Mentioned by 10Best
The most popular things to see and do in Chicago
"Come meet SUE, the world's largest T-Rex, at this famous museum of science and anthropology. At this larger-than-life exhibit and many others, you and your family will travel back in time and all around the world. NEW for 2018 -- SUE is being transferred to her own "throne room" to give her a dedicated space, and to make room for a brand new critter, even bigger than a T-Rex!"
"The Field Museum of Natural History houses millions of specimens in its collections, from gems to mummies to dinosaurs. Free days at the Field Museum: September 22 and 29, 2021. Read the gripping story of this historic museum in Living Landmarks of Chicago."
"South LoopGo under the sea at a world-class aquarium Joining The Field Museum and Art Institute as great Chicago institutions in 1930, Shedd Aquarium is one of the oldest museums in the city, and the building itself is an ode to all things aquatic -- from fossils in its floors to Neptune’s trident atop its dome. About 32,000 animals call Shedd Aquarium home, and you can see them all: penguins, turtles, whales, otters, good old-fashioned fish, and more. What to know before you go: Shedd Aquarium is open 9am to 5pm weekdays and 9am to 6pm on weekends during the fall, and 9am to 6pm daily June 11-August 19."
"Located in the same lakeshore Museum Campus as the Field Museum, the John G. Shedd Aquarium is home to more than 1,500 species of sea life, including 32,500 fish, as well as an array of birds, insects and amphibians. Completed in 1930, the aquarium gets more than two million visitors each year, making it one of the most-visited aquarium in the United States. Exhibits are organized in themed areas such as the “Caribbean Reef” and the award-winning “Amazon Rising.” The Oceanarium, which features dolphins and beluga whales, is one of the aquarium’s most popular exhibits."
"The entire marine world—from the Caribbean reef to Arctic waters—is on view on the banks of Lake Michigan. Some 32,000 animals live here. Big draws include Pacific white-sided dolphins, beluga whales, sharks, stingrays, and some awfully cute otters."
"Navy Pier is one of Chicago’s most popular tourist destinations—and with good reason. The 3,300-foot (1,010-meter) pier jutting into the waters of Lake Michigan, originally constructed in 1916 as a freight dock and public space, encompasses almost 50 acres (20 hectares) of exhibits, rides, parks, and family attractions.More"
"Built in 1916, Navy Pier was purposed as a mix-used dock for commercial freighters and warehousing, public pleasure cruises and public gatherings. The pier extends 3,300 feet out into Lake Michigan from the Chicago shoreline. Today, Navy Pier is the most visited tourist attraction in all of Chicago."
"There is no admission fee to enter the Navy Pier, which offers free fireworks shows throughout the year and hosts a lineup of free entertainment and music each season. Head to the Navy Pier to see local arts and crafts vendors presenting their wares and to enjoy the scenic views of Lake Michigan."
"While Antique Taco may not be as fancy as some of its counterparts, it serves a purpose for its loyal Wicker Park fans. You’ll find inexpensive tacos with local, fresh ingredients, rivaling what the nearby Chipotle has to offer. Adding to its appeal are the cool, reclaimed furnishings, house-made guac and chips, and pitchers of refreshing margaritas made with fresh rosemary for the adults in your party."
"Each location of Antique Taco is cleverly decorated with cool, unique antiques, but even with the décor, the tacos stand out, with fillings of seasonal farmers’ market finds, like elote-style cauliflower. Kids are always warmly welcomed, and can order their own pork carnitas taco or quesadilla. A horchata milkshake to wash it down?"
"Just off the Wellington Brown Line stop, BarCocina bring a fun, outdoor vibe to West Lakeview. Grab a table or couch on the large patio in front of a fire pit, order some chips and guac and enjoy one of Chicago’s balmy summer days."
