There is more to do in Chicago than eat, though you will be enjoying a lot of that activity. Chicago is a beautiful city full of magnificent architecture, a plethora of art and a variety of activities for different interests. The city comes alive in the summer and attractions are filled with tourists and families enjoying summer vacation. When planning activities, think about the crowds and plan to go early or expect waits at attractions.

1. Cloud Gate and Millennium Park

One of the most known and recognizable things in Chicago, Cloud Gate or “The Bean” is located in Millennium Park, where you can find crowds of people in the summer. Taking photos in Cloud Gate’s reflective surface is a fun activity. The Park also has several art installations. This one with water is a fun play place for kids.

Cost: Free
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2. Art Institute of Chicago

One of the best art museums in the U.S., the Art Institute of Chicago can easily take up two hours of your time perusing and admiring the artwork. This is one of my favorite art museums in the U.S.

Cost: $25 adult general admission; $19 seniors (65+), high school and college student admission; Free for children under 14
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3. Navy Pier

Navy Pier is a historic landmark with an iconic ferris wheel, shops, theater, and restaurants. In the summer, free movies are shown on Thursdays and fireworks are set off every Wednesday and Saturday night. It’s also a great place to see Chicago’s skyline.

Cost: Free to walk around; pay for activities
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4. Chicago Architecture Foundation Boat Tour

I had two Chicago natives tell me this was one of their favorite things to do in the city and I was really excited to learn about Chicago’s architecture. Where else could you take a highly-rated tour like this?! The hour and a half tour, led by a volunteer docent, was filled with history and information.

Cost: $48.76 adult ticket; $31.76 infants 3 years and under
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5. Skydeck at Willis Tower OR Signature Lounge or 360 Chicago at John Hancock Center

Chicago has two skyscrapers with stunning views. Skydeck features glass boxes 1,353 feet in the air and 4.3 feet from the building. The John Hancock Center’s observatory area is called 360 Chicago. You need to seek out the different views at Signature Lounge, and you’ll find great views in the restrooms too. The John Hancock Center also has a cool sphere piece in their lobby.

Skydeck Chicago
Cost: $19.50 adult ticket; $12.50 youth ticket
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My friend Ashley in Skydeck’s glass box from our trip in 2010.

Signature Lounge
Cost: Free
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360 Chicago
Cost: $19
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6. Chicago Cultural Center

If you want to see an amazing stained-glass dome ceiling, pop into the Chicago Cultural Center, which is next to Millennium Park. Go early in the morning and/or check the schedule on their website. They book events in the space and you may not be able to get up close and personal when it’s closed off.

Cost: Free
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7. Shop on Magnificent Mile

Walk along The Magnificent Mile – 13 blocks on North Michigan Avenue – for many, many shops. You can also see some of Chicago’s iconic landmarks on this street, including the historic Water Tower, Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower. There are also theaters and hotels and the John Hancock Center is on this street.
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8. See a show

There are many performing art show options in Chicago. I’ve enjoyed a show by the Lookingglass Theater Company located inside the historic Water Tower Water Works building. The Chicago Theatre hosts a full schedule of shows, from musical artists, touring musicals, comedians, and more. Find more options at Choose Chicago’s website.

Cost: depends on the show
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Have more time or want different options? There are many other possible activity choices in Chicago. I’ve personally checked out the last two listed but hope to see more when I visit Chicago again!

• Field Museum
  Chicago’s natural history museum is great for the family. Dinosaur bones and more will keep you entertained. full-size animal exhibits
• Soldier Field
  Go see a Chicago Bears game or a concert (We saw Taylor Swift perform here.)
• United Center
  This is the home of the Chicago Blackhawks and Chicago Bulls. Also, many events hosted here.
• Shedd Aquarium
  This is the largest indoor aquarium in the world and features more than 8000 animals.
• Museum of Science and History
  While I’ve read that the other museums are better, this one is also an option if you like science and interactive exhibits.
• Lincoln Park Zoo
  This free zoo is one of the oldest in the U.S. and sits on 35 acres.
• Adler Planetarium
  America’s first planetarium is a fun place to explore astronomy.
• Wrigley Field
  Go see a Chicago Cubs game in the second oldest major baseball field.
• Lincoln Park
  One thing I definitely want to do when I return to Chicago is visit Lincoln Park. It has beautiful views of the city.
• Beach
  Chicago has 26 miles of public beaches. Wait, Chicago has beaches? Is it the perfect city or what!
• Chicago Water Tower
  This historic site can be admired in passing. It houses a small art gallery. It is one of the only buildings to survive the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and symbolized recovery as Chicago rebuilt.
• Foursided
  We stumbled upon this cute boutique shop filled with stationary and gifts. They have three locations in Chicago. If you want to find a unique, cutesy Chicago gift, I’d recommend this place.

What’s your favorite thing to do in Chicago?

Interested in Chicago’s best restaurants? Check out my post of recommended Chicago eats!

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