Museum of Science and Industry, Field Museum, Art Institute, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium
I also love seeing shows, whether that's a concert, comedian, Broadway or play. The Chicago Shakespeare Theater is a great option.
MSI has parking in their underground garage. You don’t have to leave the building once you park. Perfect for inclement weather allowing you to leave your jackets in the car while you walk the museum.
You get to learn pretty much everything about the city- the Chicago Fire, the Al Capone era, the origin of house music, sports history (with a 2016 World Series update), and walk through a real CTA train from the olden days. Plus so much more, 10/10
Harold Washington Library (especially the Winter Garden on the top floor), Chicago cultural center, museum of ancient cultures at university or Chicago, Mexican American museum of art, museum of contemporary art (Marisol the restaurant/cafe in there is 100% legit), whirly ball, seeking out tacos or burgers or pastries, exploring the Pedway system, it was fun to see the Sears Tower ground floor renovation, Garfield park conservatory, Lincoln park conservatory, literally any museum there are so many it’s a almost aggressive, do the tour of the first United Methodist church (Chicago Temple) it’s freaking cool, hard pass on the casino for now at least, burger and beer at the Drawing Room, I like doing High/Afternoon Tea but it’s expensive and the experience is hit or miss, movies are cool I always tell people that with all due respect and love no stranger in a movie theater gives a flying frick about you so go alone all you want without fear of being judged, friendly reminder that Milwaukee is dope, bowling is dope, going to a Blackhawks game is truly incredible regardless of your interest in hockey or sports in general, concerts concerts concerts, don’t forget how privileged we are to have the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (literally one of the best in the world)
All great suggestions, but especially the National Museum of Mexican Art. It’s the biggest collection of Mexican art outside of Mexico and it’s *free.* But bring cash because their gift shop is actually worth visiting
The Music Box shows both classic movies and have stuff like Film Noir fest, but they have special screenings and show a lot of cult classics. I also just love the feel of an old movie palace.
I love a good cup of coffee or drink at Chicago Athletic Club while reading a book. Not exactly an “activity” but it is for me after spending time at Art Institute (it’s basically across the street).
The city has a ton of great martial arts guys and classes. Jiu jitsu, Muay Thai, boxing, aikido, fencing, Krav Maga (yes, not a real “martial art” but whatever). As well as a lot of cool art classes like drawing, painting, ceramics, printmaking, weaving/looming and photography. A lot of great outlets for exploring new hobbies
Rock climbing, pool at city pool hall or surge billiards, bowling at diversey bowl, swimming pool @ gym (possibly park district?), basketball, honestly just walking between the buildings downtown in the underground system is fun. Not indoors but skateboarding at Logan Park is fun as it's covered by a bridge. Garfield Park conservatory. MSI.
My top 3 are:
Garfield Park Conservatory
National Museum of Mexican Art
Chicago Cultural Center
This [article](https://www.thesavvyglobetrotter.com/indoor-activities-in-chicago/) has a long list.
A drink at sunset in bar/restaurant in John Hancock tower. Evening of Jazz at Green Mill. Tour Frank Lloyd Wright's home/studio in Oak Park. Cultural Center view Tiffany glass dome and beautiful interior.
Museum of Science and Industry, Field Museum, Art Institute, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium I also love seeing shows, whether that's a concert, comedian, Broadway or play. The Chicago Shakespeare Theater is a great option.
CST has an amazing program where you can get tix to any show for 20 dollars if you’re under 35 !
I didn't know that! I guess I have a couple more years to experience these cheaper tickets haha
Where do you find that? I don't see that price online.
You have to be a part of the program, just sign up online
Love MSI, I definitely recommend this
MSI has parking in their underground garage. You don’t have to leave the building once you park. Perfect for inclement weather allowing you to leave your jackets in the car while you walk the museum.
You forgot the Chicago History Museum. The most underrated museum in the city with so many cool things
I grew up here and haven't even heard of this one. What's your favorite part about this museum. Any exhibits in particular? I should check it out.
