Things to do in Chicago

Zoos, Animals and Nature in Chicago 

Lincoln Park Zoo

The Lincoln Park Zoo is a great day out in Chicago! Located right in the middle of things and with free admission, you'll have a great time looking at the exhibits and animals, see fantastic views of the skyline, and take in some nearby sights. A Lake Michigan beach, garden, arboretum and the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum are all within walking distance.

The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Fomerly the Chicago Academy of Sciences, the Peggy Notebaert Museum was founded in 1999. The Chicago Academy of Sciences, however, was founded in 1857, being moved to its present Lincoln Park location in 1894 (after having been devastated by the Chicago Fire). It boasts the only year-round butterfly haven and is a fascinating example of green building technology.

John G. Shedd Aquarium

"In 1930, 20 railroad tank cars made eight round trips between Key West and Chicago to deliver 1 million gallons of seawater for Shedd's marine exhibits."

The history of Shedd Aquarium is part vision and part ingenuity. Our founder, John G. Shedd, retired president of Marshall Field & Company, was a marketing genius and just as bold and ambitious as his city. He was determined to transform Chicago into a world-class metropolis.

Science Museums & Attractions 

Adler Planetarium

Chicago's Adler Planetarium was founded in 1930 by Max Adler, a Chicago businessman. Located on a former man-made island in Lake Michigan (Northerly Island), it was designed by Ernest Grunsfeld. Mr. Grunsfeld's grandson, John Grunsfeld, is now a NASA engineer.

Museum of Science & Industry

Take part in live science experiences, view films at the Omnimax and 3d Theatres and tour both the permanent and traveling exhibits at Chicago's Museum of Science & Industry. Some of the more famous attractions at this museum are The Great Train Story, The Coal Mine, All Aboard The Silver Streak: Pioneer Zephyr and the U-505 Submarine.

Culture - History and Art Museums 

From World Class Museums to Local History

The Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago, founded in 1879 as both a museum and school, first stood on the southwest corner of State and Monroe Streets. It opened on its present site at Michigan Avenue and Adams Street in 1893. Built on rubble from the 1871 Chicago fire, the museum housed a collection of plaster casts and had a visionary purpose: to acquire and exhibit art of all kinds and to conduct programs of education. The collection now encompasses more than 5,000 years of human expression from cultures around the world, and the school's graduate program is continually ranked as one of the best in the country. Within the next decade, a new complex will continue this process of growth.

The Field Museum

The Field Museum was founded to house the biological and anthropological collections assembled for the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893. These objects form the core of the Museum's collections which have grown through world-wide expeditions, exchange, purchase, and gifts to more than twenty million specimens. The collections form the foundation of the Museum's exhibition, research and education programs, which are further informed by a world-class natural history library of more than 250,000 volumes.

Chicago History Museum

The Museum's collection of over 22 million artifacts and documents is a rich source for the study of Chicago history, both as urban center and as part of the larger United States.

The Chicago History Museum's Exhibits cover: architecture, archives & manuscripts, books & published materials, costumes, decorative & industrial arts, oral history, film & video, paintings & sculpture, prints & photographs.

Chicago Cultural Center

As one of the most comprehensive free arts showcases in the United States, this landmark building is the setting for hundreds of programs and exhibitions presented annually by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs.

The nation's first free municipal cultural center, the Chicago Cultural Center is one of the city's ten most popular attractions and is considered one of the most comprehensive arts showcases in the United States. Each year, the Chicago Cultural Center features more than 1,000 programs and exhibitions covering a wide range of the performing, visual and literary arts.

Amusement Parks 

Something for the kids or the young at heart.

Kiddieland Amusement Park

For smaller children, you can't beat Kiddieland. Its small enough to enjoy the whole park in the attention span of small children. "Guests" visiting the park on a regular basis include Spongebob Squarepants, Dora the Explorer, Diego, Scooby Doo and others. Free soft drinks are avaible for the whole family from self-serve fountains located throughout the park. All in all, its a great day out for the little ones and a great value for money.

