Mentioned by Family Destinations Guide
25 Best Things to Do in Chicago, IL (for 2021)
"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."
"Set where the Chicago Portage enters Lake Michigan, the Navy Pier is a multifaceted visitor attraction extending over the water for six city blocks. As one of the top days out in the Midwest, an attraction of this magnitude is hard to sum up in one paragraph. But in 50 acres you’ll come across the vast multisensory Funhouse Maze and the 65-metre Centennial Wheel, footed by fairground rides and amusements."
"Head over to Navy Pier to go up on the Centennial Ferris Wheel!. A fun way to get an amazing view of Chicago and the lakefront. You can get tickets through the Go Chicago Explorer Pass or check with the Loew’s hotel – they sometimes have specials going where you can get tickets with your stay."
"Architect/Firm: Burnham & Root, 1888 and Frank Lloyd Wright, 1907The Loop The architectural masterpiece originally designed by Burnham & Root in 1888 is one of the most-recognized buildings in the city. Frank Lloyd Wright later re-envisioned its two-story mezzanine with an oriel staircase and glass ceiling to illuminate white marble with gold geometric patterning, which now covers darker, copper-plated ironwork. The commercial office's facade experiments with late Roman, Venetian, Moorish, and medieval-European elements."
"The original design was by the legendary firm of Burnham & Root from the 1880s and an interior lobby renovation was then executed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1905. This early skyscraper is notable not only for its architectural pedigree, but also for being the oldest surviving high-rise in Chicago. Take a tour with the Chicago Architecture Center and get a glimpse of the landmark’s 11th-floor architects’ library."
"Before even visiting Chicago I knew about the famous stairs of the Rookery Building. If you want to take a picture of them (from the bottom) you’ll need to go on a tour of the building. Since the whole building is amazing, it’s well worth the admission…plus it goes to a good cause."
"Chicago’s Gothic Revival Catholic cathedral, by Chicago Station on the Red Line, was completed in 1875 after its predecessor burnt down in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Eagle-eyed visitors will be able to spot an overarching Tree of Life Theme in the building’s fittings. On arrival you’ll be confronted by the cathedral’s immense bronze doors, each weighing more than 500 kilos and cast to resemble planks of wood."
"Architects:Patrick Keely, Henry Schlacks, Joseph J. McCarthy, Charles Murphy. Architectural style:Gothic Revival architecture. Cathedrals are those churches that are considered- as an official seat of Bishop jurisdiction."
"Tucked away at the edge of Lincoln Park that juts out into Lake Michigan, the Montrose Bird Sanctuary is a 15-acre wooded respite that features a few peaceful mulch-covered hiking trails to stroll through. What was once a site of Army barracks from the ’50s to the ’70s is now one of the best places in the area to spot a few of the tens of thousands of migratory birds from more than 300 different species that reportedly stop for some green space along their trek along the lake. Within the sanctuary, a 150-yard stretch of honeysuckle bushes has been nicknamed “The Magic Hedge,” because it attracts an especially high number of migratory birds."
"UptownThis more laid-back section of Montrose Beach is both a dune habitat and a bird sanctuary, as well as one of the best spots for trail hiking in the city with killer skyline views. If that’s not enough, there’s also a beach bar. And a damn fine beach bar at that."
"With several locations across the city, Golden Nugget has been a Chicago staple for more than 50 years. There’s something for everyone as the expansive menu has buttercream waffles, crepes, fried steak, liver and onions, “Flavors of Italy” and “South of the Border” dishes, and daily specials."
"Barbecue is one of those foods that travels well and is popular for private event catering. That’s what made smoked meats enticing to John and Karen Shields, the chefs at Smyth. Smyth earned Michelin stars for its tasting menus."
"American , BBQ"
"One of the highest rooftop bars throughout Chicago, located at the Eurostars Magnificent Mile, right in the heart of the city. A swanky and trendy cocktail bar / nightclub, with a stylish indoor lounge and a lovely terrace, offering sleek lounge sofas, a fire pit and really cool views of the Chicago skyline. The number one feature up here is however the amazing cocktails."
"On-site amenities include an acclaimed spa and multiple restaurants, like the rooftop Apogee Lounge where the in-crowd comes to sip hand-crafted cocktails and soak in the views. The Dana Hotel and Spa"
"Source: Photo by Flickr user Patrick Hoesly used under CC BY 2.0. Photo is only for illustrative purposes. Addison is a smaller, cosy mall (fewer than 30 stores), located in the Avondale neighbourhood."
"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ken Lund used under CC BY-SA 2.0. One of two Macy’s outlets in Chicago - the other is located on the Magnificent Mile - this world famous department store brand features a range of men’s and women’s clothing alongside kids, juniors, and home selections. A host of big-name designers are represented, including Ralph Lauren, Estee Lauder, and Calvin Klein."
"3162 North Broadway Street Chicago, IL 60657 (773) 281-6111 www.hisstuffchicago.com. His Stuff offers attire for men who are in touch with their inner fashionisto. The clothing in this boutique can be gaudy, or casual, but they will never be outdated."
"One of the biggest department stores in the world and recognized as a National Historic Landmark. Flex your plastic around eight floors of amazing fashion, from DKNY to Ralph Lauren to Michael Kors."
"Express is an international fashion chain with women’s clothing and men’s clothing for work, play and all kinds of parties. Shop Express for women’s jeans, leggings, dresses, sweaters and shirts, and men’s jeans, suits, graphic tees and polos, plus shoes, jewelry and other accessories..."