Things To Do In Chicago

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Museum (27)
Amusement & Theme Park (24)
Beach (15)
Aquarium (1)

1. Navy Pier

2 km
from city center 1 out of 202
Things To Do in Chicago

An interesting amusement park which would keep engaged both children and adults alike. With the backdrop of Michigan Lake, Navy Pier offers a lot of fun activities to enjoy.

4.2 /5

1 km
from city center 2 out of 202
Things To Do in Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago, built-in 1879 is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the States. After the Great Chicago Fire, the Museum reopened in 1887, with a revamped building designed by architect John Wellborn Root. Its collection is a plethora of artifacts ranging from sculptures, paintings, photography, design, and decorative arts from the different periods of human civilization. The Museum also houses masterpieces such as Grant Wood’s American Gothic, Edward Hopper’s Nighthawks, Mary Cassatt’s The Child’s Bath, and works by artists such as Van Gogh, Andy Warhol, and Picasso.

5.0 /5

4 km
from city center 3 out of 202
Things To Do in Chicago

Nestled in Lincoln Park, North Avenue Beach is one of the most renowned beaches in Chicago.

4.0 /5

11 km
from city center 4 out of 202
Things To Do in Chicago

Foster Beach attracts a lot of visitors because of its stunning location.

5. Oak Street Beach

4.0 /5

3 km
from city center 5 out of 202
Things To Do in Chicago

Oak Street Beach in Chicago is one of the favorite spots to sunbathe.

4.5 /5

2 km
from city center 6 out of 202
Things To Do in Chicago

Located just a 10-minute walk from Magnificent Mile, Ohio Street Beach is a beach that’s ideal for visitors of all ages.

4.5 /5

20 km
from city center 7 out of 202
Things To Do in Chicago

Nestled just steps away from the Indiana border, Calumet Beach is one beach in Chicago that’s least populated.

4.5 /5

15 km
from city center 8 out of 202
Things To Do in Chicago

Boasting stunning views of distant skylines of Chicago, Rainbow Beach Park is situated on the southern side of Chicago.

4.5 /5

9 out of 202
Things To Do in Chicago

South Shore Beach in Chicago is an integral part of the historic landmark - South Shore Cultural Center, which is home to a golf course, a formal dining hall, and a solarium.

4.5 /5

2 km
from city center 10 out of 202
Things To Do in Chicago

12th Street Beach on the eastern edge of Northerly Island is an amazing place to walk and explore.

4.5 /5

12 km
from city center 11 out of 202
Things To Do in Chicago

Nestled in the northern part of Chicago, near the Edgewater community, Kathy Osterman Beach was once renowned as the Hollywood Beach.

4.5 /5

8 km
from city center 12 out of 202
Things To Do in Chicago

Unlike other dog beaches in Chicago, Belmont Harbor Dog Beach isn’t as crowded.

13. Leone Beach

4.0 /5

15 km
from city center 13 out of 202
Things To Do in Chicago

Situated in the Rogers Park Beach, Leone Beach boasts acres and acres of sandy areas to enjoy.

4.0 /5

5 km
from city center 14 out of 202
Things To Do in Chicago

Once renowned as the 31st Street Beach, Margaret T. Burroughs Beach was renamed in 2015 with several impeccable upgrades.

4.5 /5

14 km
from city center 15 out of 202
Things To Do in Chicago

Once renowned as Columbia Beach Park, Helen Doria Beach is a beautiful place to relax and sunbathe.

4.5 /5

16 km
from city center 16 out of 202
Things To Do in Chicago

Located along Lake Michigan, Rogers Park Beach features minimal sand and rocky areas on the beach, along with plenty of green spaces, where visitors can relax and enjoy reading.

4.0 /5

17 out of 202
Things To Do in Chicago

With a sprawling 21 acres of land, Loyola Beach is an expansive beach that provides ample space for witnessing exceptional vistas of the city skyline.

