Top Chicago Attractions for Everyone
There are many interesting and educational Chicago attractions that are appropriate for couples as well as kids. The Windy City has fun activities to suit every age group and activity level. From the Adler Planetarium to the Trump Casino, there is something for everyone in this busy city.
Chicago Attractions for Families
For those with kids of various ages, there are plenty of Chicago family attractions. Navy Pier is a favorite stop for many active families, and one of the top attractions in Chicago. Located on the banks of Lake Michigan, Navy Pier has been one of the best family activities in Chicago since it opened in 1916. It features a broad selection of restaurants, shops, and recreational activities. The area is home to the 32,000 square foot indoor botanical park, Crystal Gardens. You can also find other top Chicago attractions for families at the Navy Pier, such as the Chicago Children’s Museum. One of the biggest draws to Navy Pier is the 150 feet tall Ferris wheel. Other fun things nearby include a carousel, old-fashioned swing ride, and miniature golf course. Open year round, the Navy Pier is definitely one of the top places to visit in Chicago.
Trip Advisor gives Navy Pier 3 ½ stars out of 5, with an 80% satisfaction rate. Reviewers love the entertainment and dining selections. They also enjoy the nighttime fireworks. Visitors do warn, however, that it is best to visit during the workweek to avoid large crowds and lines for attractions. Reviewers also liked the boat tours. Some visitors did not like the carnival-like atmosphere, complete with junk food vendors and rides. The general consensus is that if you are a fun loving family that wants to enjoy an afternoon by the lake, the Navy Pier is just the place for you.
For more family things to do in Chicago, check out Lincoln Park Zoo, located in the North Side. This is one of the best things to do in Chicago, particularly for large families, because the admission is free. The zoo is open year round and features more than 1,200 animals. For those who like more action in their attractions, the zoo also has a carousel, featuring endangered species, paddle boats, a train ride, and a 4-D Virtual Safari simulator.
Lincoln Park Zoo achieves a 4.5 star rating from Trip Advisor. Many reviewers rated the park a perfect 5 stars, raving about the shows and recent upgrades to the park. Some visitors pointed out that the zoo is rather small, but nobody complained too much considering the free admission. Overall, this attraction seems to be considered a top choice for families visiting Chicago.
Chicago Attractions for Couples
For those who come to the city without children, zoos and Ferris wheels may not be your choice for entertainment. Thankfully, there are many tourist attractions in Chicago that are designed for the adult crowd. During the summer, there is no better place to sport your swimsuits for some beach time than Lake Michigan. The numerous beaches surrounding the lake provide great spots for couples to enjoy some water play and work on their tans.
Trip Advisor rates Lake Michigan with 5 stars; ranking it the number 5 must see attraction in Chicago. Visitors to the beaches seem surprised and impressed by just how beautiful the scenery is. Most do not expect to find such a picturesque landscape. Chicago clearly does not need an ocean to create some of the best beaches imaginable.
At the Trump International Hotel and Tower Chicago, you will find a spa that redefines luxury. You and your partner will discover a new level of pampering while you take advantage of couples’ massages and other luxurious treatments designed just for lovebirds. A trip to a spa is also a great way to ease sore muscles that are tired from all of the sightseeing in Chicago you’ve been doing. The Spa at Trump Chicago provides the perfect setting to unwind and be pampered.
With a 4.5 star rating, this attraction is worth your attention, especially if you do not have children accompanying you on your trip. Guests thought that the level of luxury provided was unparalleled, though the cost is rather hefty. One reviewer was blown away by the level of detail put into her treatment by the caring technician, relishing the extravagance of it. For those who have some spare money to spend, and want to be spoiled, this spa is for you.
Things to Do in Chicago with Kids
If you are traveling with children, there are many Chicago attractions for kids that may not be so bad for you adults either. Most of the museums that you drag the kids to are going to be a bore. There is one exception, which is the Chicago Children’s Museum. Located in Navy Pier, this museum is a great place for younger kids to play while older kids and teens enjoy the entertainment on the pier. For an admission price of just $12, your little ones can dig up dinosaur bones, play in their own town, or create an amazing invention. The museum has activities for toddlers and children of multiple age groups to keep everyone entertained and happy.
With 4 ½ stars at Trip Advisor, the Chicago Children’s Museum is a hit among parents looking for activities for kids in Chicago. Parents gushed that the museum kept their kids entertained for hours upon end without even seeing all of the available activities. Reviewers liked the armbands provided, which allow you to head out for a meal on the pier, before returning for more fun in the museum. As far as Chicago activities for kids are concerned, the Chicago Children’s Museum is at the top of the list.
