Things to do in Chicago – Main Attractions
Chicago has miles of bathing beaches, amazing museums, unique attractions and a variety of food that you will not able able to discover and enjoy in a single visit. Whether you’re a tourist planning your adventure or a local Chicagoan planning a staycation, we’ve put together a list of the top @thingstodoinchicago. This list only covers main attractions that Chicago is known for, as well as the top places you must visit and food you must taste while you are here. Are you ready?
1. Millenium Park
Millennium Park has free admission,[3] and features the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Cloud Gate, the Crown Fountain, the Lurie Garden, and various other attractions. The park is connected by the BP Pedestrian Bridge and the Nichols Bridgeway to other parts of Grant Park. Because the park sits atop a parking garage and the commuter rail Millennium Station, it is considered the world’s largest rooftop garden.
In 2017, Millennium Park was the top tourist destination in Chicago and the Midwest, and placed among the top ten in the United States with 25 million annual visitors.
Location: 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602
Hours: 6:00am – 11:00pm
Here is a Map of Millennium Park for your next visit!
At the Millennium Park you will find The Cloud Gate.
The Cloud Gate is the perfect spot to get your “I’m in Chicago” shot. Take time to admire the sculpture itself, look at the city’s skyline and surrounds in its reflection.
Location: 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602
At Millennium Park you will also find the Jay Pritzker Pavilion
Jay Pritzker Pavilion is one of the most popular destinations in Chicago for a dizzying array of free cultural performances. It is a gracious host to audiences who come to enjoy its annual Summer Music and Film Series, as well as Gospel, Jazz, Blues, Mariachi and World Music Festivals, Chicago Jazz Philharmonic, NPR’s Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me, Broadway in Chicago, Lyric Opera and Grant Park Music Festival. If you are visiting during the summer, you can also catch a Movie at the Park! This Years line up for Movies At The Park are:
June 4: “Black Panter”
June 11: “Frida”
June 18: “Love Simon”
June 25: “Wonder Woman”
July 2: “The Wiz”
July 9: “Ten Things I Hate About You”
July 16: “Moonlight” and “Pan’s Labyrinth”
July 23: “The Music Man”
July 30 “Fences”
Aug 5: Inside Out (film will run 10:30 am)
Aug 6: “The Muppet Movie”
Aug 13: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”
Aug 20: “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”
Location: 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602
At the Millennium Park You will Also find The BP Pedestrian Bridge
This superbly designed bridge connects the Millennium Park with the Maggie Daley Park and takes turns and winds, and encourages a slow walk from one park to another. You’ll want to see Cloud Gate (aka the bean), the amphitheater, and Maggie Daley Park so do yourself a favor and take the bridge. Great views, perfect for photos!
Location: 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602
Another amazing spot to enjoy yourself and take some photos at the Millennium Park is the Crown Fountain.
Designed by Jaume Plensa and built by Krueck + Sexton Architects, Crown Fountain uses numerous design elements including water, light, and glass to create a unique meeting point and reflection space. Though not originally constructed as such, the Fountain has become an interactive summer urban oasis for families and visitors who take refuge in the space during Chicago’s humid summers.
Location: 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602
Don’t for get to check out the Laurie Garden!
Approaching the Lurie Garden feels as if you are entering a secret garden in the middle of a concrete jungle. As you leave the Pavillon and enter the Garden you find it surrounded by giant walls of hedges. Rolling fields of native plants are separated by a few paths, including a long pool that cascades down the hill. Don’t be surprised if find visitors dipping their toes in the long pool for a refreshing rest.
Location: 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602
And the Nichols Bridgeway!
The Nichols Bridgeway, a 625-foot pedestrian bridge designed by Renzo Pianorises over the Lurie Gardens and crosses Monroe Street connecting to the thrid floor on the new building. The bridge slowly arches to a height of 60 feet, offering breathtaking views of the park, skyline, and lake.
Location: 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602
2. Skydeck at the Willis Tower
Offering spectacular views spanning up to four states, a one-stop Chicago experience full of interactive exhibits and…The Ledge, a glass balcony extending four feet outside the 103rd floor of Willis Tower!
March – September: Sunday – Friday 9am-10pm, Saturday 8:30am-12am.
October – February: Sunday – Saturday 10am-8pm, Saturday 10am-9pm.
Last entry 30 minutes prior to closing.
Address: 233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606
Skydeck entrance is located on Franklin Street (east side of the building).
The Skydeck is open 365 days a year including Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Get your Tickets: HERE
3. 360 Chicago Observation Deck
360 CHICAGO observation deck, located 1000 feet above the famed Magnificent Mile in the iconic John Hancock Building, offers breathtaking 360 degrees views of the city skyline and Lake Michigan. 360 Chicago observation deck is also home of TILT – Chicago’s highest thrill ride – an enclosed moving platform that literally tilts you out over Michigan Avenue from the 94th Floor. With its many interactive learning opportunities on the city’s rich history, colorful neighborhoods and its iconic architecture, along with a modern Bar and Café where you can relax and enjoy the best views of the city, 360 CHICAGO is the perfect place to enjoy an unforgettable experience.
Location: 875 N Michigan Ave 94th Floor, Chicago, IL 60611
Open from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM every day. Last entry is at 10:30 PM.
| PRICING (ONE VISIT) | ||
| Adult – 12+ years | $22.00 (includes tax) | |
| Youth – 3–11 years | $15.00 (includes tax) | |
| Children under 3 | Free | |
Get tickets: HERE
4. Navy Pier
Navy Pier is an iconic city landmark inspiring discovery and wonder.