5.0 /5

2 km
from city center 18 out of 202
Things To Do in Chicago

Located on Lake Michigan, the Shedd Aquarium is a 5 million U.S gallons indoor public aquarium in Chicago. An abode of 1500 species of fish, marine animals, birds, snakes, amphibians, and insects, the aquarium has several underwater exhibits like the Abbott Oceanarium, Wild Reef, Carribian Reef, Polar Play Zone, Amazon Rising, and many more. Surrounded by a beautiful indoor forest, the Abbott Oceanarium is home to marine mammals like the Beluga Whale, Sea Otter, Sealion, and White-Sided Dolphins.

2 km
from city center 19 out of 202
Things To Do in Chicago

Field Museum of Natural History is one of the largest natural history museums in the world. Built-in the neoclassical architectural style, the premises were open to the public in 1921. Its collection is ranked amongst the top ten collections in the world - with nearly 40 million objects and specimens. It also houses the world’s largest, preserved Tyrannosaurus rex and Maximo, the Titanosaur. The museum also provides free admission days - visitors to the museum are advised to keep their eyes out for these days.

2 km
from city center 20 out of 202
Things To Do in Chicago

The Adler Planetarium founded in 1930 is the first museum in the United States committed to astronomy and astrophysics research works. It houses three full-size theatres, wide collections of space & science exhibits, some of the oldest scientific instruments, and one of the only research-active, public urban observatories, the Doane Observatory. Apart from these, it also has interactive exhibit galleries, award-winning sky shows, a 13-foot sundial, and America’s courtyard- a sculpture that captures the change of the season.

2 km
from city center 21 out of 202
Things To Do in Chicago

The Museum of Contemporary Art was established in 1967 to bring about contemporary art into the limelight with the motive of exploring the new. The Museum houses work from after World War II to the present times - 3000 artist’s books and 2700 objects. The major touring exhibitions include the Takashi Murakami, Frida Kahlo, Jeff Koons, and many more.

10 km
from city center 22 out of 202
Things To Do in Chicago

The Museum of Science and Industry, housed in the former Palace of Fine Arts opened its door to the public in 1933. It has over 35,000 artifacts - some of them include the German submarine U-505 of World War II, a full-size replica coal mine, the first diesel-powered streamlined stainless steel train - Pioneer Zephyr, the world’s largest pinball, and many more. The museum experiences peak season during the months March-April, June-July, and November-December. It also offers 52 free admission days to Illinois residents - they can enjoy this facility with valid proof of residence.

1 km
from city center 23 out of 202
Things To Do in Chicago

American Writers Museum is a National Museum dedicated to celebrating American Writers of diverse genres and their enduring influence on history, identity, culture, and our day to day lives. It aspires to educate and engage the masses about the past and present American writers. The Exhibitions are carefully curated to include not just the Canons in American literature but those authors whose works are a part of a continuum that will grow and change. The Museum attracts literature buffs from all around the world, connecting with their favorite author and writings.

10 km
from city center 24 out of 202
Things To Do in Chicago

The David and Alfred Smart Museum of Art located inside the campus of the University of Chicago was established in 1974, designed by architect Edward Larrabee Barnes. The museum is devoted to educating the people of Chicago especially in local public schools about art and artistic practice. It has over 15,000 objects, features collections of modern art paintings, scrolls paintings, contemporary art collection, and sculptures by famed artists from all around the world. Although the museum is funded by the University of Chicago, it is kept open to the public for free.

2 km
from city center 25 out of 202
Things To Do in Chicago

The Chicago Children’s Museum was founded in 1982 in response to program cutbacks in the city’s public schools. The museum lets children and parents learn about science, math, art, and literature through play. It also hosts different special events and programs daily from treehouses, tinkering lab, dinosaur expedition, art studio to designing and building skyscrapers, which help children grow, learn, and develop themselves. The museum is inclusive and welcoming of everyone and actively engages the LGBTQ+ community. Assistive devices like sound-reducing headphones, visual rule cards, are available for people who need them.

