Chicago in May

By Dom Bewley
chicago in may

Spring has sprung, and summer is just around the corner. That big yellow ball in the sky isn't so shy anymore. That's right y'all, it's May. Time to shuffle off the light jackets and risk it in just a t-shirt or summer dress. Whether you're hitting the Windy City for a vacation, or a resident wondering how to spend the newfound warmth, never fear! This list caters to you all. Scroll down, and find out what you shouldn't miss in Chicago in May.

Featuring:

  • Skydeck Chicago
  • River Cruises
  • Navy Pier funfair
  • Bike rides
  • The Zoo
  • and more!

Chicago in May: What to Expect

May is when temperatures will start to climb. Generally, you'll find tops of around 68-70°F, or 20-21°C, and dips of around 50-51°F, or 9-10°C. So, pack some lighter clothes for the days, and some warmer jackets and sweaters for the nights. There's a chance of rain too, so pack your best umbrella, just to be safe.

Chicago in May: What to Do

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Skydeck Chicago

Looking for thrills, buddy? How about heading up to the 103rd floor and overlooking the city at over 1,300ft? If that sounds like just the ticket, then check out Skydeck Chicago! Formerly the Sears Tower, Skydeck gives you amazing views across the city and beyond. In fact, you can see four different states from the viewing platform! Spot key Chicago landmarks, and if you dare, head out onto The Ledge, a see-through, glass-floored platform. See the city right beneath your feet. Not for the faint of heart, but if you've already made the journey up to the top, why not go the extra step? We dare you. Then, when you're done, ride the Multimedia elevator all the way down to terra firma, and learn about landmarks as you pass them.

Shoreline Architecture River Cruise

Do you like water? Not just inside your body, but outside too? Does the thought of riding Poseidon's waves while seeing some sweet buildings get you giddy? Well, check this out. Hop aboard a Shoreline Architecture River Cruise and do just that. Chicago in May is the perfect time to catch a ride. The city has heaps of interesting architecture to see, including works from building men like Goldberg and van der Rohe. Plus, you'll learn about the Great Fire in the 19th century that helped shape the metropolis it has become today. Make sure you take some sweet snaps for your social media, so people think you're cooler than you really are. Learning and boats - does it get much better than that?

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Navy Pier

Do you like rides? Are you looking for an exhilarating experience in the city? Then you're looking for none other than Navy Pier. This 50-acre seaside locale is one of the biggest tourism draws in Chicago. Perhaps the pier's biggest attraction is the Centennial Wheel, a colossal Ferris Wheel that towers over the boardwalk. Rising to over 200ft at its peak, you'll get amazing views all the way to Lake Michigan. And, if those pesky clouds show their grey faces, never fear, as each gondola is a closed unit. On top of all that, there are plenty of other rides to try out, bites to eat, and drinks to wash it all down. Pick up a souvenir while you're at it.

Stop by the Zoo

Why not make the most of the May weather by visiting the zoo in Chicago? Lincoln Park Zoo is a wonderland of animals, with thousands to see and meet. There's the Sea Lion Pool where, shock horror, the sea lions hang out. Or, if you like your mammals landlocked, there's the Center for African Apes, with an assortment of apes and gorillas to see. Then, head into the lion's den at Kovier Lion House, which houses more big cats than you could shake a paw at. Beyond that, you can take a cruise of the South Lake Lagoon, or check out some of the rides. The Lionel Train Adventure is perfect for kids, taking passengers on a trip to explore the surrounding woodland. There's also the Endangered Species Carousel, where riders can hop aboard nearly 50 replicas of endangered animals and help raise awareness of their plight. Then, grab a bite at the cafe, or pick up a stuffed animal for the little one.

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Bike and Roll

Want to see the sights in Chicago, but make the most of the May weather? Then hop on a two-wheeler and get some exercise while you're at it! Hire a bike, and go exploring. Glide beside Chicago's lakefront, discover the city's many trails and green lanes to avoid traffic, and see all the city's wonders while breathing in that great fresh air. Bring some food and a few drinks, find a spot to settle, and put together a mid-ride picnic. A great way to spend a sunny day in the windy city.