"Evanston & Navy PierAfter relocating to the States from Buenos Aires, cousins Sebastián Koziura and Enrique Schcolnik missed the moments they shared indulging in dulce de leche gelato with their grandmother. Thus, they decided to transport the sweet treat to Chicago with FRIO, a family-owned gelatería featuring Argentine favorites like Sambayon, Malbec Wine with Berries, Tramontana, and, of course, Dulce de Leche. The offerings range far beyond these, though, with up to 36 flavors in the portfolio including hyper seasonal musts like avocado, pumpkin, and white chocolate.How to book: Stop by for counter service or order delivery via GrubHub, DoorDash, or UberEats."
"Must Try: Fragola Camarosa This boutique gelato shop off State Street in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood boasts exotic, European flavors. They serve gelato in ice cream sandwiches, cones, and there are even dishes where the ice cream is scooped and molded into the shape of a rose served with a mouth-watering macaron on top. This popular spot just opened a brand new shop in Water Tower Place making gelato a perfect snack to grab after an afternoon of shopping along the Magnificent Mile."
"Each month, this West Loop gelato shop stocks its cases with its incredible array of gourmet signature and specialty flavors. At Black Dog, you’ll be able to enjoy intriguing, boundary-pushing flavors such as sweet corn and goat cheese cashew caramel. These are perfect if you’re feeling a little adventurous and want to expand the boundaries of your gelato connoisseurship!"
"It’s incredibly smooth, and there are a variety of interesting flavors, like pretzel Nutella and olive-oil almond (our absolute favorite is the goat cheese cashew caramel). Just keep in mind that since everything is made fresh daily, they might run out of what you’re looking for."
"Ukrainian Village, West Loop, & Logan SquareThis tri-location neighborhood gem starts with traditional Chicago-style gelato made with fresh local ingredients, then spices things up with modern medleys like mango hibiscus, goat cheese cashew caramel, and malted vanilla pretzel."
"A National Historic Landmark, this South Loop church suffered a devastating fire in 1900, so the congregation hired architects Howard Van Doren Shaw and Frederic Clay Bartlett to rebuild the building in the then-popular Arts and Crafts style. Over the years, the church welcomed many famous Chicago families including the Pullmans, Blackstones, and Armours. Open Saturday, October, 19, from 10 a.m."
"Visitors to this hidden gem will enjoy oak savanna, a forest, wetland and prairie all in one area. There are three trails from which to choose and explore: main loop, wetland and woodland and while you can take as long as you'd like, it's possible to do them all within an hour if you're in a hurry (although hopefully you're not because you want to stop at the lily pond, gaze at the free roaming deer and catch a turtle or finches as you take in the fresh air and scenery). Early Spring, locals from all over the city come by for the annual Maple Tree Tapping Festival where kids can enjoy free activities and see demonstrations on the Maple syrup process."
"North ParkYou could do worse than strolling through this 46-acre nature preserve with trails that wind through woodland, wetland, prairie, and savannah. You could also do worse than just chilling at the birding area and spotting rare specimens with your well-practiced/made-up bird calls."
"The Ruby Room's mission is to positively affect the energy & spirit of those they touch. Ruby Room's signature "Healing Ritual" incorporates your chosen intention and selection of a Ruby Room Aroma Infused Flower & Gem Essences to keep your energy positive and clear. This combined with numerology reading ($250) could run you at most $350 if you choose to bring a partner along."
"When your Co-Star horoscope isn’t quite cutting it, head here for an intuitive reading. Depending on your preferences, healers might read your energy or aura or refer to numerology to tell you what’s really going on with your roommate. Afterward, you can get a traditional massage or wax service and pick up a smudge to clear the energy in your home."
"Spa Space is conveniently located on Canal Street in Chicago. Spa Space efficiently assembles a rigorous way of body and skincare having a relaxing and sumptuous environment centred on exceptional client services. They have staff and professionals that are passionate and hardworking to ensure the wellness of every customer."
"Check out their website to see some of the services they offer, including facials, massages, manicures, waxing, and more. You can also choose to purchase a gift certificate now to support this spa in Chicago."