What are the 12 fun things to do in Chicago? Chicago is an amazing city full of culture, fun, and excitement. It is a sprawling metropolis with a lively nightlife, world-class museums, and some of the best restaurants in the world. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend getaway or an unforgettable adventure with friends, Chicago has something for everyone. From rooftop lounges and boat cruises to interactive museums and zoos, there is a seemingly endless list of fun and exciting things to do in Chicago. Let’s explore.
Fun things to do in Chicago
- Visit the Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the most famous art museums in the United States. The museum is home to over 300,000 works of art, including paintings by Monet, Van Gogh, and Renoir. The Art Institute also has an extensive collection of African and Native American art. - Take a Tour of Wrigley Field
Wrigley Field is the home of the Chicago Cubs, one of the most iconic baseball teams in America. Tours of Wrigley Field include a visit to the press box, the bleachers, and the dugout. Visitors can also see the Cubs’ World Series trophies from 2016 and 1908. - Visit Millennium Park
Millennium Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Chicago. The park features a variety of attractions, including the Cloud Gate sculpture, the Crown Fountain, and the Lurie Garden. Millennium Park also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, such as concerts and film screenings. - Shop on Michigan Avenue
Michigan Avenue is one of the most famous shopping streets in America. The street is home to a variety of high-end stores, such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom. Michigan Avenue is also home to a number of department stores, such as Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s. - See a Show at The Second City
The Second City is a world-famous comedy club that has been instrumental in launching the careers of many famous comedians, including Tina Fey, Steve Carell, and Stephen Colbert. The club offers a variety of shows, including improv shows and sketch comedy shows. - Visit the Field Museum
The Field Museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Chicago. The museum is home to a wide variety of exhibits, including dinosaur bones, ancient Egyptian artifacts, and a life-size replica of a blue whale. Visitors can also take part in educational programs, such as guided tours and hands-on activities. - See a Show at the Chicago Theatre
The Chicago Theatre is one of the most iconic buildings in the city. The theatre first opened its doors in 1921 and has since hosted a variety of shows, including Broadway musicals, stand-up comedy, and concerts. Visitors can also take a tour of the theatre to learn about its history and architecture. - Take a River Cruise
Chicago is home to the Chicago River, which runs through the heart of the city. Visitors can take a river cruise to see some of the city’s most famous landmarks, such as the Willis Tower and Navy Pier. River cruises typically last around an hour and are a great way to learn about Chicago’s history and culture. - Shop on Michigan Avenue
Michigan Avenue is one of the most popular shopping districts in Chicago. The street is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and hotels. Visitors can find everything from designer clothes to souvenirs on Michigan Avenue - Eat Deep-Dish Pizza No trip to Chicago would be complete without trying a slice (or two) of deep-dish pizza. This local favorite is sure to leave you full and satisfied, and there are plenty of great places to try it throughout the city
- Visit the Willis TowerThe Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower, is a 110-story skyscraper in Chicago. It is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Chicago. Visitors can take an elevator to the top of the tower to enjoy stunning views of the city.
- Go to Navy PierNavy Pier is a popular tourist destination that offers a variety of attractions, including restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. Visitors can also take advantage of the pier’s many gardens, including the Wave Wall Garden and the Shakespeare Garden. Navy Pier also hosts a number of events throughout the year, such as concerts and festivals.
Overview of Chicago:
Chicago is a bustling city located on the shores of Lake Michigan. Known for its rich history, diverse culture, and iconic architecture, it attracts millions of visitors every year. From skyscrapers to parks, museums to sports venues, there is something for everyone in this city.
Importance of having a fun plan: Whether you’re visiting for a few days or a week, it’s important to have a plan for what you want to do and see in Chicago. With so many amazing attractions and activities to choose from, having a plan will help you make the most of your trip and ensure you have a fun and memorable experience.
My Other favorite things to do in Chicago
City tour
Taking a tour of Chicago is an extraordinary experience that must be experienced at least once in your lifetime. From the Sears Tower to Navy Pier and the Art Institute, there’s plenty to explore within this dynamic city. Your adventure begins by first taking a trip through the North Side of the city, so you can take in sights like Wrigley Field, Lincoln Park Zoo, and Chinatown.
Afterwards, if you’ve still got some energy left in you, head south towards The Loop and check out iconic local spots such as Millennium Park and the Willis Tower Skydeck. If time permits, don’t forget to swing over to Hyde Park and marvel at the towering University of Chicago campus buildings. Whether you’re just visiting for a quick weekend or planning on staying for much longer, Chicago will surely give you plenty of lasting memories.