CENTENNIAL WHEEL & PIER PARK
Pier Park attractions include the amazing Centennial Wheel, the Pepsi Wave Swinger, carousel and more. Just so you know, the Centennial Wheel soars to nearly 200 feet, with climate-controlled gondolas for the most comfortable Ferris wheel ride ever.
AMAZING CHICAGO’S FUNHOUSE MAZE
This is Chicago’s only self-paced, full-sensory maze experience. Navigate your way through 4,000 square feet of tunnels.
AMC NAVY PIER IMAX THEATRE
Towering screens. Striking clarity. Deep, sharp sound. This is the ultimate immersive movie-going experience. Visit amctheatres.com to find out about upcoming films.
CHICAGO CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
Kids dig for bones on a dinosaur expedition, scale a three-story schooner, and even make a splash in a squirting, pumping water playground. Chicago Children’s Museum is three floors of fun for kids (ages 10 and under) and their families.
TOUR CHICAGO BY LAND, WATER OR AIR
Access any number of Chicago tours from Navy Pier, including Chicago Big Bus Tours, Vertiport Helicopter Tours and Architecture River Tours. You can also rent bicycles to explore the lakefront on your own.
AON SUMMER FIREWORKS
Fireworks perfectly synchronized to music have become a Navy Pier institution. Biweekly shows are scheduled on Wednesdays and Saturdays from Memorial Day through Labor Day. For an extra-special experience, watch the fireworks from the water, on the deck of a cruise boat.
5. Lincoln Park Zoo
It’s Free! Yes. This amazing Zoo is one of the world’s las free zoos. Home to 200 species and 1,100 animals it is open 365 days a year with events every single day. During winter, you will not want to miss the Zoo Lights, no reservation needed, no tickets, just walk right in and enjoy yourself.
Location: 2001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
Daily Activities
Free-Flight Feeding
McCormick Bird House
Enter a lush forest with tropical birds flying overhead as we offer food to fit every feathered appetite.
6. Shedd Aquarium
Every year Shedd Aquarium welcomes 2 million guests for unforgettable encounters with belugas and bluegills, stingrays and sturgeons, sea otters and a sea turtle—and so many more animals from aquatic environments around the world.
Location: 1200 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
Tickets: HERE
7. Field Museum
Well If you are In Chicago you must check out the following a the Field Museum:
#1 Sue the T. Rex
The largest, most complete, and best preserved Tyrannosaurus Rex fossil ever discovered is permanently on display for intrepid adventurers to see. You’ll also want to view the other fossils in Dinosaur Hall. Grab a copy of Steve Fiffer’s book Tyrannosaurus Sue to get the inside scoop on the discovery of this monstrous fossil and the larger-than-life dinosaur hunters that define this field.
#2 Inside Ancient Egypt
The Field Museum has one of the largest collections of mummies in the United States. Visitors can explore a three-story mastaba, a type of Egyptian tomb. It features two full rooms from an authentic 5,000-year-old tomb of pharaoh’s son Unis-Ankh.
#3 Underground Adventure
Museum-goers magically shrink to 1/100th of a person’s actual size to get a bug’s eye view of critters on this planet. Explore giant worm tunnels and soil chambers in this interactive and educational exhibit.
#4 Grainger Hall of Gems
Rare jewels and precious gold objects from all parts of the globe are on display for visitors to inspect. You won’t believe your eyes!
#5 Evolving Planet
This awe-inspiring show takes visitors through 4 billion years of the Earth’s ever-evolving forms of life. From single organisms to overwhelming dinosaur finds, this hands-on exploration of living history will appeal to visitors of all ages.
#6 McDonald’s Prep Lab
On the second floor by the Evolving Planet exhibit, there’s a fossil preparation lab. Visitors can view experts working on new scientific specimens from around the world.
#7 Rotating Exhibitions
The Field Museum features ongoing rotating exhibitions that help people think more about this wondrous planet and the cultures that share it. Past themes from popular exhibitions have included Whales, Opening the Vaults: Mummies, and Chocolate. Check the Field Museum website for news on what exciting exhibitions are coming soon.
#8 The Ancient Americas
This showcase covers 13,000 years of human history in the western hemisphere. Kids can walk through a replica of an 800-year-old pueblo dwelling to get a feel for family life before computer games and texting.
#9 Genghis Khan
Learn all about this legendary ruler and the astounding treasures he amassed in his conquest to rule the world in this special exhibit.
#10 The Best Bathrooms in the Country
Before you go, swing by MacDonald’s on the ground floor and check out the best bathrooms in the country. I’m not kidding.
Don’t Forget to Tag #thingstodoinchicago @thingstodoinchicago when you upload your photos!
The Field Museum is open 364 days a year (every day but Christmas Day) from 9am–5pm, with last admission at 4pm.
Location: 1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
Tickets: HERE
8. Chicago River Walk
The Chicago Riverwalk is an open uninterrupted pedestrian trail along the south bank of the Chicago River in downtown Chicago. It spans from Lake Michigan west to Franklin Street. Called the city’s ‘Second Lakefront’, the Riverwalk contains restaurants during the summer months, seating areas to relax, boat rentals, and theater-style seating for various performances. Other attractions along the Riverwalk include the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Plaza, and the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum, offering visitors a chance to learn about the integral part the Chicago River’s played in Chicago’s development and if you are lucky enough, see a bridge lift from inside the bridgehouse. Enjoy the renowned architecture along the Chicago River as you meander through one of Chicago’s newest attractions.