Six Flags Great America and Hurricane Harbor

If water parks and big thrill rides and roller coasters are your idea of a good time, you won't want to miss Six Flags Great America and Hurricane Harbor. Look for coupons to reduce the admission price - I've gotten some from Dunkin Donuts and even for being on Chrysler.com's mailing list! Although not located in Chicago (its in Gurnee, slightly to the north of the city), its a manageable drive.

Sightseeing In Chicago 

Some of the marvels

The Sears Tower

Standing at 1,450 feet and 110 stories high, Sears Tower is the tallest building in North America and the third tallest building in the world.

Chicago's Ethnic Neighborhoods 

Indian, Greek, Chinese, Mexican...

Chinatown in Chicago

The largest influx of Chinese to Chicago came in the 50s and 60s, with the move to communism in China and more lenient immigration laws in the US. During these two decades the Chinese population in Chicago doubled itself from 7,000 to 14,000. By 1970, Chicago ranked fourth in Chinese population in America.

The present South Chinatown consists of 8 city blocks, bounded by Cermak Road, the railway embankment, Wentworth and 26th Street.

For Chinese-Americans, Chinatown is a center of cultural identification and heritage. They will come for Chinese groceries, food and publications.

To the larger community, it is a tourist attraction, serving as an introduction to the Chinese culture and cuisine.

Chicago's Greektown

Highlighted in the film "My Big Fat Greek Wedding", Chicago's Greek Town is a vibrant community.

Greektown is part of the Near West Side, made up of several neighborhoods. It is bounded on the north by Lake Street, on the south by Congress Parkway, on the east by the Kennedy Expressway and on the west by Racine Avenue.

Although many other nationalities work and reside in Greektown aside from just the Greeks, pride in Greek culture resounds from the area.

India Town on Devon Avenue

Looking up Devon Avenue, or "India Town", in a search engine brings lots of restaurant reviews and culinary journals of visits to this area. Located in Rogers Park, Devon Avenue is home to many of the city's Indian and Pakistani residents. Travel further west on the same street and the flavor changes to Russian and Orthodox Judaism.

A day out on Devon Avenue is a treat for adults and children alike. The smells are almost as delicious as the food. You can pick up some specialist groceries for your own take on Indian cuisine. And, finally, little girls will love looking at the gorgeous jewelry and saris on display in the windows and shops.

Pick up some home decor with some exotic flavor, some intricate Indian gold jewelry, or even visit a local salon for some eyebrow threading and henna treatments.

Pilsen - a taste of Mexico

Wikitravel offers an excellent guide to the Pilsen area of Chicago, offering advice on everything from how to get there to what to do once you're there. Safety info is also included - remember, Pilsen is a real, working-class neighborhood, not just a tourist attraction!

Pilsen covers the arts district in East Pilsen (18th and Halsted) and the commercial center in West Pilsen (18th and Ashland). Be prepared for a manageable, yet lengthy, stroll between the two areas of this neighborhood.

Little Italy

Little Italy is bordered on the north by the Eisenhower Expressway, on the east by the Kennedy Expressway, on the south by Roosevelt Road and on the west by Polk Street.

The Little Italy community is densely populated and diverse. While many of the inhabitants of the area are students attending the University of Illinois at Chicago, there remains a significant number of Italian families living in the area. As the neighborhood becomes more affluent, young professionals have also begun to buy condominium space in the area.

Shopping 

From the Magnificent Mile to Chicago's Neighborhoods

SeeMore Shopping

SeeMore Shopping is an excellent portal for shopping in the Chicago area. Choose to view shops by the category of shop, the area you will be shopping in, who has sales going on, etc... Even shopping malls and shops in the Chicago suburbs are listed.

The Magnificent Mile

With a special section for visitors & travel, definitely check this out if you're a visitor to Chicago and want to see Chicago's Michigan Avenue. The site also lists seasonal events, not-to-be-missed offers and tours, photographs and more information concerning hotels, shopping, dining and culture on Chicago's Michigan Avenue.