Enjoying the City’s Live Music Venues
Spending an evening with friends at a live music venue in Chicago is a great way to immerse yourself in the city’s vast entertainment scene. From intimate jazz bars to massive venues for shows by some of the biggest names in music, there is something for everyone. No matter what type of music you love, the chance to watch it come alive on stage can be an unforgettable experience. Combined with great food and drinks, Chicago’s live music venues are a must-visit for anyone who wants to get the full flavor of the Windy City. Here are some venues.
- The Chicago Theatre
The Chicago Theatre is a 3,600-seat theatre located on State Street in Chicago, Illinois. The theatre was originally built in 1921 and has been used as a live music venue since 1986. The theatre has a wide variety of seating options, including orchestra, mezzanine, and balcony seats. The theatre also has a large stage that is perfect for live music performances. - The Vic Theatre
The Vic Theatre is a 3,400-seat theatre located on Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago, Illinois. The theatre was originally built in 1912 and has been used as a live music venue since the early 1990s. The Vic Theatre has a general admission floor and two levels of balcony seating. The theatre also has a large stage that is perfect for live music performances. - The Riviera Theatre
The Riviera Theatre is a 2,500-seat theatre located on Broadway in Chicago, Illinois. The theatre was originally built in 1917 and has been used as a live music venue since the early 1990s. The Riviera Theatre has general admission floor seating and two levels of balcony seating. The theatre also has a large stage that is perfect for live music performances. - House of Blues
House of Blues is a 2,200-seat music club located on Dearborn Street in Chicago, Illinois. House of Blues has three levels of seating, including general admission floor seats, mezzanine seats, and balcony seats. House of Blues also has a large stage that is perfect for live music performances. - Park West
Park West is a 1,500-seat theatre located on Clark Street in Chicago, Illinois. Park West was originally built in 1916 and has been used as a live music venue since 1984. Park West has general admission floor seating and two levels of balcony seating
Shopping in Chicago
Shopping in Chicago can be an amazing experience with its many sprawling malls, large department stores, and diverse boutique stores. From the Magnificent Mile to local street markets, there’s always something new to discover. Whether one is looking for famous designer clothes or hidden gem items, Chicago has it all. With a huge variety of products at great prices, it’s no wonder that so many residents and tourists flock to the Windy City for an unforgettable shopping experience.
- The Magnificent Mile
The Magnificent Mile is one of the most popular shopping destinations in Chicago. The mile-long stretch of Michigan Avenue is home to high-end retailers, department stores, and flagship stores for many of the world’s biggest brands. If you’re looking for a luxurious shopping experience, the Magnificent Mile is the place to be. - State Street
State Street is another popular shopping destination in Chicago. Unlike the Magnificent Mile, State Street is home to more affordable retailers, making it a great place to find deals on clothing, accessories, and more. State Street is also home to the iconic Marshall Field’s department store, which is a must-visit for any shopper in Chicago. - Wicker Park
Wicker Park is a hip neighborhood on the north side of Chicago that is known for its trendy shops and boutiques. If you’re looking for unique items that you can’t find anywhere else, Wicker Park is the place to go. The neighborhood is also home to many vintage stores, so you can find one-of-a-kind pieces at a fraction of the cost of new items. - The Loop
The Loop is the central business district of Chicago and is home to many of the city’s most popular shopping malls and department stores. If you’re looking for a traditional shopping experience, with all of your favorite stores in one place, then the Loop is the place for you.
What are some tips for making the most of your Chicago summer?
- Visit the Beach
Chicago is home to some of the best beaches in the country. Make sure to take advantage of them by visiting one (or all!) of the city’s 26 miles of shoreline. From North Avenue Beach to Rainbow Beach, there’s a beach for everyone. - Attend a Festivity
Chicago is known for its festivals, and there’s no shortage of them during the summer months. From music festivals like Lollapalooza and Pitchfork Music Festival to food festivals like Taste of Chicago and the Chicago Hot Dog Fest, there’s something for everyone. Check out the city’s festival calendar to find an event that interests you. - Take a Boat Tour
What better way to see the city than from the water? There are plenty of boat tour companies that offer cruises down the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. You’ll get to see some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, like the Willis Tower and Navy Pier, from a whole new perspective. - Go for a Bike Ride
With over 200 miles of bike lanes, Chicago is a great city for biking. Take advantage of the nice weather by exploring some of the city’s neighborhoods on two wheels. If you don’t have your own bike, you can always rent one from Divvy, Chicago’s bike-sharing system.
Conclusion
Chicago is a great city for people of all ages. Whether you are looking for something to do with your family, friends, or by yourself, there is always something fun to do in Chicago. From museums and zoos, to concerts and shows, you will never find yourself bored in this wonderful city.
