Hidden Gems of Chicago: Discover Fun Things to Do in Chicago, Illinois
Are you searching for something fun to do with your family in Chicago? Chicago is widely known for its diverse range of attractions and quintessential experiences. It has a vast itinerary that's perfect for everyone, ranging from awe-inspiring skyscrapers to festivals, museums, and cultures. Whether you're an art lover, a history geek, or a food lover, you'll be spoiled for choice when searching for fun things for families to do in Chicago. There are endless things Chicago has to offer, from performing arts, world-class museums, ample nightlife spots, sporting events, restaurants, and vibrant shopping districts. Let's explore fun things you can do in Chicago.
Tour the Art Institute of Chicago
If you're an art lover, your stay or visit in Chicago is not complete without experiencing the masterpieces of the Art Institute of Chicago. You'll get an opportunity to explore more than 300,000 permanent artwork collections in the Art Institute houses. You'll also get to see various masterpieces, including the Sunday on La Grande Jatte (Georges Seurat's iconic painting) and Elizabeth Taylor's print by Andy Warhol.
There's also a Thorne Miniature Room, worth viewing but often overlooked in the Museum. It contains about 68 architecture and furniture recreations from different parts of the world, including America, Asia, and Europe. It's basically an ultra-realistic and hyper-detailed small house. You'll also find everything classic in the Museum's central galleries, from the famous ancient Greek sculptures to unique Japanese prints.
After having an extended tour of the various masterpieces, including food art, you may want to get some food and refreshments. This is a perfect time to head for the Terzo Piano restaurant located on the 3rd level of the Modern Wing of the Art Institute. The restaurant has a menu with vast authentic Italian dishes, not forgetting the remarkable view of Millennium Park.
Experience the Culture at Chicago Cultural Center
Chicago Cultural Center is a striking Neoclassical building formerly known as the Chicago Public Library. It was the first free cultural center in the US under the municipality. With over 1,000 different programs and exhibitions every year, expect to explore a diverse culture and have a learning experience here. You can catch family-oriented film screenings, events, theater, music, lectures, and dance. Whether you're an art and music lover or history lover, there's something for everyone to have fun at the Chicago Cultural Center. Also, remember to see the two famous domes; the Renaissance-style dome with 50,000 glass panels and the Tiffany dome.
Visit Chicago Museums to Catch Sight of Superheroes
Chicago Museums are fully back in operation, and you can now get a chance to visit and enjoy the exhibits. One of the most in-demand exhibits in Chicago is the Marvel: Universe of Superheroes present in the Museum of Science and Industry. You'll get an opportunity to experience more than 300 artifacts, including interactive displays, costumes, and comics.
Are you curious about Chicago's history? Make your way to the Chicago History Museum and peruse the fascinating and thematic exhibitions. You'll get to learn about various struggles undertaken to bring Chicago to freedom, covering multiple topics like Women's Suffrage, formation of Chicago labor unions, and the Civil War. Kids will also have a great time because Sensing Chicago will let them participate in fun activities like riding high-wheeled vintage bikes.
View Public Arts at Millennium Park
Are you looking forward to experiencing Chicago's public art? This 24.5-acre Millennium park might be the perfect choice for you. The park has the Jay Pritzker Pavilion structure as the centerpiece, which hosts the largest concerts and festivals in the city. You'll also find a Crown Fountain of Jaume Plensa that features two screens that depict the ever-changing faces spewing water during the summer months.
Visiting the Arts Millennium Park in warm weather is advantageous because you'll see public art exhibitions done on Chase Promenades, where you'll experience a wide range of work by various contemporary artists. Keep in mind that the Millennium summer concert series does not require submission, and it includes rock, world music acts, and jazz. The park also hosts several annual events, like the Chicago Jazz Festival.
Feed Giraffes at Brookfield Zoo
One of the best things to do in Chicago for a weekend as a family is visiting the Brookfield Zoo. You'll get a chance to wander through various exhibits at the Zoo, including feeding the giraffes at Habitat Africa, admiring alligators at The Swamp, and watching kangaroos at Australia House. Brookfield Zoo promises a great day-out experience for the whole family.
Take a Stroll on the Chicago Riverwalk
The Chicago Riverwalk is home to world-class bars, restaurants, boating docks, and several spots to admire the remarkable views of the city. Even though the Riverwalk can be a bit pricey, just like everything else in the city's downtown, the experience is worth every penny. If you love getting out on the waters, there are several launch points from Chicago's favorite kayak rental and boat tour companies.
If you're looking for a taste of Chicago city along the Riverside walk, consider visiting the Chicago Brewhouse restaurant that features local craft dishes and beer. The restaurant's beer list is quite decent and is packed with drafts from hitters, including Off Color, Dovetail, and Maplewood. In addition, you'll get to experience the skyline views from the riverside patio. Other attraction spots to visit along the Riverwalk include the River Theater seating area for a relaxing moment, the Floating Garden for a chill experience, and Sweet Home Gelato for a snack or dessert.
Take an Afternoon Getaway at Navy Pier
Are you unsure of what things to do in Chicago on a Saturday? Navy Pier is an iconic lakefront destination in Chicago, hosting renowned shopping spots, high-end restaurants, boat tours, and many more fun things. From a simple freight dock, the waterfront space slowly evolved to the now-famous Navy Pier. This destination features various parks, exhibits, and an outstanding view of Lake Michigan, making it a must-visit destination if you're looking for fun things to do in Illinois. The waterfront space serves as a cruise departure point, and several walking tours go through the area. Getting the best scavenger hunt hosts gives you easy access to Navy Pier attractions and other activities and attractions in Chicago.
Are You Stuck on Which Attractions to Visit? Get Help!
With the dizzying array of the things you can do in Chicago, it can be a bit overwhelming to plan and explore the city's quintessential experiences by yourself. Get in touch with us or consider scheduling a Chicago Scavenger hunt to ease your tour as you conveniently get to view these Chicago sites.