Water Tower Place

"At the pinnacle of Chicago's famed Magnificent Mile, Water Tower Place is Chicago's premier shopping destination. Its stunning eight-level atrium features more than 100 of your favorite stores and restaurants plus a mix of distinctive specialty shops and boutiques. It offers a unique, high-energy urban shopping experience you simply won't find anywhere else in the city. In short, Water Tower Place is the place to shop."

Sports 

Take me out to the ball game, or the basketball game, or the football game.

Wrigley Field

Wrigley Field is located on the North Side of Chicago and is home field for the infamous Chicago Cubbies. Are they cursed by a goat? Whether they are or not they never win. Wrigley Field has hosted another celebrity sports figure as well, Harry Carey. A statue of him graces the entrance of Wrigley Field - if you're a baseball fan, you can't miss this one.

U.S. Cellular Field (New Comiskey Park)

Without as much sightseeing and nightlife as Wrigleyville has to offer, US Cellular Field (or the New Comiskey Park) is home to the Chicago White Sox. If you want a more affordable sporting event, and also want to see a team that has actually won something recently, a trip to US Cellular Field is in order.

Outdoors in Chicago 

Savor the nice weather when you can!

Chicago's Beaches

This website, maintained by the Chicago Park District, lets you know when its safe to swim in Lake Michigan and when its not, which beaches are open, which beaches are closed, where the swimming beaches are with lifeguards on duty, maps of the lakefront trails and also a guide to other indoor lakefront attractions.

Chicago Filmings 

What's being shot

Everyblock Chicago - Chicago Filmings

Lately, Chicago has hosted many filmings, Batman - The Dark Knight perhaps most famously. Check out this listing provided by Everyblock Chicago to see if you can catch a filming! Search by film title or type, neighborhood or zip code.

Movie Theatres and Cinemas 

What's playing where

IMAX Theatre at Navy Pier

For a larger than life cinematic experience, head over to the Navy Pier IMAX Theatre. See what's playing and even buy your tickets online.

AMC River East

Located at 322 East Illinios St., AMC's River East Cinema is in Chicago's Loop, near the NBC Tower and the Tribune Tower. It features stadium seating and hosts numerous films.

AMC Loews

Located at 600 North Michigan Ave., AMC's Loews Cinema is right near the Lake in the heart of Chicago's Loop. Between Ontario and Ohio on Michigan Avenue, this theatre show numerous films and has accomodations for the disabled.

Kerasotes City North

Located at 2600 N Western Ave., Kerasotes City North will have more of a local crowd, being near Logan Square, Bucktown and other primarily residential areas. Many films are shown and this theater offers stadium seating.

Kerasotes Webster Place

Again hosting many films, Kerasotes Webster Place is located at 1471 W. Webster Avenue, near DePaul University and Lincoln Park. You will find many students frequenting this cinema. Accomodations are available for the disabled.

Landmark Century Centre Cinema

At 2828 N. Clark Street, just south of Wrigleyville, the Landmark Century Centre Cinema might be a good bet if you plan on spending the day out shopping, people-watching or dining nearby. Accomodations are available for the handicapped.

AMC Loews Pipers Alley

AMC Loews Pipers Alley shows 5 major motion pictures, with accomodations for the handicapped. Located at 1608 N. Wells St., this cinema is just around the corner from the Chicago Historical Society (also near Lincoln Park Zoo) in Lincoln Park.

ICE Chatham 14

ICE Chatham 14 Cinema shows many new releases and is located at 210 W 87th Street, on Chicago's South Side. It is easily accessible off the Dan Ryan Expressway.

Century Evanston 18

Located at 1715 Maple Ave in Chicago's North Shore area, the Century Evanston 18 shows a good selection of new releases, with stadium seating and even has rocking chairs and love seats available!

The Logan Theatre

If you don't mind seeing releases that have been out for a few weeks, and an older theatre atmosphere, the Logan Theatre is the place for you. Located at 2646 N. Milwaukee Ave (in Logan Square). $3 for a movie - not luxurious but an affordable experience!