4 km
from city center 26 out of 202
Things To Do in Chicago

National Museum of Mexican Art previously also known as the Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum was founded in 1982 to establish an art and cultural organization committed to accessibility, education, and social justice. Its collection is one of the largest collection of Mexican Art in the States - with around 10,000 pieces of artifacts of 3,000 years of Mexican History. Cultural programs such as dance, theatre, music, authors, and performances which share the Mexican culture are also hosted here. Tours are available in Spanish and English. They also have summer camps for children, teen mentorships, and educational programs for all age groups.

10 km
from city center 27 out of 202
Things To Do in Chicago

DuSable Museum of African American History was founded in 1961 by Margaret Taylor- Burroughs. It is the first independent museum in the States - committed to the study and conservation of African-American history, culture, and art. The museum’s collection has around 15,000 pieces consisting of paintings, sculpture, print works, and historical memorabilia. It also hosts exhibits, workshops, concerts, films, children’s events and literary discussions focused on African American history. Other facilities include a gift shop and research library but do not have on-site dining facilities so it’s encouraged to bring a picnic bag or brown bag meals and enjoy them in the museum garden.

1 km
from city center 28 out of 202
Things To Do in Chicago

The Design Museum of Chicago initially started as pop up exhibitions run by volunteers before finding its permanent space in 2014. The museum utilizes its unique concept of design which ranges from architecture, street art, graphic design, interior design choreography to urban planning to inspire, educate, connect communities, and create equity. Its exhibitions showcase 2D, 3D, and digital artworks. The museum also hosts various public events and programs organized in a dynamic space.

11 km
from city center 29 out of 202
Things To Do in Chicago

The Swedish-American museum located in Andersonville (a historically Swedish area of Chicago) was founded in 1976 by Kurt Mathiasson. The museum aims to interpret the migrant experience for youngsters and adults through arts and educational programs and to promote an appreciation for contemporary Swedish-American culture.

0 km
from city center 30 out of 202
Things To Do in Chicago

Chicago Fed’s Money Museum was opened in 2001 to bring about awareness in the public of the role the federal reserve has in maintaining a healthy and growing economy. It provides interactive fun and educational activities from creating your currencies, identifying counterfeit currency to trying to manage inflation. Visitors can also view and take photos with the million-dollar cube. Valid IDs are necessary to be granted entry to the museum.

23 km
from city center 31 out of 202
Things To Do in Chicago

Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center started in 1981 as a response to a Neo-Nazi group attempting to march through Skokie. Through its collections and exhibitions, the institute strives to educate and preserve the legacy of the Holocaust and honor the memory of those who had suffered. The museum houses a collection of over 20,000 items that belonged to Holocaust victims and survivors. The exhibitions are recommended for visitors 12 years and above.

4 km
from city center 32 out of 202
Things To Do in Chicago

The International Museum of Surgical Science was founded by Dr. Max Thorek in 1954. It features medically themed exhibitions and programs dealing with various aspects of Eastern and Western medicine. The institute endeavors to enhance the appreciation and understanding of the history, developments, and advances made in the field of surgical sciences and subjects related to health and medicine.

1 km
from city center 33 out of 202
Things To Do in Chicago

Museum of Contemporary Photography was founded by Columbia College Chicago as the successor to the Chicago Center for Contemporary Photography in 1976. The institute aims at inculcating a deeper understanding of the artistic, cultural, and political roles of photography in our current lives. The collection includes over 16,000 objects by over 1,500 artists.

10 km
from city center 34 out of 202
Things To Do in Chicago

Oriental Institute Museum was established in 1919 as a multidisciplinary study center for ancient Oriental (Near Eastern) Studies and an archaeology museum. The museum strives to understand, reveal, and protect the earliest civilizations by looking at where others didn’t - offering us new ways to question History.

0 km
from city center 35 out of 202
Things To Do in Chicago

Pritzker Military Museum & Library, founded in 2003 is a non- profit museum and research library dedicated to the study of military history. It houses an extensive collection of books, artifacts, and exhibits on the various eras and branches of the military, which are all available to the public. The institute strives to bring about better support and understanding regarding the sacrifices and services of the veteran community. It is the best place to visit, to about the history and the role of the veterans.