The Shedd Aquarium is one of the great Chicago kids attractions that adults will enjoy, as well. Purchasing tickets for this attraction is tricky as there are different levels available. Not all tickets provide admission to all of the aquarium exhibits. A general admission ticket only costs $8 for adults and $6 for children, but it does not include entrance to some of the amazing exhibits, such as the Wild Reef, Abbott Oceanarium, and Polar Play Zone. The total experience pass includes entrance to everything at the Shedd Aquarium, but costs a hefty $34.95 for adults, and $25.95 for children. There are several ticket options in between these, so you will need to find the best choice for your family.
With a 4 star Trip Advisor rating, the Shedd Aquarium is worth visiting. Visitors love the attraction, with some hailing it as America’s best aquarium. They advise, however, that visitors should come in the off-season to avoid crowds. Arriving early is another good way to avoid lines. It has 78% positive feedback, with many visitors rating it as a must-see Chicago attraction.
Free Things to do in Chicago
There are many free attractions in Chicago to take advantage of, whether or not you are on a tight budget. The Chicago park system consists of more than 500 parks that are free for visitors to enjoy. Since 1844, Grant Park has been a favorite spot for recreation and relaxation in the heart of Chicago. Its sprawling 319 acres contains pay attractions, as well, such as the Adler Planetarium and the Art Institute of Chicago. You can enjoy the sculptures and scenery free of charge, however, as you stroll through Grant Park.
Receiving 4.5 Trip Advisor stars, Grant Park is considered by many reviewers to be one of the most unappreciated free Chicago attractions. Visitors enjoyed Buckingham Fountain, the Lincoln Statue, and a lot of artwork along the way. Another reviewer applauded the park’s rehabilitation/transformation since its bad condition in the 1990’s. This park seems to be one of Chicago’s hidden gems, and reviewers urge it to be included on travelers’ agendas.
If you are trying to determine what to do in Chicago without spending too much money, be sure to check out the Chicago Cultural Center. It hosts hundreds of free programs and exhibitions every year. You do not have to pay a steep admission fee to soak up a bit of culture on your trip to Chicago. The Cultural Center is a great alternative to pricey museums, if you are interested in the current exhibition on display.
The Chicago Cultural Center gets a 4.5 star rating on Trip Advisor. Visitors thoroughly enjoy the amazing architecture and Tiffany mosaics. This spot is also a great place to collect information at the start of your vacation to assist you in planning your other attractions. One reviewer compared it to a time capsule, due to its historic appeal. They all agree that this is one of the important places to see in Chicago.
Downtown Chicago Attractions
For Chicago downtown attractions, your first stop should be Millennium Park. A relatively new attraction, Millennium Park was completed in 2004, and is located just north of the Art Institute of Chicago. In this vast area, you will find the Crown Fountain and Pritzker Pavilion. The most recognizable feature of the park, however, is the Cloud Gate, more commonly known as The Bean. This large sculpture reflects the skyline, the sky, and passers-by. The park is free for visitors to enjoy. No trip to the Windy City is complete without a stroll through Millennium Park.
With a 98% satisfaction rating, this 4.5 star rated attraction is rated the number 1 spot to visit among Chicago tourist attractions. For things to do downtown Chicago holds one of the most well loved attractions in the city. Visitors rave that every city should have a park like this, stating that they thoroughly enjoyed their days spent strolling through the park.
For history and architecture buffs, one of the best attractions in downtown Chicago will be the Old Town. This area boasts 19th century townhouses, complete with cobblestone streets. This is not a designated attraction in most tour books and Web sites, but Old Town is a great place to explore for those who want an interesting walk. Locals will happily share experiences of old Chicago with visitors to this classic neighborhood.
Home of the University of Chicago, Hyde Park is another important stop on your tour of downtown Chicago attractions. It is a neighborhood full of interesting sightseeing opportunities for tourists wanting to go for a stroll. It is a large area that is home to many attractions including parks, museums, and restaurants. There is also a wide assortment of live entertainment to be enjoyed while wandering through this Chicago area.
Rated at 4 stars on Trip Advisor, Hyde Park is a much-loved destination for many Chicago visitors. The area has been further popularized, because it contains the Chicago residence of President Obama. People also enjoy the outdoor skating during the winter, as well as the parks, restaurants, shopping, music, and dining. There is something for everyone at Hyde Park, according to most reviewers.
Best Things to do in Chicago
The top things to do in Chicago really vary based upon a tourist’s personal situation. The top Chicago attractions for families and kids include Lincoln Park Zoo, the Chicago Children’s Museum, and Navy Pier. If you are single or traveling with a significant other, your top attractions in Chicago might include the beaches on Lake Michigan, and Trump Casino. There is no list that can provide the best attractions in the city for every person. Research and exploration will help you to determine the top spots for you and your family as well as the many suggestions in this article.
The vibrant city of Chicago is home to more attractions than most visitors can squeeze into a single visit. Choose which places will mean the most to your traveling party, and be sure to plan in advance. Creating an itinerary is the best way to fit all or most of your desired attractions into the visit. Be reasonable about expectations, however, and include time to enjoy the local flavor of this exciting place.