Play ball

If you're a sports fan, you may have heard of the game they call 'baseball.' One person throws a ball, the other hits it with a bat, and then everyone runs around trying to catch it. That about sums it up. Well, if that sounds like you, then you'll be well aware of the Chicago Cubs. A trip to their stadium at Wrigley Field might appeal to all sports fans, as the atmosphere is notoriously infectious. And not in the mask-wearing, 6ft apart way. This century-old ground is home to baseball games throughout the year, so why not check one out and see what all the fuss is about?

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Get flowery

Fancy yourself a bit of a Greenfingers? Then you might be interested in a visit to one of the country's biggest and best botanical gardens! The Garfield Park Conservatory houses thousands of flora beneath its glass dome, and in May, it's the location of the 2022 Spring Flower Show. So if you want to see some award-winning tulips, daffodils, and other flowers you know and love, go check it out!

Relax and see the city

If you want to give those dear legs of yours a rest, why not hop on a bus and get a tour of the town? A Gray Line Chicago Grand Tour takes you around all of the city's biggest landmarks, including Orchestra Hall, Lake Point Towers, and Lincoln Park Conservatory, all the way to Grant Park. You even have the opportunity to hop off and go exploring at certain points, as long as the bus isn't delayed!

And that's everything you need to know about Chicago in May!

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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Museum of Science and Industry
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Museum of Science and Industry Vs The Field Museum Comparison

Chicago’s embarrassment of cultural riches includes such venerable institutions as the Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute, Adler Planetarium, and home and studio of legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry and Field Museum are two of the biggest, brightest and best such attractions in town. Between them this pair of cultural giants chart the entire history of this planet we call Earth, from weather systems and animal evolution to ancient Egyptian burial rites and the space race. But which should you visit when on vacation in the Windy City? We take a closer look at the Museum of Science and Industry vs the Field Museum, covering must-see highlights, best times to visit and how long you’ll need for each. Griffin Museum of Science+Industry: The Lowdown Vital Statistics: The Griffin Museum of Science+Industry (or MSI) is perched on a reflecting lagoon in Chicago’s Jackson Park, and housed inside the former Palace of Fine Arts, built for the Chicago World's Fair in 1893 and opened as a science museum in 1933. Inside, a collection of some 2,000 pieces celebrate the very best of human endeavor, ingenuity and achievement across 75 cavernous halls. The museum has plenty of pulling power, welcoming more than a million visitors every year, thanks to its hands-on exhibits, major touring exhibitions and epic five-story wraparound theater. The MSI in Brief: Anyone with even a passing interest in the technological progress of the human species through the ages will find much to enjoy at the MSI. Here’s where you can ogle the world’s first stainless steel diesel-powered train, get down and dirty in a full-size replica coal mine, step aboard a captured WWII German U-boat and poke around in a 13-foot interactive 3D heart. And that’s just for starters: there are also simulated storms, lunar capsules, a toy-making lab and a huge domed cinema showing immersive films that highlight the very best of the human race. And more! When to visit: Regular opening hours are 9.30AM–4PM daily, with extended hours during summer and school holidays. The museum is closed on Christmas and Thanksgiving. There’s at least a day’s worth of entertainment here, but four hours is enough to tick off the big-ticket exhibits. Avoid school holidays and summer if you don’t like crowds, as these are – perhaps unsurprisingly – the most popular times for families to visit. Visit the official MSI website for up-to-date