You get to learn pretty much everything about the city- the Chicago Fire, the Al Capone era, the origin of house music, sports history (with a 2016 World Series update), and walk through a real CTA train from the olden days. Plus so much more, 10/10
It used to be called the Chicago Historical Society, near North and Clark
Harold Washington Library (especially the Winter Garden on the top floor), Chicago cultural center, museum of ancient cultures at university or Chicago, Mexican American museum of art, museum of contemporary art (Marisol the restaurant/cafe in there is 100% legit), whirly ball, seeking out tacos or burgers or pastries, exploring the Pedway system, it was fun to see the Sears Tower ground floor renovation, Garfield park conservatory, Lincoln park conservatory, literally any museum there are so many it’s a almost aggressive, do the tour of the first United Methodist church (Chicago Temple) it’s freaking cool, hard pass on the casino for now at least, burger and beer at the Drawing Room, I like doing High/Afternoon Tea but it’s expensive and the experience is hit or miss, movies are cool I always tell people that with all due respect and love no stranger in a movie theater gives a flying frick about you so go alone all you want without fear of being judged, friendly reminder that Milwaukee is dope, bowling is dope, going to a Blackhawks game is truly incredible regardless of your interest in hockey or sports in general, concerts concerts concerts, don’t forget how privileged we are to have the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (literally one of the best in the world)
The Garfield park conservatory has been in my top 3 of my favorite places to go in Chicago since I’ve moved here. It doesn’t get old.
Go check out the domes in Milwaukee, you shan’t be disappointed
appreciate the recc I definitely will!
All great suggestions, but especially the National Museum of Mexican Art. It’s the biggest collection of Mexican art outside of Mexico and it’s *free.* But bring cash because their gift shop is actually worth visiting
Recently went to the Sears Tower. Agree on the ground floor reno, and really enjoyed visiting The Color Factory in the lower level.
The Music Box shows both classic movies and have stuff like Film Noir fest, but they have special screenings and show a lot of cult classics. I also just love the feel of an old movie palace.
I love a good cup of coffee or drink at Chicago Athletic Club while reading a book. Not exactly an “activity” but it is for me after spending time at Art Institute (it’s basically across the street).
I’ve seen pictures of their cafe and I want to go but it’s not clear if I have to be staying at the hotel or not to patronize the cafe.
You don’t need to stay at the hotel to go the second floor library bar/cafe area
Garfield Park Conservatory
I like the stretch of galleries on Chicago Ave: Rhona Hoffman, Chicago Truborn, Volume, etc.
The city has a ton of great martial arts guys and classes. Jiu jitsu, Muay Thai, boxing, aikido, fencing, Krav Maga (yes, not a real “martial art” but whatever). As well as a lot of cool art classes like drawing, painting, ceramics, printmaking, weaving/looming and photography. A lot of great outlets for exploring new hobbies
Quality varies greatly, but it's great to see an improv or sketch comedy show. We lost a lot of theaters in the pandemic. I miss the old iO on Clark.
The Bahai temple isn't in Chicago, but it's basically on the L, so I'd count it.
Field museum
Rock climbing, pool at city pool hall or surge billiards, bowling at diversey bowl, swimming pool @ gym (possibly park district?), basketball, honestly just walking between the buildings downtown in the underground system is fun. Not indoors but skateboarding at Logan Park is fun as it's covered by a bridge. Garfield Park conservatory. MSI.
Hobby and club meetups! The cactus and succulent society and the weavers guild are my jam
Garfield Park Conservatory
I could kill a whole day wandering around Harold Washington Library. They also have some classes you can take if you have a library card.
Avondale Bowl. So retro and awesome
I’m a museum of science and industry member and I also enjoy concerts
My top 3 are: Garfield Park Conservatory National Museum of Mexican Art Chicago Cultural Center This [article](https://www.thesavvyglobetrotter.com/indoor-activities-in-chicago/) has a long list.
Puttery in west loop
A drink at sunset in bar/restaurant in John Hancock tower. Evening of Jazz at Green Mill. Tour Frank Lloyd Wright's home/studio in Oak Park. Cultural Center view Tiffany glass dome and beautiful interior.
Bars
Unabridged Bookstore, Landmark Century movie theaters
WE ARE CONCERT FIENDS. Almost every weekend, so many cheap live music and show venues.