Mentioned by Museum Hack
Museums in Chicago: The Complete List (2020
"Now openOne of Chicago’s most beloved institutions, the Field Museum showcases everything from ancient cultures to the latest scientific discoveries. Visitors can meet the largest dinosaur to ever walk the earth, mummies in their tombs, giant-sized bugs, the most complete T.rex ever found, and more."
"No, pretending you’re a dinosaur like SUE the T-Rex or, alternatively, fleeing from her terrifying jaws and claws as if you’re reenacting a scene from Jurassic Park isn’t a requirement (though it should be).."
"Here are the current free days for Illinois residents at The Field Museum:. January 8, 15, 20, 22, 29 February: Free every day. Stay tuned for more free days this year!"
"Now openThe Shedd‘s penguins have been busy exploring Chicago’s iconic institutions, but now they’re back home at this lakeside aquarium. Visit them in their natural habitat, along with sea otters, turtles, beluga whales, sea lions, jelly fish, reptiles, and more."
"The Shedd offers plenty of free days throughout the remainder of the year. January 16-20 February 3-7, 10-14, 17-21, 24-28 June 15, 16, 22, 23"
"Located at 800 E Grand Ave Chicago, IL 60611 is one of the most popular places in Chi-Town for residents and visitors, chances are high that you’ve been to Navy Pier a few times. Don’t discard it when you’re looking for ways to keep the Chicago children active. There’s plenty to do here, and as often as you may visit, there’s always something new to see."
"The only Chicagoans you'll run into at Navy Pier are the employees but out-of-towners and suburbanites seem to love the downtown pier that extends into Lake Michigan. Once used by the military, it's now Chicago's largest tourist attraction. You can just walk up and down the pier, taking in skyline and lake views."
"Probably the most iconic part of Navy Pier is the Centennial Wheel, a large ferris wheel. It’s open year round, weather permitting. Towards the end of the pier, you can also get a really good view of the city. It also holds several free events from time to time, so make sure to check the calendar before you go."
"Indulge in some shopping, veer off a couple blocks to grab an espresso at the beloved Italian market Eataly, or continue to the DuSable Bridge for a fantastic photo-op of the emerald green Chicago River surrounded by sparkling skyscrapers. The most iconic spot in the entire city is just a couple blocks further: Millennium Park, a sprawling downtown green space that’s home to Cloud Gate, more commonly known as ‘The Bean.’ The stainless steel plates reflect the surrounding city skyline which makes for some epic shots–especially if you make it there first thing in the morning before the throngs of tourists arrive. Be sure to walk below Cloud Gate’s 12-foot-high arch to snap some cool perspective pics from underneath."
"Start off your morning with a beautiful cruise down the Chicago River. This cruise only runs during the warmer months (and can be a bit too chilly during the early spring and late fall, even if it is running), so we recommend reserving this attraction for the warmest times of year"
"It might seem like an ordinary barbershop but tucked away behind a false wall is a dope speakeasy that’s super popular amongst Chicago locals. And it’s not your average nightclub: the dance dance is tiny and the space itself is pretty small. But the ambience is unparalleled with stylish seating and trendy decor."
"A post shared by Insomnia Cookies (@insomniacookies) on Jul 17, 2019 at 12:04pm PDT. If even picking up cookies is low on your to-do list, Insomnia Cookies comes to the rescue. This chain specializes in late-night cookie delivery (yes, you read that right), including sugar cookies, double chocolate mint cookies and drool-worthy smores cookies."
"Insomnia cookies are next on this list of the best desserts in Chicago. Cookies are the perfect addition to any day, so why not stop by Insomnia Cookies for an ice cream sandwich fix?. Unlike some other joints that offer ice cream sandwiches, Insomnia Cookies lets you customize your treat every step of the way!"
"6 locations in and near the city; Online: insomniacookies.com. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Defloured Bakery (@deflouredbakery) on Aug 4, 2019 at 8:26am PDT"
"This center dedicated to the famous artist is located in Jefferson Park, and with its bright mural you can’t miss it. You can check out an iPod at the front desk for a self-guided tour, or visit the first Thursday of the month at 2pm for a thirty-minute guided tour."
"This appealing gallery displays complex artwork, especially in media like wood, glass, fiber, and clay. National and local artists are represented, and jewelry is available. Read more about Vale Craft Gallery →"
"The park that gave the neighborhood its name is Chicago’s largest. Its 1200 acres stretch for 6 miles from North Ave north to Diversey Pkwy, where it narrows along the lake and continues on until the end of Lake Shore Dr. On sunny days locals come out to play in droves, taking advantage of the ponds, paths and playing fields or visiting the zoo and beaches. It's a fine spot to while away a morning or afternoon (or both)."
"Once you’ve gotten your fill of sky-high views, catch a ride up to Lincoln Park, one of North Side Chicago’s trendy residential neighborhoods, and named for the city’s largest park, which is the lakeside centerpiece of this part of town. The Lincoln Park Zoo and Lincoln Park Conservatory are both fun to wander through, but I love Lincoln Park for its cafes, boutiques, and adorable homes."
"If it’s warm enough when you visit, try one of the beaches in Lincoln Park. The park also houses a zoo and museums."
"Sporting a unique tubular support system and multiple novelties, this 100-story skyscraper is one of Chicago’s biggest attractions. When its construction was completed in 1968, it was the second tallest building in the world. The skyscrapers’ stylish X-braced exterior has won various awards from the American Institute of Architects and major publications."
"The John Hancock Center is Chicago’s third-tallest building with distinctively steel-and-glass exteriors. in 1960, Standard Oil Company of Indiana hired Edward Durell Stone to build their headquarters. In fact, when the tower was opened in 1973, it was the second-tallest building in Chicago and the world."