2 km
from city center 36 out of 202
Things To Do in Chicago

Glessner House is a National Historic Landmark, designed by Henry Hobson Richardson. The structure was completed in 1887 and to date, it remains world-renowned as one of the architectural treasures in Chicago. It served as an inspiration to various other architects with its Romanesque architectural style, a shift from traditional Victorian Architecture. Glessner House can’t be missed by those who enjoy or wishes to explore architecture, history, and design. Guided Tour Packages are provided here throughout the year.

5 km
from city center 37 out of 202
Things To Do in Chicago

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum was founded in 1857 by nature enthusiasts and scientists seeking a space where specimens could be studied and collected. From there, it has evolved into an Urban Gateway to Nature and Sciences. The academy presents visitors with an authentic connection to nature with its hands-on education and research. The Museum offers various exhibits from live native animals to nature-inspired art. The Judy Istock Butterfly Haven is the Museum’s signature World-renowned exhibit. The Museum is a must-visit for nature lovers and those who wish to learn more about it.

10 km
from city center 38 out of 202
Things To Do in Chicago

The Renaissance Society of the University of Chicago renowned as“ The Ren” is an independent, non - collecting museum. The museum showcases contemporary art exhibits hold events and produces publications. It was founded in 1915 by faculty members of the University of Chicago with the intent to create a space where new ideas and engagement in arts and culture can be fostered. The curated exhibitions include the work of Liz Magor Blowout, David Maljkovic, Richard Rezac, and much more. It is the place to visit if visitors wish to experience and appreciate thought-provoking ideas and aesthetics.

1 km
from city center 39 out of 202
Things To Do in Chicago

Formerly also known as the Hellenic Museum and Cultural Center, The National Hellenic Museum of Chicago was founded in 1983 and opened to the public in 1992. The museum was built to promote and understand the traditions and culture of ancient and contemporary Greece with a focus on the Greek-American immigrant experience.

13 km
from city center 40 out of 202
Things To Do in Chicago

National Veterans Art Museum, formerly also known as the National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum was formed in 1981 to display and study art produced by veterans from the Vietnam War and other wars and conflicts. The museum aspires to instill an understanding of the impact of war via the means of art created by the veterans, preserving it and presenting it in exhibits. It houses nearly 2,500 art pieces contributed by more than 250 artists from around the world. For a complete experience of the artifacts, you can opt for the in-person tours or the virtual tours provided by the Museum.

1 km
from city center 41 out of 202
Things To Do in Chicago

The Museum of Broadcast Communication was founded in 1982 by Bruce DuMont and opened to the public in 1987. It is one of the only three broadcast museums in the States and home to the nation’s only Radio Hall of Fame. The Museum collects, preserves, and presents historic and contemporary radio and television content and artifacts from Fibber McGee and Molly through the Nixon - Kennedy debates to Stay Tuned: Rock on TV. It also provides public programs, screenings, exhibits, and archives accessible to the public to educate, entertain, and inform them about the History of Broadcast Communication.

2 km
from city center 42 out of 202
Things To Do in Chicago

Chicago Sports Museum is dedicated entirely to the celebration of the world of Chicago sports. It offers an interactive experience to visitors by combining skill challenges with hi-tech simulated experiences, relics, and stats. The museum also houses an impressive collection of game-used treasures, artifacts, and unique sports memorabilia. It is a must-visit for sports junkies.

7 km
from city center 43 out of 202
Things To Do in Chicago

National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture was founded in 2000 by members of Chicago’s Puerto Rican Community and local supporters of art and culture. It is the only museum in the States dedicated to the promotion, integration, and advancement of Puerto Rican arts, culture, and tradition. The museum holds visual arts exhibitions, community education, and festivals. Various artworks from artists such as Osvaldo Budet, Antonio Martorell to Ramon Frade Leon are featured in the exhibits.