Cool Places to Eat 

Unusual or Not-To-Be-Missed Restaurants

Oak Street Beachstro

The Oak Street Beachstro offers the best views of Lake Michigan in town - its right on the beach! Just steps away from Michigan Avenue - it is probably one of the best al fresco dining venues in the city. A breakfast buffet is offered, as well as lunch and dinner menus. Because of its location, it is only open during the summer. Packages are offered for the Chicago Air Show and other events. Click through for a menu, directions, photos and hours.

Castaways

If you're with kids, or just being casual at the beach, you may opt for Castaways rather than the slightly more formal (and slightly more expensive) Oak Street Beachstro. This is also more of a place for young adults having a wild time on the beach in the evening. A quick walk from Lincoln Park Zoo or the Peggy Notebaert museum and again right on the beach, Castaways offers a snack bar and ice cream snacks. A full bar is available, and it features live music as well as volleyball tournaments on the beach ocassionally.

The Signature Room at the John Hancock Tower

Cheaper than visiting the observation deck at the John Hancock Tower, you can have a drink in the Signature Room's Lounge and enjoy the view from just under the Observation Deck (no refreshments provided up there BTW!). For an impressive dinner, the Signature Room boasts a full service restaurant and even features buffets occasionally.

Superdawg

This is a really cool local (and still family run) business that's been around since the 1940's. The last time I took the kids here, the people in the car next to us had a visitor from Denmark with them who apparently always insists they take him here on visits to Chicago ("it's the best"). The atmosphere is authentic, with car hops and all. The food is fantastic - (try the Pineapple Super Soda with your meal!) - Slightly off the beaten path, its not near any city attractions, but perfect if you've gone out to the suburbs for the day and are returning to the city.

Chicago Cruises 

Even though you're not on a coast, you can still get nautical.

Odyssey Dinner Cruises

Not only offering dinner cruises, the Odyssey also offers brunch and moonlight cruises as well as catering private events. Odyssey cruises depart from Navy Pier and range in price from around $40 per person to over $100 per person.

Mystic Blue Cruises

Mystic Blue Cruises offer brunch, lunch, midday, dinner and cocktail cruises on Lake Michigan, ranging in price from around $30 per person to nearly $75 per person. Mystic Blue Cruises depart from Navy Pier.

The Spirit of Chicago

Cruising with the Spirit of Chicago takes you over Lake Michigan for the standard brunch, lunch, happy hour, dinner, cocktail cruises. They also offer narrated cruises focusing on Chicago's architecture and skyline, Gospel cruises and other special themes and events. The Spirit of Chicago departs from Navy Pier and prices range from around $30 per person to nearly $90 per person, depending on the cruise and season.

Seadog Cruises

Chicago's Seadog Cruises offer speedboat lake tours, river and lake architectural tours, and the 30-minute long "Seadog Extreme" 'thrill' cruises (about $20 for children, $30 for adults). All cruises provided by Seadog are under $30, with infants cruising for free. Seadog cruises depart from Navy Pier.

Using Public Transportation 

Skip the Parking, Go Green and See Chicago

Chicago Transit Authority

Your source for using public transportation in the city of Chicago. Information is available on city buses and 'El' trains. Use the trip planner to get expert advice on how to get from A to B (you can even state preferences on maximum walking distances, if you'd prefer a more direct route or a quicker route, etc...)

Chicago Metra Rail

Metra is THE way to get between the Chicago suburbs and the city. They are also the providers of the free downtown Chicago trollies during the summer. The Metra website offers system maps, advice on parking, and ticket prices. You can also get coupons, free rides and more when you request information from them. Check them out.

Parking in Chicago 

Determined to drive?

PILMC - Chicago Parking Map

This java-enabled site takes a few minutes to load up, but it's very good for finding parking garages in the Chicago area and going directly to their websites. Shop around for the best rate before you get there.