Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in River Forest

We've collected top 10 mentioned things to do in River Forest from other articles such as explorest.com, Lonely Planet Top Choices, Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce, including activities with kids, adult only attractions, cheap and free events

Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in River Forest

Millennium Park
Millennium Park
4.8 (58155 ratings)4.5 (22489 ratings)
24.5-acre green space with a video display, the reflective "Bean" sculpture & an outdoor theater.
201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602, USA
ParkSights & LandmarksHistoric Walking AreasPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Navy Pier
Navy Pier
4.6 (50660 ratings)4 (13593 ratings)
Former Navy training center draws crowds with carnival rides, restaurants, shops & fireworks.
600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Sights & LandmarksAmusement centerCultural centerEvent venuePiers & BoardwalksTheme Parks
Mentioned by Chicago 4 days itinerary
Chicago 4 Day Itinerary: A Long Weekend in Chicago, Illinois, USA
"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."
Mentioned by Choose Chicago
Best Places to Take A Selfie in Chicago
"You have two choices here: you can either take a selfie from afar, with Navy Pier and its massive Ferris wheel in the background, or you can buy a ticket and take the ride, snapping a selfie from 150 feet up in the air."
Garfield Park Conservatory
Garfield Park Conservatory
4.8 (6118 ratings)4.5 (719 ratings)
184-acre park with a swimming pool, fishing lagoon, athletic fields, tennis courts & more.
300 N Central Park Ave, Chicago, IL 60624, USA
ParkSights & LandmarksBotanical gardenHistoric SitesGardens
Grant Park
Grant Park
4.7 (16394 ratings)4.5 (854 ratings)
319-acre centerpiece of Downtown housing some of the city's busiest attractions.
337 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601, USA
City parkNature & ParksPark
Skydeck Chicago
Skydeck Chicago
4.5 (18620 ratings)4.5 (15971 ratings)
103rd floor of the former Sears Tower with clear observation boxes & views extending to four states.
233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606, USA
Observation deckSights & LandmarksMuseumArchitectural BuildingsObservation Decks & TowersPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Chicago Loop
Chicago Loop
4.5 (1153 ratings)
The Loop is a vibrant area featuring eclectic eateries, shops, theaters and parks. Comprised mostly of high-rises, it’s also home to the 108-story Willis Tower. The iconic “Cloud Gate” sculpture sits in Millennium Park. Grant Park features the large, rococo-style Buckingham Fountain and the renowned Art Institute of Chicago, and hosts annual events like The Taste of Chicago and Lollapalooza.
Chicago, IL, USA
Sights & LandmarksNeighborhoods
Mentioned by Chicago 3 days itinerary
3 Day Chicago Itinerary For First-Time Visitors
"Grab lunch at a nearby café and browse the shops in The Loop. Make your way over to Millennium Park to see the famous Cloud Gate (a.ka. the bean). It’s usually busy during the day, but you might get lucky by going early in the morning before other tourists arrive."
Saint Clement Church
Saint Clement Church
4.6 (174 ratings)4.5 (8 ratings)
642 W Deming Pl, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
Catholic churchSights & LandmarksSacred & Religious Sites
Mentioned by Your Day by MK
Chicago Wedding Guide: Catholic Churches
"Address: 642 W Deming PlSaturday Mass Times: 11:00am, 1:00pm, 3:00pm, 6:30pmA/C: YesCost: $1,900.00, includes organist and cantorParishioner?. Yes, at least one of youTime for photos after: 15 minutesCan you bring your own priest?. YesOther info to note:If there are 3 weddings already scheduled on a particular day, a visiting priest must preside at the 4th wedding."
Mentioned by usatales.com
10 Best Churches in Chicago
"The St. Clement Catholic Church of Lincoln Park- is a stunning example of the byzantine style that features greek geometrics. The inspiration behind the structure is the mosque of Istanbul- Hagia Sophia. You can find 12th and 13th-century fashioned mosaics on the apse of the dome."
James R. Thompson Center
James R. Thompson Center
4 (275 ratings)3.5 (57 ratings)
100 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601, USA
State government officeSights & LandmarksGovernment Buildings
Bohemian National Cemetery
Bohemian National Cemetery
3.6 (70 ratings)4.5 (9 ratings)
5255 N Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60630, USA
CemeterySights & LandmarksHistoric Sites
Mentioned by Condé Nast Traveler
21 Best Things to Do in Chicago
"Known for its limestone gatehouse and highly decorated columbarium niches, which are composed of photographs, artwork, flags, and other mementos of individuals whose ashes are stored there, this cemetery, established by Chicago's Czech community in 1877, also features storied mausoleums, stained glass images and a special dedication to Chicago Cubs fans. It's a quieter, welcome alternative to public parks that often draw rambunctious young children."
Ping Tom Memorial Park
Ping Tom Memorial Park
4.5 (2065 ratings)4.5 (22 ratings)
Chinatown park on the Chicago River with Chinese-style landscaping, a playground & kayak rentals.
1700 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616, USA
Memorial parkNature & ParksPark