2 km
from city center 44 out of 202
Things To Do in Chicago

Wndr Museum is a unique playful space, which provides an ever-evolving immersive art and technology experience that aims at igniting curiosity within individuals. The exhibits at wndr is a culmination of thoughtful curation of world-class art, work by provocative emerging young artists, as well as guest- made artwork. The Infinity Mirror Room by Japanese artist Yayoi Kasuma is the most popular exhibit here. wndr is a dynamic cultural and artistic hub, an Instagrammer’s paradise - it is the place to visit for anyone who wants to experience something out of this world.

2 km
from city center 45 out of 202
Things To Do in Chicago

Henry B. Clarke House was built-in 1836 and is the oldest surviving house in Chicago. The Greek Revival Style house was built by a local carpenter for Henry Brown Clarke- a native of New York State who had come to Chicago in 1833 with his family. The Clarke House Museum presents an insight into the kind of life and lifestyle families in Chicago during the city’s formative year before the Civil War led. The place is a must-visit for those who are interested in architectural history and wishes to inquire more about the early days of Chicago.

10 km
from city center 46 out of 202
Things To Do in Chicago

Frederick C. Robie House is an important American Cultural Heritage, often heralded as “ a cornerstone of modern Architecture” for its groundbreaking Prairie-style architecture. The construction of the house was completed in 1910 and to date, it remains one most important buildings of the 20th century - registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Visitors can explore Federick C. Robie House through the various tour packages offered.

5.0 /5

5 km
from city center 47 out of 202
Things To Do in Chicago

Highlights: Flora and Fauna, Pritzker Family Children's (Read More)Zoo, Kovler Seal Lion Pool, Lincoln Park Zoo Helen Brach Primate House, Lincoln Park Zoo Regenstein African Journey, Lincoln Park Zoo Robert and Mayari Pritzker Penguin Cove, Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo, Lincoln Park Zoo Regenstein Macaque Forest, Regenstein Small Mammal and Reptile House, Lincoln Park Zoo Walter Family Arctic Tundra, Lincoln Park Zoo Regenstein Birds of Prey, Lincoln Park Zoo Hope B. McCormick Swan Pond, Lincoln Park Zoo McCormick Bird House, Farm In The Zoo

Named after Illinois’s favourite son, Abraham Lincoln, the Lincoln Park is home to one of the best museums in Chicago and a zoo that you can visit without even having to spend a dime. Inside this sprawling park, which stretches seven miles along the shore, from Ohio Street Beach to Hollywood Beach, one can also find the Lincoln Park Conservatory, the Lincoln Park Cultural Centre and the Chicago History Museum, all of which are open for visitors for free. Other attractions include paths for walking, jogging or biking, playgrounds, golf courses, baseball fields and even a skate park. One also has an easy accessibility to the nearby Lakefront Trail from this park. This park is great for a cosy family picnic as well.

5.0 /5

1 km
from city center 48 out of 202
Things To Do in Chicago

Awarded the title of Top Attraction in the Midwest, the Millennium Park draws the attention of many who come to visit this 24.5-acre modern park, featuring performance facilities, public artwork, and majestic gardens. The Frank Gehry’s Pritzker Pavilion is quite popular among visitors who come to witness free concerts and movie screenings during summer.

4.5 /5

8 km
from city center 49 out of 202
Things To Do in Chicago

Originally known as the Bloomingdale trail, this park got renamed as the 606, representing the first three digits of Chicago’s west side zip codes. This 2.7-mile elevated park and trail serves as a connecting way to several parks and public art installations. There are several scenic points along the path which runs through Logan Square, Humboldt Park, Wicker Park and Bucktown, making it a favourite among locals, bikers and children as there is ample area to play in. Other than these attractions, the park also has a chain of street-level parks, an observatory and several public art installations.

