7 Fun Things To Do In Chicago
Chicago is such a great city! There’s a lot to do and see, so if you’re planning a visit here are some suggestions to help you get the most of your stay in the Windy City.
As the third largest city in the US, Chicago has a lot to offer its visitors. It’s known for its architecture, museums, food scene, Instagrammable places, and so much more. Whether its your first visit to Chicago, or your tenth, here are some fun things to do in Chicago that will ensure you have a great time.
Pro tip: A great way to travel between many of these Chicago landmarks is by using a Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour.
1. Millennium Park
A visit to Chicago would be incomplete without visiting “The Bean.” But this iconic structure isn’t the only impressive piece of artwork in the park. You can also see the Crown Fountain and 4 large portraits of young girls titled “Jaume Plensa: 10004 Portraits” which tell the story of Chicago’s residents. The park also offers concerts, lectures, and workshops (from beekeeping to kiddie art lessons). It’s also a great place to just kick back, relax, and do some people watching.
2. Willis Tower
Formerly known as the Sears Tower, it is the tallest building in North America. It’s no shock then that from the Skydeck on the 103rd floor you can see some amazing views of the city and surrounding area. On a clear day, you can see 4 states: Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan.
Inside there are also displays and exhibits that show the history of the city and tower. But what’s the coolest thing about Willis Tower? The Ledge. In 2009, a series of glass bays were built that extend out from the sides of the building. They allow you to look straight down 1,353 feet to the ground below. Hope you’re not scared of heights!
3. Lincoln Park Zoo
Not only is this zoo huge, it’s also free! And it’s open 365 days a year. There are a lot of animals, tons of interactive activities and demonstrations, beautiful gardens, and even adult-only extravaganzas (yes, they include alcohol!). And another thing that we thought was pretty cool was that you could feel completely surrounded by nature, and yet have an awesome view of the downtown skyline. There are multiple gates so you can enter from any direction.
There’s so much to do here! There are restaurants, museums, rides, and depending on the season, various events and celebrations. We rode the 150 foot Ferris wheel (some more great views) and the Wave Swinger (flying chairs), ate at the Billy Goat Tavern Grill, checked out a temporary museum, and then walked to the end of the pier. From there we saw the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse and an amazing view of the Chicago skyline.
5. Architecture Tour on the Chicago River
Taking an architecture tour was one of the highlights of our trip. Chicago is world-renowned for its architecture (it’s known as the birthplace of the skyscraper) and seeing it from the river gives you a really cool perspective. Even if you’re not that into architecture, you still learn a lot about the city itself.
Tours last an hour and a half and are given by guides that really know their stuff. Although they also have a Night Architecture Tour, I would recommend going on a day tour right before sunset (check sunset times). That way you can clearly see the buildings when you start the tour, but you can also see them impressively lit up by the end of it.
6. Shedd Aquarium
The Shedd Aquarium opened on May 30, 1930 and has been delighting guests ever since. It features over 8 major permanent exhibits and several specialized, hands-on experiences, totaling thousands of aquatic animals in five million gallons of water.
7. Deep-dish Pizza
This is a no-brainer. If you’re in Chicago, you HAVE to eat some deep-dish. We weighed-in on which restaurants we thought had the best pizza, but I totally encourage you to try as many for yourself as possible. After all, you have to make an informed decision. 😉
Have you been to Chicago? Are there any other fun things to do that you would recommend? Let us know in the comments below! 🙂
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Chicago is such a fun city! The Ledge at the Willis Tower is really cool! Glad to see Buddy doesn’t fear heights..;)
Haha! Nope! 😉
My kids would love all these things! Well, except for being trapped in a room with a zombie. Now you made me want pizza…
There were actually a few kids in our group while we were in the room. They were loving it! Screaming and running around laughing the whole time 😉
Growing up in Michigan, and later living in Minnesota, I’ve frequently been to the Windy City. We would always make time for the Museum of Science and Industry and a visit to the two story Kroch and Brentano’s bookstore (a precursor to the mega bookstores which evolved decades later). Downtown Chicago is really fun in any season.
I’d love to go back during the spring. I bet the parks are just gorgeous!
I went to Chicago on a very cold, wet and miserable day but still had a great time and I was out on the river doing a tour. I would have loved to see some of the places you mentioned.
Hi Noel! We were pretty lucky with the weather while we were there. It was cold at night, but thankfully no rain. Glad you still had a great time.
Thanks for your guide! I haven’t been to Chicago, but for many Polish travelers visiting this city is a must when going to States, so I will probably check all the highlights you have recommended 😉
Awesome Izabela! I hope you have fun 🙂
I’ve been dreaming of visiting Chicago for a while. I actually thought I was going to school there at one point. Eating pizza would definitely be my #1 priority! 😉
As it should be! 😉
So many great things to do! My number one would be visiting Anish Kapoor’s sculpture and photographing it from all possible angles 🙂
It really is SO cool to play with the reflections and angles! We took so many pictures!
Buddy’s poses are classic; he actually makes a sight more scenic! And your angle on deep dish pizza shows why it is such a good pizza. Didn’t know Sear’s Tower has been renamed! I missed Millenium Park when I went to Chicago…of all things!!!
Sounds like an excuse to go back 😉
Very helpful list of things to do. Chicago has been on my radar because I have a friend who works there who keeps asking me to come over for a visit. I’ve only known about The Bean, Willis Tower and river cruise before. I however didn’t know about the architecture cruise – that is really cool as that is what I’m really interested in when visiting major cities.
Then you’d LOVE Chicago. It really has some amazing architecture.
I’ve only been to Chicago when it was winter and not as much fun wandering. You’ve convinced me that I need to plan a trip when it’s warmer. So much to see and do!
Oh, definitely! I felt the same way about Boston when I went.
I LOVE Chi-Town. One of my favorite cities to visit in the summer. I would add the beach, Chinatown, vintage markets and having a nice lunch along the canals on a summer day.
Great! This will be great for the next visit. 🙂
I’ve seen the bean in a ton of movies and always wanted to go see it! How brave was Buddy to sit on the glass at the top of the Willis Tower? What a little champ 😉 Also I just caught up on the zombie post and I was edgy just reading about it so I think I’ll have to give it a miss, I know I’ll take it waaaay too seriously and have a heart attack lol I don’t think I would do well in an apocalypse hmmmm 😛 Chicago looks ace, I’m adding it to my states tour (when I eventually get round to planning it!) x
Great pictures! That deep-dish Pizza is amazing! Your pictures makes my mouth water! Chicago is such a neat city!
Thanks Alyssa! It really is 🙂
This is a great list of the top sites in Chicago. As a native and lifelong resident, I always encourage visitors to venture away from these sites (unless it’s your first time; then I’ll cut you some slack) and head into the neighborhoods. That’s where you find REAL Chicago. The city extends well beyond the lakefront, Wrigleyville, and even Museum Campus. Something to see in just about every corner of my city!
Oh, and about the pizza debate… Giordano’s is possibly the worst deep dish pizza! Lou Malnati’s is far superior. Even better is Pizzeria Due.
Great tips Francesca! I don’t know, I liked Giordano’s! lol But I’ll definitely have to try Pizzeria Due next time I’m there. 😉