information on opening hours and exhibitions. Field Museum: The Lowdown Vital Statistics: The Field Museum can be found on Chicago’s Museum Campus, a few miles north along the shore of Lake Michigan, neighboring the excellent Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium. This epic natural history museum was largely conceived around exhibits acquired from the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair and first opened its rather impressive doors back in 1894. Since then, it’s gone from strength to strength, amassing a collection of around 40 million objects, specimens and artifacts, charting 4.5 billion years and drawing in over a million history-hungry visitors each year. The Field Museum in Brief: This one is a naturalist’s nirvana: nearly 500,000 square feet of preserved dinosaur skeletons, meteorite fragments, Ancient Egyptian mummies, animal dioramas, Incan and Aztec artifacts, intricate totem poles, and more magnificent historical artifacts than you can shake a giant T-Rex femur at. Fun fact: the phrase “the customer is always right” is attributed to Marshall Field, the 19th-century department store magnate who gave the museum its name and was its original benefactor. When to visit: The Field Museum is open daily from 9AM–5PM, with final admission at 4PM. It’s closed on Christmas and Thanksgiving. You could very easily spend a whole day or more exploring the collections here, but four hours should give you a decent overview of the highlights. Arrive for opening time to secure the most elbow room – the museum tends to be busiest from late morning until mid-afternoon. Get the latest exhibition information and further details on opening hours at the official Field Museum website. Field Museum or MSI: Which Should I Visit? These are two of the biggest, best and most family-friendly museums in Chicago, so we’d really recommend visiting both if you have time. Go Chicago attraction passes mean you don’t have to pick favorites either, as both the Field Museum and Griffin Museum of Science and Industry are included, alongside other Chicago must-sees like the Skydeck, Navy Pier Ferris wheel, Children’s Museum, and Shedd Aquarium. Find out more and choose your perfect Chicago attraction pass here. Museum of Science and Industry Highlights Must-see highlights of the permanent collection at the MSI include: The Pioneer Zephyr: the world’s first streamlined, stainless steel, diesel-powered train; a gleaming vision of the future of rail travel from way back in 1934. The Henry Crown Space Center: here’s where you’ll find all things intergalactic, including the Apollo 8 spacecraft, a lunar module, and Chicago’s largest immersive domed movie theater. Wartime wonders: fans of militaria can ogle the captured German submarine; there are also several US Navy warship models and fighter jet simulators. Science Storms: physics and chemistry collide in this fascinating multi-level exhibit, which features a Tesla coil, a tsunami tank, and Foucault’s pendulum. You’ll also get the chance to control a 40-foot-tall tornado. Coal Mine: ride the train through this full-scale mine replica, containing original 1930s equipment. Field Museum Highlights Don’t miss these wow permanent exhibits at the Field Museum: Animal Halls. The Field Museum is home to some of the most realistic animal dioramas on the planet. Case in point: Carl Akeley’s ‘Four Seasons’, depicting wild white-tailed deer across the seasons, is a veritable work of art. Also don’t miss: the fearsome man-eating lions of Tsavo and the polar bear protecting her cubs. Inside Ancient Egypt. Decipher 5,000-year-old hieroglyphs, worship at the shrine of the cat goddess Bastet and come face to face with ancient mummified people and animals inside an authentic Egyptian burial chamber. Roarsome Dinosaurs. Grab the selfie of a lifetime with Sue, one of the most complete T-Rex skeletons on the planet, and meet her plant-eating pal Máximo, an absolute monster at 122 feet long and 28 feet tall! A dino-mic duo indeed. Save on Attractions, Tours and Activities in Chicago Save money on Chicago attractions, tours and activities with a pass from Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Museum Of Science & Industry
Blog

