Mentioned by The Crazy Tourist
50 Best Things to Do in Chicago (IL
"Play and learning are bridged together at this museum, where kids can: tackle the Cloud Buster, a 30-ton, 37-foot-tall steel dreamscape that celebrates adventure and risk-taking — qualities that are inherent to childhood — excavate dinosaur bones, explore the way water moves through pulleys and pipes, pretend to fight fires, and discover how our skyline full of buildings is created through architecture and engineering."
"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."
"Navy Pier is one of Chicago’s most popular attractions, and one of the most popular destinations in the Midwest. While there are fees at many of the attractions at Navy Pier, there are some that are free. One of the best reasons to visit is the view, which is (of course!) free!"
"If you’re into pro wrestling, the arena boasts one of the loudest crowds in the WWE. DePaul University's men’s basketball team, the Arena Football League, Chicago Wolves ice hockey, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Disney On Ice, and musicians also offer lots of action."
"Housed in one of the most iconic Gothic Revival buildings in Chicago, and sitting right in the middle of the Magnificent Mile, the City Gallery is also a frequent venue for really cool exhibitions — currently Stand Up for Landmarks!. Protests, Posters & Pictures, which catalogs images, artifacts and ephemera relating to the seldom told story of public activism, outreach campaigns and governmental legislation. The building itself was constructed between 1867 and 1869, created for Chicago’s municipal water system."
"Older school children and some older teens may enjoy the stunning architecture and impressive art collection found here. Located on the Magnificent Mile, Chicago’s one of the most easily recognized landmarks was built from 1867-1869 and survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Exhibits change regularly so check the website to see what’s on display before you visit."
"Located within Historic Water Tower, 806 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL. This free gallery inside the Historic Water Tower focuses on photography. The City Gallery is currently closed."
"Go to a game at Wrigley Field Chicago is a big sports town, and Chicagoans love their Cubs. Going to a Cubs game is a cultural experience like nothing else — and a great way to spend a warm summer afternoon."
"Because you can’t come to Chicago and NOT see Wrigley Field, or pass up a chance to get a photo with the legendary marquee."
"Restaurants American Lincoln Park. No matter what the forecast looks like outside, this Lincoln Park restaurant from Lettuce Entertain You transports diners to sunny California through a bright and spacious dining room that's dotted with greenery. Choose from avocado toast loaded with tomatoes and scallion mascarpone, chicken tinga tacos with guac, or the charred summer corn elotes that's imbued with jalapeños and queso fresco."
"Located on the Northside in Lincoln Park, Summer House Santa Monica comes from our friends at the ever-growing Lettuce Entertain You Restaurant group. There’s a front patio, but the whole vibe is like you’re outdoors. With whitewashed wood walls, gauzy white curtains, and a huge atrium in the middle open to clouds and sun, there is so much natural light in here, it truly feels like you are in Santa Monica."
"Sticking with the theme of escaping the cold, another option if you’ve landed in Chicago at the wrong time is to go to Summer House Santa Monica, where the plants and California vibes will make you forget (albeit temporarily) where you are. The glass ceilings provide the perfect amount of lighting for the perfect #nofilter photos."
"Le Macaron found on West Armitage Avenue invites guests to experience the best of French cuisine. The coffee shop’s website describes its macarons as the perfect delicacy, original and elegant, and we think they’re 100% correct. Le Macaron does offer some really fun flavors alongside the more traditional choices, though: including bubblegum, violet cassis, gingerbread, and strawberry key lime."
"Fat Rice's light-drenched dining room makes for an inviting brunch, with wood-accented walls, quirky art, and colorful, Asian-style platters hung as art. The room is buzzing with energy, thanks to the spacious open kitchen. Chef Abe Conlon executes what could be one of the few Macanese menus outside of Macau."
"If you haven't heard a Chicagoan talk about Fat Rice's potstickers then you are probably living under a rock. Fat Rice is a culinary one-of-a-kind with food based off the Macau region in China. It is a masterful blend of Asia-meets-Europe and everyone seems to love it."
"Fat Rice not only offers unique Chinese dishes, but comfort food from around the world is served in this rustic space. They have a Macanese (Chinese and Portuguese fusion) menu for brunch, lunch, and dinner, as well as cocktails and wines in a chic setting."
"But this is America, and if a Chinese restaurant wants to have sushi and kalbi, and it’s good, who are you to stop them?. Besides that mix, follow’s owner Dee Kang’s journey from a Chinese-Korean family to Japan and then Chicago. Dee’s is no secret to Lincoln Park locals, who have kept the place open since 1983."
"The eponymous founder of the Monique Meloche Gallery worked at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, the Rhona Hoffman Gallery and the Kavi Gupta Gallery before hosting her first exhibition in her home, which she called Homewrecker. Since then, Meloche’s established space in West Town has featured work by hundreds of emerging artists from across the globe. The gallery focuses on conceptually challenging installations, with an emphasis on curatorial and institutional outreach."
"Established in 2001, the Monique Meloche Gallery has garnered quite some attention from art enthusiasts worldwide for its exquisite display of conceptual art. The gallery has featured unique artworks by thousands of emerging artists from different parts of the world, emphasizing curatorial and institutional outreach. Rashid Johnson, who has been included in the 2011 Venice Biennial, was discovered and featured at the Monique Meloche Gallery."
"The founder of Monique Meloche gallery focuses on emerging artists, and prides its foundation on conceptually challenging installations with an emphasis on curatorial and institutional outreach. The founder herself Monique Meloche worked at many other major museums, exhibitions and galleries before hosting her first exhibition in her own home, aptly titled Homewrecker."
"The Renaissance Society is a kunsthalle-style museum that presents about 4 exhibits a year from international artists. It focuses on contemporary art and is located at the University of Chicago."