4.5 /5

6 km
from city center 50 out of 202
Things To Do in Chicago

Spread across a massive 173-acre land, Garfield Park is one of Chicago’s most well-known parks on the west side. This park offers numerous facilities like basketball, baseball, boxing, outdoor swimming, tennis, athletic running fields and a lot mote. Apart from these, Garfield Park has beautiful outdoor floral gardens and also a historic fieldhouse with an elegant ballroom alongside a conservatory. The Garfield Park Conservatory is one of the largest and most stunning conservatories in Chicago and is often referred to as "landscape art under glass,". Here you can find thousands of plant species on display, spread across eight magnificent rooms.

4.5 /5

11 km
from city center 51 out of 202
Things To Do in Chicago

Located in the Woodlawn community, the Jackson Park is one of the most prominent parks in Chicago. Jackson park owes its popularity to a unique Japanese garden- the Osaka Garden and its main attraction is the spring time,during late April to early May when one can witness the season of Cherry blossoms .Apart from this garden, the 600-acre park, offers numerous facilities like golf, baseball, basketball, a huge playground, a fitness centre and a tennis court.

4.5 /5

8 km
from city center 52 out of 202
Things To Do in Chicago

Humboldt Park is a massive 219 acres of nature that one gets to enjoy in Chicago. This park boasts of acres of prarie-style gardens, inland beaches, bike paths and a baseball field. Humboldt Park also hosts numerous outdoor and indoor events throughout the year, like the Puerto Rican Festival and the Latin Jazz Festival.

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FAQs on Chicago

How can I commute within Chicago?

The best way to get around is using "L" (the subway system in Chicago). Other than that, you can take a bus, taxi or Divvy share bike to cover distances. You can ride in a Metro Rail if you're planning to make your way to Chicago Suburbs.
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What are the top activities in Chicago?

The top activities in Chicago are Go Chicago Card - Explorer Pass, Go Chicago Card - All Inclusive Pass, Chicago CityPASS, 360 Chicago Observation Deck Ticket, Chicago Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tours (Open-Top), Chicago Segway Tours.

What are the top hotels in Chicago?

There are 722 Hotels in Chicago which can be booked through Holidify. The most popular hotels in Chicago are Chicago Guest House on Lakewood Avenue, Chicago Guest House on Newport, Chicago Guest House on Henderson Street, Sonder â€” 943 Crosby â€” Quaint 2BR, Sonder - West Division, Architectural 3BR Penthouse in Loop. You can see all the hotels in Chicago here

Things To Do In Chicago

Top Hotel Collections

Things To Do In Chicago

1. Navy Pier

2. Art Institute of Chicago

3. North Avenue Beach

4. Foster Beach

Top Hotels In Chicago

5. Oak Street Beach

6. Ohio Street Beach

7. Calumet Beach

8. Rainbow Beach Park

9. South Shore Beach

10. 12th Street Beach

11. Kathy Osterman Beach

12. Belmont Harbor Dog Beach

Discover More About Sightseeing & Tourist Attractions in Chicago

13. Leone Beach

14. Margaret T. Burroughs Beach

15. Helen Doria Beach

16. Rogers Park Beach

17. Loyola Beach

18. Shedd Aquarium

19. Field Museum

20. Adler Planetarium

21. Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago

22. Museum of Science and Industry Chicago

23. American Writers Museum

24. Smart Museum of Art

25. Chicago Children's Museum

26. National Museum of Mexican Art

27. DuSable Museum of African American History

28. Design Museum of Chicago

29. Swedish American Museum

30. Money Museum

31. Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center

32. International Museum of Surgical Science

33. Museum of Contemporary Photography

34. Oriental Institute Museum

35. Pritzker Military Museum & Library

36. Glessner House Museum

37. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

38. The Renaissance Society

39. National Hellenic Museum of Chicago

40. National Veterans Art Museum

41. Museum of Broadcast Communication

42. Chicago Sports Museum

43. National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture

44. Wndr Museum

45. Henry B. Clarke House

46. Federick C.Robie House

47. Lincoln Park

48. Millennium Park

49. The 606

50. Garfield Park

51. Jackson Park

52. Humboldt Park

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FAQs on Chicago

How can I commute within Chicago?

What are the top activities in Chicago?

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