Free Things To Do Near Museum Of Science & Industry

Visiting MSI? Extend your day with these free nearby activities.
chicago in march
Blog

Chicago in March

The long winter may be coming to an end, but there's still a chill in the windy city. March in Chicago can be cold, but boy, can it be fun. Don't believe us? How dare you. We will not stand by this insolence. Let us show you why you are wrong. Read on, and discover just why Chicago in March can be a magical time to visit the city! Featuring: St Patrick's Day Museums The aquarium Ice skating Art galleries and more! Chicago in March: What to Expect May is when temperatures will start to climb. Generally, you'll find tops of around 45°F, or 7°C, and dips of around 28°F, or -2°C. So, it's going to be cold. Pack some big warm coats, hats, and boots. This is compounded by rainfall and some snow too. So, maybe make sure that warm jacket is waterproof too! Chicago in March: What to Do St Patrick's Day Let's kick things off with the luck of the Irish. Of course, we're talking about St Patrick's Day! One of the many times when people get together, eat, drink, and be merry. While it falls on the 17th of the month, Chicago dedicates around a fortnight to the St Paddy's celebrations. It starts with the Chicago River turning green, because of course it does. And, between the bars and restaurants flying the green flag, the festivities culminate with the Downtown St Patrick's Day Parade and the South Side Parade, where everyone shares the love and the laughs. St Paddy's is a busy time of year in Chicago, so expect crowds all over the shop. However, if you can get past all that, you're in for a grand old time! Museums As the weather can be unkind this time of year, why not step inside and warm yourself with the fire of history and learning? Chicago has plenty of fantastic museums you should visit. The Field Museum has the world's most famous Tyrannosaurus Rex housed within. Dare you face the beast? It also contains plenty of historical artifacts from Ancient Egypt and China, so go see what all the fuss is about! Or, swap history for science at the Museum of Science and Industry. It's the US' largest science museum, and you'll find a huge amount of fun and intrigue inside. Control a tornado, see your heartbeat on a giant 3D-modeled heart, and explore the history of scientific breakthroughs and discoveries. If, however, you want to learn more about the city itself, head on over to the Chicago History Museum! Learn about Chicago's history on the national and international stage, read about the Great Fire that tore through the city in the 19th century, and all about one of the country's best presidents, Abraham Lincoln. All that and much more awaits you, so go there and enjoy the learning. Shedd Aquarium Another indoor adventure worth experiencing is at the Shedd Aquarium. Through its doors, you'll find another world of underwater wonder. Come face to face with exciting creatures like sharks, stingrays, and fish you've never seen before. At the Waters of the World exhibition, you'll discover the diverse ecosystems that call the ocean home throughout the world. Plunge into the Caribbean Reef, and meet the sea turtles, sharks, and eels that call it home. In Amazon Rising, you'll learn about the species that live in the river, and how seasonal climate shifts affect their lives. And, for the little ones, the Polar Play Zone lets kids live out their polar fantasies by zipping up a penguin suit and living a day in the life of their favorite birds! Ice skating As winter makes way for spring, the city's waters inevitably begin to thaw. However, if temperatures don't pick up too much, it's the perfect time to check out Chicago's excellent ice skating! Makeshift rinks pop up all over the city, so take your pick. There's the Maggie Daley Park skating ribbon, a huge ribbon-shaped course that gives you plenty of space to stretch your skates, pirouette, or frantically try and stay upright as your weak legs struggle to find balance. Alternatively, the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink is a more popular choice, as it's closer to the city's action. It's right by Cloud Gate, locally known as The Bean. If you don't know it by name, you've probably seen it. It's a giant, metallic, bean-shaped sculpture that's been featured in many films and TV shows. Why not capture the perfect snap of The Bean, as you fall down right in front of it? It is worth noting that you should check ahead before you visit any outdoor icerink in Chicago, as warmer temperatures may shut them down early. See some art If skating sounds too cold, or bold, for you, retreat to the warmth and safety inside, and get some culture in you. Chicago is a city full of art, so go see it. At the Art Institute of Chicago, you'll find one of the world's most renowned museums. Featuring inspiring works from the past and present, you're sure to find something amazing inside. While they have a number of mainstay exhibitions, they also have a seasonal rotation of awe-inspiring exhibits, so be sure to check what's on before venturing forth. Alternatively, check out the Museum of Contemporary Art. Out with the old and in with the new is the mantra here. See works from the 20th century all the way to today, with over 2,500 pieces on display. Much like many modern art institutions, you'll find a mix of media here, from film to canvas and sculpture too. And, this museum also doubles as a performing arts venue, with a massive amphitheater featuring acts from across the globe! When you've had enough art for one day, or you want to give your legs a rest, go grab a bite to eat at the museum's onsite restaurant, Marisol. Check out the Planetarium And finally, for the scientifically-minded and cosmos-curious, we end today's list with the perfect answer to Chicago's cold March. The Adler Planetarium helps visitors travel time and space itself, as they learn about the big black we see in the night sky. Through interactive exhibits, you'll explore the greatest hits of our galaxy, all 91 billion light-years of it, and get hands-on with replica space technology used today. Chicago's Night Sky is a massive exhibit that showcases how we as humans have related to the night sky throughout history. The Universe: A Walk Through Space and Time gives you insight into the beginning of everything, and how galaxies have changed throughout the history of the universe. And for the little ones, there's Planet Explorers, which gives them the chance to understand space in fun and unique ways. And that's what you need to know about Chicago in March!
Dom Bewley

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