Things to do in Chicago

Explore the rich and exciting history of this great, iconic all-American city through an array of artefacts, hands-on exhibits and multi-media presentations.

Spend a day at this sprawling theme park to enjoy an array of thrilling roller coaster rides, a water park and entertainment for kids of all ages.

From ancient masterpieces to eclectic modern art, uncover a treasure trove of works from all over the world and throughout history.

A waterfront entertainment strip with fun diversions for both young and old, with shops, restaurants and even a Ferris wheel.

One of Chicago’s main focal points, where locals and visitors flock to see the striking art, architecture and landscape on show.

A large museum close to downtown Chicago with plenty for all ages to see and do, with exhibits including a coal mine and World War II submarine.

A remarkable out-of-town zoo where the wildlife of entire continents can be observed across 86 hectares, with big cats, dolphin shows and more.

A great destination for all the family, home to over 2 million artefacts on archaeology, history and science, from dinosaur bones to Egyptian mummies.

This small zoo right in the heart of Chicago, Lincoln Park is an ideal family destination, popular with small children eager to see the many different animals.

Chicago’s world-renowned baseball ground, Wrigley Field is an iconic stadium where you can learn about the all-American sport and even catch a game.

A large public park on the edge of Lake Michigan, with museums, beaches, nature reserves, sports fields, and space galore to while away a few hours.

Learn more about this great American architect and his impact on the Chicago cityscape with a visit to his old home.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s magnum opus, Unity Temple is a revolutionary design over a hundred years old – a remarkable example of religious architecture.

This glass structure full of exotic plants is the perfect place to spend a quiet afternoon.

The Skydeck at Willis Tower offers the best place in Chicago for a bird’s eye view across the breadth of the city and Lake Michigan.

A captivating insight into the life and work of the Nobel Prize-winning author and one of the true giants of American literature.

This striking conservatory – home to rare tropical plants and decorated with art and water features – provides a beautiful hiatus from the hectic pace of Chicago.

Attend an event at the United States’ largest convention center, which features hyper-modern facilities and huge exhibition spaces connected by promenades and sky bridges.

See iconic Chicago landmarks made from over a million LEGO® pieces, watch a movie and learn how the bricks are made in the LEGO® factory.

Opportunities for fun, learning and wonder abound at this historic and state-of-the-art museum on the pretty shore of Lake Michigan.

Spend a day exploring the department store, luxury fashion outlets and food court at this mall on the glitzy Magnificent Mile shopping district.

See a stage show at this iconic cultural beacon, which still captures all the splendor of a trip to the movie theater in the early 20th century.

Enjoy endless shopping, see exhibits of sporting memorabilia and attend shows at a live theater at this huge shopping mall.

Witness the simple beauty of Frank Lloyd Wright’s designs in a Chicago house that epitomizes a popular American style of architecture.  

This enormous art deco installation gives free regular water and light shows symbolizing the power and might of Lake Michigan.

Soak up the sun with views of Lincoln Park and Lake Michigan at this city beach known for its fun sports and extensive amenities. 

Free concerts and Frank Gehry’s characteristic forms are some of the attractions of this modern performance venue in Chicago’s Millennium Park.

With trails, a beach and a bird sanctuary, this spacious city harbor is a good place to sail from and a great place to hang out.

Innovative and certainly unique, this art installation in Millennium Park features the faces of 1,000 Chicagoans blown up five stories tall.

Bird life, paved paths and a built-in music venue give one of Chicago’s newest green spaces much to offer to nature lovers, exercisers and music fans.

On the peaceful shores of Lake Michigan, this elaborate temple, open to all, exudes a sense of peace that makes it a welcome change from Chicago’s bustle.

Chicago’s front yardis a pretty landscaped park, which is home to public art displays, museums, themed gardens and international music festivals.

Just outside Chicago, this beloved summer hangout features an enormous pool, volleyball courts, barbecue pits, swim lessons and much more.

Built by famed 19th-century architects and renovated in 1907 by Frank Lloyd Wright, this early skyscraper is a great stop on a Chicago architecture tour.

Shining golden in the Chicago sunshine, this installation outside the Adler Planetarium will impress you with its beauty and help you know what time it is.

One of Poland’s most famous sons is honored here, symbolizing both his contributions to science and the Polish community’s contributions to the city of Chicago.

Gifted by the government of Veracruz, Mexico, this colossal stone replica greets and educates visitors to the Field Museum of Natural History.

Spend a day swimming and paddling on Lake Michigan or soaking up the sun on a peaceful beach located at the northern tip of Lincoln Park. 

Stroll along the waterfront of the Chicago River to pass some of the city’s most appealing attractions and appreciate how a once grim area has been successfully revamped.