THINGS TO DO IN CHICAGO
Although I have only lived in Chicago for about two months, I have visited the city countless times before moving. I grew up to love Chicago and all it had to offer. Moving here was a dream I had growing up and never thought I would actually live here!! Since moving I have received multiple messages from people wanting some recommendations for things to do while in Chicago. I have compiled a list of things to do indoors and outdoors as well as a list of their free days this year!
It is never fun to travel somewhere just to get bad weather. Although walking around the city in the pouring rain is not the most ideal situation, Chicago offers tons of activities that are indoors like…
The Children’s Museum is located at Navy Pier with tons of activities for your kids! There is free admission for visitors under the age of fifteen every first Sunday of the month. Daily, children under one, veterans/military families receive FREE admission. If you are a ChicagoLand resident tickets for both adults and kids are $15. If you are not a ChicagoLand resident tickets for both adults and kids are $18.
The Field Museum is FULL of educational experiences for all ages! They are open seven days a week and constantly offering free days for Illinois residents! On January 8, 15, 20 and 22 Illinois residents get basic admission for free!
Museum of Science and Industry
The Museum of Science and Industry is an interactive, fun for all ages museum! They offer tons of free days throughout January and February for Illinois residents including January 6-9, 13-16, 20-23 and 27-30 and February 3-6, 10-13, 18-20 and 24-27! Otherwise tickets are $21.95 ($19.95 if you buy online) for adults and $12.95 ($10.95 if you buy online) for children ages 3-11.
Shedd Aquarium has SO many cool things to offer! So many exhibits and free shows. Although admission at some of the museums can be pricey, I personally think Shedd Aquarium is worth the money! General admission for a Chicago Resident is $19.95 for adults and $14.95 for children. If you are not a Chicago Resident tickets are $39.95 for adults and $29.95 for children. If you are an Illinois resident and don’t want to pay to get in, their free days are January 16-20, February 3-7, 10-14, 17-21 and 24-28, and June 15, 16, 22, and 23.
At Adler Planetarium there is both hands on and hands off activities for all ages. The planetarium is open seven days a week 9-4 and offers free days every month in 2020 which are January 7-9, 20-22, February 4-6, 11-13, 17-20, March 9-12, April 20-23, May 10-16, June 2, 9, 16, August 22-23, 31, September 1-4, October 12-15, November 11, 17-19, December 4-6
I cannot wait to visit The Art Institute of Chicago! I have heard nothing but AMAZING things about it time and time again. They are open daily and offer FREE admission for Chicago teens under the age of 18 and all children under the age of 14. They also offer FREE admission every Wednesday from 5-8 pm!
The Skydeck located in the Willis Tower is such a cool experience. You get an AMAZING view of the entire city at 1,353 feet in the air! Admission is a $26 for adults and $18 for children. Although it’s a little pricey everyone has to do it AT LEAST once while in Chicago.
Now some outdoor activities like parks and zoos! I love walking around the city and seeing all the flowers and architecture. I also L O V E the zoo! Here is some outdoor Chicago fun…
Brookfield Zoo is located right outside the city and offers over 450 species of animals on over 216 acres of land! They offer free admission to all veterans and active military. Admission is $24.95 ($23.95 when you order online) for adults, $19.95 ($18.95 when you order online) for seniors 65 and over, and $17.95 (16.95 when you order online) for children 3-11.
Lincoln Park Zoo offers so many exhibits for FREE. It’s beautiful to walk around and the only thing you have to pay for while there is parking!
Navy Pier has something to offer year round. This winter they had a Christmas pop-up shop offering Christmas lights, treats, axe throwing, photo ops, drinks, etc. They also offer a ferris wheel and other carnival type rides, tons of food options and a variety of different shows. Admission varies by which activity you choose to do, but they are open daily!
Wrigleyville is SO fun, especially when the weather is nice! Watch a cubs game, go out for some yummy food, or experience the Cubs inspired sports! There is always something to do, especially during baseball season. Tickets vary for Cubs games, but bleacher seats are always a fun, cheaper option!
Millennium Park is full of tons of free summer concerts, beautiful flowers and landscape, Crown Fountain (two tall fountains with faces on them), the bean, in the winter they have an ice skating rink out front and a beautiful Christmas tree! Fun to visit no matter what the season is. Beautiful if you are wanting to take some pictures or just relax while in the city!
Grant Park is home to Buckingham Fountain and as many of you may know, Grant Park is where Lollapalooza is at! Buckingham Fountain is beautiful and the perfect place to relax and take in the city. If you are looking for some down time while in the city Grant Park is the perfect, peaceful place!
Maggie Daley Park is one of the more interactive parks in the Loop area! In the winter they have a beautiful skate ribbon throughout the park. The cost for skate rentals is $15. They also have a HUGE play area including tennis courts, mini golf, a climbing wall, beautiful scenery and the most fun jungle gym!
I hope these suggestions help you as you plan your next trip to Chicago! If you have any other questions or want even more recommendations, as always let me know!
With love,
Lex