Best Arts and Culture Places in River Forest

Volume Gallery
Volume Gallery
5 (7 ratings)
1709 W Chicago Ave 2nd floor, Chicago, IL 60622, USA
Art gallery
Mentioned by Holidify
Art Galleries in Chicago
"With a strong focus on American Design, there is a strong emphasis on emerging contemporary artists at the Volume Gallery in Chicago. The gallery releases its editions and publications and also organizes exhibitions that showcase the works of American artists to the regional, national and international audiences. Specialization : contemporary"
Chicago History Museum
Chicago History Museum
4.6 (2042 ratings)4.5 (1035 ratings)
Photos, artifacts, newsreels & dioramas bring to life historical events, architecture & more.
1601 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
History museumMuseumsCultural centerLocal history museum
Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art
Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art
4.8 (301 ratings)4.5 (112 ratings)
Museum specializing in fine jade, gemstone & mineral carvings, plus educational geology exhibits.
1220 Kensington Rd, Oak Brook, IL 60523, USA
Art museumMuseumsLapidarySpecialty Museums
Mentioned by Chicago Parent
38 Chicagoland Museums Families Should Visit At Least Once
"Ongoing weekend programs at the museum include workshops for kids to learn about identifying rocks and minerals or learning how to make jewelry. Collections include gemstones, fossils and an ornate castle. Online activities include virtual jewelry classes and rock identification classes."

Best Gelato in River Forest

Spinning J Bakery and Soda Fountain
Spinning J Bakery and Soda Fountain
4.8 (671 ratings)
Seasonal pies, gelato and soda-fountain classics served in quaint surrounds with vintage furniture.
1000 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60622, USA
American restaurantBakeryCafeCoffee shopIce cream shopPie shop
Ben & Jerry’s
Ben & Jerry’s
3.9 (99 ratings)
Iconic Vermont-based ice cream parlor chain, known for its creative, cleverly named flavors.
600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Ice cream shopBakeryCandy storeCatererSnack bar
Mentioned by Chicago Tribune
Chicago restaurants with heated, enclosed dining spaces
"Order your favorite sandwiches from the nearly 20-year-old restaurant and dine on-site at one of five heated outdoor dining bubbles set up on Giddings Plaza in Lincoln Square. Seating up to six and warmed by electric heaters, the bubbles are available for 90-minute gigs, with a prepaid deposit ($100 minimum on weeknights and $150 Friday through Sunday). $1 mylar blankets available."
Annette's Italian Ice
Annette's Italian Ice
4.7 (355 ratings)
Compact, sunlit counter serve offering Italian ices & ice cream scoops in a variety of flavors.
2009 N Bissell St, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
Ice cream shopDessert shopFrozen yogurt shop
Mentioned by Make it Better
The 11 Best Spots for Ice Cream Around Chicago
"A Lincoln Park summer staple, the line at Annette’s Italian Ice is consistently longer than at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams down the street. Although they’re most famous for vegan-friendly house-made Italian ice, they also serve fat-free frozen yogurt and traditional ice cream by Ashby’s Sterling. Flavors and toppings are scrawled on a white board to choose from."
Mentioned by Spoon University
The 21 Best Ice Cream Shops in Chicago
"This Lincoln Park staple only opens their outdoor window in the summer, so don’t miss out. While it has all your childhood favorite ice creams flavors, the Italian ice is the real star here. No bad flavors can be found here."
Mentioned by Spoon University
The 50 Best Foods to Eat in Chicago
"Sadly, Annette’s is only open during the warm weather season, but their italian ices are the perfect refreshing summer treat. This Lincoln Park hole-in-the-wall is a delicious local secret."

Best Cookies in River Forest

big fat cookie
big fat cookie
5 (2 ratings)
BIG big.fat.cookie sign over steel doorsdoor, 1030 N Hooker St, Chicago, IL 60642, USA
Cookie shop
Hilary's Cookies
Hilary's Cookies
4.7 (17 ratings)
Simple shop known for a variety of cookies & treats plus ice cream sandwiches, coffee & hot cocoa.
4917 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625, USA
Cookie shopDessert shop
Insomnia Cookies
Insomnia Cookies
4.5 (11 ratings)
Bakery chain known for late-night deliveries, with some locations selling ice cream.
30 E Balbo Dr, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
Cookie shopDessert shopIce cream shop
Mentioned by Chicago Parent
Where to buy your holiday cookies in Chicago
"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."
Mentioned by The World and Then Some
The best desserts in Chicago! 20 Amazing places that you HAVE to try
"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!"

Vacation Rentals, Airbnb, Hotels & Cabins near River Forest

Extended Stay America Suites Chicago Elmhurst O'Hare
Hotel
$122 /night
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3.7 (592 reviews)
Best Western Des Plaines Inn
Hotel
$114.4 /night
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3.7 (170 reviews)
Best Western Plus Oakbrook Inn
Hotel
$95 /night
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* The displayed nightly rate may be estimated based on a future travel date. Narrow down your search with checkin and checkout dates to see the exact price.