bucket list.

We enjoyed hopping a ride from downtown up to Wrigleyville to catch a Cubs game, as it literally lets you out right at the stadium!

 

22. Catch a Broadway Show

Chicago has become a bit of a mini-Broadway with lots of fantastic theaters and shows in its theatre district close to The Loop area of the city.

You’ll find lots of popular shows as part of Broadway in Chicago like “Book of Mormon,” “Miss Saigon” and “Hamilton.”

Sofa and table in guest room at Hotel Allegro Chicago
Hotel Allegro Chicago

 

In this part of town, we love to stay at the Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel, a boutique hotel with a delicious Italian restaurant and modern-decorated rooms.

 

23. Take an Architecture Boat Tour

Passengers enjoying Chicago Architecture Boat Tour
Credit Choose Chicago

 

Chicago is lauded for its outstanding architecture and if you want to learn more about it from a professional and get a guided tour, choose an architectural boat tour.

We especially love tours with the Chicago Architecture Center

There are lots to choose from, some offering food and drinks, but all take a cruise down the Chicago River to spot the most impressive marvels.

 

24. Visit Brookfield Zoo

Brookfield Zoo Chicago lion statue. Reads "Brookfield Zoo - World Famous Since 1934"
Credit Choose Chicago

 

For a kid-friendly activity, head to Brookfield Zoo, about 12 miles west of downtown.

Set on 216 acres, it’s been open since 1934.

Don’t miss the dolphin show!

Another great zoo is the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is just north of the city and is totally free.

You can see chimps, gorillas, wolves, bears and more.

 

25. Stroll Through Grant Park

Aerial view of Buckingham Fountain in Chicago's Grant Park
Credit Choose Chicago

 

Grant Park is a more than 300-acre greenspace in the heart of Chicago that encompasses many popular attractions like Millennium Park and the Bean, the Art Institute of Chicago and the famous Buckingham Fountain featured in the opening of the old TV show, “Married With Children.”

There’s also lots of great public art and fountains for kids to splash in during the hot summer months.

 

 26. Walk the 606

606 Walkway Chicago
Credit Ranvestel Photographic, Choose Chicago

 

Similar to New York City’s High Line, Chicago’s “606” is an elevated path open to walkers, joggers and cyclists that runs nearly 3 miles on the north side of Chicago.

It runs through several “hip” neighborhoods, including Wicker Park, Logan Square and Humboldt Park.

 

27. Explore Garfield Park Conservatory

Inside of Garfield Park Conservatory
Credit Choose Chicago

 

For the natural side of Chicago, check out the city’s Garfield Park Conservatory, a wonderland of 5,000 varieties of exotic plants across 14 acres.

The historic site, which charges no admission fee, has been open since 1908 and is one of the largest such public gardens under glass anywhere.

 

28. See the Tiffany Dome

Chicago Cultural Center Dome
Credit Choose Chicago

 

Check out the largest Tiffany-stained glass dome in the world at the 1897 Chicago Cultural Center.

Running a full block, the venue hosts concerts, art exhibits, lectures and more but is open to the public.

The building’s interior is a marvel with the dome containing 30,000 individual glass pieces, mother-of-pearl mosaics and Italian Carrara marble.

 

29. Hang Out at the Beach

Aerial view of North Avenue Beach in Chicago.
Credit Choose Chicago

 

Yes, Chicago has a beach! It’s on Lake Michigan after all 🙂

In fact, the Windy City has 26 beaches to be exact.

However, a Chicago beach does always sound weird to me, and you’ll want to save this one for summer!

Some options include the 63rd Street Beach at Jackson Park, North Avenue Beach in Lincoln Park (apparently considered to be the city’s “trademark beach”) and Oak Street Beach close to downtown.

Here is a full list.

So grab your swimsuit and beach chairs and get ready to relax by the lake.

Have fun in Chi-town!

 

Want more things to do in Chicago?

Check out Travel Mamas’ 10 Best Chicago With Kids Activities.

And here are even more reasons to visit Chicago from the Scenic Suitcase blog!

You can also get my tips for what to do in Chicago at Christmas.

 

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