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10. Things To Do In Chicago
Photo by Max Bender | Unsplash
Things To Do
Chicago is the third most populous city in the United States, one of the most important cities of the country and among many people’s favorite destinations within the United States. Behind the famous hard and cold winter of Illinois is hidden a gem of culture, history and technology. And this article will introduce you to the best things to do in Chicago.
Updated on 9/6/2025
1. Skydeck at Willis Tower
Do you like stunning views overlooking surrounding areas and offering unique experiences? Well that slightly exaggerated question allows us to introduce the skydeck of the Willis Tower. The building was opened in 1973 and its observation deck stands 1,353ft (~420m) high in the sky. For nearly 25 years it was the world’s highest building. But although this title was lost, the experience was great. The skydeck features a 360 panoramic view accompanied by “The Edge”, a glass balcony that will make you feel like you are walking in the air. On your way up there, the elevator will also stop at a museum centered around Chicago’s history.
Admission:
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$32 For adults (12+)
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$22 For youth (3 - 11)
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Free for children under 3
Note that tickets are scheduled, meaning that you will need to get there on time.
More experiences are available on the Skydeck’s website.
Address: 233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606
Photo by Gael D | Unsplash
Hours:
The skydeck is open 365 days a year.
2. Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago is easily one of the most well known museums in the world. This icon of the windy city is one America's oldest and largest museums with a collection that expands to nearly 300 thousand works of art. This large collection contains some of history’s most well known artists such as Picasso, Hopper or Van Gogh. A must in Chicago that is visited by over a million of visitors each year. Please, also note that additionally to the fixed exposition, the institute holds rotating exhibits (accessible for extra fees).
Admission:
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Ranges from $26 to $32
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Free for children (under 14)
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Free for members
Chicago Residents (Proof required):
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Ranges from $14 to $20
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Free for children and teens (under 17)
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Free for members
Illinois Residents (Proof required):
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Ranges from $21 to $27
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Free for children (under 14)
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Free for members
Hours:
Mon – 11am -5pm
Tue – Closed
Wed – 11am-5pm
Thu – 11am-8pm
Fri-Sun – 11am-5pm
Address: 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
3. The Riverwalk
Among the best free activities in Chicago, the Riverwalk is without hesitation among the best. The Riverwalk stretches 1.25 miles long and features plenty of experiences along the way. It is divided into six areas, each having different themes. The Riverwalk is definitely a great way of discovering Chicago.
Admission: Free
Hours: 24/7/365​
Photo by Aveedibya Dey | Unsplash
Visit Chicago's Museums
4. Field Museum
Chicago is a great place to visit for history lovers. It features plenty of very nice museums accessible (and enjoyable) to the whole family. One of those is the Field Museums of Natural History. It is one of the largest natural history museums in the world and displays an extensive collection of artifacts and scientific specimens.
Admission:
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$29 For Adult Basic
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$42 For Adult All
Hours:
Open Daily from 9am to 5pm. Last special exhibition admission at 3:30pm and last general admission at 4pm.
Photo by Austin Farrington | Unsplash
Address: 1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
5. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
The Museum of Science and Industry is a science museum with special and permanent exhibits on themes of manufacturing, environmental science, computers, the human body, and so much more. Some famous exhibits include a German submarine from World War II, a Boeing 727 or the command module of the Apollo 8 Spacecraft. Definitely a fun visit for everyone, young and older.
Admission: Adults (12+) tickets start around $25.95
Hours:
The Hours of the museum vary a lot depending on the season and holidays. You can check them here.
Address: 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60637
6. Lincoln Park & Activities
Lincoln Park is the name of both one of Chicago’s best neighborhoods, but also a 1,208-acre (489-hectare) park along Lake Michigan. It is the city’s largest public park, and it contains a bunch of very nice activities for local as well as visitors.
Lincoln Park itself contains sight to see. Some of these include the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool, a three-acre natural area designed as a tribute to the natural ecology of the Midwest. We can also mention the public beaches where you can swim, and the several statues. Simply walking around the park is a great thing to do, but not only. Below is a list of other attractions in Lincoln Park.
Photo by Benjamin R.| Unsplash
7. Lincoln Park Conservatory
Lincoln Park Conservatory is a conservatory and botanical garden housing a significant horticultural collection. It contains four rooms with exotic plants from around the world, and can be accessed
Admission:
You will need to reserve timed-entry tickets, but the museum is free. However, donations are accepted and appreciated.
Hours:
Open Wednesday through Sunday from 10am until 5pm. The conservatory’s last entry is at 4:15pm.
8. The Zoo
Yes, Chicago has a zoo. Lincoln Park Zoo is special for many reasons. It was founded in 1868, making it the second oldest zoo in the United States. It is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and an accredited arboretum too. It welcomes nearly 200 species including Alpaca, Seal or even a Polar Bear. And all of that, for free! Definitely a fun thing for family and animal lovers. The zoo also organizes unique events and activities too, but these generally require tickets.
Admission: Free (parking charged)
Hours:
Open 365 days a year.
Weekdays – 8am to 5pm
Saturday, Sundays, Memorial day, Independence Day and Labor Day – 8am to 7pm.
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Although the gates of the zoo may be open, not all buildings will.
9. Chicago Cultural Center
The Chicago Cultural Center is the city’s official reception venue where the mayor receives leaders and diplomats from all over the world. However, what makes this building especially interesting for visitors is the public events held in the building. As an art & culture hub, exhibits or concerts are often held in the building – many being open to the public for Free. Even if you are not into this kind of event, you may just be interested in visiting the building for its architecture, and notably see the great glass dome.
Hours: Open Daily from 10am to 5pm.
Admission: Free
Address: 78 E. Washington St.
10. 360 Chicago
We have already told you about the Skydeck, but you know what is better than one observation deck? Two observation decks! 360 Chicago is located at the John Hancock Center, at a lower height than the Willis Tower’s Skydeck (1030ft vs 1353ft or 314m vs 412) but it has nothing to be jealous of. The 360 Chicago offers stunning views of Lake Michigan and the city of Chicago. It also features the TILT (available for an additional fee), a thrill ride allowing visitors to lean over Chicago. Additionally, the Cloudbar offers visitors the possibility to enjoy a drink in front of the panoramic view.
Admission:
Entries are timed. The 360 Chicago offers multiple admissions types. Some include the view, TILT or a drink from the Cloudbar. The general admission with only the view included starts at:
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Adult (12+) - $35
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Child (3 - 11) - $23​
Hours:
Open daily from 9:00am to 11:00pm. Last entry 1H prior to closing.
Photo by Ben Burlaga | Unsplash
Address: 875 N Michigan Ave 94th floor, Chicago, IL 60611
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